Group Class Schedule
245 Crawford St.
Fitchburg, MA
Certified Pet Dog Trainer
Group Life Skills Training
Get your dog on the right track with group dog training by In Stride Pet Dog Training in Leominster, Massachusetts. There are wonderful benefits to group training for dogs and humans alike. These include joining a class with other people and dogs and learning new skills in a controlled and helpful environment. The dogs and handlers are working together as a team to experience new skills. With the help of distractions from the other classmates, socialization is worked on, and proper play styles and body language are explained.
Check back shortly or submit a webform if you don't see the class you were looking for and you will be added to our waitlist.
See full list of class descriptions at bottom of page:
Also available on Friday Evenings- K9 Nose Work with Certified Nose Work Instructor: Gail McCarthy (CNWI) -- $210 for 6 Weeks
6pm, 7pm & 8pm classes - Contact Gail for details
To register and pay for K9 Nose Work, email scentinelnosework@gmail.com
Training Center located at 245 Crawford St. Fitchburg, MA
Group Class Options & Descriptions
Puppy Kindergarten: 8 weeks to 5 months old. NO PUPPIES to 1st CLASS. 7 weeks long at $195.00. The class will cover, but is not limited to ~ Crate training, House training, Teething/Nipping, jumping up on people/things or other animals, Handling skills, Nutrition, Appropriate toys/chews, Proper Social and Play Behavior, learning how to read and understand Dog Body Language and of course Basic Life Skills. The skills most likely to get covered are ~ Name recognition, look/watch me, taking a treat or toy gently, coming when called, wait, sit, down, stand, stay, take it/drop it or give, leave it, place and loose leash walking. *55 minute class
Puppy Graduate:
Under 9 months old. (Must have completed Puppy Kindergarten). 7 weeks long at $195.00. The class will cover but is not limited to ~ Continuing to grow on previous skills learned and make the time frame, distance and distraction levels longer and or more difficult. Thus, helping the puppy’s ability to become more refined, confident and reliable for the difficulties of the real world and all it has in store. This class will also continue to discuss and work on proper social and play behavior. *55 minute class
Beginner Life Skills:
6 months and older. NO DOGS to 1st CLASS. (Has not taken any other prior classes at In Stride). 7 weeks long at $195.00. The class will cover, but is not limited to ~ Crate training, House training, Teething/Nipping, jumping up on people/things or other animals, Handling skills, Nutrition, Appropriate toys/chews, Proper Social behavior, learning how to read and understand Dog Body Language and of course Basic Life Skills. The skills most likely to get covered are ~ Name recognition, look/watch me, taking a treat or toy gently, coming when called, wait, sit, down, stand, stay, take it/drop it or give, leave it, place and loose leash walking. *55 minute class
Advanced (Field Trips):
6 months and up: Must have completed all appropriate levels required for the age group. Puppy Kindergarten/Graduate, or Beginner/Intermediate. 6 weeks long at $240.00. The class will cover but is not limited to ~ Continuing to grow on previous skills learned and make the time frame, distance and distraction levels longer and or more difficult in a new environment outside of the Center's classroom. We will travel and meet up at local businesses. Thus, helping the puppy’s/dog’s ability to become more refined, confident and reliable for the difficulties of the real world and all it has in store. The class will also work on long line exercises and off lead skills. Weather depending, outdoor practice is very likely. *55 minute class
Advanced (Explore & Learn):
6 months and up: Must have completed all appropriate levels required for the age group. Puppy Kindergarten/Graduate, or Beginner/Intermediate. 4 weeks long at $160.00. The class will cover but is not limited to ~ Continuing to grow on previous skills learned and make the time frame, distance and distraction levels longer and or more difficult in a new environment outside of the Center's classroom. We will travel and meet up at local parks/hiking areas. Thus, helping the puppy’s/dog’s ability to become more refined, confident and reliable for the many natural distractions of nature's classroom. The class will also work on long line exercises and off lead skills. Weather depending, class schedule may change at anytime. *55 minute class
Puppy Playgroup:
8 weeks to 8 months and no larger than 50 pounds or so. 4 weeks long at $80.00. The playgroup will cover appropriate play and socialization skills for young puppies. This will help both you and your pup learn what normal and healthy play should look like and you will be able to also gain the ability to read and understand dog body language. Please no aggressive/reactive puppies. ~ *55 minute class
Reactive/Fearful Dog Introductory:
6 months and up: No previous class experience needed. NO PUPS/DOGS to 1st CLASS. 6 weeks long at $240.00. We will discuss what is needed for equipment, supplies, cover behavior and learning theory. This class is specifically designed for pups/dogs that are easily overwhelmed or overly excited by new situations, dogs or people. In this specialty class, dogs having trouble with fear, anxiety and/or reactivity can practice in a safe and consistent environment. The dogs work behind barriers so that they can not see their known triggers. You and your dog will get to practice their new skills and build on their confidence at their pace. No more than five dogs per class. *55 minute class
