DePAW believes there is no “one size fits all” approach to training.
This is why we offer a variety of programs and training approaches to suit any dog/owner team. Regardless of your goals, your dog’s age or your background, we have a program and training method that can help you and your dog.
For ALL DePAW Classes
- Registrants must come with dog(s) on a 6-foot leash – No flexi or retractable leashes
- Bring high-value treats or a toy that your dog will work for
- One dog = One handler. Spectators may sit aside to quietly observe
- Must complete some classes in Level Order
- Dogs with previous training can schedule to test into a higher level class
- Must have vaccinations:
- 1 or 3 yr Rabies,
- 6mo Bordetella,
- 1 or 3 yr Distemper, and
- Yearly Negative Fecal Requirements
(Exception: Puppies under 6mo old. Inquire.)
- Must complete classes in Level Order
- Dogs with previous training can schedule to test into a higher level class
* Click the training option below to expand for additional info!
Meet Our Trainers
One-on-One Programs
Orientation
Orientations are approximately 45 minutes
Orientations are a complimentary one-on-one meet, greet, evaluation with the pet owner, pet, and trainer. During this time, we want to hear about goals or concerns with your pet and the humans in the household. Discussions and personalized recommendations are made.
- Orientations are needed to enter into any of our training programs
- Dogs: Minimum of 10 weeks, no max age, and must meet vaccination & fecal requirements
Play & Train
Play and Trains are Full Days
Play & Trains are a great option for people who are on the go, want the added playtime, exercise, socialization (with dogs and people), and need high quality training for their dog. It’s a great training time-saver in the long run! Drop your dog off in the morning and pick up early evening, we’ll take care of the rest. Dogs are rotated between daycare (when applicable) and training, with a total of about one hour of training per day.
- Mon-Fri: Drop off 6am-9am and pick up 4:30pm-7:00pm
- Sat: Drop off 8am-9am and pick up 4:00pm-5:00pm
- Drop-off and Pick Up times are mandatory unless otherwise arranged with a trainer
| A la carte | $130 |
| 5 pack (2 month expiration) | $585 |
| 10 pack (3 month expiration) | $1050 |
Private Lesson
Lessons are approximately 1 hour
During these one-on-one customized lessons, our trainer will come up with an overall game plan for you and your dog based on your needs or goals. From here, the trainer will instruct you on how to create desired behavior in your dog while discouraging unwanted behavior and offering tips for you to be proactive at home, in multiple environments, and around distractions. Private lessons are all onsite, but can be scheduled offsite at a separate rate and travel fee.
- Dogs: Minimum of 10 weeks, no max age, and must meet vaccination & fecal requirements
- No children under the age of 13 years old for the first two lessons unless approved by a trainer
| Each/hour | $95 |
| 5 pack (2 month expiration) | $440 |
| 10 pack (3 month expiration) | $815 |
| Each/hour | $140 |
| 5 pack (3 month expiration) | $630 |
Stay & Train
Stay and Trains are Overnight
Every dog is unique, which means they learn and progress differently. The Stay & Train program allows the trainer to get the most done in the shortest time frame. We train, and you maintain. The trainer will work one-on-one at the dog’s pace to customize their education. While they stay overnight, dogs are strategically socialized with other people and dogs; they are immersed in different environments; behavioral issues and basic manners are addressed; obedience training and confidence building are what we build from. Specific goals to be discussed and planned with the owner’s needs.
Because each dog comes with their own wish list and pace of learning, we do offer “weekly add-ons” to the Stay & Train for those that may need a little more time reaching their goals.
- Two weeks: Includes Lodging, Daycare/Socialization (as applies), 10 days of Training, and two prescheduled private lessons. One lesson at departure and one lesson one week post departure.
- Three weeks: Includes Lodging, Daycare/Socialization (as applies), 15 days of Training, and three prescheduled private lessons. First lesson at the end of week two. Second lesson at departure. Third lesson one week post departure.
- Add-on weeks: Includes an additional 5 training days; 6 Lodging and Daycare/=Socialization days (as applies); and one prescheduled private lesson as it applies to the proper order.
| Two weeks (minimum) | $2100 |
| Three weeks | $2900 |
| Each additional week | $1100 |
Group Classes
Agility Classes
Drop-in Agility (Any level)
1 hour; no class minimum or maximum. Various nights throughout the month.
