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Classes

To sign up for training classes or private lessons,

please use our ProPet system:

 

New Clients Register Here
Existing Clients
TRAINING ORIENTATION

The Training Orientation is your first step in taking dog training classes with KARE. In this (*FREE*) workshop, you will learn how to read your dog’s body language, the fundamentals of positive reinforcement training, and practice training skills. KARE offers this workshop before each class cycle/approximately every 2 months, or as a self-paced course. This is a PEOPLE-ONLY workshop, please leave your dog at home.

NOTE: ATTENDING TRAINING ORIENTATION IS REQUIRED BEFORE COMING TO ANY OTHER KARE DOG TRAINING CLASS OR WORKSHOP. *EXCEPTIONS INCLUDE: Puppy Playdate, Therapy/CGC Practice Class, Clickin’ Chicken, & Introduction to Dog Behavior.

SELECT CLASSES BELOW FOR REGISTRATION INFO

Next Training Orientations: Dates TBD

  • All ProPet accounts receive newsletters announcing open registrations. If you do not have a ProPet account with KARE, you can sign up here.
  • Please email info@nwkare.org with any questions.

 

Dog Training Classes

Beginning, intermediate, and advanced classes are provided in a group setting to work on skills and socialization for dogs of all ages! Our upcoming classes are:

*free* dog walkabout

Join KARE trainers for this *FREE* public dog walkabout! Dogs of all ages welcome, reactive dogs with no bite history welcome. Trainers are in attendance to answer questions, offer tips and assistance.

SUNDAYS 2:30PM – 3:30PM

  • Sept 13th at Island Lake Park – Meeting in Parking Lot 507 (lot after the recreation area). All dogs welcome
  • Sept 27th at Port Gamble Park – Meeting in the parking lot near the Quilted Strait building. All dogs welcome
  • Oct 11th at Island Lake Park – Meeting in the recreation area parking lot. *PLEASE NOTE: For reactive dog owners, this walk will require passing a playground and there will be a brief (5-10 min) walk through a narrow trail*
  • Oct 25th at Port Gamble Park – Meeting in the parking lot near the Quilted Strait building. All dogs welcome

​VACCINES: Please do not attend a walkabout unless your dog has received age appropriate vaccinations for Rabies, Bordetella and DHPP

 

PUPPY PLAYDATE

Puppy Playdate is a monthly indoor playdate for pups aged 8 weeks to 4 months old (OR older dogs no more than 25 lbs at their adult dog weight). Each playdate is an opportunity for puppies to interact with each other and practice puppy socialization. Playdates will be limited to a maximum of 4 puppies (with up-to-date shots). We will cover topics such as Handling, Appropriate Play, Equipment, and Desensitization.

Under the watchful eye of trained KARE staff, puppies can have fun and socialize safely in an enriching environment that encourages good behavior and social skills.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN (Training Orientation is NOT required to attend)

September: Wednesdays Sept 9th and 23rd from 5pm – 5:30pm

October: Wednesdays Oct 14th and 28th from 6 – 6:30pm (**Please note the time change in Oct**)

  • $20.00 a playdate
  • Run on over to our ProPet login to register! If you do not have a ProPet account with KARE, you can sign up here.
  • ​ONE ROUND OF VACCINES REQUIRED: All puppies 16 weeks and younger must have received at least one round of DHPP vaccinations at least seven days before they participate in Playdates. Puppy’s current vaccination records will need to be uploaded into their profile in ProPet before their first playdate with us.

 

DOGGY PLAYTIME

Doggy Playtime is a monthly outdoor playdate for dogs 6 months and older. Each playtime is an opportunity for dogs to interact with each other and practice socialization. Playtime will be limited to a maximum of 4 dogs (with up-to-date shots). Under the watchful eye of trained KARE staff, dogs can have fun and socialize safely in an enriching environment that encourages good behavior and social skills.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN (Training Orientation is NOT required to attend)

September: Wednesdays Sept 9th and 23rd from 6pm – 6:30pm

October: Wednesdays Oct 14th and 28th from 5 – 5:30pm (**Please note the time change in Oct**)

  • $20.00 a playdate
  • Run on over to our ProPet login to register! If you do not have a ProPet account with KARE, you can sign up here.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PLAYTIME:

  • FLEA & TICK-FREE: and in good overall health i.e. no limping, coughing, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, or wounds.
  • FRIENDLY and comfortable with other dogs and people. (NO BITE HISTORY)
  • VACCINES REQUIRED: All dogs are required to be up-to-date on Rabies, Bordetella and DHPP (distemper/parvo). Dog’s current vaccination records must be uploaded into their profile in ProPet before their first playtime with us.
PUPPY PRIMARY

For puppies aged 8 weeks to 5 months old, 6-week sessions. Puppies are welcome to join as long as they are 5 months of age or younger at the start of class. This class is limited to no more than 5 puppies per class. The focus of this class is to help your puppy learn how to be calm and relaxed in the everyday world. This includes being around strangers, unknown dogs, novel places, sights, sounds, and smells. We also begin teaching you how to work with basic manners such as sit, down, stay, and come when called. There is no play in this class. See Puppy Playdate above.

REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY CLOSED

  • $160.00 for a six-week class
  • *For new clients, Training Orientation is required*. Next Training Orientations: Dates TBD
  • Next group classes: Dates TBD

NOTE:

  • ​ALL PUPPIES ARE REQUIRED TO BE UP-TO-DATE ON VACCINATIONS FOR THEIR AGE. We require vaccinations for Rabies, Bordetella and DHPP (distemper/parvo). Puppies 16 weeks and younger must have received at least one round of DHPP vaccinations at least seven days before they participate in class.
  • ALL KARE CLASSES HAVE A $25 CANCELLATION FEE

All ProPet accounts receive newsletters announcing open registration. If you do not have a ProPet account with KARE, you can sign up here. Please email info@nwkare.org with any questions.

ADOLESCENT PRIMARY

For dogs aged 6 to 11 months old, 6-week sessions. Dogs are welcome to join as long as they are 11 months of age or younger at the start of class. This class is limited to no more than 5 dogs per class. In addition to teaching your dog how to be a pleasant housemate, we focus on teaching you how to understand and resolve basic behavior problems during adolescence like jumping on people and loose leash walking. Common behaviors like Sit, Down, Stay, and Go to your bed are covered as well.

REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY CLOSED

  • $160.00 for a six-week class
  • *For new clients, Training Orientation is required*. Next Training Orientations: Dates TBD
  • Next group classes: Dates TBD

NOTE:

  • ​ALL DOGS ARE REQUIRED TO BE UP-TO-DATE ON VACCINATIONS. We require vaccinations for Rabies, Bordetella and DHPP (distemper/parvo).
  • ALL KARE CLASSES HAVE A $25 CANCELLATION FEE

All ProPet accounts receive newsletters announcing open registration. If you do not have a ProPet account with KARE, you can sign up here. Please email info@nwkare.org with any questions.

ADULT PRIMARY

For dogs aged 12 months and older, 6-week sessions. This class is limited to no more than 5 dogs per class. In addition to teaching your dog how to be a pleasant housemate, we focus on teaching you how to understand and resolve basic behavior problems like jumping on people and loose leash walking. Common behaviors like Sit, Down, Stay, and Go to your bed are covered as well.

REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY CLOSED

  • $160.00 for a six-week class
  • *For new clients, Training Orientation is required*. Next Training Orientations: Dates TBD
  • Next group classes: Dates TBD

NOTE:

  • ALL DOGS ARE REQUIRED TO BE UP-TO-DATE ON VACCINATIONS. We require vaccinations for Rabies, Bordetella and DHPP (distemper/parvo).
  • ALL KARE CLASSES HAVE A $25 CANCELLATION FEE

All ProPet accounts receive newsletters announcing open registration. If you do not have a ProPet account with KARE, you can sign up here. Please email info@nwkare.org with any questions.

CANINE GOOD CITIZEN/THERAPY TEAM PRACTICE CLASS

Our Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Therapy Team Practice classes are designed for humans/dogs to practice skills needed to take the CGC or Pet Partners Therapy Team Evaluation. Both classes are held jointly for the first four weeks. The Therapy Team Practice class continues for an additional two weeks and includes a field trip to practice skills in real-world settings. KARE offers both CGC and Pet Partners Therapy Team evaluations regularly. Prerequisites: Your dog should be fully vaccinated and have basic obedience skills.

REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY CLOSED

  • Next Canine Good Citizen Class: Dates TBD / $100 for a 4-session course
  • Next Therapy Team Practice Class: Dates TBD / $125 for a 6-session course
    •  *NOTE FOR THERAPY TEAMS*: The $125 for KARE’s practice class does NOT include the cost of a required Pet Partners online handlers course or certification evaluation. To take the Pet Partners online course, you must register on the Pet Partners website and pay their $80 fee for their online handlers course that must be completed in order to qualify for taking a certification evaluation.
      • There are 2 designations of Pet Partners Therapy Team certifications: Predictable or Complex. Predictable certification is accepted at most places that you see therapy animals: some hospitals, schools, events, hospice, rehabs, some prison facilities, assisted living facilities etc. Complex certification is required for more stressful and unfamiliar environments: trauma centers, some max security prisons, intensive care and psychiatric units, some memory care facilities, etc. Predictable requires taking the certification evaluation at the same location as the practice class; Complex requires going to a different location for the certification evaluation than where the practice class was held. If you take a practice class at KARE and test at KARE, you can only get Predictable, and you would be welcome to test again at another location if you want a Complex certification at a later time. If you know that you want a Complex certification, then you can either take a practice class at KARE and test elsewhere or take a practice class elsewhere and test at KARE.
  • Please email info@nwkare.org if you would like to be notified about the next Therapy/CGC classes

NOTE:

  • ALL DOGS ARE REQUIRED TO BE UP-TO-DATE ON VACCINATIONS. We require up-to-date vaccinations for Rabies, Bordetella and DHPP (distemper/parvo).
  • ALL KARE CLASSES HAVE A $25 CANCELLATION FEE

All ProPet accounts receive newsletters announcing open registration. If you do not have a ProPet account with KARE, you can sign up here. Please email info@nwkare.org with any questions.

Private Training

For some dogs, training needs are better addressed through private training. Private training is a 1-on-1 session at the KARE Training Center with only you, your dog and a certified trainer present. Private training can provide behavior assessment and help you to develop training and management plans that are best for your dog’s behavior(s) and training goals.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN IN ProPet.

  • $65 for a 45-minute session
  • If you do not have a ProPet account with KARE, you can sign up here.

NOTE:

  • ALL DOGS ARE REQUIRED TO BE UP-TO-DATE ON VACCINATIONS. We require up-to-date vaccinations for Rabies, Bordetella and DHPP (distemper/parvo).
  • ALL KARE CLASSES HAVE A $25 CANCELLATION FEE

 

(NEW!) *FUN*Damentals Of Rally

Dogs of all ages. Rally is a dog sport that’s a combination of obedience and agility. This class will be an introduction to the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) Rally Obedience which is performed on a leash and rewarded with both food and verbal praise. Behaviors learned in this class are not only beneficial if one wishes to continue to competition level Rally, but also increases the bond with your dog and helps in day-to-day routine with your dog. This is not a competition-level class.
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REQUIRED: Dogs should be able to do basic behaviors such as sit, down, stay, etc.

REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY CLOSED

  • $170.00 for a six-week class
  • *For new clients, Training Orientation is required*. Next Training Orientations: Dates TBD
  • Next group classes: Dates TBD

NOTE:

  • ALL DOGS ARE REQUIRED TO BE UP-TO-DATE ON VACCINATIONS. We require up-to-date vaccinations for Rabies, Bordetella and DHPP (distemper/parvo).
  • ALL KARE CLASSES HAVE A $25 CANCELLATION FEE

All ProPet accounts receive newsletters announcing open registration. If you do not have a ProPet account with KARE, you can sign up here. Please email info@nwkare.org with any questions.

Reactive Rover Program

REACTIVE ROVER WORKSHOP & SEMI-PRIVATE GROUP CLASS – LEVEL 1

Does your dog have anxiety about strangers or other dogs? Do they lunge and bark when another dog approaches? Behavior modification is proven to help your dog (and you) live a much more peaceful life. The first session is a dog-free 2-hour workshop where we will focus on what is causing the reactivity and practice appropriate behavior modification techniques. The remaining five sessions will each be a 45-minute, semi-private group class where our instructors will be coaching you and your dog through implementing those techniques. To avoid reactivity during class we will be separating the dogs with barriers. For dogs of all ages.

REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY CLOSED

All ProPet accounts receive newsletters announcing open registration. If you do not have a ProPet account with KARE, you can sign up here. Please email info@nwkare.org with any questions.

  • $170.00 includes the Reactive Rover Workshop and 5 semi-private group class sessions
  • *For new clients, you must register for 1 Training Orientation, 1 Reactive Rover Workshop, and 1 Group Class:
    • Next Training Orientations: Dates TBD
    • Next Reactive Rover Workshops: Dates TBD
    • Next Group Classes A, B, C or D: Dates TBD. Options for weekly group classes include include Saturday afternoons and Tuesday evenings. (If you can make our weekday class offering please choose that option, so that our clients who are only available on weekends have a chance to sign up.)

