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
Thursday, September 12th from 5:00 – 6:00
Saturday, September 21st, from 9:00 – 10:00
Prerequisite – Admissions Consultation
Get your puppy off to a smart and confident start by enrolling in our six-week puppy obedience class. We’ll cover essential skills like using lures, place, sit, down, stay, puppy push-ups, stand, loose leash walking, and friendly greetings. This class is suitable for puppies aged 3-6 months who have had their first round of vaccinations.
Instructor, Michele Longo and Grace Hardy
Classes run for six consecutive weeks.
$180.
Saturday, starting September 21st, 10:15 – 11:15
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’ freedom and their own. 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
$180.
Will be offered in the Fall
The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program is the gold standard for dog behavior in our communities. 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,” and that 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.
Saturdays beginning, September 21st, 12:30 – 1:30
Agility Foundations for Confidence: Your dog should have done an introductory obedience class and know a good sit and stay. This six-week class focuses on agility foundation skills, including body awareness, impulse control, distraction training, and obstacle commitment. Obstacles include tunnels, tire jumps, seesaws, pause tables, small A-frame, and weave poles. This class focuses not on speed or competition but on helping dogs gain confidence in overcoming obstacles and working closely with their handlers. This class includes several key elements: positive reinforcement, gradual progression, handler-dog bonding, socialization, confidence building, safety precautions, and plenty of fun and enjoyment!
This class is held outdoors on Barnes Road in Stonington.
There are no refunds, so please be sure you can attend for all six weeks.
Instructors, Michele Longo
$180.
Mondays, beginning September 30th, 1:45 – 3:45
BRAINIAC SCHOOL is a two-hour, six-week, nonstop, circuit-style brain-work skill for smart, bored, under-challenged dogs who are “A LOTTA DOG!”
In the first hour of Brainiac School, we will focus on using positive-only leash walking manners and engaging in Fit Dog activities.
The second hour of Brainiac School will be dedicated to teaching how to raise a well-behaved dog with good manners and basic obedience skills at home.
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.
Owner with their dog / $360.
The trainer takes your dog through the six-week series / $750.
Monday’s starting September 30th, 1:45 – 2:45
This engaging class will reinforce your dog’s physical and cognitive abilities through exclusively positive training. Terri 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!
No Admissions Consultation is required for Terri’s classes.
Instructor / Terri Marinier
$185.
Mondays, starting September 30th, 4:00 – 5:00
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!
$185
Mondays, starting September 30th, 5:00 – 6:00
Tuesdays, starting October 1st, 5:30 – 6:30
Enhance your dog’s walking skills and etiquette with our Heeling and Manners class, taught by Terri Marinier.
Need help with your dog’s leash manners under distractions? Terri will guide you and your dog through the essentials of heeling and proper manners in this comprehensive class. Learn practical techniques to achieve flawless heel position, improve leash walking, and instill good behavior at home and in public. Terri’s expert guidance ensures a positive and productive learning experience for you and your dog.
Classes are designed to be engaging and fun, making training enjoyable for you and your furry friend. Reserve your spot today and take the first step towards a well-mannered, perfectly heeling dog!
We look forward to seeing you in class!
$185.
Monday, September 30th, 6:15 – 7:15
Tuesday, October 1st, 1:45 – 2:45
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.
$185.
Tuesdays, beginning October 1st, 2:45 – 3:45
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
$185.
Tuesdays starting October 1st, 4:00 – 5:00
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
$185.
Coming in November
A therapy dog is a dog that performs a service for other people. Typical therapy dog tasks are going to nursing homes or hospitals to cheer people up. For your dog to qualify, he/she must be friendly with strangers and with training, work around a high level of distraction, and understand personal boundaries, such as not jumping up, licking, mouthing, etc.
Research shows that therapy dogs can positively affect a patient’s mood, stress, and pain levels during facility stays. Children, in particular, respond positively to therapy dogs. They are more motivated to participate in treatments, feel optimistic about the future, and experience an overall sense of calm when a certified therapy dog is present.
Instructor, Terri Marinier
$200.
We have the training and classes to fit their needs.
