Specialty Dog Training in Glendale, AZ
Some dogs need more than basic obedience.
They may need a better outlet for their nose, a fun way to build confidence, calmer door routines, help learning place, or support with a new dog joining the home. Other dogs simply need more mental enrichment and a training goal that keeps learning fun.
FurBabies & Friends offers specialty dog training in Glendale, AZ for dogs and families who want targeted support beyond sit, stay, and come. Our specialty options include dog scent training, trick dog training, door manners, place training, threshold control, new dog introductions, and multi-dog home support.
All programs use positive reinforcement training and are designed to help your dog build practical skills, confidence, focus, and a stronger connection with you.
They may need a better outlet for their nose, a fun way to build confidence, calmer door routines, help learning place, or support with a new dog joining the home. Other dogs simply need more mental enrichment and a training goal that keeps learning fun.
FurBabies & Friends offers specialty dog training in Glendale, AZ for dogs and families who want targeted support beyond sit, stay, and come. Our specialty options include dog scent training, trick dog training, door manners, place training, threshold control, new dog introductions, and multi-dog home support.
All programs use positive reinforcement training and are designed to help your dog build practical skills, confidence, focus, and a stronger connection with you.
Training Beyond Basic Obedience
Basic obedience is important, but it is not the only way dogs learn and grow.
Specialty dog training gives your dog a chance to build skills that fit your real life. For some dogs, that means learning how to search for scent, solve problems, and use their nose. For others, it means building confidence through trick training, learning calmer door manners, or getting help with a new dog in the home.
Specialty training can be practical, fun, or both. It can support mental enrichment, focus, impulse control, confidence, body awareness, and better household routines.
It can also help families choose the right next step after obedience. Some dogs are ready for a small group class. Others need private specialty dog training because the goal is more personal, more sensitive, or tied to the home environment.
Specialty dog training gives your dog a chance to build skills that fit your real life. For some dogs, that means learning how to search for scent, solve problems, and use their nose. For others, it means building confidence through trick training, learning calmer door manners, or getting help with a new dog in the home.
Specialty training can be practical, fun, or both. It can support mental enrichment, focus, impulse control, confidence, body awareness, and better household routines.
It can also help families choose the right next step after obedience. Some dogs are ready for a small group class. Others need private specialty dog training because the goal is more personal, more sensitive, or tied to the home environment.
Specialty Dog Training Options
Every specialty goal is different. Therefore, the right training format depends on your dog, your goals, and the environment where the skill needs to happen.
Some specialty skills work well in a small group class, such as dog scent training or trick dog training. However, other goals are usually better handled through private training. Door manners, place training, threshold control, new dog introductions, and multi-dog household support often need a plan that fits your home, your dog, and your daily routines.
Some specialty skills work well in a small group class, such as dog scent training or trick dog training. However, other goals are usually better handled through private training. Door manners, place training, threshold control, new dog introductions, and multi-dog household support often need a plan that fits your home, your dog, and your daily routines.
Dog Scent Training In-Home or Group Class
Mental enrichment, confidence building, and beginner nose work for dogs who love to sniff.
Dog scent training gives your dog a job they were born to love.
This specialty training option is a great fit for dogs who enjoy sniffing, problem-solving, and working with their handler. Scent work can provide mental enrichment, build confidence, and give dogs a healthy outlet for their natural nose.
Some dogs are ready for a group scent training class. Others do better with private in-home scent training, especially if they need more space, feel overwhelmed in groups, or need a quieter place to learn.
This specialty training option is a great fit for dogs who enjoy sniffing, problem-solving, and working with their handler. Scent work can provide mental enrichment, build confidence, and give dogs a healthy outlet for their natural nose.
Some dogs are ready for a group scent training class. Others do better with private in-home scent training, especially if they need more space, feel overwhelmed in groups, or need a quieter place to learn.
Scent Training is Best For:
Dogs who need mental enrichment, confidence building, focus, or a fun low-impact activity.
Options for Dog Scent Training:
Group Class Option
Scent Seekers, Beginner Dog Scent Training Class
4 classes, $150
Scent Seekers introduces dogs and handlers to beginner nose work in a positive reinforcement group class. Dogs should be comfortable working around other dogs and people.
