Group Classes

We offer classes to fit every training need while building a community of support among the best-informed puppy parents in Connecticut. In addition, our group classes are perfect for puppies, new owners, and dogs who need socialization.
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More About Our Group & Speciality Classes

Welcome to Rhodes Collar! Whether you have a playful pup or a seasoned canine, our group classes are designed to cater to all your training needs at our highly competitive rates.  Puppy classes are ideal for young dogs to socialize and learn basic obedience in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.  Our Intermediate class reinforces basic commands and introduces more complex skills.  We continuously offer these throughout the year so all dogs may benefit from the most evidence-based ethical training in Connecticut. 

AKC-sponsored courses such as CGC, URBAN, and RALLY, classes for those aiming to compete in American Kennel Club events (or just for fun), offer the training and skills needed to excel. We also offer Agility, Scent/Nose Work, Heeling, and Positive Only! (Note: the admissions consultation is currently not required for the AKC classes with Terri)

All group classes are held at The Hounds, 769 Stonington Rd., Stonington, CT

Please be advised that all sessions are non-refundable. We recommend planning accordingly, especially if your dog is in or about to go into heat, as this can affect participation. Our sessions are structured as a six-week program. We appreciate your understanding.

Puppy Kindergarten

Thursdays beginning February 20th @5PM

Saturdays beginning March 1st @9:30

Wednesdays beginning March 26th @6PM

Prerequisite – Admissions Consultation

Get your puppy off to a bright and confident start by enrolling in our six-week puppy obedience class. We’ll cover essential skills like using lures, placing, sitting, down, staying, puppy push-ups, standing, loose leash walking, and friendly greetings. This class suits puppies aged 3-6 months with their first vaccinations.

The instructors are Michele Longo and Grace Hardy

Classes run for six consecutive weeks.

Please be advised that all sessions are non-refundable.

Basic Manners

Saturdays beginning March 1st @10:15AM

Wednesdays beginning March 26th @7:15PM

This class continues where Puppy Kindergarten left off and focuses on enhancing the skills learned in the previous class. You and your puppy will work on commands such as recalls, longer sit stays, and down stays, as well as improved heeling and attention skills. This class is designed for dog owners who want to increase their dogs’ and their own freedom. All dogs must be up to date on their vaccinations.

If you did not attend our Puppy Kindergarten, an admissions consultation is required before joining this class, or the instructor has approved it.

Instructor: Michele Longo

Canine Good Citizen

Saturdays beginning March 1st @11:30AM

The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program is our community’s gold standard for dog behavior. Since its beginning in 1989, almost one million purebred and mixed-breed dogs have participated in the program.

Canine Good Citizen is part of the AKC Family Dog Program, and many dog owners choose CGC as their first step in training their dogs. It also provides an excellent foundation for getting started in dog sports.

You’ll discover the many benefits and joys of training. You’ll enhance your bond with your dog, and dogs with basic obedience training are a joy to live with—interacting well with other people and dogs and responding well to household routines.

The CGC program offers many practical advantages, too. The CGC award is a prerequisite for many therapy dog groups. Some homeowner’s insurance companies encourage CGC testing, and an increasing number of apartments and condos require that resident dogs pass the CGC test. The CGC program’s tagline is “Responsible Owners, Well-Mannered Dogs,” which is what CGC is all about.

Admissions Consultation is a prerequisite for this class if you did not attend our Puppy Kindergarten or Basic Manners class.

Brainiac School

Mondays, beginning February 24th, 1:45 – 3:45

BRAINIAC SCHOOL is a two-hour, six-week, nonstop, circuit-style brain-work skill for intelligent, bored, under-challenged dogs who are “A LOTTA DOG!”

This six-week program enhances your dog’s obedience skills while incorporating rally and heeling techniques and elements from the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) curriculum. As a highlight, the CGC test will be administered on the program’s final day.

Program Director TERRI MARINIER is a veteran professional LEMA/positive reinforcement dog trainer and an AKC/UKC JUDGE! 

She draws on her forty-plus years working and competing. Her specialties include obedience and sport, hunting, tracking, trailing, scent, rally, fit dog, and more.

There will only be three available spots in this program.

  • Includes rotations of.
    • Obedience
    • Rally
    • Precision Heeling
    • Obstacles

Owner with their dog / $360.

The trainer takes your dog through the six-week series / $750.

