Target problem areas with our topically-focused Level 2 Training Classes!
Group dog training classes in Fort collins, CO
Image Description: A map of Summit’s group class levels, with a red pin labeled “You Are Here” on Level 2.
We know that you want to get your dog ready to be out and about by your side for all of your adventures!
Our Level 2 topical classes focus on specific areas that are common challenges for many active dog owners like you, so that you can dial in on the training goals and challenges that are top priority with your dog!
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Level 1 Class graduation or equivalent private lessons, or experience at another training company – If you have taken a Level 1 class elsewhere, you can join our program at a Level 2 class if your dog also meets the following criteria:
Your dog is 6 months or older.
Your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations.
You and your dog are familiar with the concepts of marker training & reward-based training. (If not, we recommend taking a Level 1 class with us first!)
Skills: Your dog can settle on a mat with ease and hold that position for a short amount of time (10-30 seconds).
Focus: Your dog can focus on you around some distractions. We understand this probably isn’t perfect yet, but if you are joining at Level 2 you and your dog should have some experience with this already from your work in a Level 1 class or equivalent private lessons.
Level 2 classes are offered on these topics:
You can take one or more of these classes (in any order) before moving on to Level 3.
Nice to Meet You
Does your dog jump on people at the door or out and about? Then this four-week class all about greeting exciting new friends politely is just for you! Topics will include door manners and saying hello to other dogs and people calmly while on a leash walk to help your dog create a positive greeting routine!
4 Weeks - $195
Loose Leash Walking
Do you and your dog need some help with polite leash walking and working around distractions? This class incorporates basic leash walking skills as well as more advanced exercises to fine-tune your walk with your dog. The course is great for those looking to improve their teamwork and focus for dog sports, as well as those simply looking for a more enjoyable walk in the park with their dog.
4 Weeks - $195
Recalls & Stays
Solid recall and stay behaviors are essential safety skills for your dog to know, as well as foundational to a lot of fun adventures you and your dog could enjoy together! This class focuses exclusively on training these two behaviors and practicing them around different distractions.
4 Weeks - $195
Cooperative Care for grooming and vet visits
Join us for this class all about teaching our dogs to participate in their own care routines. Cooperative Care is training and conditioning for more peaceful vet visits, grooming, and at-home care. You and your dog will both learn processes for making these experiences the happiest for everyone involved. Your vet and groomer will thank you!
4 Weeks - $195
You can take one or more of these classes (in any order) before moving on to Level 3.
Many of our students and their dogs benefit from taking several of these topical classes (in any order) before moving on to Level 3.
What will you & your dog learn in a Level 2 class?
Click each + to learn more about what is covered in each Level 2 Class!
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Level 2 Nice to Meet You Class Learning Objectives
Teaching you the essentials of supporting your dog through polite interactions with friendly strangers, and teaching your dog how to greet people and other dogs with composure and good manners!
Human Learning Objectives: Teaching Polite Greetings
Setting up a door routine that works for your household & dog
Developing an on-leash greeting ritual that works for you!
Communicating with an approaching “friendly stranger” about how to greet your dog
Supporting your dog through common greeting mistakes & challenges to foster learning
Dog Learning Objectives: Polite Greetings Life Skill
Understanding how to let you know about the friendly stranger at the door in an appropriate way!
Knowing what behaviors they should do as you open the door to welcome guests
Watching calmly as friendly strangers and other dogs pass by on walks
Approaching friendly strangers for a greeting without lunging or jumping up
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Level 2 Loose Leash Walking Class Learning Objectives
Teaching you the essentials of a peaceful leash walk with your dog, and teaching your dog great leash manners!
Human Learning Objectives: Teaching Leash Walking
Leash handling
Setting up leash walking challenges for your dog’s success
Choosing appropriate leash walking equipment
Breaking down leash walking into smaller component skills
Handling leash walking mistakes (pulling, dog out of position, etc.) to foster learning
Dog Learning Objectives: Leash Walking Life Skill
Finding the leash walking position by your side
Paying attention to you on a walk
Walking by your side without pulling
Walking past distractions, including other dogs, food on the ground, and other exciting things
Settling next to you when you take a break to talk to a neighbor
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Level 2 Recalls & Stays Class Learning Objectives
Teaching you and your dog the essentials of building reliable recall (coming when called) & stay skills!
Human Learning Objectives: Teaching Recalls & Stays
Learn how to set up successful recall practices in various environments
Safe long-line handling skills
How to use Recall & Stay cues correctly for the most success
How to use Release Cues correctly to reinforce good behavior (and not bad!)
Handling Recalls & Stays mistakes to foster learning
Dog Learning Objectives: Recalls & Stays Life Skills
Coming when called to a verbal cue and hand signal
Stay with duration, distraction, and distance in sit and down positions until released
Watching distractions calmly without approaching
Coming away from, and running past, distractions
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Level 2 Cooperative Care Class Learning Objectives
Teaching you about Cooperative Care and training for husbandry routines, and teaching your dog how to feel comfortable with handling for veterinary, grooming and at-home care.
This is a summary of our learning objectives for this class. We adjust the curriculum depending on the unique needs of our individual students - and each week there is always time for your Q & A!
Human Learning Objectives: Cooperative Care
Exploring Cooperative Care for relationship-building with your dog
Creating a training plan for your dog’s expected husbandry needs
Dog Learning Objectives: Cooperative Care Skills
Learning positive associations for grooming & veterinary care routines
Routines such as: nail clipping, brushing, restraint for exam, blood draws, and more
How to communicate with you about when they are ready for care routine to start
How to “opt-in” and “opt-out” of care routines clearly and safely
Let’s Get Scheduled for a Level 2 class!
Ready to Level Up?!
You and your dog can move up to Level 3 when:
Level 2 Class Graduation with Summit - You must complete at least one Level 2 class within our program before advancing to a Level 3 class. This is to set all of our students up for success and allow our Level 3 classes to be focused on advanced skills. If you enroll in a Level 3 class as your first service with us, we will ask you to reschedule to a Level 2 class first.
Level 2 graduates & up are invited to join us in monthly drop-in Training Trek classes held at various locations around Fort Collins. We’ll practice training skills in the real life environments that are part of your daily life with your dog!