Dog Training Classes

Specialized Classes

Training methods are built on trust and cooperation. There is no leash-jerking or yanking, choke or pinch collars.

Reactive Dogs on Leash

Learn how to work with your dog who may be reactive or unpredictable to other dogs on leash. You will learn how to hold a leash correctly so that you can work with your dog without making your dog anxious or fearful. Learn techniques to calm your dog and teach your dog behaviors on cue, such as attention, sit, down, coming when calling, walking on a relaxed leash and "go greet." This class is not for dogs who are shy, fearful, or avoidant. Shy, frightened, and timid dogs should take a Shy Dogs class.

Course prerequisites: A private consultation is required before entering this class, as well as the lessons; attention, leash skills, and positioning techniques on leash.

Off Leash Focus

All Alana's courses have an off-leash focus. She teaches dog owners how to keep the leash relaxed. A dog who has a great relationship with you and is well-taught will not need to be on a leash in most social settings or contexts. You should feel comfortable allowing your dog to have freedom and give him or her the right to 'be a dog.' Often the more freedom you give to your dog, the more attentive s/he will be to you and the more responsive to your requests and instructions. Once you have attended a few of Alana's classes or have taken her JumpStart program, you will be invited to join her Out on the Town class and any doggy hikes or play dates that may be scheduled.

Shy Dogs (Wallflowers)

This course is for dogs who are timid or shy around other dogs. They do not show aggression. Instead, they refrain from interacting with other dogs. Some of these dogs may cower or retreat when near other dogs. Other dogs may show mild reactivity if they are cornered or overwhelmed on a greeting. Best friends for shy dogs are other shy dogs. Socialization is a key part of the class. Shy Dogs will expose your dog to other dogs in a positive, friendly, and relaxing way. You will be able to teach your dog foundation behaviors, such as attention, sit, down, wait and stay, and coming when called.

Course prerequisites: No prior formal training is necessary. A private evaluation is required before entering this class.

Dog Socialization (Puppies too!)

A safe and fun way to socialize your dog -- This group meets weekly for 4 weeks and continues on an on-going basis. Dog owners are welcome to repeat the class. Dog Socialization classes teach dog owners how to read their dog's body-language and how to set their dogs up for success when meeting other dogs. Dogs have fun mingling in a social setting. For everyone's well-being and safety, a general assessment is required for each participant to ensure they have some control over their dogs and that their dogs are not overly fearful, avoidant, or reactive.

If your dog is fearful or reactive when meeting other dogs, please see Alana's Dog Behavior Consults and Private Dog Training Lessons. Once you learn how to work with your dog in a relaxed way and in a more comfortable setting, you can then socialize your dog at his or her own pace. Alana will design the best plan for you.

Out on the Town

You must have completed Alana's Basic & Intermediate Training (a.k.a. "Manners") classes to participate in Out on the Town. When you do -- it will be well worth it! In this class of 5 weeks, dog owners meet at outdoor locations and work on training skills while being social with each other. Going to parks, having picnics, going to a pub or outdoor cafe, taking a group hike -- all while practicing what you and your dog have learned through prior classes -- is all part of the fun. Out on the Town activities vary depending on days and times classes meet as well as accessibility to outdoor locations, events, and facilities.