01/15/2026
Upcoming private lessons and group classes....
Current group classes at Horses and Hounds in Granby, CT are full and will run until mid-February. If you are interested in enrolling or have questions about the best fit for your dog and your needs, please be in touch. As the date for new classes approaches, payment for the series will hold a spot for you. Classes are usually limited to six dogs and their people. Class descriptions follow the calendar below.
Sundays 2/22 thru 3/22
Younger Puppies (3-6 mos)
10:15 to 11:15
Older Puppies (7 mos and up)
11:30 to 12:30
Thursdays 2/19 thru 3/19
Mature Dogs (by evaluation)
4:15 to 5:15 (new earlier time)
Older Puppies (7 mos and up)
5:30 to 6:30
The fee for group classes is $265.88, which includes CT sales tax.
Younger Puppies: In this class, we work on the basic preliminary skills of sit, down, off, following on a loose leash, hand touch, recall, trade, polite interactions. We take time to brainstorm about common concerns while raising puppies -- teething, chewing, potty training, crate training, thoughtful socializing, etc. We use clicker training extensively to mark, shape, and reward polite behavior and new skills. Some puppies continue this class through several cycles, learning to work in the presence of new puppy peers and different distractions.
Older Puppies: This group encompasses a broad range of puppy ages and needs. Some puppies continue into this class with foundation skills well begun; some arrive with boisterous teenage energy and not much impulse control. Some come from rescue organizations without detailed background information, and a group class is a beneficial place to gather data about what they know and how they learn. We work on routine household skills of sit, down, stay, recall, etc., and add impulse control exercises of leave it, walk away, polite greetings. We work on refining loose leash walking and skills related to ignoring other dogs on leash. Clicker training is effective in teaching dogs and owners how to learn from each other.
Mature Dogs: This class is for dogs who are ready for proofing their basic skills with greater distractions and higher expectations. Some handlers seek to work with their dogs as therapy dogs and take this class in preparation for evaluation. Some dogs are maturing out of adolescence and developing steadier impulse control. Many handlers keep attending the class cycle after cycle in order to keep bonding with their dog and setting new goals.
Private Lessons: Working one-on-one is a great way to get individualized attention in a home setting, out in the neighborhood, or in a setting designed to address particular needs. The process of a private lesson is fluid and adaptive, recognizing key details of a dog's behavior and body language and a handler's needs and skills. An observant trainer can front-load a lot of information and set a family up for successful training on their own in preparation for another session that might fine tune skills or highlight new goals. With a new dog or puppy, a private lesson can help set up success with management and training. The fee for private lessons is $130 per hour. For locations more than 25 minutes from my West Simsbury home, there is an added travel fee depending on time and distance.