Group Class May Include
* Food search foundations
* Building search confidence
* Beginner odor pairing
* Simple search setups
* Handler observation skills
* Confidence and focus around mild distractions
* How to continue scent games at home
4 classes, $150
Scent Seekers introduces dogs and handlers to beginner nose work in a positive reinforcement group class. Dogs should be comfortable working around other dogs and people.
Group Class May Include
* Food search foundations
* Building search confidence
* Beginner odor pairing
* Simple search setups
* Handler observation skills
* Confidence and focus around mild distractions
* How to continue scent games at home
Upcoming Scent Training Classes
Dates: Sundays, October 4, 2026 through October 25, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Location: Sierra Verde Park
Dates: Sundays, November 15, 2026 through December 13, 2026, excluding November 29, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Sierra Verde Park
Dates: Sundays, January 17, 2027 through February 7, 2027
Time: 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Location: Sierra Verde Park
Private Training Option
Private In-Home Scent Training
3 private one-hour sessions, $375
Private scent training introduces beginner scent games and nose work foundations in the comfort of your home.
This can be a better fit for shy dogs, senior dogs, high-energy dogs, dogs who need more brain work, or dogs who are not ready for a group class.
Private Training May Include
* Food search foundations
* Beginner scent games
* Building search confidence
* Simple search setups around the home
* Handler observation skills
* Focus and problem-solving
* Scent enrichment between sessions
Ask About Dog Scent TrainingRegister For A Scent Training Class3 private one-hour sessions, $375
Private scent training introduces beginner scent games and nose work foundations in the comfort of your home.
This can be a better fit for shy dogs, senior dogs, high-energy dogs, dogs who need more brain work, or dogs who are not ready for a group class.
Private Training May Include
* Food search foundations
* Beginner scent games
* Building search confidence
* Simple search setups around the home
* Handler observation skills
* Focus and problem-solving
* Scent enrichment between sessions
Trick Dog Training & Freestyle
Fun, confidence-building training for dogs who enjoy learning, movement, and teamwork.
Trick dog training is more than cute party tricks.
It helps dogs build focus, confidence, body awareness, problem-solving skills, and a stronger connection with their handler. It is also a fun option for dogs who need more mental enrichment but do not need a behavior-heavy training plan.
Some dogs do well in a group trick class. However, private at-home trick training may be a better fit for shy dogs, energetic dogs, or families who want custom tricks and one-on-one coaching.
It helps dogs build focus, confidence, body awareness, problem-solving skills, and a stronger connection with their handler. It is also a fun option for dogs who need more mental enrichment but do not need a behavior-heavy training plan.
Some dogs do well in a group trick class. However, private at-home trick training may be a better fit for shy dogs, energetic dogs, or families who want custom tricks and one-on-one coaching.
Dog Trick Training is Best For:
Dogs who need enrichment, confidence, focus, body awareness, or a fun training goal beyond basic obedience.
Options for Dog Trick Training:
Group Class Options
Beginner Trick Training
4 classes, $150
Beginner Trick Training is a fun, low-pressure class for dogs who have completed basic obedience or already have a basic foundation around other dogs and people.
Beginner Tricks May Include
* Touch
* Middle
* Spin and twirl
* Orbit and around
* Weave or figure 8
* Sit pretty
* Rollover
* Bow
* Confidence-building games
* Simple trick combinations
4 classes, $150
Beginner Trick Training is a fun, low-pressure class for dogs who have completed basic obedience or already have a basic foundation around other dogs and people.
Beginner Tricks May Include
* Touch
* Middle
* Spin and twirl
* Orbit and around
* Weave or figure 8
* Sit pretty
* Rollover
* Bow
* Confidence-building games
* Simple trick combinations
Intermediate Trick Training
4 classes, $150
Intermediate Trick Training builds on beginner trick foundations. It introduces more complex behaviors, smoother transitions, creative combinations, and stronger cue fluency.
This class is best for dogs who have completed Beginner Tricks or already know several beginner tricks.
Intermediate Tricks May Include
* Wave hello or goodbye
* Crawl
* Speak and quiet
* Paws up
* Kisses
* Jump
* Bang, play dead
* Trick chains and transitions
* Distance and directional cues
* Creative trick combinations
4 classes, $150
Intermediate Trick Training builds on beginner trick foundations. It introduces more complex behaviors, smoother transitions, creative combinations, and stronger cue fluency.
