Training Class Schedule
All in-person classes take place at HRA’s Training & Behavior Center at 15 Oglethorpe St. NW, Washington, DC 20011. For additional information email us at [email protected] or call 202-375-7744.
Check out our Puppy and Basic Training, Reactive and Specialty, Agility, and Virtual Classes.
Puppy and Basic Training Classes
Puppy Kindergarten
This six-week class is for puppies 10 weeks - 5 months. The earlier you get started, the better for your puppy’s socialization. Puppy Kindergarten is critical for all puppies; it teaches the skills they need to become well-behaved, adult dogs with solid temperaments. This class is also the perfect tool to help develop your puppy’s bite inhibition. Pups will be taught such foundation skills as attention, sit, down, come, and leave it. Topics such as housetraining, chewing, and jumping will be discussed.
Six-Week Classes: $250
Tuesday, June 6 at 7:15 p.m.*
Wednesday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m.**
Saturday, July 22 at 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 30 at 3:00 p.m.
*Class will not meet on July 4
**Class will not meet on August 16
reGISTER Here
Basic manners I
This six-week class is part one of a two-part basic training course. In this class, you and your dog will build a solid foundation of behavioral skills. Your dog will learn how to work around distractions and you will learn how to effectively communicate with your dog. We will focus on building skills such as sit, down, stay, here, wait, leave-it, and drop-it. This class is for all dogs, whether your dog is a total beginner or has had some training. We recommend that you register for Basic Training Part II once you start your Basic Training Part I class to ensure availability.
Six-Week Classes: $250
Wednesday, May 31 at 6:00 p.m. -SOLD OUT-
Tuesday, June 6 at 6:00 p.m.*
Friday, June 16 at 11:30 a.m.**
Wednesday, July 19 at 6:00 p.m.***
Saturday, July 22 at 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 29 at 8:50 a.m.****
Sunday, July 30 at 1:30 p.m.
*Class will not meet on July 4
**Class will not meet on July 7
***Class will not meet on August 16
****Class will not meet on September 2
register here
Basic manners II
This six-week class is the second half of the Basic Training course. There is no orientation, so you will bring your dog to the first class. This course will cover important skills that will help your dog become reliable even when distractions are present. Work on behaviors such as: stay until released, stop pulling on leash, come immediately when called, stop instantly on command, and more.
Six-Week Classes: $250
Wednesday, May 31 at 7:30 p.m. -SOLD OUT-
Thursday, July 27 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 22 at 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 29 at 10:15 a.m.**
*Class will not meet on May 27, June 17, and July 1
**Class will not meet on September 2
reGISTER Here
Online Basic manners
This six-week class is part one of a two-part basic training course. In this class, you and your dog will build a solid foundation of behavioral skills. Your dog will learn how to work around distractions, and you will learn how to effectively communicate with your dog. We will focus on building skills such as sit, down, stay, here, wait, leave-it, and drop-it. This class is for all dogs, whether your dog is a total beginner or has had some training.
Six-Week Online Class: $250
Monday, June 5 at 5 p.m.*
*Class will not meet on June 19 and July 3
reGISTER Here
Reactive and Specialty Classes
Reactive Dog I
This six-week class is for dogs that bark, growl and/or lunge at other dogs on leash. You will learn how to better read your dog's body language and body postures, in addition to learning proper handling skills. You will become familiar with behavior modification techniques like desensitization and counterconditioning while simultaneously teaching your dog skills to avoid conflict and pay more attention to you. We will also teach you how to get out of tough situations with your dog.
Six-Week Class: $350
Monday, June 5 at 7:30 p.m.* -SOLD OUT-
Thursday, June 8 at 10:00 a.m.**
Thursday, June 22 at 6:15 p.m.***
Saturday, July 22 at 10:00 a.m.
*Class will not meet on June 19 and July 3
**Class will not meet on July 6
***Class will not meet on July 27
Register here
Reactive Dog II
In this six-week class, instructors help you solidify skills with additional distractions and new environments. The class is designed to increase your dog's ability to tolerate the presence of other dogs while outside and to teach you how to respond to surprising or unexpected situations you may encounter while walking your dog. We also focus on building your confidence in leash handling and show you how to practice the skills you need to address your dog's behavior.
Six-Week Class: $350
Saturday, July 22 at 11:30 a.m.
