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Dog Obedience Classes in Glendale AZ with FurBabies & Friends

Tired of being dragged down the street or embarrassed by your dog’s behavior in front of guests?  FurBabies & Friends offers dog obedience classes in Glendale AZ, group dog training classes, and private dog training to help your pup build real-world manners in a way that’s positive, effective, and tailored to your lifestyle. Whether you're looking to improve basic skills, preparing for public outings, or earning your AKC CGC certification, we have a program to fit your needs. Most importantly, all of our training is force-free and rooted in reward-based methods, ensuring a better experience for both you and your dog.

Lastly, every program includes a printed training guide, self-assessment, homework worksheets, and a FREE training treat bag to keep you and your dog on track.

Why Dog Obedience Training Matters

Obedience training lays the foundation for a happy, confident, and well-adjusted dog. According to the American Kennel Club, obedience training is not just about teaching your dog to sit or stay, it’s about creating a dog who’s a joy to live with. A well-trained dog can safely enjoy more freedom, participate in more family activities, and thrive in more environments.

The Animal Humane Society further highlights that dogs who receive positive, consistent training are significantly less likely to develop serious behavioral problems. What’s more, trained dogs are far less likely to be surrendered to shelters due to preventable issues like jumping, biting, or aggression.

At FurBabies & Friends, we use science-backed, force-free methods that promote:

* Clear, respectful communication between you and your dog
* Safer responses in high-risk or stimulating environments
* Reduced frustration and anxiety for both dog and handler
* Lifelong habits that lead to better behavior and stronger bonds

In the end, dog training is more than just teaching obedience cues.  It's about helping you create a partnership based on trust, consistency, and compassion for a lifetime.

Upcoming Dog Obedience Classes

Start Date Start Time End Time Event Name # of Classes
September 27, 2025 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 9/27/25 Beginner Obedience & Manners Group Dog Training Class 8
September 27, 2025 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 9/27/25 Intermediate Obedience & Manners Group Training Class 8
October 25, 2025 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 10/25/25 Intermediate Obedience & Manners Group Training Class 8
October 25, 2025 12:00 PM 1:00 PM 10/25/25 Beginner Obedience & Manners Group Dog Training Class 8
January 3, 2026 10:30 AM 11:30 AM 1/3/26 Beginner Obedience & Manners Group Dog Training Class 8
January 3, 2026 8:30 AM 9:30 AM 1/3/26 Intermediate Obedience & Manners Group Training Class 8
January 3, 2026 12:30 PM 1:30 PM 1/3/26 Advanced Obedience & Manners Group Training Class 8
February 28, 2026 8:30 AM 9:30 AM 2/28/26 Beginner Obedience & Manners Group Dog Training Class 8
February 28, 2026 10:30 AM 11:30 AM 2/28/26 Advanced Obedience & Manners Group Training Class 8
February 28, 2026 12:30 PM 1:30 PM 2/28/26 Intermediate Obedience & Manners Group Training Class 8

Multiple Dog Training Class Options

Brindle pitbull mix Tigger, showed off his skills during his beginning dog obedience graduation performance with FurBabies & Friends in Glendale, AZPositive reinforcement dog trainer, Kristie Halverson with FurBabies & Friends, helping two dogs learn the down cue during a beginner obedience group training class in Glendale, AZ.Positive reinforcement dog trainer, Kristie Halverson, teaching obedience to two dogs during a group training class in Glendale, AZ.Maverick the boxer showed off his skill and smarts in the beginning dog obedience class with FurBabies & Friends in Glendale, AZ>

Beginning Obedience Training
In-Home or Group Class Options

Depending on your dog, and on you, different training options may be preferrable over others.  Some pet parents opt for private dog training.  Whereas some prefer group dog training classes.  No matter what your preference, FurBabies & Friends has both options for to get your started on your beginning obedience journey.

In-Home: 4 Sessions – $450
Training Group Class: 8 Weeks – $350

First off, no matter the age, a dog with solid obedience is always a joy to be around.  Which is why obedience is not just for the youngsters, it's applicable to all dogs including:

* Newly adopted dogs

* Adolescent dogs in need of structure

* Adult dogs needing a refresh on basics

Core Beginning Obedience Skills Covered:

• Sit, Down, Stand
• Watch (Focus)
• Off (People & Surfaces)
• Stay and Release
• Come When Called
• Name Recall
• Loose Leash Walking

BONUS TOPICS INCLUDE:

• Positive marker words & clicker training
• Understanding a dogs learning journey
• Avoiding poisoning dog cues
• Using pattern games for training
• Keeping you & your dog safe when in public

Supplemental Training Assistance Tools:

• A complete Training Guide for all beginning obedience cues, education, reinforcement tips, videos & practice exercises
• Homework worksheet to guide at home practice
• Real life relevance practice worksheet
• Clicker
• Complimentary training treat bag provided at the first session

