Basic Obedience Class
Dog Obedience Training in Vista, CA — Build Focus, Calm & Reliable Behavior
Total cost: $240
Class length: 6 weeks
Limited spots available — classes often fill quickly
✔ Pulls on leash every walk
✔ Listens at home… but not outside
✔ Jumps on guests or gets overexcited
✔ Sweet dog—just hard to manage sometimes
👉 You’re in the right place.
Basic Class Topics
...and so much more! Each class is tailored to help you reach your goals. Classes have a maximum of 5-6 dogs.
Basic Class Information
Class cost: $240
Sessions: 1-hour class each week for 6 weeks
Age requirements: 16 weeks and older
Location: Kindred Spirits Center,
1920 Shadowridge Dr, Suite 108, Vista CA 92081
Vaccination records are required. Most veterinarians will email them to you.
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Dates |
Dates |
May 19 - June 23 |
Tuesdays 6:00 PM |
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May 27 - July 1 |
Wednesdays 6:00 PM |
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June 9 - July 14 |
Tuesdays 11:00 AM |
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June 11 - July 16 |
Thursdays 6:00 PM |
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June 15 - July 27 (no class July 6) |
Mondays 6:00 PM |
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June 24 - July 29 |
Wednesdays 11:30 AM |
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July 8 - August 12 |
Wednesdays 6:00 PM |
Why dogs learn better in a group class:
We're here to help you succeed both in class and out in the real world. Since dogs are individually unique, their training should be too, so we tailor the topics for each class, as well as methods and advice.
Features of a group class:
Testimonials
I had both my Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs in Basic and Intermediate class with Kate. She is a great trainer; she uses positive methods and encourages both the owners and the dogs whilst making clear what is needed for the dog to improve.
is the most wonderful trainer. I’ve known her for over 25 years. She’s a true dog whisperer in my opinion. She truly understands dogs and how they see the world. There isn’t any problem she can’t solve with concrete ideas.
I took four classes with Kate because I became the parent of two male Lab puppies who are six weeks apart.I had worked with Kate many years ago and appreciated her style of training. Kate was as kind and gentle with me as she was with my dogs
Continue Your Training Journey
Many dogs continue into our Intermediate or Canine Good Citizen programs to further strengthen focus, reliability, and real-world manners around distractions.
Frequently asked questions about Basic Obedience class
Basic Obedience classes are designed for dogs 16 weeks and older. Many of the dogs in class are adolescents who suddenly seem to “forget everything” they learned as puppies — which is completely normal. Older dogs are absolutely welcome too. Whether you’ve recently adopted a rescue dog, missed puppy classes, or simply want better communication and real-life manners, Basic is designed to help both dogs and owners learn together.
Our Basic Obedience classes focus on much more than commands alone. We work on:
-loose leash walking
-impulse control
-calm behavior around distractions
-focus and engagement
-jumping and barking
-confidence building
-settling and relaxation
-communication between dog and owner
-real-life manners and everyday skills
The goal isn’t just obedience, it’s helping dogs learn how to make good choices while building a stronger relationship with their person.
Basic Obedience is designed for dogs and puppies over 16 weeks old who are ready to build better communication, focus, confidence, and real-world skills with their people.
This class is not just for dogs with behavior problems. Many well-loved family dogs benefit from learning how to focus around distractions, walk politely on leash, settle calmly, and make thoughtful choices in everyday life.
Whether your dog is energetic, shy, distracted, adolescent, newly adopted, or simply in need of a stronger foundation, Basic Obedience helps create clearer communication and a better relationship between you and your dog.
No. Unlike Puppy Class, Basic Obedience is much more structured.
Dogs remain with their owners and learn to focus around distractions without needing to interact directly with every dog or person in the room. This helps build engagement, impulse control, and calm behavior in real-world situations.
Dogs learn that their handler is the most important connection in the environment.
Absolutely.
Group classes are designed specifically to help dogs learn around distractions in a controlled environment. Many dogs behave well at home but struggle once other dogs, people, sounds, or excitement are added.
Learning to stay engaged and make good choices around distractions is one of the biggest benefits of group training.
Classes are intentionally kept small - typically around 5–6 dogs - so each student receives individual guidance and support.
We use a combination of obedience training and concept training, along with “choosing games.”
While obedience training teaches dogs specific cues, concept training helps dogs develop focus, confidence, self-control, and thoughtful decision-making in real-life situations. Choosing games helps dogs use their brain, and figure out what works and doesn't work.
Our goal is not only to teach dogs what to do, but to help them want to make good choices while building a stronger relationship with their people.
For a deeper explanation go to "Our Training methods" page:
Some dogs may feel overwhelmed or insecure in new environments, and that’s more common than many people realize.
If you have concerns about your dog’s behavior, we encourage you to contact us before class so we can help determine the best fit. In some cases, private training may be recommended first.
Safety is important for everyone in class, and dogs showing true aggression toward people or other dogs are not appropriate for group classes.
Training is an ongoing process, not a quick fix.
Our goal is to give owners the tools, communication skills, and foundation needed to continue building success long after class ends.
Dogs continue learning throughout their lives, and training often becomes one of the most rewarding ways to strengthen your bond, build confidence, and create a well-behaved companion you genuinely enjoy living with.
Short training sessions are often the most effective.
We recommend practicing in small sessions throughout the week rather than long drills that can lead to frustration or burnout. Even a few focused minutes at a time can create excellent progress when done consistently.
Training should feel engaging, productive, and enjoyable for both you and your dog. Prior to each class, students receive detailed training emails with practice instructions, class notes, and helpful tips designed to prepare you for the upcoming lesson and serve as a valuable reference throughout your training journey.
Some of our smiley Basic Obedience graduates