Register here
Therapy Dog Preparation Class
Teach your dog many of the skills helpful to prepare your dog for visiting hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities. Your dog will learn how to greet people who are standing, sitting or lying down as well as become familiar and comfortable with wheelchairs, walkers and crutches. Automatically sitting next to your chair and lying under a table are skills that you will appreciate and can use anywhere. Learn to move gracefully with your dog in a synchronized manner as if dancing! This class teaches you and your dog to be the most effective therapy team as well as an entertaining duo.
Four-Week Class: $175
Next session coming soon!
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Sniff this, eat that
Sniff this, Eat that! is an introductory nose games class that shows your dog how much fun searching for a specific odor can be. Your dog will learn to stop on odor and tell you when they've found it. You and your dog can do this for fun and for sport. This low impact sport requires very little equipment and is fun for all ages of both people and dogs. The instructor, Jackie Moyano, CPDT-KA, competes in K9 Nose Work l with her dog Aero. She and Aero have their Nose Work 2 title and are working towards their Nose Work 3 title. Class fee includes a Nose Work scent starter kit. This class meets for 5o minutes each week for four weeks
Four-Week Class: $175
Thursday, June 8 at 9:00 a.m.
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No More Pulling! - A Loose Leash Workshop
Learn tips and techniques to help improve your dog’s leash skills in this 3-week workshop. You and your dog will learn about marker words and equipment plus practice getting into a walking position and leash drills. This class meets for 5o minutes each week for three weeks.
Three-Week Workshop: $125
Saturday, July 29 at 11:15 a.m.
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Teaching Our Dogs How to Say Hi - A Polite Greetings Workshop
Does your dog need to work on their greeting skills? In this 3-week workshop, you and your dog will learn about friendly greetings and body language plus practice treat delivery skills, capturing eye contact, and touch. This class meets for 5o minutes each week for three weeks.
Three-Week Workshop: $125
Next session coming soon!
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Teaching Our Dogs To Think Before They Act - An Impulse Control Workshop
Learn and practice skills to help your dog think before they act in this 3-week workshop. You and your dog will about impulse control plus practice capturing eye contact, drop-it, hand-targeting, and with adding temptations.
Three-Week Workshop: $125
Next session coming soon!
reGISTER Here
Summer Workshops
Sniffari Adventure
A Sniffari is a mentally enriching scent walk where you let your dog’s nose take the lead. Sniffari Adventure is a two-hour workshop where you and your dog will learn about the benefits of sniff walks and take a guided Sniffari Adventure walk to a nearby park.
Two-Hour Workshop: $85
Sunday, June 11 at 11 a.m.
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Loose=Leash Walking
Practice you and your dog’s leash skills in this two-hour workshop. You’ll learn about equipment and practice leash drills.
Two-Hour Workshop: $85
Sunday, June 18 at 1:30 p.m.
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Agility Classes
Agility classes are ongoing, four-week-long, 55-minute classes. Maximum of six dogs per class. Applications for the more advanced classes are at the instructor’s discretion.
Silver Snouts
Celebrating senior dogs and dogs with disabilities! Short drills and safe, fun agility courses offer dogs exercise, cognitive stimulation, and enthusiastic praise.
Four-Week Classes: $175
Sunday, June 4 at 6:30 p.m.*
Tuesday, July 11 at 8:30 p.m.
*Class will not meet on June 11
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Agility For Fun
Perfect for energetic dogs who need a job. Learn basic agility handling skills, verbal cues, and body language to create a deeper connection with your 4-legged companion.
Four-Week Classes: $175
Saturday, June 17 at 6:00 p.m.* -SOLD OUT-
Monday, July 10 at 5:30 p.m.
**Class will not meet on June 24
register here
Advanced Beginner Agility
Novice dogs and their people try out new agility equipment and learn a new handler cue.
Four-Week Classes: $175
Next session coming soon!
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Intermediate Agility
All three contacts are practiced, with an emphasis on safety. Dogs completing beginner-level agility classes build confidence and drive as people learn additional handling skills.
Four-Week Classes: $175
Saturday, June 17 at 7:15 p.m.**
*Class will not meet on April 16
**Class will not meet on June 24
reGISTER here
Advanced Agility
Those completing Intermediate agility are taught advanced jumping techniques, more complex cues, and the art of distance handling.
Four-Week Classes: $175
Friday, June 2 at 5 p.m.*
Friday, July 14 at 5 p.m.
