Training
Our training philosophy is to utilize positive, gentle and fun training methods to encourage a healthy and safe bond between you and your pets.
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We offer a variety of training, and we are Certified Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA) and AKC Certified Evaluators so you can rest assured we use nationally recognized standards and methods to train your dog.
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All Training is now located at 1088 Horseshoe Road
(Just 2.6 miles away from our Dunlap Street location)
Flexible Training on Your Schedule
Introducing LEVELS
How LEVELS Work
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Delaware Pet Stuff offers the most flexible group training classes available known as "Levels Training." Levels obedience and manners training is a group program offering flexible training sessions during the period you are enrolled.
With a levels membership, you have flexible scheduling and we can work around your busy schedule to meet your goals. Check out our schedule to see when each level is offered. Move through all four levels or choose to stay at a lower level until your dog masters their skills. The choice is yours!
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LEVEL 1: STARTING OUT. Level 1 will introduce the basic commands sit, down, watch, and the name game. We'll also work on problem behaviors such as jumping, play-biting and housetraining. All dogs (even those with prior training) start in level 1. Requirements to move to Level 2: Dog responds to watch and can sit and down on command. The dog will respond readily to his name with mild distractions.
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LEVEL 2: MANNERS TRAINING. We'll work on walking politely on a loose leash without pulling, paying attention to the owner while walking and ignoring other dogs. We'll also begin working on come and stay. Level 2 includes problem- solving information for behaviors such as barking, digging, chewing, etc. Requirements to move to Level 3: Dog can walk nicely around the training area with attention on owner (and no pulling) with other dogs 4-5 feet away. Dog will come when called on leash with mild distractions.
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LEVEL 3: ADDING DISTRACTIONS. We'll work on a long-distance come command, stay with distractions, loose-leash walking past distractions, and distance commands. Requirements to move to Level 4: Dog will stay for 30 seconds with mild distractions and owner standing on the leash. Dog will heel past other dogs with loose leash. Dog will come from 20 feet away with moderate distractions.
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LEVEL 4: ADVANCED TRAINING. We'll work on polishing the come command and teaching an emergency come, strengthen the stay command by teaching the dog to stay for longer periods of time at a greater distance from the owner, work on turns and automatic sit in heeling. Level 4 goals: Dog can heel past other dogs and distractions. Dog will stay 10 feet away from owner for 3 minutes with distractions. Dog will come off leash past distractions from 30 feet away.
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Benefits of Levels Training over Traditional Classes:
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Level 1 classes start weekly so there is little wait to enroll your dog in a class.
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All the dogs in each level are at a similar stage in training. This allows instructors to better address the needs of each dog.
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Work at your own skill level for as long as necessary. No falling behind since there is no requirement to move up or time constraint.
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Students can revisit a lower level at any time to brush up on previous skills and to work amongst new distractions.
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Dogs move in and out of each level throughout the training, which provides new dogs as distractions each week.
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Students can take time off if they have a very busy week or go out of town. Just return to class at the same level without fear of falling behind.
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Do you have a dog that you fear may be “socially awkward” in class? Another benefit of the Levels model is we can give Cautious Canines time to adjust to a training environment. We can give these pups distance from other dogs as they learn to adapt to being someplace new. This allows their first level classes to also be a safe socialization experience. Giving dogs the time they need to learn to navigate such a new experience will teach them not only obedience skills but improve their ability to navigate new situations with new people and dogs. Check out our 2 month Hybrid option for your Cautious Canine.
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Levels Pricing:
All subscriptions include:
*Flexible class scheduling (reservations required and classes do have a capacity cap)
*Clicker
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Six in-facility private levels/ basic manners sessions $375
One month $150: 4 classes
Two month $280: 8 classes
Two month HYBRID $325: 4 private in-facility sessions and 4 group classes
Three month $325: 12 classes
Four month $425: 16 classes
Five month $510: 20 classes
Six month $610: 24 classes
*Packages are not refundable and do expire 6 weeks after the package duration
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Current Class Schedule:
Levels (1-4):
Tuesday 6:00 pm-6:45 pm
Wednesday 6:00 pm-6:45 pm
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*all classes are 45 minutes; class times and availability may fluctuate with season
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Reservations:
Since Levels offers so much flexibility we do require reservations for all classes. We can make a standing reservation for you if you would like to commit to a set of dates in advance. There is no set attendance requirement which means you and your dog can work at your own pace and if you need time off you can just pick up where you left off your next class (unlike a traditional class). We are happy to assist you in making your class reservations. Reservations help us determine appropriate staffing so we can keep class sizes small.