FIT 4 Confidence

Saturdays beginning March 1st @12:45pm

This engaging class will reinforce your dog’s physical and cognitive abilities through exclusively positive training. Michele will guide you through various exercises to improve agility, strength, and coordination while ensuring your dog has fun and stays motivated.

Whether your dog is a beginner or has some experience, this class provides a nurturing environment to boost their fitness and brain power. Join us to help your dog stay fit, happy, and mentally stimulated.

Sign up today and give your dog the gift of fitness and fun!

Certified Instructor / Michele Longo

Dog Manners Class

Mondays starting February 24th, 2:45 – 3:45

This is the second hour of Brainiac School – Does your pup need some refined etiquette? Our Dog Manners Class is designed to teach essential skills and good behavior, ensuring your dog is a well-mannered companion in any situation!

What to Expect –

  • Basic Commands: your dog will learn fundamental commands such as stay, come, and leave it, promoting a strong foundation for good behavior.
  • Leash Etiquette: We’ll discuss proper leash manners to ensure enjoyable walks and outings and make trips to the park or neighborhood a breeze.
  • Social Skills: Through structured playtime and group exercises, your dog will develop social manners and learn to interact appropriately with other dogs and people.
  • Problem-Solving Techniques: we’ll address common behavioral issues, such as jumping, barking, and chewing, equipping you with practical tools to manage your dog’s behavior at home.

No Admissions Consultation is required for Terri’s classes.

Instructor / Terri Marinier

Advanced Heeling

Mondays, beginning February 24, @4:00 pm

Take your dog’s walking skills to the next level with our Advanced Heeling Class, led by Terri Marinier.

This class is specifically designed for those interested in or involved in competition. Terri will introduce sophisticated techniques to perfect your dog’s heel work in this advanced course. Expect to cover complex -maneuvers, seamless transitions, and impeccable off-leash control. This class is ideal for those who have mastered basic heeling and are eager to refine their dog’s precision and responsiveness.

Terri will provide personalized tips and insightful feedback throughout the sessions to ensure you, and your dog reach peak performance. Elevate your training experience and join us for this challenging and rewarding class!

Sorry, there are no refunds.

Scent Detection

Mondays, beginning February 24th @5:00 pm

Tuesdays, beginning February 25th @1:45 pm

Discover the hidden talents of your dog with our popular scent work class led by the expert Terri Marinier!

Dive into the fascinating world of canine scent detection. This class is designed to enhance your dog’s natural abilities in odor identification, boosting their confidence and keeping them mentally stimulated. Whether you’re a hobbyist or looking to compete in scent work trials, Terri’s expert guidance will provide you with the knowledge and skills to excel.

Classes fill up quickly, so don’t miss the chance to embark on this exciting adventure with your dog. Sign up now and watch your dog’s nose lead the way!

Instructor / Terri Marinier; AKC Scent Work/UKC Nose Work Judge.

Advanced Scent Detection

Tuesdays, beginning February 25th @ 2:45 PM

This class progresses to more complex scenarios, simulating real-life situations where dogs detect scents in challenging environments, such as buildings, vehicles, or outdoor spaces. To advance to this class, you must have completed the beginner scent class or have approval from the instructor.

Instructor / Terri Marinier

Rally Obedience (all levels)

Tuesdays starting February 25th @4:00 PM

Rally is a perfect starting point for those new to canine sports. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/get-started-in-dog-sports-and-events/ Rally obedience is a sport where the dog and handler move through a numbered course.  Depending on the level, there can be anywhere from 12 to 24 stations.  Each station consists of a pace change and a stationary skill such as a sit, down, or stand. This class introduces you to the sport of rally and the skills needed to succeed! Even if you aren’t interested in competition, it is an excellent class to perfect basic obedience and heeling skills.

Prerequisites – Basic Obedience or instructor approval.

Instructor, Terri Marinier

Certification Prep Class

Begins Wednesday, March 26th, 3:00 – 4:00 pm

This class prepares the dog and parent team for certification processes, including CGC, Community Citizen, and Therapy Dog.

Classes will focus on practicing the requirements for each of these tests. Additionally, we will assist in navigating through the selected organization with which they will work, outlining the steps to follow. The first class will be held at Rhodes Collar, where we will positively expose the dogs to various experiences they might encounter in their training. The session will run for six weeks.

https://www.akc.org/sports/title-recognition-program/therapy-dog-program/therapy-dog-organizations/

 

Dog Training Group Class

Your Dog Can Reach Their Full Potential

We have the training and classes to fit their needs.