Family Dog Obedience

Family Dog Obedience offers a diverse range of training programs for dogs of all ages and breeds, including obedience, pet, and agility training, alongside specialized “problem dog” consultations. Programs are structured across entry, intermediate, and advanced levels, often utilizing a hybrid format combining remote learning via email with in-person review sessions.

Entry-level classes include “Complete Puppy” (10-week hybrid for puppies 9 weeks to 10 months, covering basic commands, socialization, and confidence building), “Puppy Gym” (pay-as-you-go for physical and mental exercise using various equipment), and “Basic Manners 1” (6-week for dogs 1 year and up, focusing on foundational skills like stay, come, and leash walking). Intermediate offerings feature “Graduate Puppy” (4-week, for Complete Puppy graduates, advancing obedience and introducing dog sports) and “Rally Class” (4-week introduction to Rally Obedience).

Advanced programs include “Versatility Class” (pay-as-you-go, enhancing dog-handler connection through challenging exercises, tricks, and fitness) and “AKC Canine Good Citizen” (class and test for well-mannered dogs). For dog sports enthusiasts, “The SNIFFING Sports” offers beginner to advanced nose work, and “Agility Classes” progress from “Pre-Agility” (12-week initial, then 6-week sessions introducing obstacles and handling) to continuous advancement in recreational agility. The facility also hosts events for AKC ACT Virtual Program and Virtual Rally Titles, and offers events and courses related to “Therapy Dog” training through Pet Partners.

Pricing Summary

Private lessons at the training center range from $80–$125 per hour, while Facetime or Zoom lessons start at $80 for an hour session. Group classes vary in price: Complete Puppy is $165 for a 10-week class, Basic Manners 1 is $175 for a 6-week class, Graduate Puppy is $80 for a 4-week class, and Rally is $80 for a 4-week class.

Pay-as-you-go options are available for Puppy Gym and Versatility classes at $20 per class, with a one-time “Try It” option for Puppy Gym at $25. AKC Canine Good Citizen class is $20, with an additional $10 for the CGC test. Agility classes include Pre-Agility at $220 for the first 12-week session and $110 for subsequent 6-week sessions, and Agility Class at $110 for a 6-week session or $20 per class for pay-as-you-go.

Facility rentals for Agility or Obedience are $27 per half hour or $50 per hour. AKC ACT Virtual Program sessions are $30 for 20 minutes, and Virtual Rally Titles are $20 in advance or $22 on the day of the event for a 20-minute appointment. Trick Dog Testing fees are $15 for the first level and $10 for each additional level on the same day. Fees are payable by Venmo, Paypal, cash, or check; credit cards are not accepted. Prepayment is required for some classes and events.

Policies

Family Dog Obedience has specific policies for classes, events, and rentals. Due to COVID-19, masks are requested, and class attendance is limited to one handler plus one alternate family member for puppy classes, with social distancing encouraged. Students are asked not to attend if they or a close family member are ill.

General rules require vaccination records for new dogs, and handlers must bring an empty poop bag and a water bowl for their dog. Retractable leashes are not permitted in any classes. Dogs are not allowed on furniture, and intact male dogs over 8 months require prior approval to attend classes due to marking behaviors. Female dogs in heat are not permitted in any classes or events. Proper footwear (closed-toe and heel shoes, like gym shoes) is mandatory for handlers and any accompanying family members.

For rentals, a facility manager is present for general public sessions. Rentals are for personal dog training only, not for private paid instruction. Participants must be familiar with equipment and sign an Acknowledgment of Risk and Waiver form. Reservations must be made at least two days in advance. Strict adherence to prompt arrival and departure is required, with late arrivals charged for the full time and no-shows charged the entire rental fee. A “Pee”nalty fee is charged for dogs marking inside the building. Specific rules apply to moving agility equipment, and renters are responsible for any damage. Facility crates are not permitted for use, but can be rented for an additional $5 per crate/dog. Dogs with aggressive tendencies towards humans require pre-approval via a private lesson, and dogs with reactivity towards other dogs may not be permitted to rent.

Family Dog Obedience offers comprehensive dog training services, including obedience, pet, and agility training, as well as “problem dog” consultations. They provide both individual and group training lessons suitable for all breeds and ages.

The business prides itself on being passionate, professional, and educated in canine history, psychology, training theory, and methods. Their trainer, Val Klein, is endorsed by the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI) and is an evaluator for the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test.

Training takes place at their 8000 sq ft modern and equipped training center. For clients who prefer to train from home, Facetime or Zoom lessons are available. The facility is also available for rent for training practice in activities like Agility, Rally, or Obedience. Family Dog Obedience is a non-smoking facility.

Please note that they no longer accept clients for dogs with aggressive behaviors towards people or other dogs, or those with a bite history, due to limited availability and liability. They also do not offer house calls.

Accomplishments

Val Klein, the trainer at Family Dog Obedience, is an N.A.D.O.I. Endorsed trainer. She is also an evaluator for the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test. Family Dog Obedience is a member of the AKC’s FIT DOG PROGRAM, with their Puppy Gym class being an approved activity for this program.

How to Get Started!

To get started with Family Dog Obedience, prospective clients can download and submit a registration form for classes. Returning students have access to an express registration form. For specific questions or to discuss the process, clients are encouraged to contact trainer Val Klein directly.

For the Complete Puppy class, registration and payment must be received by the deadline, after which a welcome email and initial lessons will be sent. Dogs with aggressive tendencies towards humans require a pre-approval private lesson before participating in rentals. For agility programs, dogs must have completed entry, intermediate, and advanced level classes with Family Dog Obedience, or undergo an evaluation and receive instructor approval for placement.