training services
Metro Dogs is thrilled to present our comprehensive dog training programs! Our training classes cater to a wide range of dogs, from puppies to adolescents, adults, and seniors. Regardless of age or breed, our classes are designed to benefit every dog. Get ready to embark on a rewarding journey of canine education with Metro Dogs!
Metro Dogs uses positive reinforcement methodology to teach you and your pup useful skills. Positive reinforcement means that we emphasize what we want our dogs to be doing, managing and reducing the behaviors we don’t want to see, and we never use force or intimidation. We follow AVSAB, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, approved methods. You can learn more about their position statement HERE.
Positive does not mean permissive – our training techniques certainly emphasize your dog’s wellbeing but that doesn’t mean they get to do whatever they want. Instead, we teach you how to address unwanted behaviors in a way that gives your dog an alternate, preferable behavior. Training should be fun for both of you!
Cancellation Policy:
7+ days prior to first day of class: Full Refund
2+ days prior to first day of class: 50% Refund
Less than 48 hrs prior to first day of class: No Refund
Requirements:
❑ Dogs must be current with age appropriate vaccines
➩ Under 16 weeks, DHPP, Bordatella and Influenza*
➩ Over 16 weeks Rabies, DHPP, Bordatella and Influenza*
➩ *When Influenza vaccine is available at your veterinarian!!
❑ Dogs must be in collar and/or harness & 6ft non-retractable leash.
➩ *Aversive tools (e-collars, prong collars, chokers) are not allowed!!
❑ Bring a treat pouch filled with tasty treats and a clicker if you use one.
❑ Optional: Bring a mat for your dog to relax on during instructional moments (yoga mat, bath mat, thin bed).
Make Up:
If you are unable to attend class, make-up classes may be offered depending on trainer and class availability.
Please discuss with your trainer prior to missing class.
Course List
Metro Pups 101: AKC Puppy STAR Class [8 Week]
[ $168 – 8 week course ]
This is the CRASH COURSE for puppy owners! Metro Pups 101 is open to puppies anywhere from 8 weeks to 6 months old. We cover obedience skills, confidence building, relationship strengthening, socialization to novel stimulus and cooperative care techniques for veterinary and groomer visits.
The course also emphasizes the AKC STAR Puppy requirements — meaning your puppy is being shaped into a Canine Good Citizen! In order to graduate as an AKC STAR Puppy you must attend at least 6 weeks.
Join us before class for Puppy Basics – Social Classroom and get tips and tricks on common puppy problems like nipping, potty training, and appropriate play.
Graduates of Metro Pups 101 are eligible to begin Metro Pups 202!
Class Schedule:
Sunday October 1st from 12pm to 1pm with instructor Bethany
Metro Pups 201: Foundation Obedience [6 Weeks]
[ $150 – 6 week course ]
This course is for puppies and dogs over 6 months of age that have not had any formal training class! This class is perfect for newly acquired pups and rescue dogs! We use science based methodology to teach you and your dog the basic skills needed to live peacefully! Plus, we use fun games and training techniques that are sure to build a positive and trusting relationship.
Next class begins:
Sunday October 1st through November 5th at 1:15pm with Instructor Bethany
Metro Pups 202: Foundation Skills for the Canine Good Citizen [6 Weeks]
[ $150 – 6 week course ]
This course is the next steps for any puppy who has completed our Metro Pups 101: AKC STAR Puppy Course OR for any puppy that has completed a basic puppy course elsewhere. The curriculum of Metro Pups 202 places emphasis on all the skills your dog needs to become an AKC Canine Good Citizen and beyond! This course helps you navigate different dog obedience skills, building relationships, and having fun with your dog — even during the “testy teenager” times!
Next class begins:
Sunday October 1st through November 5th at 2:45pm
Come When Called [4 Week]
[ $108 – 4 week course ]
“Fenton! Fennntonnn! FEN-TONNNNN!”
If this is you — we can help. Using fun, easy techniques, we help build your dog’s recall skills so that you’re not that guy at the park. NO DOGS FOR THE FIRST CLASS! The first session we talk about the science behind training recall, meaning we need your full attention! Don’t worry, you’ll go home with so much information you won’t wait to start training with your pup!
Class Schedule:
August 20th through September 17th (SKIP 9/3) at 9:45am to 10:30am
October 1st through October 29th at 9:45am to 10:30am
Loose Leash Walking Level 1 [4 Week]
[ $108 – 4 week course ]
If you catch yourself dreading taking the dog out for a walk, this class is for you. We will help teach you useful techniques to improve your dog’s leash manners. This class will be a combination of classroom learning and real life application through outdoor excursions. By the end of the class, you’ll feel more prepared for your daily dog walk time!