NOTE:

  • ALL DOGS ARE REQUIRED TO BE UP-TO-DATE ON VACCINATIONS. We require up-to-date vaccinations for Rabies, Bordetella and DHPP (distemper/parvo).
  • *For safety reasons we are requiring all registrants to bring a secondary handler — only the primary and secondary handlers are allowed in the training facility*
  • *Children under the age of 16 are not permitted*

**CANCELLATION POLICY**

Our Reactive Rover program is in high demand and has limited space. For this reason, we request that any cancellations must be at least 1 WEEK before the scheduled Reactive Rover Workshop. This will allow us to offer your spot to another client.

NOTE: If you cancel after the Reactive Rover Workshop, you will not receive any refund. If you cancel more than 1 week before the workshop, then the amount will be refunded minus a $25 cancellation fee.

 

 

 

GROUP REACTIVE ROVER REHABILITATION (GRRR) – LEVEL 2

This class is for graduates of the Reactive Rover program or similar knowledge levels. In this class, we meet once weekly for 30 minutes, we focus on increasing your dog’s tolerance to triggers, moving the skills from the controlled environment of KARE’s Training Center to KARE’s outdoor training field. Coaching will be provided with a maximum of 2 students per 1 coach.

This class is held outside rain or shine.

REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY CLOSED

All ProPet accounts receive newsletters announcing open registration. If you do not have a ProPet account with KARE, you can sign up here. Please email info@nwkare.org with any questions.

  • $150.00 for five sessions
  • Prerequisite: Graduates of KARE’s Reactive Rover Level 1 Class (or similar reactive dog coursework)
  • Next group classes: Dates TBD

NOTE:

  • ALL DOGS ARE REQUIRED TO BE UP-TO-DATE ON VACCINATIONS. We require up-to-date vaccinations for Rabies, Bordetella and DHPP (distemper/parvo).
  • ALL KARE CLASSES HAVE A $25 CANCELLATION FEE

 

GROUP REACTIVE ROVER WALKABOUT – LEVEL 3

This class is for graduates of the Group Reactive Rover Rehabilitation – Level 2 program. In this class, we will focus on increasing your dog’s tolerance to triggers by taking 30-minute walks off-campus in real-world settings.

Note: as this class will be off KARE facility grounds we cannot guarantee the safety of yourself or your pet nor predict what people, dogs, etc. we may encounter. A signed class Indemnity Agreement will be required.

REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY CLOSED: Please email natalie@nwkare.org if you would like to be added to the waitlist for Reactive Rover Level 3.

  • $125.00 for four sessions
  • Prerequisite: Graduates of KARE’s Reactive Rover Level 2 Class (or similar reactive dog coursework)
  • Next group classes: Dates TBD

NOTE:

  • ALL DOGS ARE REQUIRED TO BE UP-TO-DATE ON VACCINATIONS. We require up-to-date vaccinations for Rabies, Bordetella and DHPP (distemper/parvo).
  • ALL KARE CLASSES HAVE A $25 CANCELLATION FEE

 

Workshops

REVVED UP RECALL WORKSHOP

Does your dog seem to have selective hearing? Run the other way when you call them or ignore you when there are distractions? Coming when called can be a life-saving skill for your dog to know. Being able to effectively recall your dog at any time, is very important for the safety of you and your dog, as well as others around you. Using positive methods and fun games you’ll learn tools to begin building a solid recall.

REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY CLOSED

  • $125.00 for a four-week class
  • *For new clients, Training Orientation is required*. Next Training Orientations: Dates TBD
  • Next group classes: Dates TBD

NOTE:

  • ALL DOGS ARE REQUIRED TO BE UP-TO-DATE ON VACCINATIONS. We require up-to-date vaccinations for Rabies, Bordetella and DHPP (distemper/parvo).
  • ALL KARE CLASSES HAVE A $25 CANCELLATION FEE

All ProPet accounts receive newsletters announcing open registration. If you do not have a ProPet account with KARE, you can sign up here. Please email info@nwkare.org with any questions.

NOSEWORK – LEVEL 1

Nosework Level 1 is an introductory course designed to teach dogs to utilize their nose in a fun and rewarding way. Nosework is excellent for high-energy, anxious, and bored dogs. The odor item for this class will be food. Detection work can be expanded to fun and practical activities like truffle hunting. Dogs of all ages and energy levels are welcome.

