PET CLASSES
We believe dogs are at their best when their training goes beyond following commands to making good decisions.
We believe positive reinforcement is the only path to a healthy, happy dog. Everyone likes a well-behaved pet, and we believe dogs can be good citizens while still having room to be dogs, not robots.
We offer classes for 8 week old puppies, senior dogs, and everything in between. Once your dog is vaccinated, public socializing and training becomes essential. Ability Dogs is a safe place for your dog to learn about being a good family member.
We might be known for training service dogs, but our instructors also lend their expertise to the general public by training your pets. Here’s why your puppy or adult dog will thrive at Ability Dogs:
PUPPIES 8-16 WEEKS
This is a pivotal time to teach your puppy about getting along with others and the love of learning. This entry-level class will focus on Socialization, Confidence Building, Health/Handling, Problem Solving, Foundation Skills (i.e. Sit, Down, Come, Loose Leash Walking). Come join us and get your puppy on the right path.
Limited to 8 teams.
PUPPIES 4-8 MONTHS
We welcome puppies both new to training and those continuing from the younger puppy class. We expand on the skills taught in the previous class and continue to socialize puppies to both people and dogs.
Limited to 8 teams.
GRADUATE PUPPY
Puppy Class 4-8 months is a prerequisite for Graduate Puppy. You will be given the tools to improve their focus, loose leash walking, and stays with duration and distance. We will also work on a really reliable recall along with time for Q&A about challenging behaviors.
Limited to 8 teams.
THERAPY DOG PREP
Begin the journey to become a certified Therapy Dog team. Our class equips teams (dog + human) with the necessary skills for therapy environments, focusing on obedience and calm interactions with diverse individuals. We offer real-world simulations to prepare for almost any scenario. Practice test and review included.
Dogs should possess basic skills like Sit, Down, and Loose-Leash Walking. If not, please enroll in Manners class before signing up.
Limited to 8 teams.
TTOUCH
Looking to strengthen your connection with your dog? Our TTouch class introduces a blend of gentle touch techniques and ground exercises, aimed at enhancing your dog's focus and trust. TTouch promotes connection through gentle, circular touches that stimulate the nervous system, coupled with exercises that improve balance and awareness. It's a chance to discover a new approach to training, building a strong and attentive relationship with your pet.
Limited to 5 teams.
RECALL GAMES
Do you struggle with recalling your dog to you? Does your dog ignore you? Does your dog come and then immediately run away? Just looking for some fun activities to do with your dog that will also grow his skills?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then our Recall Games class is for you! In this 4-week class, we will play fun games that will encourage a strong recall in your dog. And, BONUS! You and your dog will be having so much fun together that your relationship will get stronger each class, too!
Limited to 6 teams.
CAUTIOUS TO BRAVE
Is your dog slow to warm to dogs or people? Help build confidence with our unique Cautious To Brave course, which has transformed many dogs into confident pets.
Some dogs live their lives being shy, fearful, and or anxious. This makes navigating life hard and learning difficult. In our safe, calm environment, you and your dog will learn positive, fun and proven techniques to build confidence and independence.
Limited to 4 teams.
AND MANY MORE
The dog training world is always changing. We are constantly researching new ideas and taking suggestions from our community to expand our offerings. Keep an eye on our calendar for new classes each month!
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.
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Our group classes range from 4 to 7 weeks and cost $120-180 each.
Private classes are $150.
Consultations are $50.
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Puppy, Advanced Puppy, Therapy, TTouch, Recall, Confidence Building, and many more.
Check the scheduling page for a full list.
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Pet Class applicants must live in the greater Tucson area (Phoenix training is for Service Dog only). Because of our program requirements, we cannot accept applicants outside of this area, or commuting from outside of this area. We do not offer online training.
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All dogs in our facility must be dog-friendly. 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 other trainers who specialize in those behaviors if necessary.