Service Area: Glendale, Peoria, and surrounding Phoenix West Valley neighborhoods.
FurBabies & Friends beginning obedience group class dog training in Glendale, AZ flyerReach Out To Start Your Dogs In Home Beginning Obedience Journey Now Visit Our Classes & Events Calendar For Upcoming Classes & To Register
Zakiya the Doberman excelled and proudly graduated from FurBabies & Friends Intermediate obedience dog training group class in Glendale, AZ.Kipo the black Kelpie poses distinguishably for her graduation celebration from FurBabies & Friends intermediate group training class in Glendale, AZ.Sage the brindle rescued pitbull showed what the breed is capable of by graduating from both beginner and intermediate obedience dog training group classes with FurBabies & Friends in Glendale, AZ.Luna the Golden Retriever was all smiles during her graduation from intermediate obedience class with FurBabies & Friends in Glendale, AZ.

Intermediate Obedience Training
In-Home or Group Class

Private In-Home: 4 Sessions – $450
Class: 8 Weeks – $350

The intermediate obedience program is designed for dogs who have mastered the basics and are ready for more complex tasks and real-world challenges. In order to be successful in this class dogs must be over 6 months of age, completed beginning obedience, and have the ability to focus and work in more distracting environments.

Overall, this course strengthens impulse control, transitions between commands, and sharpens responses in public settings.

Key Intermediate Obedience Training Topics:

• Expanding on beginning obedience cues building fluency & practicing position changes
• Advancing beginner cues with movement tasks
• Solidifying loose leash walking
• Heel & Reel - leash walking placement
• Pivot & Directional Changes Verbally
• Wait & Back - Boundary Control
• Touch Targeting
• Front, Middle & Behind
• Orbit, Weave, Spin & Twirl
• Back Up

EXTRA CLASS BONUS'S INCLUDE:

• Implementing & understanding pattern games in training
• Troubleshooting engagement issues
• Learning protocols for dog to dog or dog to human introductions
• Tactics and tools in your environment to keep training fun while increasing difficulty
• 101 Things to Do With a Box Exercise

Program Training Assistance Tools:

• Printed or digital Training Guide for all intermediate obedience cues, education, reinforcement tips, videos & practice exercises.
• At home practice homework worksheet
• Practice worksheet for real life scenarios
• Free training treat bag provided at the first session

Areas of Service: Glendale, Peoria, and surrounding Phoenix West Valley neighborhoods.
FurBabies & Friends intermediate group dog obedience classes in Glendale, AZ flyer.Contact Now To Start Your Intermediate Obedience Training Journey
Check Out Our Classes & Events Calendar to Sign up For A Class
Simba the XL Bully graduates from advanced obedience training with FurBabies & Friends in Glendale, AZ.Apollo the black pitbull excelled at advanced obedience training class with FurBabies & Friends in Glendale, AZ.Tigger the brindled pitbull mix sits proudly for his advanced obedience training class graduation photos with FurBabies & Friends.Jazzy the Golden Retriever smiles widely during her advanced obedience training graduation photoshoot with FurBabies & Friends.

Advanced Obedience Training
In-Home or Group Class

 At Home: 4 Sessions – $450
Group Class: 8 Weeks – $350

Launching in Fall 2025, this program is built for dogs who already have intermediate skills.  Participants must be ready for precision training and off-leash reliability in high-distraction environments.

Come back for full curriculum details!



Extra Training Assistance Tools:

• Digital or printed Training Guide for all advanced obedience cues, education, reinforcement tips, videos & practice exercises.
• In home practice homework worksheet
• Relevant real life practice scenarios

Service Available For: Glendale, Peoria, and surrounding Phoenix West Valley neighborhoods.
Start Your Advanced Obedience Training Journey Now
Sign Up For Future Classes Through the Classes & Events Calendar
Kristie Halverson is an approved AKC Star Puppy and CGC Evaluator.Pet parents working with their husky mix on a distance stay during FurBabies & Friends CGC Prep Class in Glendale, AZ.Pet parents and their dogs practice leash manners and crowd walking as part of FurBabies & Friends Canine Good Citizen prep dog training class.AKC's Canine Good Citizen CGC logo.

AKC Canine Good Citizen Group Class
Also Known As CGC

Ready to turn your dog into a confident, mannerly superstar? This 6-Week AKC CGC Class is a fun, paws-on training adventure held in the beautiful parks of West Valley, Phoenix. In this course, we’ll help you and your pup master the 10 skills needed to earn the AKC CGC title, the gold standard of polite dog behavior.

Group Class: 6 Weeks – $250

This class is not just about passing a test.  Realistically, it’s about strengthening the bond with your dog while working toward your dog being a good canine citizen. Imagine strolling through the park with a loose leash, or hosting guests without worrying about your dogs manners. Kristie will help you get there with gentle guidance and dog-centric fun. Each session includes Q&A and personalized tips.  So, whether your pup is a rambunctious teenager or a shy rescue, she tailors the training to help them shine. Join this CGC Class and become the proud parent of an official “Canine Good Citizen”! Last but not least, your dog will love the socialization and confidence-building; you’ll love the results of having a polite pup who’s welcome everywhere.

