Canine Life and Social Skills® (C.L.A.S.S.®)

C.L.A.S.S.®, Canine Life And Social Skills® is a four-level group class curricula for pet parents to test real-life skills with their canine companions. The four levels of the program are named after H.S. (High School), B.A. Bachelor’s Level), the M.A. (Master’s Level) and the Ph.D. (Doctorate Level). The HS level meets the requirements for the AKC STAR Puppy Program. The BA, MA & PhD. levels combined are an AKC CGC Prep class. Junior handlers (12-17 years of age) are encouraged to participate in the C.L.A.S.S.® program with their dogs. Junior handlers are required to have a parent or guardian present during class lessons). Register Here!

Cost for each level offered:

Good: 1 lesson per week for 6 weeks, you choose the days and times that work for you. $175.00

Better: Unlimited access to any class times for 6 weeks, you choose the days and times that work for you. $250.00

Best: Unlimited access to any class times for 6 weeks PLUS a one hour private lesson. $350.00

B.A. Skills (Graduation from the HS level or 6+ months of age)

  • Wait at the Door
  • Come & Leashing-Up Manners
  • Loose-Leash Walking & Attention
  • Meet & Greet
  • Leave It
  • Wait for the Food Bowl
  • Stay
  • Settle
  • Give & Take

Registration form

M.A. Skills (Graduation from BA level is required)

  • Wait in the Car
  • Calmly Pass by Other Dogs
  • Wait at the Door with Distraction
  • Come & Leashing-Up Manners with Distraction
  • Sit, Down & Stand
  • Body Handling
  • Loose-Leash Walking & Leave It (Figure 8 Configuration)
  • Stay with Distraction & Distance
  • Out of Sight, Out of Mind (with Hand Targeting)

Ph.D. Skills (Graduation from MA level required)

  • Advanced Loose-Leash Walking
  • Back Up
  • Advanced Stay
  • Advanced Come & Leashing-Up Manners
  • Meet & Greet with Body Handling
  • Attention During High Distraction
  • Table Manners
  • Do You REALLY Know Sit?

What to bring to class?

  • 6 foot leash (cotton, leather, nylon, cloth). NO RETRACTABLE LEASHES or slip leashes.
  • Collar (martingale or flat collar), Headcollar (Gentle Leader) or Harness. No E-collars, shock collars, prong collars, or choke chains).
  • A variety of at least 100 pea-sized high value treats (meat, cheese work great).
  • Mat for your dog’s comfort
  • Chew item or food-stuffed toy.
  • Water & water bowl for your dog.