August 1st class now booking!
Skills to Pay the Bills
A Six-Week Advanced Training Class for Experienced Teams
Your dog knows the basics. Now it’s time to put those skills to work.
Skills to Pay the Bills is an advanced group class for graduates and experienced dog-and-handler teams ready to take their training to the next level.
This class focuses on real-world reliability, advanced manners, and the skills dogs need for therapy work, public access, and the AKC Canine Good Citizen title. Eligible teams will have the opportunity to complete the Canine Good Citizen test at the end of the course.
Every session uses positive reinforcement, clear communication, and practical training designed to strengthen both ends of the leash.
Cohort Dates
August 1 – September 12
No class Labor Day weekend
WHAT YOU AND YOUR DOG WILL LEARN
Skills to Pay the Bills moves beyond learning individual commands. The goal is helping your dog perform those skills reliably, calmly, and confidently in real-world situations.
Over six weeks, you’ll work on:
-
Advanced leash manners
-
Reliable responses around distractions
-
Polite greetings with people and other dogs
-
Focus and engagement in public settings
-
Calm behavior during handling and examination
-
Longer stays and increased impulse control
-
Supervised separation from the handler
-
Skills used in therapy and public-access environments
-
Preparation for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test
This course is about creating a dog you can confidently bring into the world—and becoming the kind of handler your dog can confidently follow.
Eligible teams may complete the AKC Canine Good Citizen test at the end of the course.
NEXT CLASS BEGINS AUG 1ST
Orientation (Humans Only)
AUGUST 1ST
• 1-hour orientation
• No dogs
Weekly Classes
Saturdays at 11:00 AM
-
Aug 1st (orientation)
-
Aug 8th
-
Aug 15th
-
Aug 22nd
-
Aug 29th
-
NO CLASS SEPT 5TH
-
Sept 12th Graduation
Total Duration: 6 weeks
Class Length: 1 hour per week
Class Size: Limited to maintain quality and safety
WHO THIS CLASS IS FOR
Skills to Pay the Bills is a great fit for:
-
Graduates of Puppy Academy or Canine Etiquette
-
Dogs who have completed private training with Mo
-
Dogs who have completed an equivalent foundation program
-
Experienced teams ready for more challenging work
-
People interested in therapy work or improved public manners
-
Teams preparing for the AKC Canine Good Citizen title
-
Dogs who already understand foundational skills but need greater reliability
This is an advanced class. Prior training is required.
HOW CLASS IS STRUCTURED
The first session is a mandatory orientation for humans only. No dogs at orientation, please. This is where you learn the training philosophy, get your questions answered, and set yourself up to get the most out of the five working sessions that follow. It sounds like a small thing. It makes a real difference.
After orientation, classes meet Saturday mornings at 11:00 AM for five weeks. One hour per week. Same group, same structure, progressive skills.
Class size is limited to 12 dogs. SPOTS LIMITED, ENROLL NOW!
FAQs
What age is Puppy Academy for?
Puppies 10 weeks to 5 months old at the start of class.
Do puppies come to the first session?
No. The first session is a mandatory orientation for humans only. Puppies join starting week two.
How many puppies are in each class?
Class size is limited to 12 puppies.
What if my puppy hasn't finished all their vaccinations?
That's normal. Puppies just need to be current on the vaccines recommended for their age. Reach out before registering if you have any questions about vaccination timing.
Is this drop-in or rolling enrollment?
Neither. Puppy Academy is a closed cohort. The same group moves through all six weeks together. This creates a calmer, more consistent learning environment and lets skills build progressively.
What training methods are used?
Positive reinforcement only. No punishment, no prong collars, no e-collars, no intimidation of any kind.
What if I miss a class?
Make-ups aren't guaranteed, but you'll get guidance on what to practice at home so you can stay on track with the group.
Is this class right for shy or sensitive puppies?
Absolutely. Puppies are never forced to interact and are always supported at their individual comfort level. Building confidence and resilience is a core part of what we do.
What should I bring?
You'll receive a welcome email after registering with everything you need to know, including treat recommendations and leash and collar guidance.
What is the refund policy?
Because spots are limited and fill quickly, refunds are not available once the program begins. Please reach out before registering if you have concerns.