Requirements for CGC Class & Test:

• Only dogs that are behaviorally healthy and show no dog or human aggression signs.
• Canines must be at least 6 months of age at the start of class with no upper age limit.
• Rabies and Distemper/Parvo vaccination records or titers must be provided before the first class for the AKC; however, FurBabies & Friends also requires Bordetella vaccinations due to group class environment.
• No shock collars, e-collars, prong collars or choke chains allowed in class.
• Final test does not allow for leash training tools such as halti's/gentle leaders or easy walk harnesses, all dogs must be able to walk politely with a collar or harness.
• During the final test, treats and rewards are not allowed but verbal & physical rewards are.

10 Test Items CGC Class Prepares You For:

1 & 2: A friendly “stranger” approaches and greets the handler, then pets the dog.
3: The evaluator brushes the dog briefly and handles paws/ears.
4: Parent and dog do a quick loose-leash walk with turns and a stop.
5: Owner and dog weave through or by a small “crowd” of a few people.
6: Dog sits and downs on command, then does a 20-ft stay (we use the long line for safety).
7: Handler calls the dog to come from 10 feet away (using the long line).
8: The handler and a partner approach each other with dogs, do the brief greeting.
9: Two distractions are presented (for example, a noise and a moving object).
10: The dog is left with the evaluator for a three-minute supervised separation.

Tools to Assist in your CGC Journey

• CGC class training packet both printed & digital with detailed step-by-step instructions, explanation on test items, exercises to implement for each test item, troubleshooting, and corresponding videos.
• Weekly homework handouts
• Real-life enrichment and confidence-building exercises
• Certificate of completion (for all graduates) to register with the AKC
• Official AKC CGC certificate (for passing students)

Future Classes

Go To The Classes & Events Calendar To Register for an Upcoming CGC Class
Start Date Start Time End Time Event Name # of Classes
September 27, 2025 12:00 PM 1:00 PM 9/27/25 AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep Class & Test 6
January 3, 2026 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 1/3/26 AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep Class & Test 6
April 11, 2026 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 4/11/26 AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep Class & Test 6

Why Invest in Dog Obedience Classes?

Positive obedience training is about more than just following commands.  In essence, it’s about creating respectful communication between you and your dog. With the right tools and guidance, your pup can:

* Stop jumping, pulling, and ignoring cues

* Develop self-control, focus, and calm behaviors

* Handle distractions, crowds, and social settings with confidence

* Build a stronger relationship with you through clear expectations

Meet Your Positive Obedience Trainer

Kristie Halverson is the owner of FurBabies & Friends.   Another key point is with 20 years of rescue experience and coming up on a decade as a professional force-free dog trainer, you can rest assured you're in capable hands. Additionally, she specializes in working with bully breeds, reactive dogs, and family pets.  Finally, Kristie is also an approved AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy & Canine Good Citizen evaluator.

Dog Obedience Training F.A.Q.s

How do I choose between private or group training?

Private training is great for dogs who need one-on-one help, personalized support, or behavior-specific work. Group dog training classes are ideal for socialization and practicing around distractions. If your dog is more fearful, private obedience training is probably the right place to start. With that said, the goal is to help your dog build enough confidence to successfully expose her to new people, places and things for continued growth. In the end, most people want a dog to go places with them.  When our dogs or puppies don't build their confidence, curiosity, & problem solving skills, they may never reach their potentail.

What if my dog is reactive or fearful?

We offer customized solutions for dogs with big feelings. Kristie will help determine the best setting be it private sessions, day training, or modified group dog training class options to get your dog in a happier, healthy state of mind when in public.

What age is best for obedience training?

Based on past history, Kristie requires that all dogs in group classes be over 6 months of age. This rule is in place as she believes pet parents should be focusing on other core foundations with their puppies.  In all reality, obedience can be taught at any age. Next, most puppies under 6 months don't have the ability to focus for as long, are easily distracted, or have not had enough socialization to successfully learn in a new stimulating environment. Often, pet parents tend to get frustrated with their young puppy.  However, when you think about it, it's like asking a kindergartener to go to 8th grade. The puppy just wasn't ready mentally, physically, or emotionally for that challenge.

Should pet parents with puppies under 6 month wish to start private obedience training with their puppy so they can learn and practice, Kristie is always happy to assist.

What should I bring to class?

A 4–6 ft non retractable leash, leash walking tools such as a head collar, flat collar or harness.  Above all, bring lots of different value treats! Lastly, all participants should come with patience, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to follow through at home! Everything else, Kristie will happily walk you through.
Still Have Questions? Check Out Our Comprehensive FAQ Page
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(623) 715-4777
6339 W. Tonopah Dr.
Glendale, AZ  85308