Start with the groundwork.
A 7-week group class that teaches you how to train your dog, so the skills keep growing long after class ends.
The right start for the right dog.
Groundwork is for you if...
- You're ready to begin the path with your dog and want to start it right
- Your dog is at least 5 months old and just getting started
- Your dog isn't reactive and doesn't have any serious behavior issues
- You want to learn how to teach your dog yourself
- You want to keep building those skills on your own after class
- You'd enjoy learning alongside other owners
Foundations might be better if...
- Your dog barks, lunges, or reacts to dogs or people
- Your dog has bitten, or tried to bite
- You want one-on-one help and support between sessions
- You can't make it to every class
Not sure which fits? Apply, and we'll point you to the right program on your call.
Learn it right. Practice it together.
Owners-only kickoff
Week 1 is just you. Learn the tools, the language, and the plan before your dog ever joins, so you start class already knowing what to do.
6 classes with your dog
Weekly classes that build the Core 4 step by step, with plenty of time to practice every skill.
A small group
Never more than 6 dogs, so everyone gets real attention, and your dog learns to focus around other people and dogs.
Hands-on coaching
Get guidance and advice as you practice, and ask questions as a group so everyone learns from each other.
Seven weeks. One strong start.
Before your dog joins, you'll learn:
- The tools you'll use, and how to handle them properly
- Marker words, and how they help your dog learn
- How to deliver treats the right way
- What you'll be teaching your dog over the next six weeks
- How to get the best results out of every class
Weeks 2–7: every class with your dog runs like this
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1
Recap
We cover what you'll be teaching that week, so everyone starts on the same page.
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2
Practice
Work the skills with your dog, with hands-on guidance from your trainer.
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3
Questions
Ask as a group, so everyone benefits from every answer.
Classes start on time, every time, so please arrive a few minutes early.
Four skills. Four questions answered.
Groundwork teaches you the basics of how to teach each one, so you can keep building them on your own. Groundwork never uses prong collars or e-collars.
Place
Go to a defined spot and stay there until released.
An off-switch for your dog, without needing to crate or constantly manage them.
Down
Lie down and stay there until released, even without a bed or platform.
A portable version of Place you can use anywhere in everyday life.
Heel
Walk with you on a loose leash, without pulling, weaving, or dragging behind.
Structure for the moments you need it, like crowds, crossings, and passing other dogs.
Recall
Come directly to you when called, close enough for you to grab their collar.
Not wandering in your general direction. Actually coming back.
Real distractions, from day one.
Pet Food Express, Long Beach Blvd
A busy spot full of people, dogs, and distractions, which is exactly where your dog needs to learn to focus. Small classes of no more than 6 dogs keep it manageable while your dog builds confidence.
A solid start you can build on.
- Ready to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test
- Performs all Core 4 skills at home
- Holds them in public places and around light distractions
- And you'll know how to keep building those skills on your own
Not sure which one you need?
Learn the basics in a group
- 7 weeks, including an owners-only kickoff
- Weekly group classes, max 6 dogs
- For young dogs without reactivity or serious issues
- You learn to train your dog on your own
A full plan built around your dog
- 6 weeks of private sessions plus group sessions
- Weekly homework with video feedback within 24 hours
- For reactivity, pulling, and dogs who need more help
- Lifetime Skool access and support
If within your first 3 sessions (including the owners-only kickoff) you realize your dog needs more help, or you want to go further, your $300 goes toward Foundations.
Counts toward Foundations if you upgrade within your first 3 sessions.
Apply for GroundworkEverything included
- An owners-only kickoff session
- 6 weekly group classes with your dog
- Small classes of no more than 6 dogs
- Hands-on coaching and group Q&A every class
- The Core 4, taught so you can keep going on your own
Dogs are living beings, so we don't promise perfection. We do promise your dog will finish with better behavior and stronger skills than they started with.
Questions, answered.
Groundwork is 7 weeks: an owners-only kickoff in week 1, then 6 weekly group classes with your dog. Each class runs 45 minutes to an hour.
Groundwork starts at 5 months old, and it's ideal for young dogs just getting started. If your puppy is younger, we recommend a puppy socialization program starting at 8 weeks, and we're happy to suggest some.
Yes, the owners-only kickoff is required. It's where you learn the tools, marker words, how to deliver treats, and how to handle your tools properly, so you and your dog get the most out of every class after.
We'll cover everything you need to bring during the owners-only kickoff in week 1, so you'll be fully prepared before your dog's first class.
Every class meets at Pet Food Express on Long Beach Blvd in Long Beach.
Classes are capped at 6 dogs, so everyone gets hands-on guidance from the trainer.
You'll learn to use a slip collar and leather leash, along with food rewards and marker words. Groundwork never uses prong collars or e-collars. If your dog needs that level of training, Foundations is the better fit.
Groundwork is built for dogs without reactivity or serious behavior issues. If your dog barks, lunges, or reacts to dogs or people, Foundations is the better choice, since it starts with private sessions built around your dog.
Because of how classes are scheduled, we don't offer makeup classes, and missing one means missing an important part of the learning process. If you have an emergency, talk to your trainer, and they may be able to work something out.
Yes, anyone actively involved in training your dog is welcome. For safety, kids under 10 can't attend, since classes can get overwhelming and some dogs aren't comfortable around kids. Kids 10 and up who are part of the training and can stay engaged for the full class are welcome.
No. Groundwork is focused on your weekly classes. If you want homework feedback and lifetime support through Skool, that's included in Foundations.
Yes. If within your first 3 sessions, including the owners-only kickoff, you decide your dog needs more help or you want to go further, your $300 is applied toward Foundations.
The AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test checks that a dog has good manners at home and in public. By the end of Groundwork, your dog should be ready to pass it.
Dogs are living beings, so no honest trainer can guarantee perfection. What we can guarantee is that your dog will finish Groundwork with better behavior and stronger skills than when you started.
Build the groundwork for everything that comes next.
Apply in a few minutes, talk with a trainer, and get your dog's path started the right way.