Group Classes

At Direction for Dogs, LLC, the goal is for dog training to be both educational and fun, while learning practical skills that you can apply in the real world. These sessions are time-efficient, affordable, and offered in small class sizes so you can receive personalized attention in a supportive environment. Our diverse classes were created to keep training engaging and to promote lifelong learning. When dogs learn more than just the commands, their lives become enriched, and their bond and communication with you grow stronger. The result? You will have a happy and well-behaved family pet.

Group Classes Categories

Essential Life Skills

Neighborhood Prep

Group Classes Categories

Browse our extensive group class offerings. There is something for every interest and level. Although some classes might fit into multiple categories, we have done our best to put them into three groups so you can easily find the perfect fit. If you are still unsure of what class is right for you, then please contact us. For a quick glance at our class schedule, simply scroll down to view our monthly calendars at the bottom of this page.

HOW TO ENROLL - For Group Classes: Click on any of the "Register Now" buttons to indicate your interest in a particular course. We will contact you if any additional information is needed. For an overview of the full Registration Process, please visit the Register page.

Core Skills

Puppy FUNdamentals

Essential Life Skills (Step 1)

Neighborhood Prep (Step 2)

Real World Ready (Step 3)

Focused Topics

Mastering Manners

Loose Leash Walking

Enrichment

Fit Dog Level 1

Trick Training

Pack Walk Club

Essential Life Skills

Step 1 - Home Manners - Teach your dog the skills most needed in and around the house.

Course Goals:

Practice polite greetings and sitting calmly for petting
Master "Sit" and "Down" commands with duration
Teach "Stay" command with distance
Develop reliable recalls with the "Come" command
Achieve loose-leash walking with a "Let's Go" cue
Develop focus with the "Look" command to handle distractions
Build confidence with grooming, handling, and brief separations
Use hand signals and release cues for stronger communication

Course Description: This is the perfect all-around obedience and manners course that every dog needs. Build a strong foundation of practical skills that will make everyday life with your dog more enjoyable and rewarding. This course focuses on the behaviors that matter most from polite greetings with strangers to enjoyable walks. Whether you're navigating a trip to the vet or simply relaxing together at home, these essential skills will strengthen the bond and communication between you and your pet.

Note: This course follows the AKC Canine Good Citizen program. For students that would like to take the CGC test, they can schedule to come back on any scheduled testing days and the evaluator's fee will be waived.

Location: Dawg Day Afternoon, 1571 Horseshoe Pike, Glenmoore, PA 19343
Ages: 6 months & older
Prerequisites: None
Class Size: Limited to 5 dogs
Sessions: 6 total classes, 1x per week, 50 minutes each, includes detailed class notes and homework
Cost: $195
Session E Dates: April 23 to May 28 on Thursdays from 7:30-8:20 p.m. (0 spots open) FULL
Session F Dates: April 22 to May 27 on Wednesdays from 7:30-8:20 p.m. (0 spots open) FULL
Session G Dates: June 17 to July 22 on Wednesdays from 7:30-8:20 p.m. (3 spots open)

Neighborhood Prep

Step 2 - Neighborhood Areas - Practice expanding those skills and also transition to outdoor environments.

Course Goals:

Remaining neutral around strangers carrying objects
Loose-leash walking at varied paces
Passing other dogs calmly without pulling
"Leave it" skills around food temptations
Waiting politely for a duration while you're occupied
Distance stays and recalls with distractions present

Course Description: Take your training to the next level with challenges that prepare you and your dog for life outside of your home. This intermediate course focuses on reliability and control in everyday community settings from sidewalk traffic to park activity. You'll practice distance and duration skills that allow your dog to confidently accompany you around town while remaining calm, focused, and responsive. We will also partake in two field trips to a nearby neighborhood and park to make sure the skills are transferable outside of the classroom.

Note: This course follows the AKC Advanced Community Canine program. A CGCA test is included for everyone during the last class, but each student has the option as to whether or not to officially register it with the AKC.

Location: Four classes will be held at Dawg Day Afternoon, 1571 Horseshoe Pike, Glenmoore, PA 19343 and two classes will be held outside in a nearby neighborhood and local park.
Ages: 6 months & older
Prerequisites: Completion of Essential Life Skills (or a Beginner Obedience course)
Class Size: Limited to 5 dogs
Sessions: 6 total classes, 1x per week, 50 minutes each, includes detailed class notes and homework
Cost: $195
Dates: April 22 to May 27 on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:20 p.m. (0 spots open) FULL
Dates: June 17 to July 22 on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:20 p.m. (4 spots open)

Real World Ready

Step 3 - Public Spaces - Challenge those skills at busy locations and inside public buildings.