This drop-in class is for dogs/owners who have previously completed an agility class at DePAW and are looking for unstructured time to practice using various agility equipment or work on certain agility skills. An instructor will be available to answer questions, and a course will be set-up for participants to run their dogs through or work on certain sections of obstacles.
Class Dates & Times: (must arrive before 6:30pm to participate)
- December 6, 2022 6-7pm
- December 10, 2022 12-1pm
- December 14, 2022 6-7pm
- December 19, 2022 6-7pm
- March 9, 6-7pm
- April 5, 6-7pm
- May 18, 6-7pm
- June 17, 10-11am
- July 20, 6-7pm
- October 19, 6-7pm
- November 9, 6-7pm
- December 7 2023, 6-7pm
- December 9 2023, 10-11am
- December 11 2023, 6-7pm
- December 20 2023, 6-7pm
Instructor: Grace Schwegel
Prerequisite: Completed one or more agility classes at DePAW or elsewhere
Intro to Agility Class (Level 1)
3-week class, 1-hour per week, 6+ mo old, 3-6 dogs per class.
For puppies and first-timers! Learn the fundamentals of agility and how to encourage your dog through simple obstacles while developing primary skills, confidence, and enthusiasm. Agility is a great way to bond with your dog and enhance their listening skills while also getting out their extra energy! This class is perfect for those that want to test the water while enjoying fun exercise with their dog.
Class Dates & Times:
- January 11, 18, & 25 @ 6pm
- February 6, 13, & 20 @ 6pm
- April 12, 19, & 26 at 6:00pm
- July 12, 19, & 26 @ 6:00pm
- September 12, 19, & 26 @ 6:00pm
Instructor: Grace Schwegel
Prerequisite: Has knowledge of basic obedience, especially sit-stay
Beginner Agility Class (Level 2)
Description: 3-week class, 1-hour per week. 6+ mo old. 3-6 dogs per class
This class is for those who really enjoyed our Intro to Agility course. Here you’ll learn to navigate through simple combinations of more challenging obstacles with confidence by adding in new obstacles and increasing the number of consecutive obstacles.
Class Date & Time:
- February 8, 15, & 22 @ 6pm
- March 6, 13, & 20 @ 6pm
- May 10, 17, & 24 @ 6pm
- August 9, 16, & 23 @ 6:00pm
- October 10, 17, & 24 @ 6:00pm
Instructor: Grace Schwegel
Prerequisite: Completed Intro to Agility or comparable agility experience
Intermediate Agility Class (Level 3)
3-week class, 1-hour per week, 6+ mo old, 3-6 dogs per class.
Step up your agility game even more! In this class, you will be running your dog through full agility courses, and you will learn how to use strategies and handling techniques to make the most of your run.
Class Dates & Times:
- March 8, 15, & 22 @ 6pm
- April 10, 17, & 24 @ 6pm
- June 7, 14, & 21 @ 6:00pm
- September 6, 13, & 20 @ 6:00pm
- November 7, 14, & 21 @ 6:00pm
Instructor: Grace Schwegel
Prerequisite: Completed Intro to Agility and Beginner Agility, or comparable agility experience
Obedience Classes
Intro to Obedience Class (Level 2)
3-week class, 1-hour per week. 4-10 dogs per class.
Get your dog started on the right paw with general obedience skills that all dogs (and humans) should know! This class will lay the foundations of training by teaching you, the owner, the principles of dog training, how to easily communicate with your dog, how to increase difficulty of commands once your dog starts to understand them, and much more. We will work on engagement with your dog, teach them the “place” command, and begin practicing the foundations for loose leash walking.
Class Dates & Times:
- January 14, 21 & 28 @ 9am
- February 18, 25, & March 4 @ 11am
- April 8. 15. & 22 @ 9:00am
- June 6, 13, & 20 @ 6:00pm
- August 12, 19, & 26 @ 9:00am
Instructor: Grace Schwegel
Prerequisite: Phone Consult
Beginner Obedience Class (Level 3)
3-week class; 1-hour per week; 4-12 dogs per class.
This class will build off of Intro to Obedience, practicing engagement, the “place” command, and loose leash walking, while also adding in sit-stay, down-stay, and recall. We will work on increasing your dogs’ focus and continue to improve their skills by practicing longer durations of each cue and adding in more distractions.
Class Dates & Times:
- February 18, 25, & March 4 @ 9am
- March 11, 18 & 25 @ 11am
- May 6, 13, & 20 @ 9:00am
- July 11, 18, & 25 @ 6:00pm
- September 9, 16, & 23 @ 9:00am
Instructor: Grace Schwegel
Prerequisite: Intro to Obedience – Level 2
Intermediate Obedience Class (Level 4)
3-week class, 1-hour per week. 4-10 dogs per class.
