at Pender Pet Retreat
6 week sessions of classes are $150.00
To register call (703) 631-9590
*All group classes run in 6-week sessions and are held on Saturday mornings or Tuesday evenings.*
SATURDAY Morning Classes beginning: January 18th PUPPY Kindergarten at 9:00 am – 9:55am Dog Obedience – Level 1 at 10:00 am – 10:55 am Dog Obedience – Level 2 at 11:00am – 11:55am Class dates: Jan 18th, Jan 25th, Feb 1st, Feb 8th, Feb 15th, and Feb 22nd
SATURDAY Morning Classes beginning: March 8th PUPPY Kindergarten at 9:00 am – 9:55am Dog Obedience – Level 1 at 10:00 am – 10:55 am Dog Obedience – Level 2 at 11:00am – 11:55am Class dates: March 8th, March 15th, March 22nd, March 29th, April 5th, and April 12th
SATURDAY Morning Classes beginning: April 26th PUPPY Kindergarten at 9:00 am – 9:55am Dog Obedience – Level 1 at 10:00 am – 10:55 am Dog Obedience – Level 2 at 11:00am – 11:55am Class dates: April 26th, May 3rd, May 10th, May 17th, May 24th, and May 31st
TUESDAY Evening Classes beginning: April 22nd PUPPY Kindergarten at 6:00pm – 6:55pm Dog Obedience – Level 1 at 7:00pm – 7:55pm
Class dates: April 22nd, April 29th, May 6th, May 13th, May 20th, May 27th
SATURDAY Morning Classes beginning: June 14th PUPPY Kindergarten at 9:00 am – 9:55am Dog Obedience – Level 1 at 10:00 am – 10:55 am Dog Obedience – Level 2 at 11:00am – 11:55am Class dates: June 14th, June 21st, June 28th, July 12th, July 19th, and July 26th
TUESDAY Evening Classes beginning: June 10th PUPPY Kindergarten at 6:00pm – 6:55pm Dog Obedience – Level 1 at 7:00pm – 7:55pm Class dates: June 10th, June 17th, June 24th, July 1st, July 8th, and July 15th
All dogs must be up to date on vaccines that include Rabies (puppies under 4 months will not have the rabies vaccine), Distemper, and Bordetella.
Please bring soft treats and a standard (non-retractable) 5-6′ leash to class.
Dogs that have issues with excessive barking, fear, or aggression should resolve these issues in private training prior to attending any group classes. Any dogs that exhibit such behavior in class will be unenrolled.
Group Trainer
Sharon has been a member of the Pender family for over 26 years, starting out as a kennel assistant and working up to a veterinary technician for more than 20 years now. If your pet has had surgery at a Pender clinic in the last 20 years, they have met Sharon!
Sharon graduated from the National K-9 School for Dog Trainers in Columbus, Ohio in 1999 and has over 22 years’ experience working as a certified dog trainer. Through her certification, she has mastered helping young dogs and their owners learn basic commands such as sit, down, stay, come, heel, finish, and place. In advanced classes at the National K-9 School, Sharon received training in handicap assistance work, scent detection, and search and rescue. Sharon loves teaching group classes and has been doing so with the Fairfax County Park Authority for over 20 years.
Pender Puppy Kindergarten is for puppies from age 10 – 23 weeks. Off-leash play time socialization is offered with this comprehensive class for those new to dog ownership and savvy dog owners. The focus of Puppy Kindergarten is for pups to learn socialization and basic handling technique using a rewards-based approach. Topics covered include housebreaking, safe handling, mouthing, chewing, play biting, jumping, walking on a leash, grooming, barking, and more.
Pender Dog Obedience – Level 1 (previously called “Basic”) is for puppies and dogs starting at the age of 6 months old and up. A dog is never too old to learn new tricks! This comprehensive class is for savvy dog owners and those new to dog ownership. In this class, the focus shifts from rewards- to praise-based reinforcement. Topics include home management, discipline, and problem solving. Commands instructed include sit, down, come, stay, heeling, controlled leash walking, and more.
Pender Dog Obedience – Level 2 (previously called “Intermediate”) is for Puppy and Basic Obedience / Level 1 graduates that are at least 8 months of age and are ready to hone their skills. Training topics include hand signal exercises for the sit, down and stand, heeling with attention, recalls in distracting situations, finishes, improving and proofing stays, and sit and stand for examination. Owners will work hard to enhance their leadership skills and improve any canine behavioral issues. This course prepared the dog and owner to successfully complete the 10-step AKC Canine Good Citizen test for certification given on course completion.
*We must receive your pup’s proof of current vaccination prior to the start of class. We reserve the right to turn away anyone from which we have not received proof of vaccination.
*Face coverings are required during class for unvaccinated individuals. When you are coming in, walking close to another person, or exiting our facility, we ask that all attendees wear a face covering. During class we will do our best to keep a six foot social distance from each other. The facility is large and will support this spacing.
*Please bring a small bowl or drinker for your dog, so the dogs are not sharing water bowls.
*Please dress appropriately for the weather, because we are outside under our covered pavilion. When the weather is cold, insulated sides are dropped down and overhead, radiant heaters will be on at all times. If the weather is hot, I will have a tub filled with water for cooling off your pup.
*Avoid flexi leashes, and use a regular leash and collar. Training collars are acceptable if you are already using one. I am not a fan of using a harness for training, but the anti-pulling harnesses can be valuable when walking and heeling, so feel free to bring your dog wearing a harness and collar if that is how you normally walk your dog.
*Bring stinky treats! I would suggest Zukes, Pupperoni, Jerky, string cheese, hot dog or something your pup really likes. This will help them work and to choose to listen to you despite the distractions of training in a group and outside! A toy to keep your pup busy while we are talking can also be helpful.
*Bring your own clean up bags, just like when you walk your dog at home. Walk dogs outside before coming onto the artificial turf. Accidents will happen. We ask that you clean them us as quickly as possible afterwards. There are many disposal receptacles around the property.
*We ask that you do not come into the facility early or stay late to avoid crowding in the training areas. Questions are welcome during class time. There is a public dog park on the property for you to use to wait or exercise your dog before or after class.
Staying at the Pender Pet Resort ensures your pet receives top-notch care, a comfortable environment, and plenty of personalized attention, making it a home away from home.
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