Group Classes
Whether you just want a well-behaved pet or have ambitions to become a therapy dog team – Canine Therapy Corps now has you covered with positive reinforcement dog training classes!
If you’ve been thinking about training for your pup, now is the time! Habits become more ingrained as your dog repeats them. Canine Therapy Corps’ positive reinforcement training can teach you how to shape your pooch into a well-behaved and well-rounded dog.
Whatever your goals, Canine Therapy Corps can help! Invest in training today; it will enrich your relationship with your dog and pay dividends for the rest of your dog’s life. Having a confident, well-trained dog can make life more enjoyable as it opens up Chicago’s many pet-friendly offerings – sidewalk cafes, breweries, bars, and home improvement stores.
Canine Therapy Corps is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that trains, assesses, and places therapy dog teams on volunteer assignments at Chicago area health and human service organizations. When you train at Canine Therapy Corps, your class fees help support our therapy dog programs.
Group Class Reminders:
Ensure you submit the following records for your dog registered for class prior to the start date: Current rabies vaccination, current parvovirus, distemper, and Bordetella vaccinations or current titers, current negative fecal test (within past 12 months), and City of Chicago dog license (if you are a Chicago resident)
Please bring your dog to class on a 4’ or 6’ non-retractable leash, and wearing the collar or harness that you normally use. We will be using food in training, so bring plenty of tasty treats. Our facility allows flat buckle, martingale collars, harnesses or gentle leaders - please no e-collars in class
We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing, and either bring a treat bag or wear clothing with pockets. Please wait for your class outside of CTCorps (on Fullerton Ave.) or be mindful of your space if waiting inside the building. Please do not allow dogs to interact with each other. Use any extra time to potty your dog; every dog should have an opportunity to eliminate before class begins.
Requirements for puppies include: Up-to-date vaccinations as recommended by your veterinarian based on dog’s age, first deworming treatment, and City of Chicago dog license (if you are a Chicago resident)
For puppies five months and younger A dog’s first 6 months shapes their personalities, likes, dislikes, and future behavior. First Steps introduces basic obedience commands as well as a variety of sights, sounds, and textures to get your dog used to common stimuli. You will also learn how to help your puppy settle down so that you can foster a calm home environment.
Five 50-minute classes: $225 Details and Registration
TBD
For dogs six months and older who need to learn or review basic cues such as sit; down; stand; stay; leave it and loose leash walking. Our trainers will help you learn how to start becoming your dog's favorite trainer. Foundations introduces an ambitious number of obedience skills as well as important "off button" skills like place and settle that will lead to better understanding between you and your dog. Learn how your behavior influences your dog and how to create a solid foundation with your dog and set the stage for happy cohabitation.
Five 50-minute classes: $225 Details and Registration
Saturdays at 10 am with Joe Saltarelli
Sundays at 9:00 am with Laurel Meng
Wednesdays at 6:30 pm with Jessica Vlodek
For dogs aged 6-36 months with prerequisite of a beginner training class (Foundations or equivalent) This is a 4- week course intended to support young dogs who have completed foundation training but need more time or practice to grasp the basics. Even with basic training, young dogs may have trouble with impulse control and focus during distracting situations. This class will focus on polite greeting of other dogs, polite greeting of people, increased focus and impulse control through the use of pattern games, a strong recall and continued socialization. It is a perfect stand-alone class and provides additional practice for young dogs in need of support during this formative time.
Four 50-minute classes: $160 Details and Registration
Mondays at 7:30 pm with Joan Harris
Tuesdays at 6:30 with Joan Harris
For dogs 6 months and older who have mastered basic obedience skills. Once you’ve learned how to be your dog’s favorite trainer and your dog has been introduced to basic obedience skills, it’s time to strengthen those skills by increasing difficulty in the form of bigger distractions, longer duration, and farther distances. Take your training to the next level by ensuring your dog knows how to comply no matter how far away you are standing, whether there are other dogs nearby, or if something else is vying for their attention!
Five 50-minute classes: $225 Details and Registration
Sundays at 10 am with Laurel Meng
Wednesdays at 7:30 with Jessica Vlodek
For dogs 6 months and older who have taken Intermediate Obedience or equivalent. Distance cues, longer duration and increased distraction will be added to previously trained behaviors along with new skills. Be ready to challenge your dog with scenarios including greeting dogs and people, calm grooming behavior, distance sit/stay, long downs, reaction to distractions, supervised separation and much more! This advanced-level class will cover all the skills needed for your dog to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test or either of our Therapy Dog Assessments.
Five 50-minute classes: $225 Details and Registration
Sundays at 11 am with Laurel Meng
Tuesdays at 6:30 pm with Joan Harris
This is a great class for dogs who love to explore the world through their noses. This 5-week class will teach you and your dog the foundations of Nose Work training. The class is designed to provide activity and enrichment for your dog like a game of solving puzzles. The class begins with the basics of learning to search and stay at the odor source. All ages and levels are welcome.
Five 50-minute classes: $225 Details and Registration
Tuesdays at 7:30 with Joan Harris
Participants will learn about the importance of canine fitness and how to incorporate exercise into their dog's daily routine. From agility exercises to strength training and flexibility drills, this class will provide a well-rounded fitness program tailored to your dog's needs.Not only will your dog benefit from improved health and fitness, but you'll also strengthen your bond through positive, interactive training sessions. Whether your dog is a couch potato or a ball of energy, this class is suitable for all fitness levels.
Five 50-minute classes: $225 Details and Registration
TBD
Begining Agility
Are you looking for something fun to do with your dog this season? This beginning level agility class is just what you need! Agility training helps your dog learn new skills and burn off energy while having a blast. In this class, dogs will navigate various obstacles such as tunnels, A-frames, jumps, and weave poles. This experience not only enhances your dog's physical abilities but also fosters a strong working relationship between you and your pet.
To participate, your dog should be at least 6 months old, be comfortable working around other dogs, and be motivated to engage with treats or toys. Join us for an exciting way to bond with your furry friend while promoting their physical and mental health!
Four 50-minute classes: $225. Details and Registration
Thursdays at 7:30 pm with Joan Harris
REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY:
Canine Therapy Corps reserves the right to cancel a class if the minimum enrollment is not met two days before the class begins. If your class is cancelled, we will contact you by phone or email to offer enrollment in an alternate class, credit towards a future class, or a full refund. Any requests to cancel a registration must be made in writing at least 48 hours prior to the first class. No refunds will be issued after the first class. We are unable to offer make-ups for missed classes.