*Class will not meet on June 9
reGISTER here
Junior Handlers Agility
“Junior Handler” is the term used for children ages 9 to 18 years old who participate in dog sports. In this workshop, kids and their furry teammates learn agility basics and practice on competition-grade equipment. Adults in their lives cheer them on as spectators, just like at a national event. It’s truly the dog days of summertime fun!
Four-Week Classes: $125
Friday, July 14 at 3:30 p.m.
reGISTER here
Agility course title (ACT) workshop
This 5-part workshop series prepares beginner-level agility teams for an American Kennel Club Agility Course Title (AKC ACT). Jumpers and Standard course skills are reviewed and practiced before the June 3 exams, administered by AKC Evaluator Janine Castorina. The workshop includes two 90-minute training sessions, two Run Thrus, and exams. All dog breeds and mixes are welcome!
Five Session Workshop: $215
Saturday, May 6 at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 13 at 6:00 p.m.
Friday, May 19 Run Thru at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 26 Run Thru at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 3 ACT exams at 6:00 p.m.
reGISTER here
AKC Agility Course Title Exam Only: $30
Saturday, June 3 at 6:00 p.m.
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Speedway agility workshop
This agility workshop caters to those wanting to compete but are unsure—or nervous—about taking the first steps. Instructor Kristina Maze registers you with Canine Performance Events (CPE), leads a trip to a local CPE trial in Brunswick, Maryland, teaches you CPE SpeedWay games (Pitstop, Slingshot, Pole Position Solo, and Hairpin Team), incorporates SpeedWay equipment at an HRA Run Thru, and helps you complete an entry form to participate in your very first trial August 20!
Three Session Workshop: $100
Sunday, July 16 at 8:00AM
Sunday, July 23 at 3:30PM
Friday, August 4 at 6:30PM
reGISTER here
AC⚡DC - Agility Crew District of Columbia
Agility Crew⚡District of Columbia is a league of intermediate- and advanced-level agility handlers and dogs. AC⚡DC offers a new course Friday nights in the HRA training center. Practice handling skills, work on specific agility obstacles, or run the numbered course as marked. One run thru pass per dog is good for two runs per night. Bringing your own crate is encouraged. 100% of AC⚡DC Run Thru proceeds support HRA animal welfare programs.
Single Run Thru Pass for One Dog: $10
Fridays at 6:30 p.m.
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12 Session Punch Card: $110
Fridays at 6:30 p.m.
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Virtual Classes
Cat Class
HRA is excited to present a new type of training class - one for your cat! Have you ever felt that your cat could benefit from more to do or that they seem to take out their boredom on you and your house? This class can help you understand the “why” behind your cat’s behavior, including unwanted behavior, and ways to resolve it.
The class will also teach you how to train your cat to do cool tricks, which can strengthen their bond with you, build their confidence, provide much-needed mental stimulation for active cats. Take your cat skills to the next level and learn more than the basics about how make your feline friend's life fun and exciting indoors!
Six-Week Online Class: $150
Wednesday, May 31 at 6:00 p.m.
reGISTER Here
Online Basic manners
This six-week class is part one of a two-part basic training course. In this class, you and your dog will build a solid foundation of behavioral skills. Your dog will learn how to work around distractions, and you will learn how to effectively communicate with your dog. We will focus on building skills such as sit, down, stay, here, wait, leave-it, and drop-it. This class is for all dogs, whether your dog is a total beginner or has had some training.
Six-Week Online Class: $250
Monday, June 5 at 5 p.m.*
*Class will not meet on June 19 and July 3
reGISTER Here
Separation Anxiety Class
Does your dog struggle when left alone? Do you return to destruction, a stressed-out dog, or accidents in the house, even though when you are home, none of that happens? Are your neighbors complaining about your dog’s barking or crying? We will show you how to address the variety of issues that can create this complicated problem and how to build your own plan to work to reduce your dog’s anxiety.
This class provides support and coaching to give you the tools you need to develop a plan to work on helping your dog feel more comfortable when home alone. Please note we do not expect this behavior issue to be resolved by the end of the class period, as separation anxiety is complex, and it takes time to overcome the triggers and fears that your dog may have.
Six-Week Online Class: $225
Sunday, June 25 at 12:30 p.m.*
*Class will not meet on July 2
reGISTER Here