Animal Rescue of Boston

The ARL offers an enriching variety of dog training classes as part of our commitment to supporting positive relationships between people and their pets.

Our certified, experienced and caring dog trainers help you teach your dog basic and advanced commands, as well as house and outdoor manners. We also offer fun dog sports and agility classes.

You and your dog will benefit from the opportunity to deepen your bond through interactive group training classes. Our human participants feel more confident about their pet and understanding what to do to encourage good behavior. Canine participants socialize with other dogs, and channel mental and physical energy into class activities.

All classes are held at the ARL’s Boston shelter, easily accessible to dog owners in Back Bay, Beacon Hill, the South End, South Boston, and surrounding communities.

Proceeds from dog training classes benefit the animals in our care at the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

Cost: Unless otherwise noted, classes are held one hour per week for six weeks and cost $150. There is a reduced rate for dogs adopted from the ARL within the previous six months and for Boston Veterinary Care clients. Call for further details.

Note: If you are registering multiple dogs, please be advised that each dog must have it’s individual handler.

Puppy Kindergarten. In this training class, your dog will learn sit, down, stay, coming when called and walking on a leash. Please note: week one is an owner orientation, so please leave your puppy safely at home. For puppies ages 8-20 weeks.

Advanced Puppy. Intermediate puppy will help your puppy continue to learn while still having the opportunity to socialize. Ages 4-11 months.

Good Manners. Your dog will learn to stay, down, recall, heel, and polite manners. Please note: week one is an owner orientation, so please leave your dog safely at home. Ages 5 months and up.

Advanced Good Manners. Requirements: Puppy Kindergarten or Good Manners. Issues covered include: ‘go to your place, ’ training your dog with distractions, attention, body language, how to play and much more. Your dog will accompany you to all six classes. Ages 5 months & up.

Agility For Fun. Limited to 4 dogs per class. Requirements: Good Manners or Advanced Good Manners. This class is designed for dogs who know all of their basic commands with distractions. Help your dog learn off-leash commands while they maneuver through obstacle courses. Dogs must be people and dog-friendly. Ages 6 months & up.

Agility For Fun – Level 2. Limited to 4 dogs per class. Requirements: Good Manners or Advanced Good Manners and Agility for Fun. Is your dog eager to learn more agility techniques? Enroll him or her in our Level 2 Agility for Fun class for hours of fun! Dogs must be people and dog-friendly. Ages 6 months & up.

Canine Good Citizen. Ever wish that your dog could bring joy to those who need it most? The ARL’s Canine Good Citizen training course can train your dog to take the first step in becoming a therapy dog! This six-week course focuses training on real-life scenarios, such as dog-to-dog greetings, walking through a loud crowded space, and grooming/handling by strangers. At the conclusion of the class, your pup will have the opportunity to complete and pass the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test for which they will receive a C.G.C certificate, which is recognized as the goal standard for dog behavior. Let your well-mannered pup earn that gold star that he or she deserves
Sniffing for Fun. Requirements: Good Manners or Puppy Kindergarten. Great for all ages – even seniors! Dogs have an amazing sense of smell why not tap into their natural ability to hunt? The class is to have fun with your dog and build their natural ability to hunt and find food, objects and toys. Its a great way to build your dog’s confidence and burn energy mentally and physically.

Sniffing for Fun – Level 2. Requirements: Good Manners or Puppy Kindergarten and Sniffing for Fun. Is your dog looking for more sniffing for fun? Enroll him or her in our Level 2 Sniffing for Fun Class and experience more challenging nose work activities and techniques. This class is great for all ages – even seniors!