Who is the Dog Obedience Class for?

Minding Our Manners is for dogs 16 weeks and older of all ages, breeds, and sizes. There is no off-leash playtime so it is a good fit for dogs who prefer a calmer group setting.

What will my dog learn?

Dogs work on loose-leash walking, polite greetings with people and other dogs, recall, focus around distractions, and settling. All skills are taught using positive reinforcement.

Is this class suitable for reactive dogs?

Dogs who are working through reactivity or aggression are better supported through private training. If you are unsure whether this class is the right fit, please contact us before registering.

How do I register for Dog Obedience Classes?

You can view upcoming dates and register online at https://www.airdriepuppypals.com/calendar.

Minding Our Manners

A five-week manners class for dogs of all ages and sizes. We focus on the skills you use every day, including leash manners, off-leash recall, and staying focused around distractions at home, on walks, and out in the community. Dogs of all sizes are welcome, including dogs who pull excitedly on leash, jump on people to say hi, or get excited around other dogs. That is exactly what we work on together.

This is not the right class if you are concerned your dog may lunge in frustration, barks out of fear, or has bitten another dog or person. If you are unsure, please call us first and we will point you in the right direction. :)

Register for Minding Our Manners

What Is Minding Our Manners?

Happy Border Collie dog sitting indoors on a gray floor, with a pink and black leash coiled next to it, a certificate of achievement in front of it, and a white wall in the background in Minding Our Manners group training class in Airdrie, Alberta

Minding Our Manners is a group training class focused on practical skills that help dogs of all ages succeed at home and in the community. Classes cover leash manners, recall, impulse control, and staying focused around distractions — the everyday stuff that makes a real difference.

Classes are led by Nikki Nordick, one of a small number of trainers in Canada holding multiple certifications including CPDT-KA and CBCC, with hundreds of continuing education hours in animal behaviour and training. Nikki brings that expertise into every class, tailoring lessons to the dogs and families in the room with weekly homework to support progress between sessions.

What Dogs Learn in Manners Class

A happy mixed-breed dog with brown, white, and black fur, sitting on a white floor in a room with plain white walls in a group dog training class in Airdrie, Alberta

Dogs practice listening around distractions, waiting by open doors, walking on a loose leash without pulling, greeting other dogs politely, greeting people without jumping, and coming when called. Each week builds on the last, giving dogs and their families time to practice and apply skills between sessions. This course is more structured than our Jr Puppy Class and allows for more focused work on listening and engagement around distractions.

When Can Dogs Start Manners?

A black and white dog sitting on a gray floor in front of a black chair, smiling with its tongue out. The dog has a leash attached to a collar around its neck in a group dog training class in Airdrie, Alberta

Minding Our Manners is a great option for dogs of all ages. Each week we add a little more distraction, giving dogs and their families the chance to practice listening skills in a supportive group environment. Dogs do not need prior training to join, but they do need to be comfortable walking around other dogs and people. There is no age limit for this course, and all dogs must have an up‑to‑date Rabies vaccination.

How Is Manners Class Different?

Minding Our Manners is a structured, no‑play learning environment. While our Puppy and Jr Puppy classes include off leash play, this course is focused entirely on building everyday skills around real‑life distractions. This class gives them space to practice settling, focusing, and listening while other dogs and people are working nearby. It is a good fit for dogs who are ready for more guided practice and less social time.

What to Bring To Manners Class

A French Bulldog puppy with a tan coat and black nose is standing indoors on a light gray floor, looking directly at the camera with its tongue slightly out in a group dog training class in Airdrie, Alberta

A flat collar or harness, a standard 4 to 6 foot leash, high value treats your Puppy Pal loves, your Puppy Pal’s Rabies vaccination records, and a training clicker.

A Note About Jr Handlers

Jr. Handlers under 18 are welcome to attend as long as they stay with their Puppy Pal and their parent or guardian throughout the entire class. For safety, space and comfort, we allow a maximum of two people per Puppy Pal.

Ready To Register for Manners?

Minding Our Manners is $195 + GST for the full five-week course.

Dogs of all ages are welcome as long as they have their Rabies vaccination up to date.

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