What does Community Class cover?

Community Dog Training Class is a beginners class. It is a 1 class session format that provides a short, introductory learning experience in basic obedience. It does not offer behavior training and is not a substitute for our 6-week course series, which offers a full progression of skills and structured training. Visit our Group Dog Training Classes page to explore our full list of classes.

Group classes do not address:

Fear, anxiety, stress, aggression, separation-related behaviors, reactivity, guarding, phobias, or other temperament-based challenges. These require individualized assessment and a customized approach, which is provided through our private dog training programs.

Do you use clicker training?

No. We do not use clickers in this class. We teach obedience cues through your own communication signals rather than relying on training aids.

Can my dog be off leash in class?

No. The City of Santa Monica requires that dogs remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times in public parks. Dogs must remain on leash for the full duration of class.

Do classes ever get canceled?

Classes may be postponed for severe weather conditions, extreme heat, cold, rainy weather, unhealthy air quality, declared emergencies, or unexpected park events. If a class is canceled, the series will be moved back by one week or adjusted as appropriate once the circumstances causing the cancelation are resolved. All cancelations will be posted on our registration page as soon as they become available. If you have questions about cancelations, please check the page for the most up-to-date information.

Are all sales final?

Yes. All sales are final. Classes are nonrefundable, nontransferable, and have no cash out value.

Can I register after the class series has already started?

No. We do not allow late registrations. All students must begin in class session 1 so everyone receives the full curriculum in order.

Does my dog need to practice between classes?

Yes. We recommend 15 to 30 minutes of practice per day.

My dog suffers from aggression or overt fear, anxiety, stress. Can they take this class?

No. Group classes are not appropriate for dogs with aggression or fear, anxiety, stress that can become triggered in a group environment. These concerns require individual assessment and behavior modification in one on one training that we provide through our private dog training program.

What if my dog becomes fearful, anxious, stressed, or aggressive during class?

Dogs who display aggression, fear, anxiety, stress will be excused from class for safety reasons, and to avoid overwhelming them, and escalating their responses. Missed sessions remain nonrefundable and nontransferable.

What if I enroll my dog knowing my dog suffers from fear, anxiety, stress, or aggression and I hope they will be fine?

We rely on honest disclosure during registration. If a dog is misrepresented and is not appropriate for group class, the dog and handler will be dismissed from class, and we reserve the right to expel them from our program indefinitely. No refund, credit, or transfer is provided in cases of misrepresentation.

Dogs are ready for this class if they are comfortable working around people and other dogs, can focus with mild distractions, and do not show aggression, agitation, or overt fear, anxiety, stress. If your dog struggles around dogs, people, group environments, or park environments, group class is not the right fit and one-on one training is recommended through our premium private training program.

If they're ready for class, what class can they start in?

All dogs must begin in either Puppy Kindergarten or Basic Obedience, as appropriate to age. If you feel your dog is more advanced and should be placed out of a beginner’s course, or you're not sure what class level your dog is ready for, you may request a group dog training class placement evaluation.

All dogs must be fit and healthy

Does my dog need to be fully vaccinated?

Yes. Dogs must be current on DHPP, Bordetella, and Rabies vaccinations. We reserve the right to audit any class and request proof of vaccinations at any time.

Does my dog need to be on flea and tick prevention?

Yes. All dogs must be on active flea and tick prevention as recommended by their veterinarian, and they must arrive free of fleas and ticks.

My dog is in heat. Can they attend?

No. Dogs in heat are not permitted in class. A heat cycle creates distraction, arousal, and stress for other dogs, which affects safety and the ability to learn.

My dog started a heat cycle during the class series. Can we keep attending?

No. Your dog must stop attending until the cycle ends. Missed sessions are nonrefundable, nontransferable, and cannot be made up.

Will I receive a refund if my dog gets sick and cannot continue?

No. All sales are final. Once the class begins, your space is held for the full series, and we are not able to refill or resell that spot.

Are choke chains, pinch/prong collars, e-collars, martingale collars, balanced methods, alpha methods, or other compulsion equipment, tools, and methods allowed?