Next class begins:
October 1st through Oct 22nd at 10:15am with Bethany K
Trick Training Class [4 Week]
[ $100 – 4 week course ]
Teaching your pup tricks is the perfect way to provide mental and physical stimulation while building the bond between you and your dog. Tricks are great to work on during inclement weather or when you don’t have time to give them their usual exercise. Trick Training is also perfect for dogs that participate in Therapy work or spend time with children! The tricks your pup can learn in this class are endless! Bring your own ideas to the table. If you’d like to earn a Trick Dog title through the AKC, learn more HERE.
Next class begins:
Sunday October 29th from 9:45am to 10:30am with Instructor Sydney
Canine Good Citizen [4 Week]
[ $108 – 4 week course ]
Discuss and practice all the necessary skills for the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification. It is recommended that your dog should know how to sit, lay down, stay, and have basic leash skills before joining this course. The class is 4 weeks long and the final class session will be the evaluation day!
CGC Requirements:
- Accepting a friendly stranger
- Sitting politely for petting
- Appearance and grooming
- Out for a walk
- Walking through a crowd
- Sit and down on cue/Staying in place
- Coming when called
- Reaction to another dog
- Reaction to distractions
- Supervised separation
Your dog can pass the CGC test and earn CGC as a certificate only, or you may choose to earn CGC as an official AKC title (includes certificate). With official AKC titles, the title is listed on the dog’s Title Record, and “CGC” may be listed after the dog’s name (e.g., “Princess, CGC”). To earn CGC as an official title, dogs must have one of the 3 types of registration: 1) AKC number, 2) Purebred Alternative Listing number (PAL), or 3) AKC Canine Partners number (For mixed-breed dogs).
For more information on the CGC, visit the AKC website: HERE.
Next class begins:
TBD (send us an email if you’re interested!)
AKC Trick Dog Evaluation (Virtual)
[ $10 per submission ]
Submit a Trick Dog video for evaluation. Taylor will complete the evaluation upon submission.
Sign up for virtual evaluations here!
More information on the AKC Trick Dog certification at the AKC website HERE.
AKC Trick Dog Evaluation (In person)
[ $15 per evaluation ]
One-on-one Trick Dog evaluation at Metro Dogs with Taylor. Dates will be posted soon.
More information on AKC Trick Dog titles at the AKC website HERE.
Canine Inspired Change Therapy Class
More information available HERE.
Day Training Sessions
More information available HERE.
Day Training is available for former and current clients!
Board and Train
If you are looking for Board and Train info, please visit this link: https://metrodogsmn.com/board-and-train/
Classes coming soon...
❑ Cooperative Care [ 4 Week ]
❑ Brewery Manners
❑ Confidence Building
❑ Drop In Training Hour
More information on class details to come!
How do I get started?
You can reserve a training class through our client portal and easily access more details about each class, such as the instructor, and select a class that suits your schedule. Simply log in to your account, click on “New Booking,” and choose “Training Classes” from the Booking Category options. If you need further guidance, please watch our instructional video below for step-by-step assistance.
Meet our Trainers!
Beth (she/her)
Bethany is a Fear Free certified Daycare Pro.
Taylor (she/her)
Taylor is Metro Dogs General Manager. Outside of that role, Taylor has an interest in dog training! As a young child, she taught dogs, cats, and even rabbits! Her interest has always been on training fun tricks. Tricks strengthen the bond between dog and owner and are a low pressure way to work on engagement, grow the relationship, and build resiliency during every day life.
Taylor's dog Dory has a repertoire of tricks she showcases during Canine Inspired Change therapy sessions, so if you want some real show stoppers for children or students, you're in the right place!
Outside of trick training, Taylor teaches Canine Good Citizen Prep classes and is an AKC approved evaluator for Canine Good Citizen, Urban Canine Good Citizen, AKC S.T.A.R Puppy, and AKC Trick Dog programs.
Taylor is a Fear Free certified Daycare Pro.
Sydney (she/her)
Sydney has been working with dogs since 2017, but she has always had an affinity for animals for as long as she can remember! She has spent the last three years exclusively pursuing her love for dog training. This transition helped spark her passion for not only teaching, but also helping create a healthy bond between dogs and their pet parent!