*This is a group class – dogs must be comfortable being around other dogs*

REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY CLOSED

  • $125.00 for a four-week class
  • *For new clients, Training Orientation is required*. Next Training Orientations: Dates TBD
  • Next group classes: Dates TBD

NOTE:

  • ALL DOGS ARE REQUIRED TO BE UP-TO-DATE ON VACCINATIONS. We require up-to-date vaccinations for Rabies, Bordetella and DHPP (distemper/parvo).
  • ALL KARE CLASSES HAVE A $25 CANCELLATION FEE

All ProPet accounts receive newsletters announcing open registration. If you do not have a ProPet account with KARE, you can sign up here. Please email info@nwkare.org with any questions.

NOSEWORK – LEVEL 2

Nosework Level 2 is a course for Nosework Level 1 graduates, designed to begin teaching your dog how to recognize scent (i.e. birch, vanilla, shed). Improve handler skills by learning how to better read your dog, especially on or near the odor. This class will also begin to teach indication. Nosework is excellent for high-energy, anxious, and bored dogs. Dogs of all ages and energy levels are welcome.

*This is a group class – dogs must be comfortable being around other dogs*

REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY CLOSED

  • $125.00 for a four-week class
  • Next group classes: Dates TBD

NOTE:

  • ALL DOGS ARE REQUIRED TO BE UP-TO-DATE ON VACCINATIONS. We require vaccinations for Rabies, Bordetella and DHPP (distemper/parvo).
  • ALL KARE CLASSES HAVE A $25 CANCELLATION FEE

All ProPet accounts receive newsletters announcing open registration. If you do not have a ProPet account with KARE, you can sign up here. Please email info@nwkare.org with any questions.

SPEAKING DOGLISH

A FREE workshop that discusses behavioral and communication differences between dogs and humans. 

Please contact us if you would like us to present at your school, HOA, club or other organization

DOg Cpr workshop

Join our Canine CPR and First Aid Workshop with certified trainer Jill Kudera, CPDT-KA, LVT. This workshop will cover common non-emergency conditions, including wound care, bandaging, ticks, gastrointestinal upsets, and more. We will also discuss urgent situations such as choking, allergic reactions, poisoning, and traumas such as an animal that has been hit by a car. We will practice how to safely move and transport an injured animal. Participants will learn to identify key symptoms and discover effective ways to prepare for emergencies involving their dogs.

REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY CLOSED

  • Next Canine CPR & First Aid Workshop: Dates TBD
  • Please email info@nwkare.org if you would like to be notified about future Canine CPR & First Aid Workshops.

All ProPet accounts receive newsletters announcing open registration. If you do not have a ProPet account with KARE, you can sign up here.

Loose Leash workshop

Does your dog pull on the leash as if you aren’t even there? Do you ever feel like your dog is taking you for a walk? Learn why your dog pulls and how you can work with them to create a better walking team.

This workshop is accomplished in 2 sessions dedicated to learning the tools needed so that you and your dog can enjoy walks without frustration while problem-solving and fine-tuning the skills you’ve learned. Only positive methods and humane tools will be taught.

NOTE: This class is for dogs that are not reactive to people, dogs, etc. but pull even when there is nothing to distract them.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN

  • Next Workshop: Saturdays November 14th + 21st from 3:00pm – 3:45pm
  • Please email info@nwkare.org if you would like to be notified about future Loose Leash Workshops.

All ProPet accounts receive newsletters announcing open registration. If you do not have a ProPet account with KARE, you can sign up here.

(NEW!) nail trim workshop

When we decide to bring a dog into our family, we already know that they are going to need care such as grooming and veterinary procedures. This is typically called husbandry work and most people feel like it is just that: work or a chore! It doesn’t have to be. Zoo and marine mammal trainers have blazed the trail for us by training animals to cooperate for medical procedures without being sedated or forcibly restrained.
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​In this 2 week class, we will work with you and your dog on participating willingly in basic body handling required for nail trims. We do not guarantee that your dog will be completely tolerant by the end of the 2 weeks, but you will have the foundation, skills and resources at your disposal to continue your training. We will be providing some supplies used during class.

NOTE: This class is for dogs that are not reactive to people, dogs, etc.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN

  • Next Workshop: Fridays, October 23rd + 30th from 5:30pm – 6:15pm
  • Please email info@nwkare.org if you would like to be notified about future Cooperative Care Workshops.

All ProPet accounts receive newsletters announcing open registration. If you do not have a ProPet account with KARE, you can sign up here.