No. These equipment, tools and methods are strictly prohibited. This includes pinch/prong collars, choke chains, e-collars, electric collars, citronella collars, spray collars, spray bottles, leash pops, physical corrections, alpha methods, dominance methods, balanced methods, positive punishment, and negative reinforcement.

Are retractable leashes allowed?

No. Retractable leashes are not permitted because they offer poor control and can create safety hazards in a group setting.

What are your training methods?

Our classes adhere to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) position statement on humane dog training, employing exclusively fear-free, force-free, and reward-based methods grounded in the most current and authoritative scientific evidence.

What is the age requirement for class?

Handlers must be 18 years or older.

Can I bring my children or teenagers to class?

No. Classes are for people who are 18 and older. Children are not permitted in class. Minors 16 and older are permitted to observe but may not handle or participate in class.

Can I bring more than one dog to class?

No. Each dog must have its own adult handler who is 18 years or older. One person cannot handle two dogs. If you would like to enroll more than one dog, each dog must be registered separately and have its own handler who meets all class requirements.

Can I bring my spouse, partner, or friend to class?

Yes. You may bring one additional adult to participate in class provided they are 18 years or older and you have provided their name and information at registration or communicated with us in writing prior to class so they can be authorized. Only one guest is permitted, and only one handler may work the dog at a time.

My dog is under 6 months old. Can I register them in class?

No. Dogs under the number 6 months old are not eligible for classes unless they are designated puppy classes.

Are there make ups for missed classes?

No. There are no class make ups. Class space is limited, offered only a few times per year, and each spot is reserved for the full series. Missed classes are nonrefundable non-transferable, and have no cash out value.

What happens if I arrive late?

Class begins promptly at their start times. There is a 5 minute window for late arrivals. If joining safely is not possible after that point, you may be asked to wait or you may not be able to participate that session.

Are there any access issues I should know about that could make me late?

Yes. Because class is held in a public park, parking can be limited or require additional time. Students are responsible for planning ahead to allow adequate time for parking. Parking delays do not qualify for late exceptions or make ups.

Are classes refundable, transferable, or eligible for cash out value?

No. Classes are nonrefundable, nontransferable, and have no cash out value. Your registration reserves your spot for the entire series.

What should I bring to class?

Bring a nonretractable leash no longer than 6 feet, high value training treats, and water for your dog. Your dog must be wearing a secure, well fitted harness. At times, you may be asked to bring additional items for specific exercises, and you will be notified in advance. 

Do you use treats in class?

Yes. We use reward based training and encourage the use of high value treats. In advanced sessions, we also teach how to strategically fade treats so your dog responds reliably without needing to see food first.

Can I bring toys to class?

No. Toys are not allowed. They can provoke other dogs, create guarding, and increase arousal. All reinforcement is provided through treats and structured exercises.

What should I wear to class?

Wear comfortable clothing and closed toed shoes that allow you to move safely with your dog. Dress appropriately for outdoor weather conditions.

Can I eat or drink during class?

No. Eating or drinking during class is not permitted because it distracts your dog and other students. Your hands must remain free for handling and training at all times.

What should I do with my personal belongings?

You are responsible for carrying and supervising your personal belongings during class. Items are brought at your own risk, and we do not provide storage or take responsibility for lost or damaged property.

What behavior is expected from me during class?

You are expected to stay focused on your own dog, follow the instructor’s guidance, and avoid interrupting the instructor or other students. Disruptive behavior is not permitted. If you are disruptive, you may be excused from class, and in severe cases dismissed from the class series and expelled from our dog training program.

I do not see certain classes listed in the registration page. Why not?

We do not offer all classes at one time. All classes that are scheduled are listed on the registration page. Community classes are offered on a periodic and select basis throughout the year. If you do not see them listed there, they are not being offered at that time. We do not accommodate individual scheduling requests.

Can I join a waiting list for the next class or be notified when new classes start?

No. We do not have a waiting list. When registration opens, classes are available on a first come first serve basis. You may sign up for our newsletter for updates about upcoming classes, but we do not contact individuals separately about class openings. We encourage you to register for classes early as our class availability and size are limited.