Group Obedience Classes in Bellingham, WA

This isn’t your average obedience class. It’s designed to be the most effective, real-world training experience in Bellingham. I teach a practical, proven approach that helps you actually use your dog’s obedience skills to create better behavior in everyday situations.

Why our Group Class?

Over time, we started noticing a pattern with many of the dogs coming into our board & train program. They had technically “completed” a basic obedience class elsewhere—yet the training hadn’t really translated into everyday life. Sure, the dogs had learned sit, down, maybe even stay… but the moment a distraction appeared or the treats ran out, those cues fell apart. The commands were more like tricks than tools.

It wasn’t the dogs’ fault. And it certainly wasn’t their humans’ fault, either. The real issue was that those earlier classes hadn’t taught owners how to use the training in real-world situations—or how to build reliability when things get challenging.

That’s what led us to create this group class: something grounded, practical, and actually helpful for dog owners who want lasting results. Not just obedience for the sake of it, but obedience that works—in the park, at the vet, at the door, or around other dogs.

Obedience commands

During this class, all dogs will learn the following:

• Sit

• Down

• Place

• Leash manners (we don’t teach a strict heel, but we definitely teach to walk with you instead of dragging you!)

• Introduction to recall

We will begin by teaching your dog the words they need to know, and then we will start adding “the 3 D’s”—duration, distance and distraction. This is how you “proof” a command for real-life use.

This class is an education for the owner just as much as the dog!

Training approach

I am a balanced trainer, which means I train dogs using both “yes” and “no”. This class utilizes the prong collar for both general communication and leash guidance to help direct your dog on where to go and what to do, and for corrections to discourage inappropriate behaviors. This class also utilizes food rewards, praise, and body language to guide your dog and encourage the right behaviors.

Your enrollment fee includes the prong collar, a treat pouch, and a mat (for “place”) so you do not need to purchase those items in advance. During our first class we will properly fit your dog for the prong collar and I will teach you how to introduce it to your dog, and how to use it in a way that is safe and effective. It might look like a medieval torture device, but looks are deceiving—this tool is actually very safe and humane! If you are hesitant about the prong collar, you may want to check out this blog post. (Note: This post mentions the e-collar as well, but this class ONLY uses the prong collar!)

Eligibility

Group classes are a great fit for dogs who don’t have any major behavior issues, but who are in need of some manners and practical skills. If you’re feeling frustrated with your dog’s behavior, if you feel like they just don’t listen, or if you feel at a loss as to how to begin teaching them, then this obedience class is probably a good fit!

In particular, here are the requirements:

• Age: 6 months or older

• All breeds and sizes of dogs are eligible.

• One dog per person; if you have multiple dogs, you will need to enroll one at a time.

• Behavior: This class is appropriate for any dog without major issues. Dogs with reactivity, anxiety, or a bite history are not eligible.

• Owners: This class is designed for owners who want to learn how to work with their dogs, and who are willing to put in the work at home between lessons! The work you do between lessons is directly correlated with the results you get from this class. Please make sure you’re ready to learn during class and practice at home between classes!