"It’s not only about dog training. It’s about people training too."

-Leila Grandemange

BEGINNING OBEDIENCE

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Step 2: Real-World Manners & Focus Training

After completing Puppy Class, Beginning Obedience is the next step in building a calm, focused, and reliable dog in real-world environments.

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At A Canine Understanding, this class is part of our Real-Life Ready Dog Training Program, designed to help dogs take their foundation skills and apply them in more distracting, real-world situations.

Most dogs can perform basic skills at home—but struggle when life gets busy. This class bridges that gap.

 

What This Class Focuses On

This 6-week course builds reliability, focus, and everyday manners in real-world settings.

You and your dog will work on:

• Loose leash walking and leash manners

• Sit, down, and stay with distractions

• Reliable recall (“come when called”)

• Impulse control / relaxation training

• Polite greetings without jumping

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Real-World Training Environment

All classes are held in local parks and real-world locations throughout the Vancouver area. Training in these environments helps your dog learn to:

• Focus around distractions

• Stay calm in public spaces

• Listen outside of the home

• Generalize skills beyond training sessions

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Additional Skills We Cover

Alongside obedience foundations, we also focus on:

• Impulse control and frustration tolerance

• Clear household structure and boundaries

• Preventing and replacing unwanted behaviors

• Building consistency between home and public environments

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What You’ll See by the End

By the end of this class, your dog will begin to:

• Walk more calmly on leash

• Respond more reliably in distracting environments

• Show improved impulse control

• Understand basic obedience cues in real-life settings

• Build stronger focus on you as the handler

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Where This Fits in the Program

This is Step 2 of the Real Life Ready Dog Training Program.

After this class, most dogs progress into:

• 🔵 Rally (optional engagement & focus training)

• 🔴 Urban Class (advanced real-world reliability training)

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Class Details

• Dogs must be 6 months or older

• Best for dogs who have completed Puppy Class or equivalent foundation skills

• Limited to 4 dogs per class

• $250 for 6-week course

• Current vaccinations required (DAPP/DHPP, Bordetella, Rabies)

• Equipment needed: 6ft leash + 10ft - 15ft long line

 

Training Philosophy

All training is based on scientific backed positive reinforcement to build clear communication and a strong working relationship between you and your dog.

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We do not use aversive training tools/methods (i.e. shock collars, choke chains, prong collars, dominance/intimidation) during class, nor do we permit use of these tools/methods at home while enrolled with us. This helps ensure a clear, consistent learning environment for all dogs.

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Location

Classes are held in various parks and real-world environments throughout the Vancouver area. Specific locations are listed with each scheduled session.

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Not Sure If This Is the Right Step?

If your dog struggles with focus, leash manners, or listening outside the home, this is typically the next step after Puppy Class. If your dog is having more significant training challenges private lessons may be your first step. 

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If you’re unsure, I’ll help you choose the right starting point.

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                                                     Ready to get started? Enroll online below!

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