Sydney is currently in the process of earning her degree in behavioral psychology and plans to continue her educational journey within the dog training community, as well. Sydney believes that it is critical to keep current on the ever-changing science and techniques used within the dog industry in order to best set pet parents up for success.
As an advocate for science-based methodologies, Sydney uses positive reinforcement and Fear Free based approaches while training. She has had so much fun putting these practices to use while participating in Metro Dogs Trick of the Month program, and she’s so happy that she gets to share these ideals while teaching the Puppy Basics in the Social Classroom and the Trick Training class!
Sydney believes that training should be fun for all involved, and nothing makes her happier than seeing pet parents and their animal companions succeed!
Training Associations & FAQ
Progressive Reinforcement Training
Here at Metro Dogs our trainers follow the Progressive Reinforcement Training manifesto, written by Emily Larlham, also known for her training YouTube page, KikoPup.
Progressive Reinforcement Training means:
➩ Teaching and reinforcing desirable behaviors so they will be more likely to occur in the future.
➩ Preventing and interrupting undesirable behaviors without the intentional use of physical or psychological intimidation.
➩ Taking the learner’s physical and emotional wellbeing into account.
➩ Continuing to educate oneself with the goal of employing humane, effective training based on the latest scientific evidence.
A commitment to Progressive Reinforcement Training means strictly following all of the above principles not just in training sessions but during 100% of the time spent with the animal.
Progressive Reinforcement Training does not mean:
➩ The intentional use of physical or psychological intimidation.
➩ Intentionally disregarding the learner’s physical and emotional wellbeing.
➩ Holding uncompassionate goals for your training.
Fear Free Training
More information coming soon…
Confidence Building
More information coming soon…
Why choose Metro Dogs University for training?
More information coming soon…
Metro Dogs is thrilled to present our comprehensive dog training programs! Our training classes cater to a wide range of dogs, from puppies to adolescents, adults, and seniors. Regardless of age or breed, our classes are designed to benefit every dog. Get ready to embark on a rewarding journey of canine education with Metro Dogs!
Metro Dogs uses positive reinforcement methodology to teach you and your pup useful skills. Positive reinforcement means that we emphasize what we want our dogs to be doing, managing and reducing the behaviors we don’t want to see, and we never use force or intimidation. We follow AVSAB, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, approved methods. You can learn more about their position statement HERE.
Positive does not mean permissive – our training techniques certainly emphasize your dog’s wellbeing but that doesn’t mean they get to do whatever they want. Instead, we teach you how to address unwanted behaviors in a way that gives your dog an alternate, preferable behavior. Training should be fun for both of you!
Requirements:
❑ Dogs must be current with age appropriate vaccines
➩ Under 16 weeks, DHPP, Bordatella and Influenza*
➩ Over 16 weeks Rabies, DHPP, Bordatella and Influenza*
➩ *When Influenza vaccine is available at your veterinarian!!
❑ Dogs must be in collar and/or harness & 6ft non-retractable leash.
➩ *Aversive tools (e-collars, prong collars, chokers) are not allowed!!
❑ Bring a treat pouch filled with tasty treats and a clicker if you use one.
❑ Optional: Bring a mat for your dog to relax on during instructional moments (yoga mat, bath mat, thin bed).
Cancellation Policy:
7+ days prior to first day of class: Full Refund
2+ days prior to first day of class: 50% Refund
Less than 48 hrs prior to first day of class: No Refund
Make Up:
If you are unable to attend class, make-up classes may be offered depending on trainer and class availability.
Please discuss with your trainer prior to missing class.
Course List
Metro Pups 101: AKC Puppy STAR Class [8 Week]
[ $168 – 8 week course ]
This is the CRASH COURSE for puppy owners! Metro Pups 101 is open to puppies anywhere from 8 weeks to 6 months old. We cover obedience skills, confidence building, relationship strengthening, socialization to novel stimulus and cooperative care techniques for veterinary and groomer visits.
The course also emphasizes the AKC STAR Puppy requirements — meaning your puppy is being shaped into a Canine Good Citizen! In order to graduate as an AKC STAR Puppy you must attend at least 6 weeks.
Join us before class for Puppy Basics – Social Classroom and get tips and tricks on common puppy problems like nipping, potty training, and appropriate play.
Graduates of Metro Pups 101 are eligible to begin Metro Pups 202!
