Beginner Life Skills

Learn how dogs think and teach everyday skills with positive reinforcement

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Adopted your dog from a shelter or rescue? Email a copy of the adoption certificate to alice@cumbrecanine.com or upload it here to receive a 25% discount code.

✦ When? Wednesdays from 6 to 7pm, from July 16 to Aug 20 2025

Class dates: Jul 16, Jul 23, Jul 30, Aug 6, Aug 13 & Aug 20

✦ Where? Santa Fe Animal Shelter

✦ Price: $200 + Tax for 6 classes

25% off for dogs adopted from a shelter or rescue

✦ Who is this for?

  • Dogs 6 months & older

  • No prior experience required

✦ Practical skills covered

  • Sit

  • Down

  • Stay

  • Go to mat

  • Attention to handler

  • Recall

  • Loose leash walking

  • Leave it

✦ Learn how to address common issues

  • Inappropriate chewing, counter surfing, other “nuisance” behaviors

  • Pulling on walks

  • Attention around distractions

  • Polite greetings

Class full or interested in future sessions? Complete our interest form to get notified when new spots open.

Location

Santa Fe Animal Shelter

Roddy Rehab Center (Large building behind the main shelter campus)

Class Details

  • Proof of up to date vaccinations required

  • Dogs must be 6 months or older

  • One dog per handler

  • First class is orientation without dogs in attendance

  • 6 dogs maximum

  • Practice skills around real-life distractions (dogs, people, noises)

  • Build focus, calm behavior, and good manners in public settings

  • Strengthen your bond by learning together in a fun, supportive environment

  • Unsure if group classes are the right fit? Schedule a free discovery call to chat!

Why group classes?

  • Is highly reactive (barking, growling, lunging) toward other dogs or people

  • Is very fearful in new environments

  • Needs help with specific issues (e.g. separation anxiety, aggression, resource guarding)

  • In these cases, private training is usually the better choice for personalized support.

Classes are not the best fit if your dog:

Coming soon: Reactive dog classes, Cooperative care & Recalls

Interested in future classes? Register here and we’ll email you as soon as a new session launches!

Questions about group classes?

Schedule a free discovery call to discuss if they are the right fit for you and your dog.