This class is for the humans and dogs who have mastered the skills of Intro to Obedience and Beginner Obedience. The trainer will continue to challenge you and your dog by increasing distance and duration on the skills they’ve already learned, plus we will also introduce waiting at doors and manners when meeting new people.
Class Dates & Times:
- March 11, 18 & 25 @ 9am
- August 8, 15, & 22 @6:00pm
Instructor: Grace Schwegel
Prerequisite: Intro to Obedience (Level 2) and Beginner Obedience (Level 3), or phone consult
CGC Prep Class + Test (“Canine Good Citizen” Certification)
4-week class, 1-hour per week. 4-8 dogs per class.
Does your dog have what it takes to become a Canine Good Citizen? This class will help prepare your dog to be a respected member of the community by training him or her to be well-behaved in your home, in public places, and around other dogs. The first three weeks of this class will be preparation for an evaluation done on week 4. If your dog successfully completes the evaluation, he or she will be certified as an AKC Canine Good Citizen. For more detailed information, check out the American Kennel Club link on CGC here.
Class Dates & Times:
- May 2, 9, 16, & 23 @ 6:00pm
- July 8, 15, 22, 29 @ 9:00am
- October 4, 11, 18, & 25 @ 6:00pm
Instructor: Deb Merrill & Grace Schwegel
Prerequisite: Phone consult; dogs of any breed or mixed breed may participate
Study Halls
Bring high-value treats your dog will work for, and have them on a 6-foot leash - no flexis/retractable leashes
Study Halls are the perfect mix of a private lesson and small group studies. Dogs and owners are purposely paired together, focused on pushing each other toward similar goals utilizing the added distractions.There is freedom to decide the curriculum based on the needs of the dogs and owners who attend. One-hour session.
- Minimum age of 4 months old
- Shared lessons with Minimum of 2 dogs/families, maximum of 5 dogs/families
| Each/hour | $65 |
| 5 pack (2 month expiration) | $295 |
Working Pack Walks
These one-hour group walks are a unique experience utilizing our surrounding real-life environments as our training playground! Specifically, they are in-town or park pack walks where a group of dogs, along with their people, go for a working walk together in a structured environment, led by DePAW trainers. These walks can safely and effectively provide your dog with exercise, training, impulse control, and socialization, which makes this a great outlet for ANY dog!
While the dogs are walking and exploring, they are also learning to practice self-control, develop social intelligence, and listen to their people in a world with a variety of distractions. It is working and training, but mostly it’s a FUN program to do with your pooch!!
- In the case of possible bad weather, call 30 min ahead, if canceled you will be refunded in full or put toward another Pack Walk date
- Register Online, Email or Call at least 24 hrs ahead of start time
- Reminders: a) Bring high-value treats or toy, b) Bring a 6ft leash - no retractables or flexi-leashes
c) One Dog per Handler, and d) Bring Poop Bags & Water
| Per Dog Per Walk | $20 |
Tutor Sessions
Puppy Socialization
A Single, Focused 1-hour class. 3-8 puppies per class. Min age 4 mo old
Socialization is the key to helping a puppy grow up happy and healthy. In this class, you will learn how to help properly introduce your puppy to all the new people and things they will encounter in their young lives. Topics covered will include things such as children, items on wheels, medical/vet equipment, and other things that puppies find scary. While your puppies get a chance to interact with each other, we will go over what appropriate play is and what to do if it’s not.
Class Dates & Times:
- December 3 2022 @ 10am
- January 31 @ 6pm
- February 11 @ 11am
- March 8 @ 6:00pm
- June 10 @ 9:00am
- September 5 @ 6:00pm
Instructor: Deb Merrill
Test Drive Agility
A Single, Focused 1-hour class, 5 mo old & Up, 3-6 dogs per class
Have you seen dogs and their people doing agility and thought, “Boy, that would be fun! I think.” This is your chance to find out if your dog – and you – would like to try our Intro to Agility class. You will learn about agility terms and expectations, plus you will get a chance to try your dog on the various pieces of equipment. Agility is a great way to not only bond with your dog, but to help build on some obedience skills they already know. Plus, it’s a healthy and fulfilling way to get them exercise and tire them out. It combines physical work with brain work to make your dog a balanced and happy pup!
