For group classes, we ask that dogs are comfortable around other dogs and people and don’t bark or lunge. If your pup gets a little too excited or reactive, our (re)activity program is a great place to start. It helps dogs build confidence, focus, and the ability to calmly be around others so they’re ready to enjoy group classes in a safe and positive way!
*Price Includes a 3oz pack of Saint Rocco's Treats.
Core Skills is the perfect starting point for welcoming a new dog into your family or if you are simply ready to start training with your dog. In this class, we focus on teaching your dog essential skills like paying attention to you, staying still, walking calmly on a loose leash, coming when called, and basic stay commands in a variety of real-life situations. These examples and many others are goals we will work towards in this class. Core Skills establishes a strong foundation for effective communication and teamwork between you and your dog.
The American Kennel Club's "Canine Good Citizen" test allows teams to get recognition for completing a standardized test of skills related to real life. This includes calmly waiting for petting and brushing, walking, passing another dog, stay, come and more. Here we'll work through the test items, work on fading out rewards and answer all your questions.
Testing may be available, depending on the teams present - or we can set it up on another day.
Appropriate for dogs of all ages who are comfortable working in a group environment and instructor approval.
Systematically add distractions to your walking, recall, greetings and stays. We'll help you challenge your dog and improve your dog's skills.
Class Prerequisites:
Graduation from Beginner: Core Skills or Instructor Approval.
Dogs must be current on required vaccinations, which are outlined by age in our Vaccination Policy on the FAQ page.
Dogs should be able to eagerly eat treats in a group environment.
Dogs should not bark/lunge at people or dogs.
Looking to continue training with your dog? Our Intermediate Level has 4 different modules, including our Listen at a Distance. Modules can be taken in any order. Four weeks. Intermediate Skills: Listen at a Distance While we don't live in a part of the country with a lot of places for safe and legal off leash activities, these activities are helpful for enhancing your dog's abilities or to prepare for an unexpected scenario. In this class your dog will start up close and we'll gradually add distance as we teach your dog to respond no matter where he is relative to you. Activities include sending your dog to a spot, stopping your dog while he's moving and having your dog respond to signals at a distance. Class Prerequisites: Graduation from Beginner: Core Skills or Instructor Approval. Dogs must be current on required vaccinations, which are outlined by age in our Vaccination Policy on the FAQ page. Dogs should be able to eagerly eat treats in a group environment. Dogs should not bark/lunge at people or dogs.
Looking to continue training with your dog? Our Intermediate Level has 4 different modules, including our New Skills Module. Modules can be taken in any order.
Two week class.
Intermediate Skills: New Skills
In Basic Skills, we covered the essentials like walking, recall, and staying. In New Skills, we’ll build on that with techniques like having your dog line up beside you for walking, going to a designated spot and staying there until released, stand and on/off. And that’s just the start! Each week we’ll introduce fresh ways to apply these skills and keep your dog learning.
Class Prerequisites:
Dogs must be over 16 weeks of age.
Dogs must be current on required vaccinations, which are outlined by age in our Vaccination Policy on the FAQ page.
Dogs should be able to eagerly eat treats in a group environment.
Dogs should not bark/lunge at people or dogs.
Graduation from Beginner: Core Skills or Instructor Approval.
Enjoy 25 min of one-on-one attention, with training plans customized to your dog’s unique needs. Please schedule Facility | Behavior Private Lesson for dogs that bark or lunge at dogs/people or have anxiety/fear so that we can create the appropriate safe space for you and your dog.
This class is designed to help you and your dog prepare for a therapy dog certification and for actual visits. While testing is not part of this class, we will help you find approrpiate test options for your goals and the types of facilities you would like to visit together.
Dogs should already have basic training, be comfortable working in a group environment and should not bark/lunge at others.
Individual Adaptive Support offers personalized, 1:1 coaching for handlers seeking practical strategies to address health-related barriers that can make dog training and care more challenging. Using occupational therapy principles, we focus on ways to alter your approach to handling and modify your environment setup for a “just right” fit.
Enjoy 50 min of one-on-one attention, with training plans customized to your dog’s unique needs. Please schedule Facility | Behavior Private Lesson for dogs that bark or lunge at dogs/people or have anxiety/fear so that we can create the appropriate safe space for you and your dog.
Private Lesson | Behavior | At Facility (20 min) $50.00
For dogs that bark or lunge at dogs/people or have anxiety/fear. Enjoy 20 min of one-on-one attention, in a dedicated safe environment for you and your dog with a customized training plan to fit your dog’s unique needs.
