Pawtropolis is proud to offer a great variety of training opportunities for dogs of all ages and skill levels. Click a category below to be directed to classes that will fit your particular dog’s needs. Trainers are always available by email to answer any additional questions regarding training or to help direct you to which type you and your dog would be best suited for. Sign up for classes in person at Pawtropolis Westside or call for registration over the phone at 706-227-7887. All training classes are held at our Westside Whitetail Way location (with the exception of off-site training fieldtrips). We look forward to working with you and your dog!
Puppy Programs
Basic Manners
Beyond Basics
Behavior Solutions
Private Lessons
The goal of this class is to socialize your puppy, to lay the groundwork for a lifetime relationship that is healthy and rewarding, and to help you teach your puppy basic manners.
The following is a list of exercises that are taught during the session: loose leash walking, sit, down, roll over and coming when called. We also offer a great Adventure Night. Additional subjects covered are house and crate training, grooming, food, toys and biting. During class, puppies will also the enjoy playtime with other puppies and an adult dog or two, and the instructor and assistant will be available to answer any of your questions. Class can be taken more than once, provided the age requirement is met. This class provides an excellent foundation for further training.
The class starts the first Tuesday of every month. If it is your first class, be sure to call ahead to enroll and save your spot.
Westside Pawtropolis
Tuesdays 6:00pm for 4 weeks
Starts the 1st Tuesday of each month
Advanced registration required
Cost: $125
Needed for class:
For more information, contact Kathie Spring at dkspringga@yahoo.com.
The goal of this class is to earn an AKC Puppy S.T.A.R. title. S.T.A.R. stands for Socialization, Training, Activity and Responsibility. Puppies will learn skills to become great canine citizens and a more enjoyable canine friend. Skills such as meeting new dogs and people, staying in place, coming when called, walking through a crowd and handling by another person will be taught . Dogs do join you for the first night of class.
Needed for class:
Pre-requisites: Dogs must be between 5 and 12 months of age and current on all vaccines. Proof of vaccinations is required on the first night of class or before.
For more information, contact Kathie Spring dkspringga@yahoo.com
Westside Pawtropolis
Tuesdays 7:30pm for 7 weeks
Start Dates: July 9th, October 8th
Advanced registration required
Cost: $175
Great Beginnings is a unique class that includes more than just your typical obedience exercises. Loose leash training is a priority in Great Beginnings. We not only practice walking during all group classes, but also provide a private one-on-one session tailored to you and your dog’s specific walking needs. Tons of impulse control is built into every exercise we cover. Dogs will not only learn to wait patiently at doorways and for meals but will also gain a strong foundation for a “place” command where dogs learn to settle onto a bed until released.
This class has three main goals: to build manners, to create a strong human/dog bond, and to use clear communication. Basic manners covered include sit, down, wait, recall, and loose leash walking. We will discuss why being a consistent leader is so important and show you how to turn your dog into a listening companion that looks to you for guidance. Clear communication is always a challenge in any dog/human relationship. Using body language to set invisible boundaries and learning how to balance affection and discipline will help you be able to clearly tell your dog what behavior you do and do not want repeated. Basic manners covered include:
Dogs must be over 5 months old and display no major negative behaviors such as dog or human aggression. For more information, contact Tamela Boyd at tamela@pawtropolis.com.
Westside Pawtropolis
Sundays 3:30pm
7 weeks plus 1 private consultation
Start Date: June 9th
Advanced registration required
Cost: $200 (non-refundable once class starts)
Inspired by working detection dogs, K9 Nose Work® is the fun search and scenting activity for virtually all dogs and people. This easy to learn activity and sport builds confidence and focus in many dogs, and provides a safe way to keep dogs fit and healthy through mental and physical exercise. K9 Nose Work® starts with getting your dog excited about using his nose to seek out a favorite toy or treat reward hidden in one of several boxes, expanding the game to entire rooms, exterior areas, and vehicles. As your dog grows more confident with his nose, target odors are introduced, and competition skills are taught. Email Vicki with questions at truelovefordogs@gmail.com.
Some of the many benefits of K9 Nose Work®:
Westside Pawtropolis
Saturdays 1:00pm for 5 weeks
Start Date: April 17th
Advanced registration required
Cost: $150 (non-refundable once class starts)
This class is designed to get your dog excited about using his nose to seek out his favorite toy or treat reward hidden in one of several boxes. As your dog grows more confident with his nose, we’ll introduce new challenges and searches beyond the box.
Westside Pawtropolis
Saturdays 1:00pm for 6 weeks
Start Date: TBA
Advanced registration required
Cost: $150 (non-refundable once class starts)
We’ll build on the hunting foundation developed in Level One to introduce new search challenges, including vehicles, exterior and interior spaces. We’ll continue to use boxes in some situations, but the dogs will progress to learn to search any part of their environment, with or without boxes. Your dog will continue to seek out a favorite toy or treat reward at this level.
If you are interested or have any questions email Vicki at truelovefordogs@gmail.com.
Does your dog bark at family and friends? Does she jump and pull towards other dogs or strangers? How about being so scared he cowers and growls at guests in your home? If your dog has ever embarrassed you or caused you to leave a public place, this class might be just what you need. This class is designed for owners struggling to correct behavior problems in social settings. A small class size and peers going through similar problems make all the difference in helping you discover the key to solving whatever problem your dog has. We will creatively explore solutions to any specific problems as well as practice leadership skills, how to use discipline effectively, and how to use affection as a training tool. Field trips around Athens help Behavior Solution students learn how to use their skills in public.
-For dogs over 18 months old (for possible exceptions, contact instructor)
-For dogs displaying negative behaviors such as dog aggression, human aggression, extreme shyness and more
– For dogs that are reactive when on leash (screaming, barking, howling, jumping, growling, etc.)
The class includes “field trips” to other locations to help the dogs work through distractions. Enrollment in the class includes lifetime invitations to all future field trips. If you have questions as to whether this would be a good fit for your dog, email Tamela at Tamela@pawtropolis.com.
Four dog class minimum.
Westside Pawtropolis
Sundays 5:00pm*
Start Date: June 9th
Advanced registration required
Cost: $225 (non-refundable once class starts)
*Includes
-4 weeks of group classes
-1 private lesson
-Unlimited invites to real world “field trips” with Tamela
Many times owners may have a very specific behavior problem that they need addressed immediately. Although classes are our number one recommendation, occasionally we may find that a private lesson is first needed to evaluate what will be best for that dog and to get training started right away. Prices are below. Drive costs will incur outside of 15 miles from Pawtropolis. Email us for additional information regarding private lessons.
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