Photo Credit: Bliss Hill Photography
Group Classes: A Path to Partnership
CHQDogs offers a range of group classes designed to build a strong foundation of skills and strengthen the bond between a person and their dog. These classes provide a structured and supportive environment for learning and growth, with many leading to official titles recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Virtual Home Manners Doggie School: Winter weather is a perfect time to skip the dangerous drive and enjoy training from home! Available in several formats:
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Real Time class via google meet with other students PLUS access to the private page of resources.
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A go-at-your own pace class page, evaluation scheduled when you're ready.
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Skip straight to evaluation by video to earn American Kennel Club title(s)
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(ribbons earned will be mailed!)
SKILLS:
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VHMP (Virtual Home Manners Puppy - 3 months [12 weeks] to 1 year)
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allows owner to pet (head/chin, shoulders, back)
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grooming - brushing by owner (back/chest)
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sit on cue - can use lure
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comes when called - from 10' in house
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go to place - stay 15 seconds
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house-trained - owner attests, describes training
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demonstrate relationship (plays indoors w/ family member)
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out for a walk - outside on leash 20" in straight line
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VHMA (Virtual Home Manners Adult - 4 months & up)
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Owner pets, then grooms dog (head/chin, shoulders, back, chest, belly; check ears and feet)
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Sit on cue (no lure)
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Down on cue (no lure)
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Comes when called indoors (from 20 ft. or another room)
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Manners related to food
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Doorbell\knock - dog behaves appropriately
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Go to place/crate - stay 1 minute
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Demonstrates relationship
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Plays indoors - w/ family member/owner Choose 1: ____ hide & seek ____ scent game (3 cups) ____ do a trick ____ toy, stuffed animal, etc.
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Out for a walk Do both: _____ leash on, calmly exit door _____ walk on loose leash
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Exercise outside - w/ family member/owner Choose 1: ____ fetch or catch disc/toy ____
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S.T.A.R. Puppy®: Lay the groundwork for a lifetime of good behavior. This class focuses on socialization, basic manners, and creating a positive relationship with a new puppy. Fun and engaging activities introduce skills like sit, down, and polite leash walking in a low-distraction setting. Dogs that complete the class are eligible to earn their S.T.A.R. Puppy title.
Basic Manners: Build on a dog's foundation with this essential obedience class. Learn to refine commands like stay and come, while also addressing common issues like jumping and pulling. The goal is to develop a reliable and well-behaved companion for everyday life.
Drink With Your Dog®: *SEASONAL* Take your training to a fun new location—a dog-friendly brewery! Learn the practical skills needed to have a well-mannered companion in public, including polite greetings, settling under a table, and ignoring distractions. A great way to practice real-world skills and enjoy a social outing. (Renews Spring 2026)
Trick Dog: Discover your dog's inner performer! This class is a fantastic way to bond and build confidence through fun and creative exercises. Learn a variety of tricks that can lead to official AKC Trick Dog titles, from Novice to Performer.
Nosework: Unleash a dog's incredible sense of smell in this fun and engaging activity. In collaboration with Certified Nosework Instructor Gina Baker, this class teaches the basics of scent detection, transforming a dog's natural sniffing behavior into a rewarding game. It's a great mental workout for dogs of all ages and a wonderful way to build focus and drive.
Canine Good Citizen (CGC): Prepare for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test. This class focuses on advanced manners and confidence-building, ensuring a dog can demonstrate excellent behavior in a variety of public settings. Passing the CGC test is a prerequisite for many therapy dog programs and is a gateway to other AKC titles.
Therapy Dog: For dogs and handlers who want to give back to the community. This class focuses on preparing for the rigorous Therapy Dogs United evaluation. Learn to navigate the specific scenarios of a therapy visit, including interacting with people of all ages and dealing with distractions in a calm and confident manner. A dog that passes the Therapy Dogs United test is eligible to earn the AKC Therapy Dog title after completing the required number of visits.
Group classes with CHQDogs open for enrollment 30 days before their start date. Enrollment links will be provided above.
If a class you're interested in isn't currently scheduled, you can complete a contact form to be notified when a new class is added to the schedule.
Private Training
Private training sessions are a great alternative to group classes and may be more suitable for certain dogs. Every dog learns at their own pace, and a one-on-one setting can provide the focused environment needed to work on specific behaviors. There is no shame in choosing what's best for your dog's success! Group classes can be considered after your dog's skills with others have improved.