Class Schedule:
Sunday October 1st from 12pm to 1pm with instructor Bethany
Metro Pups 201: Foundation Obedience [6 Weeks]
[ $150 – 6 week course ]
This course is for puppies and dogs over 6 months of age that have not had any formal training class! This class is perfect for newly acquired pups and rescue dogs! We use science based methodology to teach you and your dog the basic skills needed to live peacefully! Plus, we use fun games and training techniques that are sure to build a positive and trusting relationship.
Next class begins:
Sunday October 1st through November 5th at 1:15pm with Instructor Bethany
Metro Pups 202: Foundation Skills for the Canine Good Citizen [6 Weeks]
[ $150 – 6 week course ]
This course is the next steps for any puppy who has completed our Metro Pups 101: AKC STAR Puppy Course OR for any puppy that has completed a basic puppy course elsewhere. The curriculum of Metro Pups 202 places emphasis on all the skills your dog needs to become an AKC Canine Good Citizen and beyond! This course helps you navigate different dog obedience skills, building relationships, and having fun with your dog — even during the “testy teenager” times!
Next class begins:
Sunday October 1st through November 5th at 2:45pm
Come When Called [4 Week]
[ $108 – 4 week course ]
“Fenton! Fennntonnn! FEN-TONNNNN!”
If this is you — we can help. Using fun, easy techniques, we help build your dog’s recall skills so that you’re not that guy at the park. NO DOGS FOR THE FIRST CLASS! The first session we talk about the science behind training recall, meaning we need your full attention! Don’t worry, you’ll go home with so much information you won’t wait to start training with your pup!
Class Schedule:
August 20th through September 17th (SKIP 9/3) at 9:45am to 10:30am
October 1st through October 29th at 9:45am to 10:30am
Loose Leash Walking Level 1 [4 Week]
[ $108 – 4 week course ]
If you catch yourself dreading taking the dog out for a walk, this class is for you. We will help teach you useful techniques to improve your dog’s leash manners. This class will be a combination of classroom learning and real life application through outdoor excursions. By the end of the class, you’ll feel more prepared for your daily dog walk time!
Next class begins:
October 1st through Oct 22nd at 10:15am with Bethany K
Trick Training Class [4 Week]
[ $100 – 4 week course ]
Teaching your pup tricks is the perfect way to provide mental and physical stimulation while building the bond between you and your dog. Tricks are great to work on during inclement weather or when you don’t have time to give them their usual exercise. Trick Training is also perfect for dogs that participate in Therapy work or spend time with children! The tricks your pup can learn in this class are endless! Bring your own ideas to the table. If you’d like to earn a Trick Dog title through the AKC, learn more HERE.
Next class begins:
Sunday October 29th from 9:45am to 10:30am with Instructor Sydney
Canine Good Citizen [4 Week]
[ $108 – 4 week course ]
Discuss and practice all the necessary skills for the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification. It is recommended that your dog should know how to sit, lay down, stay, and have basic leash skills before joining this course. The class is 4 weeks long and the final class session will be the evaluation day!
CGC Requirements:
- Accepting a friendly stranger
- Sitting politely for petting
- Appearance and grooming
- Out for a walk
- Walking through a crowd
- Sit and down on cue/Staying in place
- Coming when called
- Reaction to another dog
- Reaction to distractions
- Supervised separation
Your dog can pass the CGC test and earn CGC as a certificate only, or you may choose to earn CGC as an official AKC title (includes certificate). With official AKC titles, the title is listed on the dog’s Title Record, and “CGC” may be listed after the dog’s name (e.g., “Princess, CGC”). To earn CGC as an official title, dogs must have one of the 3 types of registration: 1) AKC number, 2) Purebred Alternative Listing number (PAL), or 3) AKC Canine Partners number (For mixed-breed dogs).
For more information on the CGC, visit the AKC website: HERE.
Next class begins:
TBD (send us an email if you’re interested!)
AKC Trick Dog Evaluation (Virtual)
[ $10 per submission ]
Submit a Trick Dog video for evaluation. Taylor will complete the evaluation upon submission.
Sign up for virtual evaluations here!
More information on the AKC Trick Dog certification at the AKC website HERE.
AKC Trick Dog Evaluation (In person)
[ $15 per evaluation ]
One-on-one Trick Dog evaluation at Metro Dogs with Taylor. Dates will be posted soon.
More information on AKC Trick Dog titles at the AKC website HERE.
Canine Inspired Change Therapy Class
More information available HERE.
Day Training Sessions
More information available HERE.
Day Training is available for former and current clients!
