Advanced Classes
Want to know when our classes are scheduled? Click the sign-up button for any of the classes below; this takes you to a list of all currently available classes. Our classes fill quickly, so if you see a class disappear from the list, that means it has filled and a new one will be posted soon! Contact us if you are looking for a specific class below and don’t see it on the list of available classes when you click the “Sign Up” button.
Out and About (in-person)
ADVANCED skills in real-world situations around downtown Burlington
This class is limited to dogs who have completed Beyond the Basics, love people and other dogs, and are not reactive (frequent or constant barking/lunging at dogs, people, or other outdoor stimuli).
Age: 6 months and up
Prerequisite: Beyond the Basics at Fetch the Leash
Duration: 4 weeks; dogs participate all 4 weeks
Tuition: $200
Take all the skills you’ve learned in previous classes and put them into practice in real-world situations on Church Street, at the waterfront, and around busy downtown Burlington. Your well-behaved dog will be the talk of the town!
This class is outdoors and only runs in the warmer months. In case of inclement weather we will meet at a dog-friendly store instead of outside.
What's Covered:
- Loose-Leash Walking
- Polite Greetings (without jumping!)
- Heel Through Busy Areas/Crowds
- Coming When Called
- Real Life Leave-It Practice
- Sidewalk Etiquette
- Down-Stay at Restaurant Patios
Canine Good Citizen Prep (in-person)
PRACTICE SKILLS NEEDED TO PASS THE CANINE GOOD CITIZEN TEST
Age: 10 months and up
Prerequisite: Beyond the Basics at Fetch the Leash
Duration: 6 weeks; dogs participate all 6 weeks
Tuition: $250
Advanced obedience course honing your dog’s skills to pass the 10 test items on the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. The CGC program, developed by the American Kennel Club (AKC), is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The CGC Program is open to mixed breed and purebred dogs, and stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs.
We will practice for 5 weeks and the test will be offered during the 6th week.
Skills Practiced:
- Politely meet a friendly stranger
- Accept grooming and petting
- Loose Leash Walking
- Politely walk past another dog
- Be comfortable and well-behaved around real-life distractions (crowds, skateboards, bicycles, runners)
- Be comfortable with temporary separation from handler
Rally Obedience (in-person)
advanced heeling maneuvers around an obstacle course
Age: 6 months and up
Prerequisite: Beyond the Basics at Fetch the Leash
Duration: 6 weeks; dogs participate all 6 weeks
Tuition: $250
Fun, low-pressure introduction to the sport of Rally-O. Learn to navigate an obedience course with your dog, where your dog performs different obedience "tasks" at each station.
A side benefit of practicing this sport is that practicing Rally-O is great for learning tight maneuvers in public spaces where you might like to bring your dog along!
The first week of class will be online to show you some maneuvers to practice prior to coming in-person for the remaining 5 weeks of class.
What's Covered:
- Precise heeling
- Fun maneuvers with your dog!
- How to read & interpret Rally-O signs
- Continued mental enrichment for dogs with advanced skills