Dog Obedience Classes & Private Obedience Training in Glendale, AZ
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 built around our RESPPPECT positive reinforcement dog training philosophy, ensuring a better experience for both you and your dog.
Lastly, every program includes a printed and digital training guide, self-assessment, homework worksheet, and a FREE training treat bag to keep you and your dog on track.
Lastly, every program includes a printed and digital training guide, self-assessment, homework worksheet, and a FREE training treat bag to keep you and your dog on track.
Benefits of Dog Obedience Training for Dogs and Families
Obedience training lays the foundation for a happy, confident, and well-adjusted dog. Whether you are raising a puppy or working with an adult rescue, structured dog obedience training helps build clear communication, reliable behaviors, and stronger trust between dogs and their families.
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.
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.
Dog Obedience Training Programs
Beginning Obedience Training
Private 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 One Hour Sessions – $450
Training Group Class: 6 Weeks – $250
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
* 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
GENERAL AGE GUIDELINE FOR CLASS:
• Typically, dogs over 6 months of age do best in a real world group training class
• If your dog is under 6 months, consider private puppy training or the AKC STAR puppy class
• 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
GENERAL AGE GUIDELINE FOR CLASS:
• Typically, dogs over 6 months of age do best in a real world group training class
• If your dog is under 6 months, consider private puppy training or the AKC STAR puppy class
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.
• 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.
Upcoming Beginner Obedience Training Classes
Dates: Saturdays, September 19 through October 24, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Location: Fletcher Heights Park South
Dates: Saturdays, September 19, 2026 through October 24, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Location: Fletcher Heights Park South
Dates: Saturdays, October 31, 2026 through December 12, 2026, excluding November 28, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Fletcher Heights Park South
Dates: Saturdays, October 31, 2026 through December 12, 2026, excluding November 28, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Location: Fletcher Heights Park South
Dates: Saturdays, January 2, 2027 through February 6, 2027
Time: 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Location: Fletcher Heights Park South
Dates: Saturdays, January 2, 2027 through February 6, 2027
Time: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: Fletcher Heights Park South
Intermediate Obedience Training
At Your Home or Group Class
Private In-Home: 4 One Hour Sessions – $450
Class: 6 Weeks – $250
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.
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
• 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: Peoria, Glendale and surrounding Phoenix West Valley neighborhoods.
• At home practice homework worksheet
• Practice worksheet for real life scenarios
• Free training treat bag provided at the first session
Areas of Service: Peoria, Glendale and surrounding Phoenix West Valley neighborhoods.
Future Intermediate Obedience Classes
Dates: Saturdays, September 19, 2026 through October 24, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Dos Lagos Park
Dates: Saturdays, October 31, 2026 through December 12, 2026, excluding November 28, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Location: Dos Lagos Park
Dates: Saturdays, January 2, 2027 through February 6, 2027
Time: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Dos Lagos Park
Register For An Intermediate Obedience Class Now
Advanced Obedience Training
In-Home or Group Class
At Home: 4 One Hour Sessions – $450
Group Class: 6 Weeks – $250
The advanced obedience program is designed for dogs who have already developed solid foundation skills and are ready to work with greater precision, distance, and distraction. This class builds on all Level 1 and Level 2 obedience cues while introducing more complex skills that require stronger engagement, clearer communication, and improved handler mechanics.
To be successful in this class, dogs must have completed beginning and intermediate obedience, be over 12 months of age, and demonstrate consistent focus in outdoor or distracting environments. This program challenges both handler and dog to work as a cohesive team while refining behaviors for real world reliability.
Overall, this course strengthens advanced leash control, distance cue fluency, recall reliability, and real world proofing so dogs can perform confidently in public settings and everyday life scenarios.
To be successful in this class, dogs must have completed beginning and intermediate obedience, be over 12 months of age, and demonstrate consistent focus in outdoor or distracting environments. This program challenges both handler and dog to work as a cohesive team while refining behaviors for real world reliability.
Overall, this course strengthens advanced leash control, distance cue fluency, recall reliability, and real world proofing so dogs can perform confidently in public settings and everyday life scenarios.
