TOPEKA | Group Classes

Topeka Foundation Group Classes

Group classes teach you how to train your dog.

MuttSchool's group classes are not just about training sit and down (although we do that, too!). Our group classes teach you problem-solving dog training skills that you can use outside of our classroom to train your dog to be polite—at home and in public. The end result? You can enjoy having a confident, well-mannered and happy canine.

Group classes allow you to learn and practice skills around controlled distractions and encourage you to be consistent about training. Our Topeka group classes meet once a week for a period of 6 weeks. If you sign up for first grade, you will have an orientation (without dogs) on your first week of class, followed by your 6 weeks of training.

Please note: Group classes are not appropriate for dogs with behavioral problems, dogs that are disruptive in a kennel or reactive dogs (dogs that growl, bark or lunge on leash). We do have other training options for dogs with these behavioral challenges.

Enroll in 1st Grade

7 credits | Expires after 7 weeks

$170

Enroll

Topeka group classes are once a week. This is a linear class with a start and end date. Credits expire at the end of the scheduled classes. Due to the nature of the class, there is no way to make up missed classes and there are also no refunds for missed classes.

Our foundation group classes feature:

New skills
Training with your dog in a group class is a great way for you to build your training skills while having fun and strengthening the bond you've built with your dog. It's also a great opportunity to teach your dog how to focus through the distractions in class.

Consistency and Affordability
Many people like group classes meeting on a consistent weekly schedule. Group classes are often times more cost effective. One trainer can teach up to 6 dogs and their humans, which allows for the cost to be spread out between the participants.

Small class sizes
Sometimes it's easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to learn new things in a large group of people and dogs. Because of this, we have limited our group classes to around 6 clients and dogs. This helps to reduce the stress of overcrowding in group classes, allows more personalized attention and makes learning fun!

Earn AKC CGC certificates
MuttSchool highly recommends that you take Grades 1, 2 and 3 for a well-rounded training program. Earn the AKC Canine Good Citizen Certificate in 3rd grade!

Foundation group class descriptions

First Grade

Acquisition of skills

In addition to training behaviors like sit, down, stand and walking nicely on leash, First Grade teaches your dog how much fun it can be to work for you as we lay the foundation to learning more advanced training skills. In First Grade, we focus on establishing lines of communication between you and your dog. You will learn about dog body language and how to change challenging behaviors that are happening at home. You may be surprised at how readily your dog will want to learn new things.

1st Grade is an orientation on the first week of class followed by 6 classes with your dog

Second Grade

Developing precision

In Second Grade, you and your dog will build on the skills you learned in first grade. We will be introducing training exercises that are more challenging and useful in the real world. As we continue to establish better lines of communication with our dog, we will also be working on solving challenging behaviors that are happening at home. In Second Grade, our focus is establishing manners so you have a better behaved dog both at home and away.

2nd Grade is a consecutive 6 week class

Third Grade

Adding 3Ds

Now that you've established a solid foundation, the skills your dog learned in the previous two classes will really start to shine in Third Grade! At this level, we'll start reinforcing behavior reliability, adding the 3Ds (distance, duration and distractions), plus training more complex behaviors. In Third Grade you will be eligible to test for the AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate.

3rd Grade is a consecutive 6 week class

Fourth Grade

Developing fluency

Whether you want a superbly trained pet or are thinking about competing in dog sports, competition rally or obedience, class brings all your dog's training together for you. You and your dog will work on polishing the skills learned in prior classes and start practicing more challenging tasks. You will continue building the 3Ds (distance, duration and distractions) to the behaviors your dog already knows. At the end of the class you will test for the AKC CGCA.

4th Grade is a consecutive 6 week class
(may be combined with other grade levels)

Fifth Grade

Generalizing

Dogs that graduate from Fifth Grade (with the AKC CGCU) exhibit exceptional behavioral control in public settings. In this final foundational level, we'll work on advanced skills, impulse control and formal obedience heeling exercises. Some of this class will take place in public locations as scheduled by your instructor. Completion of the AKC CGCU is part of the requirements for our Therapy or Service Dog programs.

5th Grade is a consecutive 6 week class
(may be combined with other grade levels)

Assistance Dog

Perfecting public access and tasks

This class offers advanced training for both therapy and service dogs. The class focuses mainly on skills needed for passing the assistance dog test and completing your training hours. You will learn how to get your dog to relax in different environments, how to work in tight quarters, ignoring dropped food and other distractions plus how to respond to questions from the public or businesses. This class practices real-life situations!

Assistance Dog is a consecutive 6 week class
(may be combined with other grade levels)