Dog Training for Any Age

Care First Animal Hospital goes beyond the health of your pets. Our dog training experts can help train your furry friend to improve companion dog life skills, focus, general behavior, anxiety, cooperative care (grooming and medical visit) skills, and minor reactivity.

At Care First, we offer in-person training sessions at our Glenwood location. Classes run for 6 weeks on select Tuesday nights, at 6:30p and 7:30p, and costs $217.

If your dog barks and lunges in public near other dogs and/or humans, please email the instructor before signing up for a class to ensure group class is the right fit for you and your dog.

Take a look through our FAQs to find more information on our training offerings.  Below is an overview of the classes we offer.

Class Offerings

Family Pet - 6:30-7:25pm 

For puppies and beginner adult dogs

Imagine your dog behaving politely in public, peacefully relaxing as you enjoy a meal at an outdoor cafe, enjoying walks, and calmly greeting guests. Build a solid foundation and learn how to work with your dog even as life throws distractions your way!  Learn how to teach your dog to sit, down, stay, leave it, loose leash walk, be polite for greetings, go and stay at a station (bed), drop it, come when called, take treats gently, have self control and accept general handling.

See the trailer

Advanced classes

Our advanced classes run at 7:30PM on Tuesday nights and vary depend on the schedule. Dogs should have taken a basic manners class or done foundational training before taking this class.

Sports Foundations 

Ever wanted to learn some of the foundational behaviors required to have your dog compete in sports like agility, nosework or rally obedience?  Well, now is your chance!  Sign up for this class to learn about these fun sports and pick up some new tricks along the way.

Mind Your Manners

Level up your dog's basic manners by improving their foundational skills and strengthening focus amidst real-life distractions.  Tired of your dog jumping on you and others?  We can help you with that!  Want your dog to come when called reliably?  Got a fix for that too!  We'll also work on advanced loose leash walking and stays so that you have an amazing companion dog in and out of the home.

Confident K9

This class has three valuable and fun focuses:

  • Cooperative care skills for grooming and veterinary care: nail trimming, ear cleaning, body handling, tooth brushing, re-enacting exams, injections, blood draws and more!
  • Canine fitness for body awareness and confidence: front foot targeting, sideways walking, reverse walking, rear foot walking, shake, cavalettis, circles and platforms.
  • Pattern games to reduce arousal, anxiety or excitement so your dog can focus amongst distractions

See the trailer

Pup Pilates (Level 1 & 2)

Learn a variety of beneficial exercises that strengthen your dog while enhancing their quality of life. Perfect for dogs of all sizes, ages, and fitness levels, you'll gain insights into proper form and progressions that can be adapted. Not only will these exercises reduce the chance of injury and improve strength and flexibility, but they also provide an efficient way to mentally and physically tire out your dog- ideal for those living in apartments or townhomes. Sign up today and discover how to condition, exercise, and connect with your dog. 

Level 1 Trailer

Level 2 Trailer

Meet the Instructor

Liz Burke: [email protected]

instructor

Video Training Resources

Professional training will teach your dog basic skills and tricks, while also providing an opportunity for them to learn obedience, strengthen their confidence, reduce non-desirable behaviors and reinforce the bond you share.

With training and consistent practice outside of the classroom, you should notice a change in your dog’s behavior anywhere from 3-8 weeks. Dog training may vastly change depending on the dog, its environment and training history. Taking a systematic approach is the best way for you and your dog to adjust to training routines and demands.  After the first session, many students continue training in group classes or find a sport/hobby for their dogs - the students realize how fun training is and the positive impact on their dog!