Introductory Dog Training Classes
at the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL)
Start your dog’s training journey with relationship-based, rewards-driven classes that build confidence, focus, and clear communication. Perfect for puppies, newly adopted dogs, and anyone looking to strengthen foundation skills. Unless otherwise noted, six-week class offerings include Puppy Basics, Managing Your Dog’s Reactive Behavior, Nose work, and more. All proceeds from dog training classes benefit the animals in our care at ARL.
Classes are held at ARL’s Dedham Education and Training Center and Dedham Animal Care & Adoption Center.
All proceeds from dog training classes benefit the animals in our care at ARL.
More Ways to Train with ARL
Group Dog Training Classes
Puppy Kindergarten
(Ages: 8 weeks – 5 months)
- Cost: $240
- Prerequisites: None.
- Class Location: These classes are taught in Dedham.
This class concentrates on the importance of socialization in puppies and how to raise a happy well-adjusted adult dog. This class will also introduce some important skills such as appropriate play with other dogs, name recognition, how to greet people/dogs, and how to become more comfortable wearing a harness, collar and leash along with many other fun activities! Puppy play during class is at the trainer’s discretion.
Puppy Headstart
(Ages: 8 weeks – 5 months)
Note, Puppy Headstart is a 3-week class.
- Cost: $140
- Prerequisites: Introduction to Canine Foundation Behaviors or comparable class at another facility.
- Course Location: These classes are taught in Dedham.
This is a shorter, head start class for your puppy to get a rundown of the basics! We will focus on socialization, handling skills, and introduce your puppy to new experiences! Any puppy is welcome, whether you have already completed Puppy Kindergarten, or if this is your first training class.
Reactive Dog
(Ages: 5 months and up)
- Cost: $240
- Prerequisites: None. We cannot accept dogs with aggression to dogs or people, including those with a bite history to a dog or a person. For questions, please contact the Dog Training Manager at (617) 426-9170 x227 or email dogtraining@arlboston.org
- Course Location: These classes are taught in Dedham.
This course will help you develop the necessary skills and knowledge to manage your dog’s reactive responses such as lunging and barking at dogs and people.
This course will focus primarily on dog to dog reactiveness, but can include dogs who bark/lunge at people, bikes, vehicles, joggers, etc. This course is not suitable for dogs who experience extreme fear behaviors/phobias that inhibit the dog’s participation such as: not taking treats, lack of focus or extreme withdrawal such as avoiding, hiding, shaking or defensive behaviors.
A variety of topics will be covered including why dogs react, the difference between reactiveness and excitability, and inappropriate training theories. You will also learn how behavior modification works through a series of practice exercises.
As with all our courses we use reward based training and force free methods. If you have any questions about if your dog might be a fit for the class, please reach out by emailing dogtraining@arlboston.org.
Introduction to Canine Foundation Behaviors
(Ages: 5 months and up)
- Cost: $240
- Prerequisites: None.
- Course Location: These classes are taught in Dedham.
This course is designed for dogs over 5 months and have little or no previous training. Using positive reinforcement methods, your dog will be introduced to all basic cues such as sit, down, stay, coming when called, loose leash walking with a goal of becoming a well-mannered dog. Some socialization and play will be covered. Positive training leads to positive results.
Introduction to Nose Work (and Beyond!)
(Ages: 5 months and up)
- Cost: $240
- Prerequisites: Have attended a group training class at our facility or another within the past year.
- Course Location: These classes are taught in Dedham.
This course will introduce you and your dog to nose work: an enrichment activity that helps with mental stimulation, physical exercise, and confidence building for your pup.
Dog Training Pricing
& Class Details
Six-week classes are $240
For six-week classes, a reduced rate is offered (first-time use only) to dogs adopted from the ARL within the previous six months, and for Boston Veterinary Care clients. Please note, that there are no discounts on workshops, Agility for Fun, or Reactive Dog classes.
Class Size and Schedule
Classes are limited to six dogs. All classes need at least three dogs to start and may be rescheduled if not filled. Unless otherwise noted, all class sessions run for 6 weeks, for one hour per week, and will be extended if a holiday falls within the session. If classes are cancelled due to weather or an emergency, the end date will be rescheduled.
Refund Policy
To receive a full refund, for a cancellation of a class registration, please email us at dogtraining@arlboston.org at least (3) days before the date of the first class. A Partial refund (prorated and equal to 5 of the 6 sessions) is available up until 24 hours after the first class, by emailing us at dogtraining@arlboston.org. We are unable to offer any refunds after this period. Refunds will be credited back to the original credit card used for payment.
Vaccination Requirements
Puppy Kindergarten ONLY: Distemper (DHLPP). We know that puppies must be a certain age before receiving the Rabies vaccine and this is OK.
We require that all dogs be vaccinated for Distemper (DHLPP) and Rabies, while Kennel Cough (Bordetella) is simply recommended. Please note every puppy/adult dog that can receive rabies is required to and all of our shelter dogs that share the space are fully vaccinated.
Donations
All donation proceeds made to the dog training department go towards the animals in our care at ARL. You can donate during your course registration.
Questions
For questions, please contact a dog training representative at (617) 426-9170 x227 or email dogtraining@arlboston.org