Class Date & Time:
- December 7 2022 @ 6pm
- June 28 @ 6:00pm
- December 13 2023 @ 6:00pm
Instructor: Grace Schwegel
Teaching the Treadmill
A Single, Focused 1-hour class, 5 mo old & Up, 3-6 dogs per class.
Do you want to give your dog the exercise that’s so important for them without having to head out in bad weather? This class is designed to help you introduce your dog to walking/running on a treadmill. Not only is it great exercise during winter months, but running on a treadmill is mentally taxing for dogs too, since they have to use brain power to help keep their legs moving properly and stay on pace with the belt.
Class Dates & Times:
- December 10 @ 10am
- January 14 @ 11am
- October 21 @ 9:00am
- December 2 2023 @ 9:00am
- December 19 2023 @ 6:00pm
Instructor: Deb Merrill
Human End of the Leash (Showing Your Dog Leadership)
One time class, 1-hour long. Class limited to 30 people. No Dogs.
This class is for everyone who struggles with a pup that thinks – or actually does! – run their house. It’s all about how establishing leadership and demonstrating to your dog that the humans in the pack are the ones to follow will help lead to a better behaved dog. You’ll learn how and why leadership is key to a well balanced canine family member. By employing these methods, you’ll get control back and begin to see behavioral issues diminish or even disappear. Learn simple things to do to show your dog that you’re the leader of the pack so s/he doesn’t need to be. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR PUPS AT HOME FOR THIS CLASS.
Class Dates & Times:
- December 13 @ 6pm
- February 7 @ 6pm
- August 8 @ 6:00pm
- November 18 @ 10:00am
Instructor: Deb Merrill
The “Place” Command (Teaching Stay)
A Single, Focused 1-hour class. 3-10 dogs per class.
Is it difficult to keep your dog under control when guests come to your door? Do you wish your dog could be in one spot (away from your feet!) while you make or eat dinner? The place command is perfect for these situations, and many others! In this class, you will learn how to train your dog to stay in one defined area (place) until he or she is released. You will practice this skill with your dog in a structured way and receive a hand out of the process so you can repeat it at home, or anywhere else.
Class Dates & Times:
- December 15 2022 @ 6:00pm
- January 23 @ 6:00pm
- February 4 @ 11am
- Thursday, April 27 @ 6:00pm
- July 15 @ 11:00am
- October 23 @ 6:00pm
Instructor: Grace Schwegel
Confidence Building
A Single, Focused 1-hour class. 3-10 dogs per class.
Do you have a dog that’s shy around new people, nervous about new things? This class is designed to help those shy nervous dogs come out of their shell a bit. We’ll do fun things and play nose and brain games that will help them build confidence so they learn that the things they think are scary aren’t as bad as they thought. You’ll also learn things you can do at home for your dog to help them continue to build that confidence. Pet parents should be ready to spend time on the floor and most importantly have fun with their dogs!
Date & Time:
- December 17 2022 @ 10am
- February 10 @ 11am
- April 11 @ 6:00pm
- August 19 @ 11:00am
- November 8 @ 6:00pm
Instructor: Deb Merrill
Trick Training for Fun!
A Single, Focused 1-hour class. 4-8 dogs per class.
Join us for an hour of fun with your furry friend! No pressure, no stress, no anxiety. Just fun! This class is all about teaching your dog some fun tricks. And the best part is, we’ll work on whatever tricks you choose! We’ll supply a list to help you choose what you’d like to do, or you can come with some ideas of your own. Anything goes! We’ll spend the hour seeing what our dogs can do and having a blast making it happen.
Class Dates & Times:
- December 20 2022 @ 6pm
- January 24 @ 6pm
- March 14 @ 6pm
- July 29 @ 11:00am
- September 23 @ 11:00am
- November 15 @ 6:00pm
- December 12 2023 @ 6:00pm
Instructor: Deb Merrill & Grace Schwegel
New Puppy Introduction
A Single, Focused 1-hour class. 3-10 dogs per class. Min 4 mo old & Max 8 mo old
Have you recently added a new furry family member? Congratulations! Get your new addition started on the right paw by learning how to help your puppy adapt to their new family life. You’ll learn how to communicate with your pup in a way they’ll understand. We’ll go over what to do about jumping and nipping, along with learning some of the basic cues like sit and stay. Your puppy will also get a chance for some important, beneficial socialization or playtime with classmates while you watch and learn. It is important to learn when play is appropriate and what to do if it’s not.
