Community Class Offerings
At Kennelwood Academy, every class is designed to benefit both our students and the community. While you and your dog receive expert instruction from experienced Kennelwood Trainers, our Academy students gain valuable hands-on teaching experience in a real-world setting under professional supervision. It’s an educational experience that strengthens the next generation of dog trainers while providing exceptional training for you and your dog.
Puppy Foundations
For Puppies 6 Months of Age and Younger
Puppy Foundations is an introductory course designed specifically for puppies six months of age and under. This class focuses on establishing strong communication and engagement between puppies and their owners while building essential life skills and training foundations. Participants will develop the tools necessary for success in future training programs, including Basic Obedience.
Coming Soon
Basic Obedience
7 Months+ | 6-Week Foundation
No Prerequisite Required
This six-week course provides the foundation for all future training at Kennelwood Academy. Dogs and handlers will learn essential obedience skills, including heel, sit, down, and come, while developing improved focus, responsiveness, and communication. Basic Obedience serves as the prerequisite for all advanced training classes.
Coming Soon
Advanced Obedience
Prerequisite: Basic Obedience
Advanced Obedience provides an in-depth exploration of higher-level obedience skills commonly seen in competitive obedience programs. Handlers will build upon their dog’s foundational training while learning advanced exercises such as focused heeling, sit and down exercises in motion, extended recalls, and send-away commands.
This class offers a structured and engaging environment that challenges both dog and handler while improving reliability, focus, and control in everyday situations.
Coming Soon
Therapy Dog Preparation
Prerequisite: Advanced Obedience
This course prepares handler-dog teams for therapy work using the standards established by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD). Training focuses on the practical skills required for successful therapy visits, including polite greetings, calm behavior around medical equipment, confidence with unfamiliar people, and dependable obedience in distracting environments.
Each session emphasizes teamwork, communication, and the ability to remain composed and responsive in public settings. This class is ideal for teams preparing for ATD evaluations as well as certified therapy dogs seeking continued practice and skill development in a supportive, structured environment.
Coming Soon
Agility Confidence Building
Prerequisite: Basic Obedience
This fun and engaging agility class focuses on developing proper handling techniques, confidence, and obstacle performance rather than speed or jump height. Dogs will learn to navigate a variety of agility equipment, including the A-frame, teeter, dog walk, jumps, tunnels, and more.
The class is designed to strengthen the bond between dog and handler while building confidence, body awareness, and problem-solving skills.
Coming Soon
Scent Detection
Prerequisite: Basic Obedience
This class introduces dogs and handlers to the exciting sport of scent detection. Participants will learn the fundamentals of searching for, locating, and indicating specific AKC-recognized target odors.
Scent Detection provides an excellent mental workout for dogs while enhancing focus, confidence, and problem-solving abilities. Whether for sport or enrichment, this class offers a rewarding and engaging experience for both dogs and handlers.
Coming Soon
To participate in training classes at Kennelwood Academy, your dog must have the following vaccinations:
- Puppies under 4 months: must have Bordetella, and two of the puppy series.
- Dogs 4 months and older: must have Rabies, DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Para Influenza, Parvo), and Bordetella. Canine Influenza is strongly encouraged, but not required.