The Human-Dog Team Progressive Group Class Curriculum

(CLICK HERE FOR CLASS DETAILS)

Private coaching and group classes work together as connected parts of the training program. Skills are introduced and personalized during private sessions, then practiced, reviewed, and tested in group classes around other dogs, people, and real-world distractions.

The curriculum consists of three progressive group classes:

1. Basic Communication Group Class
2. Advancing Obedience Group Class
3. Urban Proofing and AKC Prep Group Class

Each level has a specific training focus. Together, they take students from foundational communication through advancing obedience and, ultimately, real-world reliability.

Students are assigned to the class that most closely matches their current stage of private training. When classes are scheduled back-to-back, students may receive permission from the trainer to come earlier to review foundational material or stay later to observe what they will be working toward. Individualized attention and direct coaching are provided during the student’s assigned class.

Group classes are designed to strengthen skills that have already been introduced through private coaching and practiced at home. Challenges such as severe anxiety, persistent vocalization, reactivity, or aggression must be safely manageable before participating in a group setting. Once you and your dog are ready, you will be invited to the class level that best suits your current training needs.

What Group Classes Help You Develop

Group classes help turn training into reliable habits by allowing you and your dog to practice in a structured, real-world environment.

Classes help you:

• Improve communication and handling skills
• Develop calmer focus around distractions
• Strengthen leash manners and walking skills
• Build impulse control and emotional stability
• Review and strengthen skills introduced privately
• Prepare for AKC-style expectations and public manners
• Progress toward Social Club Group Outings

Class topics rotate within each level based on the students attending and their current training needs.

What to Bring:

• treat pouch or fanny pack
• Your dog’s favorite soft treats
• Water for your dog
• A short leash of six feet or less
• A long leash between 10 and 25 feet

All training tools are welcome, including flat collars, e-collars, martingale collars, slip leads, harnesses, and prong collars. You will be guided in selecting the tool that best supports your training goals and taught how to use it safely and effectively.

Optional items:

• A favorite toy
• An elevated bed or place cot
• A chair
• A hat and sunblock

Participation and Safety Guidelines

• Dogs must be at least five months old and current on vaccinations.
• Please arrive approximately 10 minutes early so your dog has time to settle in and tune into you.
• Keep your dog approximately 6–12 feet away from other dogs unless instructed otherwise.
• Do not allow petting, approaching, or dog-to-dog greetings without permission from both the trainer and the other owner.
• Dogs with a history of aggression toward people or dogs may be required to wear a muzzle.
• Group classes do not replace private behavior training.
• Dogs must remain safely under their owner’s control so the class can continue at a productive, uninterrupted pace.
• Classes are an additional program benefit for students who are consistently maintaining their foundational training.
• Attendance is based on available space and scheduling. A place in any specific class is not guaranteed, so students must check the calendar and RSVP.
• One handler should attend per dog. Additional family members or guests are welcome with the trainer’s permission.

Let’s stay safe, support one another, and have fun training together.

Schedule, Registration, and Locations

Monthly availability is posted on the calendar below.

To request a space, text 619-919-1099 with the class and date you would like to attend. You will receive a response within 48 hours.

Classes are held at the trainer’s location or at public locations throughout San Diego. Location details will be provided when your attendance is confirmed.

If you have any questions, text Gonzalo at 619-919-1099.