Training Topics for Advanced Obedience:
• Strengthening precision heeling including halts, pace changes, tight turns, and figure 8s for increased engagement and focus
• Advancing leash finesse using Silky Leash work for feather-light communication
• Building reliable distance cues for Sit, Down, and Stand at 10 to 30 feet
• Improving Drop on Recall (Emergency Stop) for safer real world control
• Enhancing Fronts and Finishes for cleaner recall placement and sequencing
• Rally-inspired pattern work blending heeling, pivots, fronts, and transitions
• Developing implied sits during halts and stronger Stay & Release consistency
• Long line recalls around real distractions in outdoor environments
• Strengthening impulse control near triggers including people, dogs, food, and movement
• Practicing short obedience chains that build handler timing and communication
• Proofing cues in new environments such as parks, sidewalks, and busy outdoor settings
• Improving verbal-only performance and reducing body cue “leakage”
SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS:
• Structured pattern games to improve focus, engagement, and calmness
• Guidance for troubleshooting distance cue failures and slowing response times
• Real world generalization and proofing strategies for daily life scenarios
• Homework exercises designed to build endurance, reliability, and skill fluency
• Techniques for handler mechanics including reinforcement placement and timing
• Confidence-building activities that help dogs work through distraction safely
• Advancing leash finesse using Silky Leash work for feather-light communication
• Building reliable distance cues for Sit, Down, and Stand at 10 to 30 feet
• Improving Drop on Recall (Emergency Stop) for safer real world control
• Enhancing Fronts and Finishes for cleaner recall placement and sequencing
• Rally-inspired pattern work blending heeling, pivots, fronts, and transitions
• Developing implied sits during halts and stronger Stay & Release consistency
• Long line recalls around real distractions in outdoor environments
• Strengthening impulse control near triggers including people, dogs, food, and movement
• Practicing short obedience chains that build handler timing and communication
• Proofing cues in new environments such as parks, sidewalks, and busy outdoor settings
• Improving verbal-only performance and reducing body cue “leakage”
SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS:
• Structured pattern games to improve focus, engagement, and calmness
• Guidance for troubleshooting distance cue failures and slowing response times
• Real world generalization and proofing strategies for daily life scenarios
• Homework exercises designed to build endurance, reliability, and skill fluency
• Techniques for handler mechanics including reinforcement placement and timing
• Confidence-building activities that help dogs work through distraction safely
Extra Training Assistance Tools:
• Digital or printed Training Guide covering precision heel work, distance cues, recall drills, pattern exercises, and proofing strategies.
• In home practice homework worksheet with structured drills and repetition targets.
• Relevant real life practice scenarios for practicing skills in parks, neighborhoods, and shopping centers
• Choose a free training treat bag at the first class.
Service Available For: Glendale, Peoria, and surrounding Phoenix West Valley neighborhoods.
• In home practice homework worksheet with structured drills and repetition targets.
• Relevant real life practice scenarios for practicing skills in parks, neighborhoods, and shopping centers
• Choose a free training treat bag at the first class.
Service Available For: Glendale, Peoria, and surrounding Phoenix West Valley neighborhoods.
Next Advanced Obedience Training Classes
Dates: Saturdays, September 19, 2026 through October 24, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Location: Alta Vista Park
Dates: Saturdays, October 31, 2026 through December 12, 2026, excluding November 28, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Location: Alta Vista Park
Dates: Saturdays, January 2, 2027 through February 6, 2027
Time: 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Location: Alta Vista Park
RSVP For An Advanced Obedience Class Now
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.
• 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.
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)
• 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)
Upcoming CGC Training Classes
Dates: Sundays, November 1, 2026 through December 13, 2026, excluding November 29, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM * Location: Oasis Park & Riparian Area
Dates: Sundays, February 14, 2027 through March 21, 2027
Time: 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM * Location: Oasis Park & Riparian Area
Register For An Upcoming Group Dog Training Class
Continue Your Dog Training Journey With Free Learning Resources
Dog training does not stop at the end of class. Consistent practice and continued learning are essential for building reliable obedience skills in real world environments. To support pet parents between sessions, FurBabies & Friends provides step by step training demonstrations, educational articles, and practical guides that help reinforce the same positive reinforcement methods taught in class.
