Canine Life Skills

Canine Life Skills isn’t a basic obedience class — it’s the class for what’s actually driving the behavior you’re dealing with: a shaky handler-dog relationship and a dog who hasn’t learned how to manage their own impulses yet. Based on Leslie McDevitt’s Control Unleashed, this class builds real self-control in your dog, and teaches you how to actually read what your dog is telling you.

Is Canine Life Skills Right for Your Dog?

• Pulling like a freight train on every walk
• Losing their mind at other dogs, people, or the mailman (yes, we have a game for that)
• Selective hearing when you call their name
• Jumping on guests, bolting out doors, or generally running on “too much”
• A dog who just can’t seem to settle down and relax
• Getting anxious about being handled at the vet or groomer
• You want a deeper bond — a dog who checks in with you instead of checking out

What You’ll Work On

• Impulse control and self-control games
• Calm settling on a mat
• Focus — both passive and active
• Loose-leash walking and recall work
• “Leave It,” targeting, and redirecting away from triggers
• Reliable default behaviors

Good to Know

If your dog gets especially intense around other dogs or people — real barking, growling, lunging — that’s not a straight-to-group-class situation. Your first step is a private Evaluation Lesson, so we can make sure your dog (and every other dog in class) has a safe, successful experience. Ask about scheduling one on our Private Lessons page.