Group Training Classes

Beginning Level Courses | Intermediate Level Courses | Advanced Level Courses | Specialty Courses

Groups are usually held weekly same day/same time and the same location for the duration of the course.  Click on a Class Title Link under the training levels shown below for course details, pricing, schedules and registration. Check our calendar for upcoming classes. Or for a list of Classes Alphabetically or the Class Calendar

Not sure how to choose? Learn more about how to choose the right class for your dog.

details about the “mystery dog illness” https://bestfriendobedience.com/mbfo-blog

If you don’t see a start date listed for the class you want, but you see “I Want A (course name here) …” as an option, that means we are taking names of folks who want that type of class. There is no fee to register for an “I Want A” class, as it works like a wait-list to let us know we have people interested in a class currently not offered.

GROUPS ARE BEING HELD AT TARZANA PARK, WESTPORT PARK, BY SEABRIDGE, IN OXNARD, AND PAWPARAZZI. FEEL FREE TO REGISTER FOR THE CLASS OF YOUR CHOICE, USING ONE OF THE LINKS BELOW.

******WE DO NOT HAVE A FACILITY AND ARE NOT THE ONLY TRAINING COMPANY USING THE LOCATION AT :

TARZANA PARK in Tarzana, PAWPARAZZI daycare in Chatsworth (including on-board training), SEABRIDGE or Westport at MANDALAY bay park in Oxnard, OR VENTURA PET BARN in Ventura…

We rent space!

Make sure you ask for US by name:

MY BEST FRIEND OBEDIENCE!

We are not affiliated with, or share common practices with any of the other companies!
If you have questions, please call 818-996-3647

There are no refunds, credits, transfers or prorates for group class sessions, unless otherwise prearranged, once a series has begun. We require 48 hours notice, before class begins, to transfer to another class or refund a class fee! Private training packages may be partially refunded, but revert to the pricing for the sessions completed. Call if you need clarification on this! We have private make up for a fee and other classes running on the same schedule to help if you must miss. If you are sick, let us know ASAP we try to help.

• Puppy Socializing and Manners class is for healthy PUPPIES from 11 weeks to 5 months with at least 2 sets of vaccines, no parasites, should join a Puppy Socializing and Manners class. Proof of 2 sets of vaccines, Bortedella for Kennel cough vaccine, and a clear fecal test is required for participation.

  • Remember socializing is super important before 5 months of age, especially if your pup left the litter and/or mom early, under 8 weeks.

  • Pups under 11 weeks should do a private session for potty training, biting nipping and chewing issues.

  • Private sessions are for owners and pups who need a more definitive plan for biting, nipping, chewing, potty training, or separation anxiety. Also for any problem behaviors or aggression.

• Look at Beginner level if:

  • If your pup is under 5 months but has already been socialized with 25-50 different people and dogs (varied colors, ages, sizes, smells... and not just the ones you live with).

    AND

  • If you don't need help with biting, nipping, chewing and potty training...

    
    

• Beginner Obedience - pup should be at least 3 months and have 3 sets of shots. Sometimes financial reasons prevent students from doing both courses, if you need to choose between these levels, Beginner obedience is the most crucial, but remember, once pup is over 5 months, you cannot go back to get the social skills missed by not doing puppy!

  • If you have already dealt with the above section puppy issues, do Beginner obedience.

  • If you have an older dog or an older pup enroll in a Beginner group!

  • With an Adult dog or older pup, if you are having biting, nipping, chewing and potty training issues, schedule a private session in addition to Beginner obedience;

  • Start with Beginner if you have an adult dog, or pup that is friendly with people and dogs, and you haven't done a class yet, but are past the puppy issues. Puppy class doesn't replace beginner, it is a supplement.

  • Pick beginner level, even if you have a little training already! **You and your dog will need to learn how we train, with reward and marker system, in general, to do our classes, understand the training process, and be able to keep up.

• Choose a private session if:

  • Your dog has a socializing, training or behavior problem not covered in the classes. Separation Anxiety, Barking, excessive fear, house soiling, feces eating, stealing things, keep away, eating everything, dog aggression, human aggression, guarding issues, possessive over toys of food, problems with nails or grooming, destructive behavior,

  • You only need help in a specific area

  • You just need a one time session to get up to speed on our techniques to participate in class

  • Your dog is not friendly with other dogs or people.

• Growly class:

  • Dogs in group class must not show any aggression toward dogs or people, even in Growly group, prior training is required privately.

  • Reactive dogs (barking and lunging on leash at dogs, but not necessarily aggressive) must do private first.

  • If you were referred to us by a known trainer who has recommended our classes as part of your ongoing training (potentially a Growly class), then we may consider your enrollment without a private session :-D.

• Intermediate level or higher, even though you haven't taken our classes? You know your dog already knows the material at a particular level, and how to use a reward/marker training system:

  • You may register for the appropriate level, BUT you must understand how to train using an event marker/clicker and fade rewards. If you need to get that part first you may opt for a private session to fill in the 'holes'... We hope this will help you decide how to choose! If your dog is not appropriate for that level and you register for it, you may not be able to get a refund. It is a good idea to set up a private session with a trainer to get up to speed with the current group, or an evaluation only if you are really certain you know all the material in level(s) prior.

• Tricks Levels - the levels are designed to do in order but if your dog already knows most of the tricks in level one there is no reason not to do level 2! If you want to do a different level, feel free to join the one you like

• Nosework Levels - These classes are progressive. Once they begin students often continue with the group for months unless we dont have enough continuing on to have a group, Then, those students move to the next logical place to complete their training and we add a group. We only do two classes a week, so if you miss one starting, it is worth it to do some private to catch up with the group, if it just began and there is room. If not, get on the mailing list for updates!

• Rally Obedience - Once you take an intro class you can join into a continuing course! If no intro class is available, you can do one privately!