Our Puppy Development class is a 6-week OPEN ENROLLMENT class, which means new puppies join each week - no more waiting for the next session to begin!

Puppies 8-16 weeks of age and their handlers attend class over 6 consecutive weeks to learn about early socialization, simple basic training cues and common puppy challenges (bite inhibition, body handling, housebreaking, problem solving and crate training). Plenty of off leash play a positive introductions to novel items, including new footing, textures, sounds, sights and more makes our puppy program a popular choice. 

At the end of the 6-week program puppies and their handlers will have the opportunity to take in the AKC ® S.T.A.R Puppy Test, issued by our own AKC ®  approved CGC evaluator (open to both pure bred and mixed breed puppies). Qualifying puppies can receive a special certificate and a S.T.A.R Puppy medal from the AKC. 

All puppies must have at least 1 distemper vaccine prior to starting class! Please bring a copy of your puppy's vaccine records with you on the first day of class.

Cost: $120.00 per puppy~  6 weeks long

For puppies 8 to 16 weeks old

This 7-week class beginner obedience class is great for new dog owners or owners with new dogs! Using positive reinforcement techniques, we believe that dog training should be fun for both human and dog alike!

For all dogs over the age of 16 weeks, this class introduces the training basics such as sit, down, stay, leave it, come when called & loose leash walking. The goals of the class are to help the dog to develop self control, while teaching the handler basic dog training formulas, management techniques, and problem solving strategies. We'll introduce training options for the competition and therapy dogs. Learn how to incorporate exercises into daily life to create a happy and cooperative friendship between you and your dog.

Cost: $150.00 per dog~  7 weeks long

For all dogs over 16 weeks of age

This class begins where the Companion Dog I finished. Distance and duration of behaviors are introduced using various levels of distractions.  We'll also introduce advanced skills to keep the dogs thinking and their obedience sharp! Dogs will also learn a fun trick or two to show off at the dog park!

This is the perfect class for those who want to go into Agility, Flyball or Rally programs! Interested in Animal Assisted Therapy? Consider brushing up on your dog's obedience through this class before enrolling in our CGC/Therapy Dog class.  

Cost: $120.00 per dog~  6 weeks long

*Pre-requisite:  All dogs must have completed Finish Forward Dogs Companion Dog I class or equivalent. If your dog did not receive his/her basic training with us, please call our office at (207 251-2296 to speak with one of our trainers prior to registering. 

The American Kennel Club offers a certification open to all dogs (pure and mixed breed) to recognize the efforts of dog owners who have made a commitment to training. The Canine Good Citizen certificate is granted to those dogs who can perform all 10 of the items on the CGC test. All dogs that pass the CGC test can receive a certificate from the AKC. Test is issued during the last class.

This class is also ideal for anyone with the goal of doing therapy work with their dog. You'll learn what is required of a therapy team and become familiar with the certification process.

Cost: $120.00 per dog~ 6 weeks long

Interested in doing therapy work with your dog? We'll be offering opportunities for small groups (2-3 dog/handler teams) to be tested.

Our 7-week obedience course for Pit Bulls & Bully Breeds.

In addition to covering all the basics of our Companion Dog I course (sit, down, stay, settle, leave-it, come when called) this class pays special attention to breed-specific training needs & typical bully behavior.

Improve your dog’s self-control, on-leash manners and attentiveness while learning how to become the leader & handler your dog needs you to be. We’ll introduce valuable problem solving strategies and management techniques that will help to keep you and your bully on the path to success.

Plus – learn more about the world of dog sports, including the games and activities available to you and your bully from people who compete!

…And because a proactive approach to training is the best way to combat the negative stigma attached to pit bulls and bully breeds, we’ll even help you and your dog prepare to take the AKC Canine Good Citizen test!

Cost: $150.00 per dog~  7 weeks long

For pit bulls & bully breeds over 16 weeks of age

This class is open to all graduates of Good Bully! Advance your skills and prep your bully for the AKC CGC test.

Better Bully begins where Good Bully finished. This 'next step' class focuses on how to successfully introduce distance and duration in training and how to improve attention and obedience around increased levels of distractions.  Learn a few advanced skills to keep your bullies thinking and their obedience sharp!

This is the perfect class to work on cementing those behaviors we introduced in level I and will help you along as you make your way into the world of dog sports or just down a crowded sidewalk in the city. If you're interested in Agility, Flyball, Rally, Reading Programs, Animal Assisted Therapy or more, be prepared by enrolling in this class. All Graduates of this class will have the option to take the Canine Good Citizen Test upon Graduation.

Pre-requisite:  All dogs must have completed their level I training with Shannan. If your dog did not receive his/her basic training with us, please call to speak with Shannan prior to registering. 

Cost: $120.00 per dog~  6 weeks long

For pit bulls and bully breeds that have completed our 'Good Bully' class

Great news for all of you busy dog owners - we're now offering a special series of obedience classes! Join our 4-week Manners Classes to get a jump start on obedience without the extended commitment of our traditionally longer classes! Manners I covers sit, down, stand, stay, come-when-called, loose-leash walking, leave-it, polite greetings. For dogs 16 weeks and up.

Cost is $80 for 4 weeks (1 hour each week)

Manners II is the condensed version of our Companion Dog II class (Intermediate Obedience) and is offered to those who find it easier to squeeze in a 4 week class, versus the traditional longer class. Practice your basic skills and introduce the emergency stay, drop on recall, go to your bed, fronts/finishes, heel and more. For dogs that are over 16 weeks of age and have attended Manners I, Companion Dog I or the equivalent (Basic Obedience).

Cost is $80 for 4 weeks (1 hour each week)

If you have a dog that is fearful or overly timid around people, other dogs or in new situations this class may be a great fit. We'll introduce exercises and training techniques to decrease anxiety and build confidence, while teaching humans how to properly introduce dogs to novel or scary stimuli.

Cost: $80.00 per dog~  4 weeks long

Special class designed for kids and dogs to learn the basics - sit, down, stay, come-when-called, loose-leash walking, polite greetings and more. Appropriate for kids 7 years and up and dogs 16 weeks and up.

Cost $60/3 weeks (1 hour each week).

A 3-week class to teach your dog those ever-important loose leash walking skills!

Cost: $60.00 per dog~  3 weeks long

Join us for this outdoor class to apply what you've learned in the classroom and proof your dog's obedience skills in the real world! This class will take place at various locations around town (in case of rain event, we will meet at our studio). We'll visit a number of public places to train obedience and teach important real-life skills.

Dogs MUST have a foundation in obedience training and should be able to work amongst various real-world distractions. If your dog has not trained at Finish Forward Dogs, please call to speak with us.

Cost: $80.00 per dog ~ 4 weeks long

Out & About Field Trips: $20.00 ~ 1-2 hours long (minimum 4 students)

Giving your dog the skills they need to settle and become calm, no matter where they are or who they are with at the time! This class is recommended for the exuberant, anxious and over-the-top dog. We'll work on calming techniques and self-control exercises to keep the dogs on an even-keel while introducing fun games to play to improve behavior around other dogs and while in public. 

Cost: $80.00 per dog~  4 weeks long