Course Goals:

Entering and exiting public building doorways without pulling
Navigating stairs or elevators under control
Heel walking through crowds
Calm around urban distractions (horns, bikes, trucks)
Confident on varied surfaces (concrete, grass, grates)
Controlled street crossings with proper waiting at corners
Ignoring dropped food and trash on sidewalks
Extended down-stays in busy public areas

Course Description: Tackle the challenges of city and town living with your dog. This advanced course prepares you and your dog to navigate the constant activity of urban settings. It will take you out in the real-world to show you first-hand how to successfully navigate inside and around crowded public buildings and settings. You will also build confidence handling fast-paced distractions including noises, moving objects, and various surfaces.

Note: This course follows the AKC Urban CGC program. A CGCU test is included for everyone during the last class, but each student has the option as to whether or not to officially register it with the AKC.

Location: The first class will be held at Dawg Day Afternoon, 1571 Horseshoe Pike, Glenmoore, PA 19343 and the remaining three classes will be held at different local stores.
Ages: 6 months & older
Prerequisites: Completion of Essential Life Skills and Neighborhood Prep (or an Intermediate Obedience course)
Class Size: Limited to 5 dogs
Sessions: 4 total classes, 1x per week, 50 minutes each, includes detailed class notes and homework
Cost: $135
Dates: April 21 to May 19 (no class May 5) on Tuesdays from 6:30-7:20 p.m. (0 spots open) FULL
Dates: June 25 to July 16 on Thursdays from 6:30-7:20 p.m. (5 spots open)

Puppy Fundamentals

Course Goals:

Foundation for effective communication, manners, and bonding with your puppy
Socialization guidance to introduce new people, sounds, objects, etc. in a positive and calm way
Develop attention and name recognition for focus
Teach commands for "Sit," "Down," and "Wait."
Learn the basics for recall ("Here") and leash walking ("With Me.")
Solutions to common puppy challenges like house training and mouthiness
Understand dog body language and developmental stages to manage fear periods and adolescence
Responsible ownership habits including health care and safety
Explore enrichment games and participate in off-leash puppy playtime

Course Description: Give your puppy the best possible start with this comprehensive 6-week course designed specifically for young dogs and their families. You'll learn how to communicate clearly with your puppy while building core skills that make daily life easier and more enjoyable. This class provides a safe, structured environment where your puppy can socialize with other dogs, people, and objects to grow into a confident, well-mannered companion. You will get guidance on everything from enrichment games to solutions for typical puppy behaviors.

Note: This course follows the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program. Upon course completion, each student has the option as to whether or not to officially register it with the AKC.

Location: Dawg Day Afternoon, 1571 Horseshoe Pike, Glenmoore, PA 19343
Ages: 5 months & younger
Prerequisites: None
Class Size: Limited to 5 dogs
Sessions: 6 total classes, 1x per week, 50 minutes each, includes detailed class notes and homework
Cost: $195
Dates: April 23 to May 28 on Thursdays from 6:30-7:20 p.m. (0 spots open)

Mastering Manners

Course Goals:

Improve marker training and reward timing to increase positive behaviors
Learn an "Enough" command to interrupt and decrease unwanted behaviors such as jumping, counter surfing, and barking
Teach "Place" and "Wait" commands to build calmness and impulse control
Troubleshoot common walking challenges and practice "Leave It" and "Drop" commands
Develop your dog's focus with the "Look" command to ignore distractions

Course Description: If your dog is displaying some unwanted behaviors such as jumping, counter surfing, and barking, then this practical course tackles those most common challenges dog owners face. You will learn effective techniques to teach your dog impulse control and calm behaviors, including a "Place" command for managing doorways, mealtimes, and visitors. This class gives you the tools to work through issues and build a well-mannered pup.

Location: Dawg Day Afternoon, 1571 Horseshoe Pike, Glenmoore, PA 19343
Ages: 6 months & older
Prerequisites: None
Class Size: Limited to 5 dogs
Sessions: 4 total classes, 1x per week, 50 minutes each, includes detailed class notes and homework
Cost: $135
Dates: TBA

Loose Leash Walking

Course Goals:

Achieve loose leash walking with a "Let's Go" cue
Use a "Go Sniff" cue to reduce pulling
Develop focus with a "Look" command
Build impulse control around common triggers like squirrels
Learn about training tools to find the best fit for your dog
Practice real world walking skills in outdoor environments

Course Description: Is walking your dog a stressful experience? Do they pull on the leash or lag behind making every stroll a struggle? If so, our Loose Leash Walking course will help you and your dog enjoy a more relaxing, stress-free walk together. In this 4-week course, we will guide you through exercises and techniques to help your dog learn to walk calmly on a loose leash even around distractions such as squirrels. We will start by building a strong foundation indoors, then hold two of the four classes outside to put your skills to the test in real world environments.