Date & Time:
- January 7 @ 9am
- April 8 @ 11:00am
Instructor: Deb Merrill
Loose Leash Walking
A Single, Focused 1-hour class. 3-10 dogs per class.
Are you tired of being pulled through the neighborhood by your dog? Does your dog lag behind you or choke themselves pulling ahead of you? If you would like to enjoy walks with your four-legged friend, this class is for you! You will learn techniques to help your dog stay close to your side while walking. In class you will practice these techniques inside and then outside as you perfect them.
Date & Time:
- January 10 @ 6pm
- March 4 @ 10:00am
- June 24 @ 9:00am
Instructor: Deb Merrill
Drop it/Leave it
A Single, Focused 1-hour class. 5 mo old & Up, 3-10 dogs per class.
Instead of chasing your dog around the house trying to get your shoe out of their mouth, come to our “Drop It/Leave It” class and learn how to simply ask your dog to give it back. We’ll work on having them drop things out of their mouths when asked, and better yet, never grab them in the first place by just telling them to leave it. These skills come in handy for playing fetch and other games with your dog, too.
Date & Time:
- January 13 @ 10am
- July 12 @ 6:00pm
- October 3 @ 6:00pm
Instructor: Deb Merrill
Greetings
A Single, Focused 1-hour class. 3-10 dogs per class.
Does your dog jump on people when they come to your house? Do they drag you to meet new people or furry friends on walks? This class is for those overly-friendly dogs that need to learn to control themselves when saying hello! We will practice having your dog sit nicely to be petted and learn to be more calm while meeting strangers and/or their dogs. Note: this class does not focus on dog-to-dog interactions, but questions about this will be answered.
Date & Time:
- January 16 @ 6pm
- March 1 @ 6:00pm
- May 22 @ 6:00pm
- August 17 @ 6:00pm
- October, 12 @ 6:00pm
- December 16 2023 @ 10:00am
Instructor: Grace Schwegel
Prong Collar/E-Collar 101
One time informational class, 1-hour long; Class limited to 30 people. No Dogs.
Have you considered using a prong collar or an e-collar on your dog? Would you like to learn more about the pros and cons of training your dog with these collars? Or, are you unfamiliar with or against using these collars altogether? This is an informational class for dog owners where we will discuss the purposes of these collars when used as intended and go over many of the common misconceptions behind prong collars and e-collars. There will be time to ask questions about any and everything related to these collars! PLEASE LEAVE YOUR PUPS AT HOME FOR THIS CLASS.
Date & Time:
- January 19 @ 6pm
- May 11 @ 6:00pm
- August 28 @ 6:00pm
- December 5 2023 @ 6:00pm
Instructor: Grace Schwegel
Recall (“Come/Here” Command)
One time class, 1-hour long. 3-10 dogs per class.
Does your dog ignore you when you call them? Do they only come when they feel like it? Recall is one of the most important commands you can teach your dog. Besides being helpful in many situations, it can literally save your dog’s life! This class will teach you how to help your dog understand your recall command (usually “come” or “here”) and help them practice in various environments, indoor and outdoor.
Date & Time:
- January 21 @ 11am
- February 21 @ 6pm
- May 6 @ 10:00am
- September 30 @ 10:00am
Instructor: Deb Merrill
Agility for Nervous Dogs
One time class, 1-hour long. 3-8 dogs per class.
This class is designed for any dog who is nervous or scared of the unknown. Agility is a great way to help build confidence in your dog, while also having fun and getting physical and mental exercise. With the help of our trainer, you will encourage your dog to become familiar with various agility obstacles. You will enjoy watching your dog blossom as they begin to overcome their fears!
Date & Time:
- April 20 @ 6:00pm
- June 19 @ 6:00pm
- August 30 @ 6:00pm
- October 28 @ 9:00am
- December 14 2023 @ 6:00pm
Instructor: Grace Schwegel
Hours
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MON-FRI: 6am-7pm
Full services available
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SAT: 8am-5pm
Full services available
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SUN: 8am - 10am and 3pm - 5pm
Lodging Drop-Off & Pick-Up Services Only
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Office is CLOSED*
New Years Day
Easter Day
Memorial day
Fourth of July
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day -
Shortened Office Hours
Closes at 5PM:
December 24th - Christmas Eve
December 31st - New Years Eve
Normal Business Hours Apply when "Eve" falls on a Sunday
Contact Us
100 S. Glengarry Drive
Geneva, IL 60134
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