TUCSON PET CLASSES

From playful 8-week-old puppies to full-grown dogs, every pet can benefit from training. Since 1973, Ability Dogs has helped Tucson’s dogs and their people build strong, lasting bonds through 100% positive reinforcement training backed by the latest research.

We firmly believe that training should always be humane and should always put the well-being of the dog first.

Our expert instructors make learning fun, effective, and stress-free for both you and your dog. Whether you're working on basic manners or refining skills, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Join us and see why so many people love the Ability Dogs difference!

Black and white image of a fluffy dog lying on the floor indoors, with a leash attached.

  • Dog-Centered Training

    We train dogs to make good decisions and we help people understand their dogs. We believe dogs are at their best when training goes beyond following commands to processing situations responding appropriately.

  • We Encourage Dogs to be... Dogs

    Everyone wants a well-behaved pet (and pets want to be well-behaved too). We believe dogs can be essential, mannered members of the family while still having room to be dogs, not robots.

  • Age is Just a Number

    We offer classes for 8-week old puppies, senior dogs, and everything in between. If your puppy needs socializing, or you want to teach your old dog new tricks, our instructors care about you and your pet, which makes Ability Dogs the best place to train your pet in Tucson.

  • We are Backed by Research

    The way we treat our dogs matters. We believe positive reinforcement is the ONLY path to a healthy, happy dog. Your dog deserves love, structure, and LOTS of trats on the way to being a good citizen.

Give your dog the best advantage possible. Plus, every time you book a class at Ability Dogs you help offset Service Dog training costs for people with disabilities. It’s a win-win.

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FAQs

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  • Visit our scheduling page to see all of the current and future classes. If a class has already started, contact us about being added. We can often add dogs late and prorate the fee.

  • Our group classes range from 4 to 8 weeks and cost $120-200 each. Generally $30 per session.

    Private one-hour classes are $100.

    30 minute consultations are $50.

  • Puppy, Advanced Puppy, Adult Dog Manners, Therapy Prep, Loose Leash Walking, Confidence Building, and many more.

    Check the scheduling page for a full list!

  • Pet Class applicants must live in the greater Tucson area (Phoenix training is for Service Dogs only).

    We do offer online one-on-one sessions. We have referrals for trainers in Phoenix.

  • All dogs in our facility must be dog-friendly or dog-neutral. Some are slow to warm to humans and dogs, and this is fairly typical, but we are not equipped to manage aggressive behavior.

    All dogs will be screened for aggression/excessive reactivity and referred to trusted trainers who specialize in those behaviors if necessary.

  • Yes! They’re quite popular. You can find them at the bottom of the scheduling page. If you don’t see the combination you want, let us know and we’ll create a package for your dog.

  • If your dog is suitable for Service or Facility dog training, absolutely. This is increasingly common and a great way to get your dog used to our facilities and instructors.

  • We follow Assistance Dogs International (ADI) standards, which require exclusively positive, reward-based training. ADI’s guidelines exist because using aversive tools or corrections can undermine a dog’s confidence, increase stress, and weaken the human–dog bond. Our priority is each dog’s emotional and physical well-being. By focusing on rewards, clear communication, and encouragement, we create a learning environment that’s both humane and effective, which is exactly what dogs need to thrive.

    In short, it’s in the best interest of your dog and it provides long term solutions.