Board and Train
If you are looking for Board and Train info, please visit this link: https://metrodogsmn.com/board-and-train/
Classes coming soon...
❑ Cooperative Care [ 4 Week ]
❑ Brewery Manners
❑ Confidence Building
❑ Drop In Training Hour
More information on class details to come!
How do I get started?
You can reserve a training class through our client portal and easily access more details about each class, such as the instructor, and select a class that suits your schedule. Simply log in to your account, click on “New Booking,” and choose “Training Classes” from the Booking Category options. If you need further guidance, please watch our instructional video below for step-by-step assistance.
Meet our Trainers!
Beth (she/her)
- Head Trainer
Beth has been with Metro Dogs since September of 2021 as a daycare handler, and took over as trainer for Trick of the Month and Puppy Pre-K in April of 2022. She has spent her entire life surrounded by all kinds of dogs, but most frequently herding breeds (breeds that she now adores!). Growing up in the Chicagoland area and then attending the University of North Dakota for her undergraduate degree, Beth is no stranger to cold, snowy winters! Beth adores working at Metro Dogs because of how rewarding it is to get to build bonds with each dog that comes in, whether it be in group or training one-on-one. She is currently a Minneapolis resident that lives with her AHS rescue, Pete (an Aussie / Coonhound mix, not-so-surprisingly!) and adores spending most of her free time with him by her side. As of June 2023, Beth earned her CCDT, graduating with distinction from Catch Canine Trainers Academy.
Bethany is a Fear Free certified Daycare Pro.
Taylor (she/her)
- General Manager
Although new to Metro Dogs in 2021, Taylor is no stranger to the Metro Dogs team. She had worked at our sister company, Dog Days St Paul, for 6 years! Her other professional jobs have included working at an animal shelter for many years, dog training, doggy daycares and boarding facilities, and at a veterinary clinic. Taylor received her Bachelor’s degree in Companion Animal Science from the U of MN. You could say animals have been her actual entire life. Taylor’s favorite part about Metro Dogs is that the goals of the business align with her own personal philosophies on dog care. Taylor lives in Northeast with her partner, her two cats, Ed and Otis, and her golden retriever, Dory (@dory_of_mpls). You will often find her with a RAGOM foster pup in tow, too. Taylor spends her time outdoors in any weather (Dory loves them all, rain, snow, or shine), enjoys local restaurants and breweries, and home cooking. Taylor is an approved AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator and AKC Puppy S.T.A.R trainer.
Taylor is a Fear Free certified Daycare Pro.
Sydney (she/her)
Sydney has been working with dogs since 2017, but she has always had an affinity for animals for as long as she can remember! She has spent the last three years exclusively pursuing her love for dog training. This transition helped spark her passion for not only teaching, but also helping create a healthy bond between dogs and their pet parent!
Sydney is currently in the process of earning her degree in behavioral psychology and plans to continue her educational journey within the dog training community, as well. Sydney believes that it is critical to keep current on the ever-changing science and techniques used within the dog industry in order to best set pet parents up for success.
As an advocate for science-based methodologies, Sydney uses positive reinforcement and Fear Free based approaches while training. She has had so much fun putting these practices to use while participating in Metro Dogs Trick of the Month program, and she’s so happy that she gets to share these ideals while teaching the Puppy Basics in the Social Classroom and the Trick Training class!
Sydney believes that training should be fun for all involved, and nothing makes her happier than seeing pet parents and their animal companions succeed!
Trainer Associations & FAQ
Progressive Reinforcement Training
Here at Metro Dogs our trainers follow the Progressive Reinforcement Training manifesto, written by Emily Larlham, also known for her training YouTube page, KikoPup.
Progressive Reinforcement Training means:
➩ Teaching and reinforcing desirable behaviors so they will be more likely to occur in the future.
➩ Preventing and interrupting undesirable behaviors without the intentional use of physical or psychological intimidation.
➩ Taking the learner’s physical and emotional wellbeing into account.
➩ Continuing to educate oneself with the goal of employing humane, effective training based on the latest scientific evidence.
A commitment to Progressive Reinforcement Training means strictly following all of the above principles not just in training sessions but during 100% of the time spent with the animal.
Progressive Reinforcement Training does not mean:
➩ The intentional use of physical or psychological intimidation.
➩ Intentionally disregarding the learner’s physical and emotional wellbeing.
➩ Holding uncompassionate goals for your training.
Fear Free Training
More information coming soon…
Confidence Building
More information coming soon…
Why choose Metro Dogs University for training?
More information coming soon…