Register For the Trick Training Class
Trick Training focuses on fun, engaging tricks taught in easy, step-by-step ways. It’s a great way to challenge your dog mentally, strengthen your bond, and keep training enjoyable.
By the end of the workshop, dogs and handlers will have the skills needed to optionally submit for the Do More With Your Dog® Novice Trick Dog Title, should they choose to pursue it independently.
This workshop is designed for dogs and handlers who have already completed the Basic Obedience Workshop, as it builds on skills learned there.
Classes begin with 4 chairs and 4 mats.
Each class starts the same way to help dogs settle into the environment. Handlers choose a chair and sit with their dog calmly at their side on a mat.
Dogs who struggle with barking, jumping, or whining in group settings may need additional training before joining this workshop.
DISCLAIMER/RULES:
This is not a dog social group.
This is not doggy play time.
This is an obedience class.
All dogs must remain on leash.
Dogs must not meet face-to-face during class.
You will see progress if you continuously work with your dog outside of class time.
You will not see progress if you don’t work with your dog outside of class time.
All owners must pick up after their dogs. Poop bags/scoops provided.
Don’t touch my demo dog Zelda without permission.
Don’t touch any of the other dogs without permission of the owner.
EMAILS & ONGOING SUPPORT
You will receive five emails from the time you register until after the final class.
Welcome Email
Sent 1–5 days after registration (depending on how early you register). This email includes:
- Class location, dates, and times
- Class rules and expectations
- The full class schedule
- What to bring to class
- Welcome Package containing all of this information in one place
If you have already paid, your receipt will be attached. The most important document to review at this stage is the Waiver and Release which you will find in the Welcome Package. You do not need to sign it ahead of time — a copy will be available for you to sign on the first day of class.
Weekly Follow-Up Emails
After each class, you’ll receive an automated email the following day reviewing what was covered and what to work on at home.
Final Personalized Email
The last email is written personally and includes notes about you and your dog from each week. These notes are meant to help you reflect on your progress — and often capture some of the fun or silly moments along the way.
Because these emails are sent through an automated system, there is an unsubscribe button at the bottom of each one (this is required by law). It is not recommended to unsubscribe, as you will miss the weekly class emails and your final personalized notes.
You will not receive additional emails after the workshop ends unless you choose to subscribe to the Seasonal Newsletter.
Week one is all about building strong foundations for trick training.
You’ll Learn:
- How to break down behaviors and build them into bigger skills using shaping
- common dog training terminology
- Four core tricks that act as building blocks for more advanced behaviors
The primary tricks learned in this class are target, shake-a-paw, spin and crawl.
These skills will be used and expanded on throughout the workshop, helping you better understand how tricks are built and how to teach your dog new behaviors with confidence and clarity.
Week two we Build on the Basics by using your dog’s existing obedience skills as a foundation for more advanced tricks.
You’ll learn:
- how and when to use jackpot rewards to build enthusiasm and confidence.
- a review of five core obedience skills: sit, down, stay, come and heel
- loose-leash walking skills to support focus and teamwork
The primary tricks introduced int his class are sit pretty, drop on recall, weave (between legs).
These tricks show how everyday obedience skills can be shaped into fun, impressive behaviors while improving precision, engagement, and communication.
Week three focuses on building your dog’s body awareness and confidence through intentional movement and positioning.
You’ll Learn:
- how body awareness improves balance, confidence and precision
- ways to help your dog think about where their feet and body are
The primary tricks for this class are spin, paws in a box, paws up, pivot and wall stand.
These skills help dogs move with purpose and control, and form the foundation for many advanced tricks and sports.
Shara Walsh 