About Thoughtful Dogs

Science-based group classes

Thoughtful Dogs is a Williamsburg trainer that describes its approach as science-based methods and modern techniques, aimed at practical real-life skills rather than commands for their own sake. Group classes are held at a shared venue at 80 Butler Farm Road in Hampton.

Classes

Puppy Level 1 is a puppy kindergarten for puppies 5 months and under at enrollment. It emphasizes socialization and preventing common puppy problems, includes off-leash playtime in every class, and prepares puppies for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test. Current vaccinations are required. Adult Dog Level 1, for dogs 6 months and older, teaches basic obedience in a group with distractions using marker and reward-based methods. "Shy Guys" teaches anxiety coping skills for nervous dogs and needs an interview to enroll.

The trainer

The trainer is a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, holds the CPDT-KSA credential, is an AKC evaluator for S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, Community Canine and Trick Dog titles, and is a certified dog behavior consultant with the IAABC.

What to ask

Ask when the next session of each class starts, whether your dog fits Level 1, and whether private help is available.