Student Dog Lewis "watch Me"

Group Dog Training Classes in Kerrville, TX

I’ve been teaching group dog training classes at the Dietert Center in Kerrville, TX, since the fall of 2020.  The main class I offer throughout the year is Foundation 1 for Dogs; however, if there is enough interest – I need a minimum of 4 puppy parents to pre-register before I can reserve the classrooms – I will do a Foundation 1 for Puppies in June 2025.

Thinking About Getting a Puppy or Dog?   [new event for 2025!]

Thinking about adding a puppy or dog to your family?  In this presentation and group discussion, we’ll talk about what to expect from – and how to prepare for – your new four-legged best friend, and how to keep your new puppy or dog safe, healthy, and happy.  I’m doing this twice in 2025:

  • January 14 [Tuesday] from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, several weeks before school is out for spring break, and
  • March 25 [Tuesday] from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, several weeks before school is out for summer break.

Foundation 1 for Dogs

This class is similar to the Foundation 1 class described in  Private Training Classes  but conducted in a group classroom setting.  Group classes allow pet parents to familiarize their dogs with a new environment and expose them to other people and dogs.  Rest assured that no expectations or pressure will be put on your canine companion to interact with anyone else.

A little unruliness on the leash is expected during the first few sessions, and there is always a non-stop barker!  However, by the third session, the dogs learn to tune out the other teams and focus on working with their respective handlers.

As an experienced  professional dog trainer  I always encourage students to ask questions and talk about their furry friends.  Each of us has something valuable to contribute to the “canine conversation,” and I ensure my classes are an excellent learning experience for everyone.

I teach my Foundation 1 for Dogs course several times throughout the year, but the scheduling varies based on classroom availability.  First class for 2025 is from March 31 to 12 May.  Class size is limited to 6 handler-dog teams.  Dates for the next class – some time in October – will be posted here as soon as they are posted on the Dietert Center Club Ed website.

Foundation 1 for Puppies

This is a short fun course that helps puppies familiarize themselves with the sensory experiences they will have throughout their lives.  This course focuses on addressing puppy-specific issues rather than learning the foundation skills in PuppySpeak or Foundation 1.  Early learning in Foundation 1 for Puppies includes:

  • getting used to wearing a collar or harness and leash
  • potty training [housetraining] and crate training
  • spending time alone
  • learning what is okay to bite or chew on
  • getting used to body handling in preparation for grooming and vet appointments

The Foundation 1 for Puppies class – my very first – in June 2024 was very stimulating and a lot of fun for everyone.  If you know when you’ll be getting your new puppy, contact the  Dietert Center  to get your name on the waiting list – I need a minimum of 4 puppy parents to pre-register before I can reserve the classrooms – for the next Foundation 1 for Puppies class, hopefully sometime in June 2025.  Actual dates for this class will be posted here as soon as they are posted on the Dietert Center Club Ed website.

Call (830) 792-4044 or visit the  Dietert Center  website to enroll in a group dog training class.  If you don’t feel that the group classroom setting is right for your dog, something in  Private Training Classes  may be a better option.  Please  Contact Me  if you need help deciding.