Location: Two classes will be held at Dawg Day Afternoon, 1571 Horseshoe Pike, Glenmoore, PA 19343 and two classes will be held outside in a nearby neighborhood and local park.
Ages: 6 months & older
Prerequisites: None
Class Size: Limited to 5 dogs
Sessions: 4 total classes, 1x per week, 50 minutes each, includes detailed class notes and homework
Cost: $135
Dates: TBA

Fit Dog Level 1

Course Goals:

Inspire dog owners to engage in fitness-related activities with their dogs
Boost body awareness and improve coordination through movement
Minimizing the risk of injury through safe tips and proper form
Work on targeting different body parts such as the front limbs and rear limbs
Expose dogs to cardio, flexibility, balance/strength, mental fitness, and confidence building exercises
Learn 10 skills such as a Tuck Sit, Fold Back Down, and Kick Back Stand.

Course Description: Whether your goal is to have a fit dog or just engage in a fun activity with your pet, this canine fitness course teaches you enjoyable and safe exercises for your dog that builds their strength, flexibility, and confidence. It will engage your dog's body and mind through structured activities that can reduce boredom, eliminate problem behaviors, and promote overall wellness. Learn to progress thoughtfully through exercises using specialized equipment such as platforms, balance pads, and cavaletti poles, all while minimizing injury risk.

Note: This course follows the AKC Fit Dog Level 1 program. Upon course completion, each student has the option as to whether or not to officially register it with the AKC.

Location: Dawg Day Afternoon, 1571 Horseshoe Pike, Glenmoore, PA 19343
Ages: 6 months & older
Prerequisites: This course is only for healthy dogs with no significant prior injuries or ongoing conditions.
Class Size: Limited to 5 dogs
Sessions: 6 total classes, 1x per week, 50 minutes each, includes detailed class notes and homework
Cost: $195
Dates: TBA
Dates: June 16 to July 21 on Tuesdays from 6:30-7:20 p.m. (4 spots open)

Trick Training

Course Goals:

Learn impressive tricks like high-five, wave, roll over, and play dead
Strengthen communication and teamwork with your dog
Practice shaping and luring techniques for teaching new behaviors
Boost your dog's confidence through fun mental challenges

Course Description: This engaging course teaches you how to train impressive tricks that strengthen your bond and provide excellent mental stimulation. You'll learn methods for teaching everything from simple behaviors like a handshake to more complex tricks, all while building your training skills in a fun, low-pressure environment. This is a training experience that’s equal parts entertaining and enriching for dogs of all skill levels.

Note: This course follows the AKC Trick Dog program. Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced trick dogs tests can be included for everyone during the last class, and each student has the option as to whether or not to officially register it with the AKC.

Location: Dawg Day Afternoon, 1571 Horseshoe Pike, Glenmoore, PA 19343
Ages: 6 months & older
Prerequisites: None
Class Size: Limited to 5 dogs
Sessions: 4 total classes, 1x per week, 50 minutes each, includes detailed class notes and homework
Cost: $135
Dates: June 30 to July 21 on Tuesdays from 7:30-8:20 p.m. (5 spots open)

Pack Walk Club

Description: Walk, learn, and bond with your dog and other pet parents through our Pack Walk Club! Each month from May through September, we will meet at different local parks for a one-mile group walk while focusing on a unique training skill. Dogs walk near each other without interacting, making it a structured yet social experience that builds confidence and good behavior in the real world. You can also earn points on these walks to use towards AKC Fit Dog titles!

Location: Outside at different local parks
Ages: 6 months & older
Prerequisites: These classes are for healthy dogs with no significant prior injuries or ongoing conditions.
Class Size: Limited to 8 dogs
Sessions: Monthly on Sundays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. from May-September
Cost: $15 per walk or $50 for all 5. (You can register for individual walks or save money by registering for the full series.)
Dates/Topics:
1. Sunday, May 17 - Focus Games - Strengthen your dog's attention and impulse control through pattern games designed to keep their eyes on you and not on distractions in their environment. (Paved trail, mostly flat) (0 spots open) FULL
2. Sunday, June 14 - Parkour Activities - Introduce your dog to the exciting world of urban agility by teaching them to interact safely and confidently with everyday objects such as balancing on a log or walking under a bench. (Paved trail, mostly flat) (0 spots open) FULL
3. Sunday, July 12 - Fit Dog Exercises - Learn some canine fitness exercises like nose touches and spins to improve your dog's overall strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination. (Paved trail, mostly flat) (0 spots open) FULL
4. Sunday, August 16 - Leave It & Drop Skills -Let's work on these important commands in the real world exactly where you need them to work because one day they could keep your dog safe. (Unpaved wooded trail, minor elevation change) (0 spots open) FULL
5. Sunday, September 13 - Pace & Directional Changes - Teach your dog to respond to shifts in your speed (go fast/slow) and direction (move left/right). These skills are valuable for both everyday walks and in canine sports. (Stone dust path, mostly flat) (0 spots open) FULL

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