Build a great training foundation with your dog in Level 1 Classes!
Group dog training classes in Fort collins, CO
Image Description: A map of Summit’s group class levels, with a red pin labeled “You Are Here” on Level 1.
Join us to learn about the foundations of good dog behavior in our Level 1 group classes! Our group classes are small groups (4-6 dogs) taught multiple times a week at our training facility in Fort Collins, Colorado.
STart here in Level 1 if your Dog is 6 Months & Up!
(If you have a puppy younger than 6 months, start in Puppy PlaySchool!)
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Your dog has been living with you for a minimum of 7 days. This gives you and your dog a chance to get to know each other a little bit so that you will be most successful at the start of your learning journey!
Your dog is up-to-date on veterinary-recommended vaccinations.
Your dog has no known history of bites directed towards other dogs or humans. If your dog routinely barks/lunges/growls at other dogs, we recommend you start out in our Reactive Dog 101 class instead.
Here are a few Benefits of our Level 1 Group Classes:
Learn from supportive & knowledgeable Instructors. Our instructors are educated and skilled in teaching dogs - and in teaching humans!
Build a solid training foundation to prepare you and your dog for any adventure together!
Enjoy a curated class with age-appropriate learning & training challenges. Our team of trainers is here to set you and your dog up for the most success, in an environment that is thoughtfully constructed for the most positive learning experiences for your dog (and you too!).
Level 1 classes are divided into two sections:
You can take one or both of these classes (in either order) before moving on to Level 2.
Smells Like Teen Spirit
For Dogs 6 Months - 2 years
This class is specifically designed to support your adolescent dog as they navigate arguably the most challenging period in puppy development - teenage-hood! Smells Like Teen Spirit class emphasizes focus and self control skills around exciting distractions that generally cause “big feelings” in our adolescent pups.
6 Weeks - $275
Good dog Basics
For Dogs 6 Months+
Polish up your relationship with your older puppy or dog with this foundation class! This course focuses on teaching good behavior in the home and getting ready to get out in the community for your dog. You and your dog will learn specific skills like sit, down, stay, come, loose leash walking, greeting people and dogs calmly, and more! All of the lessons will be reinforced with games that both you and your dog will enjoy! First week of class is humans only, no dogs.
6 Weeks - $275
You can take one or both of these classes (in either order) before moving on to Level 2.
If you have an adolescent dog that is over-excited about life, has a hard time having self-control in exciting situations, and needs some support for regulating their “big feelings,” we recommend starting in Teen Spirit first!
If you have an older dog, or an adolescent dog that is ready for more advanced learning, we recommend starting in Good Dog Basics.
Many of our students and their dogs benefit from taking both classes (in either order) before moving on to Level 2.
Bundle Classes & Save!
At Summit, we offer multiple levels of group classes to help our students meet various advanced training goals. For our students who are committed to training beyond the basics, we offer a flexible group class bundle so that you can save on tuition while still being able to choose your own adventure by selecting the classes that are most important to you and your goals!
What will you & your dog learn in a Level 1 class?
Click each + to learn more about what is covered in each Level 1 Class!
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Level 1 Smells Like Teen Spirit Class Learning Objectives
Teaching you how to support your teenage dog through adolescence, and teaching your adolescent dog essential self-control skills!
Human Learning Objectives: Foundational Behavior Concepts for Successful Dog Training
Understanding the adolescent developmental stage
Setting realistic goals and expectations for adolescent dogs
Management strategies
Troubleshooting & support for typical adolescent problem behaviors
Dog Learning Objectives: Skills for Self-Control
Offered and Sustained Engagement with You
Calm in Exciting Environments
Appropriate Play
Turning Away from Distractions
Greeting Politely
Self-Regulation for “Big Feeling” Emotions!
And Other Self-Control Skills!
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Level 1 Good Dog Basics Class Learning Objectives
Teaching you the essentials of dog training, and teaching your dog the foundational skills for a lifetime of adventures by your side!
Human Learning Objectives: Foundational Behavior Concepts for Successful Dog Training
Basics for effectively teaching good behavior
Environment optimization for good behavior
Troubleshooting & support for typical problem behaviors
Dog Learning Objectives: Foundational Behavior Concepts for Life Skills
Listening to Name Cue
Coming When Called
Walking on a Loose Leash
Settling on a Mat
Turning Away from Distractions
Greeting Politely
Sit & Down
And Other Self-Control Skills!
Let’s Get Scheduled for a Level 1 class!
Ready to Level Up?!
You and your dog can move up to Level 2 when:
Level 1 Class graduation or equivalent private lessons – If you have taken a Level 1 class elsewhere, you can still join our program at a Level 2 class, but we strongly recommend you consider a Level 1 class with us as well to get the most out of your Level 2 class experience!
Your dog is 6 months or older.
Your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations.
You and your dog are familiar with the concepts of marker training & reward-based training.
Skills: Your dog can settle on a mat with ease and hold that position for a short amount of time.
Focus: Your dog can focus on you around some distractions. We understand this probably isn’t perfect yet, but if you are joining at Level 2 you and your dog should have some experience with this already from your work in a Level 1 class or equivalent private lessons.