Group Classes
Develop practical skills in a supportive group environment
Personalized attention and skill development in a group setting
DBI Group Classes
Dates for 2024:
Winter cohort: Mondays Feb 26-March 25, 6-7:15pm
Fall cohort: Tuesdays Oct 1-Oct 29, 7-8:15pm
Growing Families Program
Lay a solid foundation for success with dog and baby
This program will answer questions you didn’t know you had about how to acclimate your dog to life with a newborn baby—before the baby arrives! We’ll help prepare and support your dog as your schedule and attentions shift and develop a custom plan for bringing your new baby home.
This class is perfect for all expectant families: birthing parents, non-birthing parents, adoptive parents, kinship families, foster parents, and anyone else preparing to welcome a new little one. We welcome individuals, couples, or larger family groups. This course is taught by Ran, who completed an intensive 3-day birth workshop through DONA.
How it Works:
5 weekly classes held in 75-minute sessions
Additional 1:1 private coaching and planning sessions available
Dates for 2024:
April cohort: Mondays April 1- April 22, 1-2:15pm (4 weeks)
Nailed It! Happier Nail Maintenance with Scratchboards
Take the anxiety out of “nail day”
Imagine preparing your nail care equipment and having your dog come running, eager to participate. Using a scratchboard can transform nail care from a task that you and your dog both dread to something you both look forward to: easy, fun, and effective. This live online class will get you moving toward more comfortable, joyful nail care. Participants may focus on either front or rear paws.
How it Works:
4 weekly classes held in 75-minute sessions
Dates for 2024:
Winter cohort: Thursdays Feb 1-Feb 22, 12-1:15pm
Summer cohort: Thursdays July 11-Aug 1, 12-1:15pm
Muzzle Puzzle
Comfortable and happy muzzle wear
In this course, we use a systematic approach to build on the skills your dog already has (wherever they’re starting), working towards having them perk up when they see the muzzle, opt in to putting it on, and wear it comfortably for increasing amounts of time. We’ll celebrate your dog’s successes and take baby steps toward comfortable, relaxed wear.
How it Works:
4 weekly classes held in 75-minute sessions
What our students are saying
-
![]()
A strength of DBI’s group classes is meeting the dog where they are. Ran was really great at considering what each dog was interested in, willing to do, what their skills were, and modifying in the moment for each individual participant.
— Kristin & Obed
-
![]()
Ran's enthusiasm and support - they were clearly so knowledgeable and able to translate that knowledge to meet each team where they were. Ran's excitement for each dog's individual progress was contagious - I loved being able to cheer each team on. I've not taken a training class with this format before, and I enjoyed (and was impressed by) each team being able to work at their current level without feeling like we were behind or needing to request "extra credit".
— Group Class Student
-
![]()
Working with you all gets access to a wealth of knowledge, and creativity, and support to meet your dog’s needs from a welfare and ethical perspective that you can’t just do on your own by reading a book or watching a YouTube video.
— Katie Z. & Indy
-
![]()
The group sizes were small enough to feel heard and supported, but also large enough with other teams to be able to learn alongside and gain some great other examples from. The breakout sessions and "live" practicing was very beneficial to ensure we understood the exercise and could put it into practice. Saving time for the R+ at the end of each class was such a special piece. I always ended our class with a huge smile on my face!
— Group Class Student
-
![]()
This class was perfect for anyone looking for a custom coaching experience but with the comradery of a group setting! Being able to go at your individual dog’s pace while also watching other students’ progress was a great way to see the nuances of what muzzle training can be.
— Group Class Student
How It Works
All of our group classes have auditor and working spots. We also offer a limited number of spots with low-cost options, as well as payment plans, and one free spot for a BIPOC participant.
Please contact us for more information about these options.
Our Approach
We empower individuals to improve their quality of life and restore joy to their relationships with their dogs using the science of behavior. By helping people understand and confidently respond to their dog’s behavior, we restore hope, unlock joy, and strengthen bonds.