Private Lesson | Behavior | At Facility (50 min) $110.00
For dogs that bark or lunge at dogs/people or have anxiety/fear. Enjoy 50 min of one-on-one attention, in a dedicated safe environment for you and your dog with a customized training plan to fit your dog’s unique needs.
Price includes a 3 oz. bag of Saint Rocco's Treats and a Flirt Pole Toy!
Is this your first class at CleverDogs, and is your puppy less than 16 weeks of age? Start here!
Designed specifically for puppies up to 16 weeks of age at the start of class, CleverPuppy focuses on the critical developmental period when learning happens fastest. We'll build a strong foundation through appropriate socialization, introduction to basic cues, leash skills, confidence building, and mental enrichment. Just as importantly, your puppy will learn to look to you for guidance, develop calm behavior around people and other dogs, and begin practicing the life skills that make living together enjoyable. We believe training should be fun for both ends of the leash, so expect plenty of games, learning, and a happily tired puppy at the end of each class!
For the health and safety of all dogs in our classes, your dog's most recent vaccinations must be administered by a licensed veterinarian. Vaccinations administered by a breeder will not be accepted for class. Please see our FAQs for more information on our vaccination policy.
For busy families, we offer Day Training services where puppies spend the day with us for training, exercise and activities while you are at work. You get a video update and written notes each day. We have full day and 2 hour options. Read more at www.CleverDogsOhio.com. This initial session is to review goals, assess your dog’s needs, and confirm program fit for our Puppy Day Training/Mini Day Training.
Ready to go above and beyond "just the basics"? This class works on teamwork, reward development, body awareness, appropriate independence, stillness and motion. Puppies can start after finishing puppy vaccinations and up to 8 months. Puppies should be comfortable in a group environment and not bark at others. Note this is not a general skills puppy class - this is for families who like training and are working towards dog sport activities. If you're looking for general training check out Core Skills. Reach out with any questions!
Instructor approval required - send an email. Dogs/puppies should have completed Core Skills, CleverPuppy or equivalent.
In this class we are working on all of the things that are hard for young dogs (4 months - 3 years). We'll be working on play skills with you for engagement, reward development and more. Lots of self control activities with stays, walking distractions, polite greetings and dog/people distractions. And we'll be challenging the dogs mentally with new/different activities to keep them engaged and focused.
Appropriate for young dogs (2 years and under) who have completed puppy vaccination and group training. Dogs should be able to work in group class . Sometimes using a barrier is appropriate. Friday 7:30 until July 6th. Sunday afternoon openings. Monday 7pm starting July!
Note the format - you will purchase a package for 4 classes and then go in to schedule these, you have 5 weeks to use your credits. Please schedule classes immediately after purchasing your package to reserve a space. Note it is a different package than the "sports package."
Dive into the thrilling world of agility in our three-week Intro to Agility class! You’ll learn the basics of agility, explore foundational equipment, and build strong handling and reward skills. Watch your dog’s confidence soar as they take on their first obstacles with enthusiasm and excitement!
Designed as a class you’ll only need to take once, this three-week session lays the foundation for future success and prepares you to move on to Beginner classes. It’s the perfect start to your agility journey!
Agility | Level 2 | Beginner | Climb and Go $90.00
This Beginner Module is for teams who have completed Intro to Agility or instructor approval. This is a 3 week class. We'll introduce the aframe, train a go signal, introduce a side change and work on your contact behavior.
This Beginner Module is for teams who have completed Intro to Agility or instructor approval. This is a 3 week class. Learn noise and motion games to prepare for the teeter. Introduce your dog to the teeter obstacle at a level that is appropriate for your dog. Put together a few skills into sequences rather than a treat for each task. Introduce a start/end routine for your dog to help with off leash work.
This Beginner Module is for teams who have completed Intro to Agility or instructor approval. This is a 3 week class. Activities will be adjusted for the age and abilities of your dog. Jumping is a very complex task for dogs to do while running at full speed and paying attention to you. Introduce your dog to different types of jumps, activities for jumping confidence and learn how to cue your dog to jumps.
This Beginner Module is for teams who have completed Intro to Agility or instructor approval. This is a 3 week class. We'll introduce weave poles at an age-appropriate level, expand tunnel work and use stays for agility training.
Intermediate Agility is open to students who have graduated from Beginner Agility or have instructor approval. This class accommodates up to 4 dogs per session for personalized attention. It is not part of a series, so you may attend individual sessions at your convenience.