Reactive/Fearful Dog Extended:
6 months and up: Must have completed the Reactive/Fearful dog Introductory program. This is the extension of the
specialty program listed above. It will continue to hone in on the skills and knowledge gained in the Reactive/Fearful dog Introductory program. The dogs and their handlers come to all 6 classes. No more than five dogs per class. *55 minute class
Canine Good Citizens Prep Program:
6 months and up: 6 weeks long at $240.00. CGC is a ten-skill training program that’s open to all dogs–purebred and mixed breed–that focuses on teaching the basics of good manners and obedience, instilling the values of responsible ownership, and strengthening the bond between you and your dog at home and out in the community. For more details, check out the AKC website. After mastering the ten skills, passing the CGC test together, and taking the Responsible Dog Ownership pledge, you and your pup will join the proud ranks of over 1 million dogs who have earned their Canine Good Citizen award– accomplishment that’s definitely worthy of extra belly rubs! The puppy/dog must be comfortable and friendly with new people and dogs to enroll. *55 minute class
Confidence Building Program:
From 10 weeks to adulthood: No previous class experience needed. 6 weeks long at $240.00. This program is specifically designed for puppies/dogs who are looking to build their confidence and abilities around new stimuli; for example, but not limited to: new textures, noises, sights, and varying levels of obstacles (some will be agility equipment) to climb/jump/go through/go around. Handling skills/cooperative care will also be addressed and work on. This is an amazing option for young puppies to help them grow and develop into reliable and happy well rounded adult dogs. The program pairs wonderfully with Puppy Kindergarten and or the Puppy Playgroup. Please no reactive puppies/dogs. Shy or sensitive is alright, but if reactive/aggressive, then the Reactive/Fearful Introductory Program would be a better place to start. *55 minute class
AKC Novice Program:
From 6 months to adulthood: Must have at least completed a Puppy Kindergarten Program/Beginner Obedience Program or have had a one on one Private Session prior to the start of this program. 6 weeks long at $240.00. This program is specifically designed for puppies/dogs who are interested in earning with their families the American Kennel Club's (AKC) Novice Trick Dog Title. In order to earn your title, ten tricks must be mastered and be demonstrated at the end of the program to acquire the title. The ten tricks needed to earn this title are listed below, choose ten from list): Balance beam, Bark on cue, Crawl, Fetch, Find it, Get your....., Get in, Sits in box, Get on, Hand signals, High five, Hold, Jump, Kennel up, Kiss, Paws up, Push-ups, Shake hands, Spin in circle, Touch it, Tunnel. For the full literature, please go to the AKC website. . Please no reactive puppies/dogs. Shy or sensitive is alright, but if reactive/aggressive, then the Reactive/Fearful Introductory Program would be a better place to start. *55 minute class
Cooperative Care Plus:
From 10 weeks to adulthood: No previous class experience needed. 4 weeks long at $160.00. This program is specifically designed for puppies/dogs who are looking to build their confidence and abilities around new stimuli; for example, but not limited to: practice vet visits/procedures, grooming skills, handling skills/cooperative care and muzzle training will also be addressed. This is an amazing option for young puppies to help them grow and develop into reliable and happy well rounded adult dogs. For adults dogs it will help them become more comfortable, reliable and become safer willing participants in the procedures/care. Please no reactive puppies/dogs. Shy or sensitive is alright, but if reactive/aggressive, then the Reactive/Fearful Introductory Program would be a better place to start. *45 minute class
Doggie Day School:
Open to all breeds and puppies as young as 10 weeks of age to adult dogs. 2 weeks (Monday & Wednesday 8am to 4pm) - $480.00. This exciting program has a curriculum designed for your best friend’s unique needs to help them master many skills including, but not limited to socialization, confidence building, reliable obedience skills and help with behavioral difficulties. For example, not jumping up on you or guests, mouthing, house training and many other topics. Since each Doggie Day School student have different needs/abilities, each program will be specifically designed and tailored for your puppy/dog. This program is a splendid option if you were ever thinking about the potential of board and train program but didn’t want to be away from your very special and precious puppy/dog for days or even weeks at a time. Please no reactive puppies/dogs. Shy or sensitive is alright, but if reactive/aggressive, then the Reactive/Fearful Introductory Program would be a better place to start. Class takes place 8am - 4pm (Monday's & Wednesday's for a 2 week period)
Vaccine Policy
When booking classes or socials, please be sure to follow our Health Safety Policy to ensure your pet is up to date on immunizations. Vaccine submissions are to be made in person (1st class - no dog) or by email to instridebyamy@yahoo.com at least three days prior to your dog's first class. If your dog has any respiratory, gastrointestinal, parasite or skin issues, please do not attend class.