Watch Dog Obedience Training Demonstrations
Our obedience programs are reinforced with structured training demonstrations available on the FurBabies & Friends YouTube channel. These videos help pet parents review key skills such as stay duration, recall reliability, leash manners, and engagement work so progress continues between sessions.
Explore more demonstrations on the FurBabies & Friends YouTube channel.
Explore more demonstrations on the FurBabies & Friends YouTube channel.
Video: How to Build a Reliable Stay Cue for Real World Obedience
Read Practical Dog Training Guides
In addition to video demonstrations, we publish in depth training articles covering common behavior challenges, positive reinforcement strategies, and real life training tips for pet parents.
Popular topics include:
• how to safely handle loose dog encounters on walks
• how to choose the right dog trainer for you
• choosing humane training tools
• preparing your dog for real world distractions
Explore more in the FurBabies & Friends Dog Training & Behavior Blog.
Discover Informative Dog Training ArticlesPopular topics include:
• how to safely handle loose dog encounters on walks
• how to choose the right dog trainer for you
• choosing humane training tools
• preparing your dog for real world distractions
Explore more in the FurBabies & Friends Dog Training & Behavior Blog.
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. Participating in group dog classes can also benefit your dog through positive exposure with new people, places, & things, while also helping your dog generalize obedience cues in new environments with more distractions. 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
* 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.
Photos From Past Classes & Graduates
Take a look at some of our past obedience class graduates and training teams in action. From beginner foundations to more advanced real-world manners, these dogs and handlers worked on focus, leash skills, impulse control, polite greetings, stays, recalls, and confidence-building skills using positive reinforcement training.
Dog reactivity training and dog leash training with a force free dog trainer in Glendale, AZ.
Dog reactivity training and dog leash training with a force free dog trainer in Glendale, AZ.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Obedience Training in Glendale, AZ
What age should my dog be to join an obedience class?
Group obedience classes are designed for dogs over 6 months of age. Younger puppies benefit more from early foundation work such as private puppy training or AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy classes before entering a structured group obedience environment. Dogs of any age can begin private obedience training if they are ready to focus and learn.
How do I choose between private and group obedience training?
Private obedience training is ideal for dogs who need personalized attention, confidence building, or help with specific behavioral challenges. Group dog obedience classes are excellent for practicing around distractions, improving focus in public settings, and building reliable responses in real world environments. Many dogs benefit from starting privately and transitioning into group classes once they are ready.
What skills are taught in obedience training?
Beginning obedience focuses on foundational cues such as Sit, Down, Stay, Come When Called, Loose Leash Walking, and engagement exercises. Intermediate and advanced obedience build fluency, distance work, impulse control, precision heeling, and proofing behaviors around distractions. Each level increases difficulty while strengthening communication between dog and handler.
What if my dog is reactive or fearful?
Dogs with reactivity or fear may begin with private sessions to build engagement, confidence, and handler mechanics before joining a group class. The goal is to gradually improve your dog’s ability to work calmly around people, dogs, and environmental triggers while maintaining safety and structure.
How much practice is required between sessions?
Short daily training sessions of 5 to 15 minutes are recommended depending on your dog’s age and attention span. Consistency matters more than duration. Practicing in different environments helps generalize skills so they remain reliable outside of class.
Can obedience training help prepare my dog for the AKC CGC test?
Yes. Obedience training lays the foundation for skills required in the AKC Canine Good Citizen class, including polite leash walking, sit and down on command, stay, recall, and calm behavior around distractions. Dogs who complete structured obedience programs are typically well prepared for CGC testing.
How long does it take to see results from obedience training?
Most dogs show noticeable improvement within the first few sessions. However, long term reliability depends on consistency, daily practice, and gradual exposure to real world distractions. Dogs working through reactivity or impulse control challenges may require additional structured training for lasting change.
Do you train in real world environments?
Yes. While foundational skills are introduced in structured settings, obedience training progresses into parks, sidewalks, and public spaces. Practicing in real environments helps dogs generalize skills so they remain reliable beyond the classroom.
What makes your obedience training different?
All obedience programs at FurBabies & Friends are force free and rooted in positive reinforcement. Training focuses on engagement, clear communication, and trust rather than punishment. Each level builds progressively, ensuring dogs develop true understanding instead of simply responding out of avoidance.
Explore our full FAQ page covering training, pet care services, and policies.