Dog Training

Our Companions offers reward based training in a variety of forms to address behavior problems and deepen the bond between people and their canine companions. New classes begin every ten weeks. To find out when the next series of classes is beginning or information on private training please submit the form on our Contact Page.

Group Training Classes

Our Companions Dog Training Classes offer affordable group training for people and their canine companions.  Classes teach pet owners how to address common behaviors problems through positive techniques that start and keep the relationship with their dogs positive and rewarding.
Classes are small with a high number of instructors, often providing a one to one student/instructor ratio. Our Companions classes are unique and specialize in teaching dog behavior rather than just the commands, so people leave the class with a great understanding of their dogs.
OC classes are designed to be a safe and positive experience for reactive dogs and fearful dogs. 

Classes are $100.00 including tax for 8 one hour sessions. A sliding scale is available.

Our Companions offers three levels of training classes: Family Companion I, Family Companions II and our Walking Club.

 

Family Companion I covers basic obedience skills and dog behavior.  Each week owners will learn techniques to help them build on their training skills: introduction to positive reinforcement, refocusing techniques, sits, downs, stays, recalls & relaxed heel. The Family Companion course focuses on the relationship between the owner and dog. We hold classes at the Valerie Friedman Program Center, 34C Sanrico Drive in Manchester. The Family Companion I class is offered at a reduced rate to dogs adopted through Our Companions, and to dogs being fostered by any other animal rescue organization.

Family Companion I classes begin on Saturday, June 8th at 11:00 am, and Sunday, June 23rd at 10:00 am. Click on the date to register.

Family Companion II provides a safe environment for owners and dogs to practice skills in real world environments. Classes are held at the Valerie Friedman Program Center, 34 C Sanrico Drive in Manchester as well as local field trips. This class will help your dog in everyday life not just when in training mode. Dogs with reactivity towards dogs and other life situations are welcome!
Dogs must have taken a basic obedience course prior to attending this class. It is recommended that Family Companion I be completed prior to this class to learn various attention and management skills that will be put to work during class field trips.

A Family Companion II class begins on Saturday, June 15th at 9:30 am. Click on the date to register.

 

Each week owners will learn techniques to help them build on their training skills with more emphasis on control for: sits, downs, stays, recalls & relaxed heel. Dogs must have taken a basic obedience course prior to attending this class.

The Walking Club is a much loved class that allows graduates of the Family Companion II class to develop further and put their new and improved social skills to practice outside in the real world.

The owners get to practice and apply the skills they have worked so hard to develop in class, and most importantly, they learn to better communicate with their dogs. The dogs get to take in the smells of a whole new environment, and learn coping skills to overcome their reactivity. Afterwards everyone can go home and relax, because a tired dog is a happy dog!

While there is no set fee for The Walking Club, a donation of $75 or more is appreciated.

Private Training Session

Behavior problems with dogs are a leading reason why dogs are relinquished to shelters and euthanized. The Stay-At-Home program is aimed at preventing pet homelessness by designing a proactive program that helps people solve behavioral problems so pets can stay in their homes.

This program utilizes positive reinforcement trainers who provide one-on-one consultation with people who are seeking help. The trainers assess the situation and then create customized training regimes to solve the problem. In many cases, this service saves the original home and provides people with an enhanced understanding and respect for their pet.

Cost/Frequency: The initial visit is free, although donations are appreciated. Subsequent training sessions request a $50 donation with a sliding scale rate available. The usual training sessions are one hour in length and occur every other week.