Group Dog Training Classes in Reading, PA

Enhance Your Dog’s Behavior and obedience with Fun and Effective Group Training.

Build Obedience and Confidence in Group Settings

At The Art of Dog Training, our group classes are fundamental to ensuring your dog is not only obedient at home but also well-behaved in distracting, real-world environments. Group classes allow your dog to practice obedience skills while being exposed to other dogs and various stimuli. This ensures that your dog remains focused, even when faced with distractions.

Location

Classes are held every Saturday at 10am at Trout Run Park.

Please note: the location is subject to change. We will keep you informed of any updates.

Why Group Classes?

Group classes provide a unique opportunity for your dog to solidify their training in a fun, social environment. They help ensure your dog is a good listener in public and can behave properly in distracting surroundings. Training outside the home introduces your dog to real-world situations, building their confidence and improving focus in unfamiliar environments.

Our group training sessions offer:

  • Basic Obedience: Commands like sit, stay, down, and come.
  • On-Leash Manners: Practice loose-leash walking and polite greetings.
  • Socialization: Exposure to other dogs and people in a controlled, positive environment.
  • Behavior Modification: Correcting common problems like excessive barking, leash pulling, and ignoring commands.

Here’s why our classes are effective:

  • Real-World Application: Your dog learns to obey commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “place” on various surfaces and during activities such as pack walks and extended stays.
  • Fun and Engaging: While obedience is the focus, we make sure that the classes are fun for both you and your dog. We incorporate some advanced training and fun games, so your dog continues to be challenged.
  • Transition from Home to Public: These classes take what your dog has learned in private or home settings and apply it to real-world environments. It’s one thing to behave well at home, but it’s equally important for your dog to listen in public spaces.
  • Socialization: Dogs interact with other dogs and people, learning proper behavior around others.
  • Community Engagement: You and your dog become part of a supportive community, sharing experiences with other local dog owners.

What We Cover in Group Classes

Each class is structured to provide both basic and advanced obedience training while ensuring that your dog learns to handle distractions. Here’s what we cover:

Classes cover the following topics:

  • Basic Obedience: Commands like sit, place, stay, down, and come when called.
  • Leave It and Find It: Teaching your dog to resist distractions and search for hidden items.
  • On-Leash Focus: Helping your dog stay focused on you during walks, even around distractions.
  • Recall Training: Ensuring your dog comes when called, regardless of the environment.

We also provide information discussions on dog health, including nutrition, exercise, and maintaining socialization to ensure your dog stays happy and healthy.

Advanced Training and Activities

  • Pack Walks: Teach your dog to walk calmly with other dogs, reinforcing pack behavior.
  • Extended Stay Commands: Train your dog to “stay” for longer periods, even in busy environments with distractions.
  • Place on Objects: We challenge your dog to “place” on various surfaces, such as benches or rocks, to ensure their obedience in different settings.

Socialization and Confidence Building

Dogs are situational learners, meaning they may behave differently at home than in public. Group classes offer the perfect opportunity to help your dog practice social skills, confidence building, and obedience in a safe, controlled environment.

Your dog will learn to:

  • Focus on you: Even when surrounded by other dogs and distractions.
  • Develop positive social experiences: Interacting with new people and dogs to help them become well-adjusted and confident.
  • Adapt to new environments: Teaching your dog to remain calm and responsive in different settings is essential for proper emotional development.

Group Class Guidelines

For the safety and comfort of all participants, please follow these guidelines:

  • Vaccinations: Ensure your dog is up to date on vaccinations, including rabies, parvovirus, distemper, Bordetella, and a recent negative fecal test.
  • Leashes and Collars: Bring your dog on a regular flat leash or a retractable leash (our preference).
  • Socializing: Please avoid letting dogs interact until after group class is over. We prefer to have dogs work first and play after.​

Why Choose The Art of Dog Training for Group Classes?

Experienced Trainers

Our experienced trainers are skilled in dog behavior, ensuring that your dog learns in a safe, supportive, and fun environment.

Hands-On Learning

We believe that hands-on learning is the most effective way for you and your dog to build confidence and develop strong communication skills.

Structured for Success

Our structured group classes are designed to help dogs of all skill levels, whether you are starting with basic commands or refining more advanced skills

Group Class Schedule

Weekly, one-hour group classes

Structured training for both basic and advanced obedience skills

Training materials and resources

two dogs sitting next to each other

Related Services

Explore our additional services that complement puppy training and ensure lifelong success:

In-Home Dog Training Sessions

If your dog needs more personalized attention or specific behavioral modification, check out our in-home training sessions for one-on-one instruction.

Learn more about In-Home Dog Training Sessions

Puppy Training Programs

For puppies, we offer specialized classes focused on environmental enrichment, crate training, and basic commands.

Learn more about Puppy Training Programs

How to Get Started

Ready to enroll in group classes? It’s simple!

  1. Sign up online or call us.
  2. Set up a FREE evaluation at your home.
  3. Start your training journey and enjoy the benefits of a well-behaved, confident dog!
(610) 831-3029

Frequently Asked Questions

All dogs attending group classes should have up-to-date vaccinations, including rabies, parvovirus, distemper and Bordetella. These requirements help keep all dogs safe and healthy.

Please bring your dog on a regular flat or retractable leash.  All dogs need to be leashed to participate.

Dogs with behavioral issues such as excessive barking, leash pulling, aggression or anxiety can benefit from group classes, after completing in-home private sessions to work on those behaviors first. This ensures that your dog is ready to handle the distractions and socialization in a group setting.

Every class is focused on obedience and distraction training. You’ll learn how to work with your dog in an environment with other dogs and distractions. It’s also a great opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance from our trainers on your dog’s progress.

Group classes provide a controlled environment where dogs can interact with other dogs and people. This helps build confidence, reduces fear-based behaviors, and improves your dog’s ability to focus and respond to commands, even in distracting situations.

We expect you to have the tools and knowledge to overcome this with a little bit of practice.  If your dog is really struggling in our group setting, we may offer additional support through more private training sessions. These sessions can help address specific issues before transitioning back into a group environment