This class is best for dogs who have completed Beginner Tricks or already know several beginner tricks.
Intermediate Tricks May Include
* Wave hello or goodbye
* Crawl
* Speak and quiet
* Paws up
* Kisses
* Jump
* Bang, play dead
* Trick chains and transitions
* Distance and directional cues
* Creative trick combinations
Upcoming Trick Training Classes
Class: Beginner Dog Tricks Class in Glendale, AZ
Dates: Sundays, October 4, 2026 through October 25, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Location: Dos Lagos Park
Class: Intermediate Dog Tricks Class in Peoria, AZ
Dates: Sundays, November 1, 2026 through November 22, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Location: Apache Park
Class: Beginner Dog Tricks Class in Glendale AZ
Dates: Sundays, January 17, 2027 through February 7, 2027
Time: 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Location: Dos Lagos Park
Private Training Option
At-Home Trick Training
3 private one-hour sessions, $375
Private trick training is a fun, confidence-building option for dogs who enjoy learning or need more indoor enrichment.
It can also be a good fit for owners who want to teach tricks at home without joining a group class.
Private Trick Training May Include
* Sit pretty
* Shake
* Spin and twirl
* Crawl
* Bow
* Roll over
* Custom tricks based on your goals
* Confidence-building games
* Focus and body awareness exercises
Inquire About Trick TrainingSign Up For A Trick Training Class3 private one-hour sessions, $375
Private trick training is a fun, confidence-building option for dogs who enjoy learning or need more indoor enrichment.
It can also be a good fit for owners who want to teach tricks at home without joining a group class.
Private Trick Training May Include
* Sit pretty
* Shake
* Spin and twirl
* Crawl
* Bow
* Roll over
* Custom tricks based on your goals
* Confidence-building games
* Focus and body awareness exercises
Doorbell Desensitization, Door Manners & Threshold Control
Private training for dogs who bark at the doorbell, rush doors, jump on guests, or struggle with calm household transitions.
Doorways can create a lot of excitement for dogs, and the reaction often starts before the door ever opens.
For many dogs, the sound of the doorbell, a knock, or a delivery outside can trigger barking, rushing, jumping, pacing, or overexcitement. By the time the guest enters, the dog is already too aroused to think clearly.
This private specialty dog training program helps create calmer, safer door routines using positive reinforcement training. We work on reducing arousal to the doorbell or knock, building better behavior around thresholds, and teaching your dog what to do instead when people arrive.
For many dogs, the sound of the doorbell, a knock, or a delivery outside can trigger barking, rushing, jumping, pacing, or overexcitement. By the time the guest enters, the dog is already too aroused to think clearly.
This private specialty dog training program helps create calmer, safer door routines using positive reinforcement training. We work on reducing arousal to the doorbell or knock, building better behavior around thresholds, and teaching your dog what to do instead when people arrive.
This Dog Training Program is Best For:
Dogs who need help with doorbell reactions, door manners, place training, threshold control, guest greetings, or calmer routines around visitors and daily exits.
Program Includes:
3 private one-hour sessions, $375
Training May Include
* Doorbell desensitization
* Knock desensitization
* Reducing arousal before the door opens
* Calm behavior around guests, visitors, and deliveries
* Door manners around entryways
* Boundary training at doors and thresholds
* Waiting before exiting doors, gates, or garages
* Place training for calmer household routines
* Polite greeting skills
* Impulse control around visitors
* Safer routines for deliveries and daily exits
* Handler timing, management, and reinforcement strategies
Training May Include
* Doorbell desensitization
* Knock desensitization
* Reducing arousal before the door opens
* Calm behavior around guests, visitors, and deliveries
* Door manners around entryways
* Boundary training at doors and thresholds
* Waiting before exiting doors, gates, or garages
* Place training for calmer household routines
* Polite greeting skills
* Impulse control around visitors
* Safer routines for deliveries and daily exits
* Handler timing, management, and reinforcement strategies
Important Fit Note
This program does not use shock collars, e-collars, or electric boundary systems. The focus is on positive reinforcement, desensitization, management, clear routines, and safer household habits.
Book Your Door Manners Training Now
New Dog Introductions & Multi-Dog Home Support
Private training support for families adding a new dog, introducing a puppy, or helping dogs live together more calmly.