Completion steps: Puppy specific orientation included, one 2 hour puppy socialization daycare per week $15 each (minimum 2 classes total)
Next Step: Star Puppy
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Puppy Preschool
Age: 8 weeks- 14 weeks
A puppy’s personality begins to take shape between the age of 8 and 16 weeks. Puppy pre-school is an excellent way for your puppy to start things off right!
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Puppy orientation offers information to help with topics such as potty training and crate training, nutrition and grooming
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Socialization with other dogs, new people, and everyday objects that can be scary to a new puppy!
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Exposure to routine handling they may experience at the vet or groomer.
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This is a perfect choice for a young puppy who needs a few weeks to grow before starting the AKC S.T.A.R skills portion
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AKC S.T.A.R Puppy
Age: 14 weeks - 12 months
The AKC S.T.A.R Puppy class is designed to teach your puppy the obedience basics! All breeds are welcome! Upon completion of the course requirements, you and your puppy will be tested on your new skills to earn a ribbon and the title of S.T.A.R Puppy!
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Sit, down, stay, come, and loose leash walking.
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Learning to tolerate handling by others
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Learning to tolerate brief separation from the owner.
For more information from AKC about the program and title, click here.
Completion steps: Level One orientation, Level One, Level Two, 1 Star Puppy Graduation class (Level details below)
Required: Minimum of 6 classes to show level two skill completion (Levels details below)
Next step: Level Three
Session Length: 12 Sessions
Age: 8 weeks - 6 months.
Prerequisites: Playgroup evaluation and consultation.
Cost: Custom Quote; Contact for Details
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Puppy Preschool and Basic Manners Day Training
Tight on time but still want your puppy to have the best start possible?
Our Puppy Preschool Day Training option might be best for you. You’ll drop your puppy off at our facility and they’ll get to play and learn the basics like crate training, potty training, and basic obedience. One on one instruction.
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Lots of goodies with this package. Let us know if you would like all of the details.
While your participation is still required, we will help you get your puppy on the right track!
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Basic Manners for Adult Dogs
Age: 6 months or older ; Dogs that have completed Star Puppy will go directly to Level Three
This course is designed to teach the basics in obedience and manners and introduces: sit, down, watch, come, stay, leave it, loose-leash walking, anti jumping and wait.
We are always happy to address any individual manner problems that your pup may be experiencing, just let us know!​
Completion steps: Level One orientation, Level One, Level Two, Level Three and 1 Basic Manners Graduation class (Level details below)
Next Step: Canine Good Citizenship (CGC)
Session Length: 10 Sessions
Age: Over 6 months.
Prerequisites: Playgroup evaluation and consultation.
Cost: Custom Quote, Contact for Details
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Basic Manners for Adult Dogs Day Training
Pressed for time but still want a well behaved pup?
Day Training might be the answer for you. Drop your pup off to us and they will play and train in our facility. We will individualize a plan to meet your needs including an initial consult, daily training session (typically 3 per week).
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This is one on one training with your dog.
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Lots of goodies with this package. Let us know if you would like all of the details.
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Canine Good Citizen Group Class
Interested in having a Therapy Dog?
This is the place to start.
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Age: 6 months +
All ages and breeds are welcome in our AKC Canine Good Citizen group class. You and your dog will be tested on your new skills to earn a ribbon and the title of AKC Canine Good Citizen. This class aims to the basics of being a good dog, such as
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Loose leash walking
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Standing/sitting politely for petting
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Listening around distractions.
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Sit, down, stay, and come.
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For testing requirements and more information from AKC click here.
Completion steps: Level One orientation, Level One, Level Two, Level Three, Level Four and 1 CGC Graduation class (Level details below)
*If you choose to test for the AKC CGC title there is a $25 AKC testing fee
Next Step: CGCA, CGCU, Trick Dog, Fit Paws - we can help you decide your next goal!