Class Prerequisites:
Dogs must be over 6 months of age.
Dogs must be current on required vaccinations, which are outlined by age in our Vaccination Policy on the FAQ page.
Dogs should be able to eagerly eat treats in a group environment.
Dogs should not bark/lunge at people or dogs.
Graduation from Beginner Agility or Instructor Approval.
Advanced Skills is a class for those with agility experience, accommodating up to 4 dogs per session for personalized attention. It is not part of a series, so you can attend each session at your convenience.
Class Prerequisites:
Dogs must be over 18 months of age.
Dogs must be current on required vaccinations, which are outlined by age in our Vaccination Policy on the FAQ page.
Dogs should be able to eagerly eat treats in a group environment.
Dogs should not bark/lunge at people or dogs.
Instructor Approval.
This level has us working on Levels 2+3 signs/skills and transitioning towards off leash work. In Rally you and your dog work as a team, navigating a course together at your own pace. The course is made up of 10-20 signs, depending on the level. Each directing you and you dog to perform different exercises like turns, sits, downs, and stays. Pre-Reqs: Dogs should not bark/lunge at others and should easily take treats in a group environment. Teams should be familiar with rally.
Private Lesson | Scent | At Facility (25 min) $45.00
Our one-on-one scent work coaching offers a focused, low-distraction environment for dogs to build confidence and precision in their searching skills. Sessions take place at our facility using professional scent equipment and tailored setups to support your dog’s learning and progress.
Dive into the exciting world of scent work in our Level 1 Intro class! You’ll explore the basics of scent work, learn about equipment and odor hygiene, and build strong reward skills. Then, watch your dog light up as they discover their first target odor: birch! With fun, hands-on scent activities designed to match your dog’s learning style, we’ll help them build confidence and enjoy every step of the journey.
Perfect for teams new to scent work or with a brief introduction, this class is typically taken just once and is three weeks long. Included in the cost, you’ll get birch and a variety of practice materials—everything you need to keep the fun going at home and gear up for Beginner classes. It’s a great deal for starting your scent work journey!
Class Prerequisites:
Dogs must be over 16 weeks of age.
Dogs must be current on required vaccinations, which are outlined by age in our Vaccination Policy on the FAQ page.
Dogs should be able to eagerly eat treats in a group environment.
Dogs should not bark/lunge at people or dogs.
These 50-minute sessions are designed to build upon the foundational skills introduced in Introductory Scent. During these sessions, we will focus on increasing your dog's enthusiasm for finding odors and staying at the source, while also helping you develop key handler skills such as timing and interpreting your dog's body language.
Introductory Scent must be taken prior to starting Beginner Scent. Beginner Scent is for teams who are already on scentwork (aka nosework), but have only been briefly introduced. Class Prerequisites: Completion of Introductory Scent or permission from instructor (dog should be on odor). Dogs must be over 16 weeks of age. Dogs must be up to date on all vaccinations. Dogs should be able to eagerly eat treats in a group environment. Dogs should not bark/lunge at people or dogs.
Intermediate - Advanced Scent is designed for dogs already working on odor and ready for more challenging searches. Each week focuses on a new scent-based skill set, presenting you and your dog with thoughtful search puzzles, distraction navigation, stronger communication opportunities, and exercises that build a solid reinforcement history. You can register week-to-week or simply for the topics most useful to you.
This class is for teams who have already been introduced to nosework at an intermediate or advanced level and are looking to deepen their skills. To ensure personalized attention, each session accommodates a maximum of 5 dogs.
Class Prerequisites:
Dogs must be over 16 weeks of age.
Dogs must be up to date on vaccinations.
Dogs should be able to eagerly eat treats in a group environment.
Dogs should not bark or lunge at people or other dogs.
This workshop is for dogs who already have had walking training (Core Skills or equivalent) and want help on improving outdoor walking skills. Dogs should not bark at other dogs. Note that if the weather is poor we will move inside!
Tricks are a great way to challenge your dog physically and mentally. In this workshop we will start a variety of tricks - some with props, some where your dog uses his paws, some with his nose/mouth and lots of tricks with action. Appropriate for puppies who have finished vaccinations and adult dogs. Dogs should be comfortable working in a group environment (not bark/lunge at others) and dogs should eagerly eat treats away from home. Teams will have the option of earning their AKC Novice Trick Dog title! Dogs of all ages welcome, though we ask that puppies have finished vaccinations. Dogs attending should not bark/lunge at others.