Bringing home a new dog can be exciting, but it can also be stressful if the process moves too fast.
Dogs do not always become friends just because they live in the same home. Some need slower introductions, more space, better routines, and clearer management before they can relax around each other. This is especially true when food, toys, attention, doorways, furniture, or personal space are involved.
This private specialty dog training program helps families create a safer, more structured introduction plan. The goal is to reduce tension, improve communication, and help dogs build a better foundation for living together.
Dogs do not always become friends just because they live in the same home. Some need slower introductions, more space, better routines, and clearer management before they can relax around each other. This is especially true when food, toys, attention, doorways, furniture, or personal space are involved.
This private specialty dog training program helps families create a safer, more structured introduction plan. The goal is to reduce tension, improve communication, and help dogs build a better foundation for living together.
This Dog Training Program is Best For:
Families bringing home a new dog, adding a puppy, managing multiple dogs, or needing help with early household structure.
Program Includes:
3 private one-hour sessions, $375
Training May Include
* Initial temperament and body language observations
* Step-by-step introduction planning
* Neutral introduction setup guidance
* Controlled movement and leash handling
* Household management strategies
* Separate spaces and decompression plans
* Feeding, toys, furniture, and resource management
* Reading stress, tension, and conflict signals
* Building calmer household routines
* Safety steps and management tools
* Follow-up support for early multi-dog routines
Training May Include
* Initial temperament and body language observations
* Step-by-step introduction planning
* Neutral introduction setup guidance
* Controlled movement and leash handling
* Household management strategies
* Separate spaces and decompression plans
* Feeding, toys, furniture, and resource management
* Reading stress, tension, and conflict signals
* Building calmer household routines
* Safety steps and management tools
* Follow-up support for early multi-dog routines
Important Fit Note:
This program is designed for structured introductions, household management, and early multi-dog support. Dogs with bite history, severe aggression, repeated fights, or high-risk dog-to-dog conflict may require a training evaluation before beginning this program. In some cases, a referral may be the safest option.
Reach Out To Schedule A Multi-Dog Support Program
Looking for Service Dog or Therapy Dog Foundation Training?
Some dogs and handlers are working toward bigger goals, such as service dog foundation skills or therapy dog readiness. Those goals require strong obedience, calm manners, focus, leash skills, confidence, exposure, and the ability to settle around people and distractions.
FurBabies & Friends can help appropriate dogs build the foundation skills often needed before advanced service dog task training or therapy dog testing.
A dedicated page for service dog foundation and therapy dog readiness training is coming soon. For now, contact us if you need help deciding whether your dog may be ready for this type of foundation work.
Important Fit Note
FurBabies & Friends does not provide disability-specific task training, service dog certification, therapy dog certification, legal documentation, or public access guarantees.
Inquire About Service Dog or Therapy Dog Foundation TrainingFurBabies & Friends can help appropriate dogs build the foundation skills often needed before advanced service dog task training or therapy dog testing.
A dedicated page for service dog foundation and therapy dog readiness training is coming soon. For now, contact us if you need help deciding whether your dog may be ready for this type of foundation work.
Important Fit Note
FurBabies & Friends does not provide disability-specific task training, service dog certification, therapy dog certification, legal documentation, or public access guarantees.
Not Sure Which Specialty Training Option Fits Your Dog?
Some dogs need enrichment. Others need household manners, confidence building, or help adjusting to a new dog in the home. If you are not sure which specialty training option is the right fit, start with a training evaluation or contact FurBabies & Friends before registering.
We can help you decide whether your dog is better suited for a group specialty class, private in-home training, or a different service such as obedience, leash training, or puppy training.
Reach Out Now To Schedule An In-Home Training EvaluationWe can help you decide whether your dog is better suited for a group specialty class, private in-home training, or a different service such as obedience, leash training, or puppy training.
Need a Different Type of Dog Training?