Date/Time: Contact for Next Class Date
Price: $225 (testing fee included)
Session Length: 6 sessions
Dog Age: 8 weeks - adult
Prerequisites: Canine Good Citizen
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Canine Good Citizen Community Canine Group Class (CGCA) (Intermediate Class)
All ages and breeds are welcome in our AKC Canine Good Citizen group class. At the end of our 8-session course, you and your dog will be tested on your new skills to earn a ribbon and the title of AKC Canine Good Citizen. This class aims to the basics of being a good dog, such as
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Loose leash walking
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Standing/sitting politely for petting
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Listening around distractions.
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Sit, down, stay, and come.
For testing requirements and more information from AKC click here.
Date/Time: Contact for Next Class Date
Price: $225 (testing fee included)
Session Length: 6 sessions
Dog Age: 8 weeks - adult
Prerequisites: Canine Good Citizen class.
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Canine Good Citizen Urban Dog (CGCU) - Advanced
This is the perfect class for somebody who wants to take their dog everywhere with them! This is also a fantastic Therapy Dog Prep class. Urban dog will teach you and your pup how to handle busy environments like farmers markets, dining on outdoor patios, or other public, dog-friendly places.
For testing requirements and more information from AKC click here.
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Novice Trick Dog Classes
Trick training is a fantastic way to bond and have fun with your dog as well as help them gain confidence! In this class, we teach the classics like shake, roll over, and play dead, but we also use agility equipment and other props to teach your dog all kinds of party tricks. This can be just for fun or you can work towards your Trick Dog Title with AKC. The Novice title requires competency in 5 tricks with CGC title or 10 tricks without CGC.
For more information on the Trick Dog Title, click here.
Date/Time: Contact for Next Class Date
Price: $150 class and prep fee for trick submission to AKC $30
Session Length: 6 sessions
Dog Age: 16 weeks - adult
Prerequisites: AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy or Level 2 - Canine Good Citizen
Date/Time: Contact for Next Class Date
Price: Prep fee for video trick submission to AKC $30
Session Length: 1 sessions
Dog Age: 16 weeks - adult
Prerequisites: AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, or Level 2- Canine Good Citizen
Trick Dog Testing
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Is your dog already a trick pro? We can provide props and assist in filming videos to submit to AKC to earn your Trick Dog Title!
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FITPaws Class
Is you dog a natural athlete?
Dogs need to tone their muscles to stay in shape just like humans do and our FITpaws class is a great place to start.
Looking for a new way to bond with your dog?
Our FITPaws program may be an excellent place to start!
AKC Title testing available for AKC Fit Level 1,2, 3
*This class is designed for healthy dogs and is not designed to be for rehabilitation*
Date/Time: Contact for Next Class Date
Price: $199
Session Length: 6 sessions
Dog Age: 1+ years.
Prerequisites: Level 4- Canine Good Citizen Class
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Senior Socialization Classes
Our senior socialization classes allow your older pals to socialize and play at their own speed! Whether they want to romp with buddies, eat snacks, or sit back and observe, your dog will love the added enrichment in their golden years!
Date/Time: Contact for Next Class Date
Price: $15
Session Length: Drop in, do as many as you’d like!
Dog Age: 8+ years.
Prerequisites: Pet Stuff Evaluation
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Teacup Socialization Classes
As owners and lovers of teacup dogs ourselves, we recognize that it can be hard to find them a play mate that is safe for them! Our teacup socialization class is for dogs 10lbs and under who want to play but may be intimidated by larger friends! They’ll get to hang out with buddies, sit in whoevers lap they choose, and play with our enrichment toys!
Date/Time: Contact for Next Class Date
Price: $15
Session Length: Drop in, do as many as you’d like!
Dog Age: 8+ weeks.
Prerequisites: Pet Stuff Evaluation
Other Items
Are you an AKC club looking for an ATT (AKC Temperament Test) Evaluator?
We can schedule an evaluator for your next event.
Our AKC CGC Evaluators are also certified to test your dog's Video Home Manners!