Dexter Community Education

The Canine Companion training philosophy is: dogs learn through experience, punishment training is dangerous, there are better options and reinforcement drives behavior.  The only way to truly facilitate lasting behavioral change and rewire the way your dog thinks is through positive reinforcement.  Force free, reward based trainers have put in the work, done the research, and will take the time to get to know your dog's individual learning style to keep everyone safe and help your dog learn.  

Doggy Life Skills - The material covered in this class will be outside of your typical obedience training and feature behaviors that have a variety of real-life applications. This training is meant to prepare you and your dog to tackle things like vet visits and problem behaviors by building both of your skill sets and confidence. With a focus on proactive training, the goal is to foster mutual connection between person and dog and create adaptable dogs that are willing participants in their environments. This course is open to dogs of any age and training level, so long as they can be comfortable in a group class setting.

Canine Good Citizen Prep - A group class for dogs who are generally well mannered but need some obedience refinement.  We will cover the ten topics on the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test with the option to test for the title during the final class.  Five classes with an optional make up on the 6th week. 

STAR Puppy - Socialization and early learning for puppies under a year old.  All puppies MUST have all puppy shots prior to the class. This group class follows the AKC STAR Puppy guidelines and is perfect for first-time puppy owners.  Everyone completing the 6 weeks program earns the STAR Puppy title.  Six classes with an optional make up on the 7th week.

Trick Dog - This group class is all about having fun and learning with your dog.  Choose from a variety of tricks and beginner agility behaviors to work on and practice in a safe, fenced outdoor space under the guidance of a professional trainer.

Leash Manners Seminar - One group class to learn how best to teach your dog to walk nicely on leash. 

Dog-Friendly Kid Seminar - One group class for the whole family to learn more about how dogs communicate and encourage a more dog-aware generation of kids.

Puppy Play and Body Language Seminar - One group class for puppies 6 months and younger, to play under the supervision of their owners and a trainer and discuss dog body language and appropriate play.