Specialty training is best for targeted goals beyond basic obedience. If your dog needs a different type of support, these pages may be a better fit:
* Dog Obedience Classes: for beginner, intermediate, and advanced obedience skills
* Reactive Dog Training & Leash Training: for pulling, barking, lunging, freezing, or overstimulation on walks
* Puppy Training: for young puppies learning foundations, confidence, manners, and socialization
* Virtual Training: for people who need training assistance out of the normal in person service areas
* Positive Reinforcement Dog Training: to learn more about our force-free training approach
* Meet Force Free, Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer Kristie Halverson
* Dog Obedience Classes: for beginner, intermediate, and advanced obedience skills
* Reactive Dog Training & Leash Training: for pulling, barking, lunging, freezing, or overstimulation on walks
* Puppy Training: for young puppies learning foundations, confidence, manners, and socialization
* Virtual Training: for people who need training assistance out of the normal in person service areas
* Positive Reinforcement Dog Training: to learn more about our force-free training approach
* Meet Force Free, Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer Kristie Halverson
Experienced Training Beyond Basic Obedience
FurBabies & Friends offers positive reinforcement specialty training for families who want to build new skills, provide meaningful enrichment, solve specific household challenges, or simply have more fun training with their dog.
Kristie Halverson brings more than 20 years of hands-on dog experience and continues her professional education across obedience, enrichment, confidence building, scent work, and practical household training. Every specialty program is adapted to the individual dog, family goals, and real-life environment.
Kristie Halverson brings more than 20 years of hands-on dog experience and continues her professional education across obedience, enrichment, confidence building, scent work, and practical household training. Every specialty program is adapted to the individual dog, family goals, and real-life environment.
Specialty Dog Training F.A.Q.s
What is specialty dog training?
Specialty dog training focuses on targeted goals beyond basic obedience. This may include dog scent training, trick dog training, doorbell desensitization, door manners, place training, threshold control, new dog introductions, or multi-dog household support. At FurBabies & Friends, specialty dog training is designed to help dogs build confidence, focus, enrichment, household manners, and practical skills for real life.
How is specialty dog training different from obedience training?
Obedience training usually focuses on foundation skills like sit, down, stay, come, leash manners, and polite behavior around distractions. Specialty dog training is more specific. It may focus on enrichment, tricks, scent work, door routines, place training, household boundaries, or helping dogs adjust to a new dog in the home. Some dogs benefit from both.
What is dog scent training?
Dog scent training, also called scent work or nose work, teaches your dog how to use their nose to search for food, scent, or odor in a structured way. It is mentally enriching, confidence-building, and fun for many dogs. Scent training can be taught in a small group class or through private in-home training.
Is scent training good for dogs?
Yes, scent training can be very good for dogs. It gives them a healthy outlet for sniffing, problem-solving, and mental stimulation. It can also help build confidence in shy dogs, give high-energy dogs a calmer job, and provide lower-impact enrichment for senior dogs. Dogs who are not ready for a group class may do better with private scent training at home.
What is trick dog training?
Trick dog training teaches dogs fun skills such as spin, twirl, bow, crawl, wave, paws up, rollover, or trick combinations. However, it is not just about cute tricks. Trick training can improve focus, body awareness, confidence, problem-solving, and teamwork between dogs and their handlers. It can be taught in group classes or through private at-home trick training.
Can trick training help my dog build confidence?
Yes. Trick training can help many dogs build confidence because it is fun, low-pressure, and easy to customize. Shy dogs may enjoy simple confidence-building games. Energetic dogs may benefit from structured mental enrichment. Trick training can also help dogs learn how to think, offer behaviors, and stay connected with their handler.
Can you help my dog stop barking at the doorbell or rushing the door?
Yes. Our Doorbell Desensitization, Door Manners & Threshold Control program helps dogs who bark at the doorbell, rush doors, jump on guests, crowd entryways, or struggle with impulse control around visitors. Training may include doorbell desensitization, knock desensitization, place training, threshold control, polite greetings, and calmer routines for guests, deliveries, and daily exits.
Can you help introduce a new dog to my current dog?
Yes. Our New Dog Introductions & Multi-Dog Home Support program helps families create a safer, more structured introduction plan. Training may include body language observations, neutral introduction setup, controlled movement, leash handling, household management, separate spaces, routine planning, and early follow-up support. Dogs with bite history, severe aggression, or high-risk conflict may need an evaluation first.
Do you offer service dog or therapy dog training?
FurBabies & Friends can help with foundation skills for appropriate dogs working toward service dog or therapy dog readiness. This may include obedience, leash skills, focus, settling, confidence, exposure, and public-setting manners. We do not provide disability-specific task training, service dog certification, therapy dog certification, legal documentation, or public access guarantees. A dedicated page for this service is coming soon.