Training Philosophy
Our philosophy is simple and scientifically proven:
Reward the behavior you would like. Prevent reinforcement for behaviors you do not like. Allow your dog to choose to be right.
Dogs are being reinforced by their environments all the time. With us you'll learn how to become aware of what is reinforcing to your individual dog and we'll use that information to get the behaviors and emotional states that make for a happy household! In the process you'll develop the foundation for a strong lifetime relationship with your dog.
Choosing the appropriate class
Our goal at Harmony Dog Training is to help ALL dogs be successful. We recognize that not all dogs are appropriate for all group classes, but that doesn't mean that you cannot get the training you need. If your dog barks, lunges, growls, or is very stressed and shy about other dogs, our Reactive Rover classes are for you. Please contact us before you register if you are unsure of which class you should take.
Classes at the Humane Society of Huron Valley
Harmony Dog Training is a proud partner of the Humane Society of Huron Valley. Through our partnership, we offer the following classes at their beautiful Ann Arbor facility. Class descriptions follow. You can view a current schedule and register here.
Our philosophy is simple and scientifically proven:
Reward the behavior you would like. Prevent reinforcement for behaviors you do not like. Allow your dog to choose to be right.
Dogs are being reinforced by their environments all the time. With us you'll learn how to become aware of what is reinforcing to your individual dog and we'll use that information to get the behaviors and emotional states that make for a happy household! In the process you'll develop the foundation for a strong lifetime relationship with your dog.
Choosing the appropriate class
Our goal at Harmony Dog Training is to help ALL dogs be successful. We recognize that not all dogs are appropriate for all group classes, but that doesn't mean that you cannot get the training you need. If your dog barks, lunges, growls, or is very stressed and shy about other dogs, our Reactive Rover classes are for you. Please contact us before you register if you are unsure of which class you should take.
Classes at the Humane Society of Huron Valley
Harmony Dog Training is a proud partner of the Humane Society of Huron Valley. Through our partnership, we offer the following classes at their beautiful Ann Arbor facility. Class descriptions follow. You can view a current schedule and register here.
Puppy Preschool
The most important thing for puppies to learn is that the world is a fun, safe place where lots of good
things can happen. During their critical socialization phase, puppies are busy learning about the world
around them, and making decisions about what is good or bad, safe or unsafe. Impressions made during
this time will influence how they feel about the things that they will encounter throughout their lives. As
puppy-raisers, our job is to make the most of this sensitive time period by giving them positive
experiences with a wide variety of people, places, animals, and environments, so we can help them
develop into confident, outgoing dogs. A puppy who feels comfortable in a wide variety of situations is
less likely to develop fear, anxiety, or aggression-related problems down the road.
Puppy Pre-School is designed to help owners get their pups started out right. We will start introducing
basic manners training, such as name recognition, sit, down, stay, come, polite greetings, and loose
leash walking. In addition, we do targeted socialization and “real life” training to help prepare them for the
human world and the various things they may encounter – having their bodies handled, visiting the vet or
groomer, hearing weird sounds, walking on new surfaces, easily sharing their toys and food, meeting new
people, and playing with other puppies.
We will also go over the best ways to meet your puppy’s basic needs in a way that makes everyone
happy. This class teaches students how to provide outlets for normal puppy behavior and how to
manage and modify inappropriate behavior such as jumping, chewing on shoes or nipping hands and
legs. We help students understand the importance of and be able to implement management strategies
to prevent unwanted puppy behavior such as hard mouthing, potty accidents and chewing on
inappropriate items.
Don’t miss out on this important time in your pup’s development – get them started out on the right paw
so you can have a lifetime of fun together!
Is Puppy Pre-School for me?
Is your puppy 6 months or younger? If so, this class is for you!
Behaviors covered:
Sit | Down | Stay | Come | Go to your mat | Leave it | Loose-leash walking | Anti-jumping
The most important thing for puppies to learn is that the world is a fun, safe place where lots of good
things can happen. During their critical socialization phase, puppies are busy learning about the world
around them, and making decisions about what is good or bad, safe or unsafe. Impressions made during
this time will influence how they feel about the things that they will encounter throughout their lives. As
puppy-raisers, our job is to make the most of this sensitive time period by giving them positive
experiences with a wide variety of people, places, animals, and environments, so we can help them
develop into confident, outgoing dogs. A puppy who feels comfortable in a wide variety of situations is
less likely to develop fear, anxiety, or aggression-related problems down the road.
Puppy Pre-School is designed to help owners get their pups started out right. We will start introducing
basic manners training, such as name recognition, sit, down, stay, come, polite greetings, and loose
leash walking. In addition, we do targeted socialization and “real life” training to help prepare them for the
human world and the various things they may encounter – having their bodies handled, visiting the vet or
groomer, hearing weird sounds, walking on new surfaces, easily sharing their toys and food, meeting new
people, and playing with other puppies.
We will also go over the best ways to meet your puppy’s basic needs in a way that makes everyone
happy. This class teaches students how to provide outlets for normal puppy behavior and how to
manage and modify inappropriate behavior such as jumping, chewing on shoes or nipping hands and
legs. We help students understand the importance of and be able to implement management strategies
to prevent unwanted puppy behavior such as hard mouthing, potty accidents and chewing on
inappropriate items.
Don’t miss out on this important time in your pup’s development – get them started out on the right paw
so you can have a lifetime of fun together!
Is Puppy Pre-School for me?
Is your puppy 6 months or younger? If so, this class is for you!
Behaviors covered:
Sit | Down | Stay | Come | Go to your mat | Leave it | Loose-leash walking | Anti-jumping
Basic Manners
“Training is about teaching animals to live in our world successfully.” - Ken Ramirez
Do you want a well-mannered canine companion? One who can accompany you on your daily
adventures, whether that means a walk around the park or a trip to the sidewalk café, and then who can
relax calmly by your side at home? We can all have that perfect family pet – we just have to show our
dogs what we want in a way that is positive, clear, and consistent.
Basic Manners class will help you communicate to your dog what these good behaviors are that we are
looking for – things such as sit,down, stay, coming when called, walking nicely on leash, greeting other
people and dogs politely, and leaving food and distractions alone. Our main goals in class, however, are
to help you have a greater understanding of how dogs learn, and to give you the skills to teach your dog
anything you might want to train them throughout your lifetime together. Dog training is both an art and a
science, and we will help you understand how to bring them together in a way that is fun for both you and
the dog. We will also help you understand how to read your dog’s own body language, to understand
better what they are feeling and communicating, and to make sure we are meeting their needs for social,
mental, and physical enrichment – all of which lead to a better relationship and a better-behaved
companion.
Our methods are all force-free and positive reinforcement-based. We focus not on simply luring a dog
through the learning steps, but on setting up situations where your dog learns how to make the correct
decision on his or her own. You will come away with a dog that not only understands their basic cues, but
who has also learned to choose polite behavior on their own without being continually reminded. And,
most importantly, both you and your dog will have fun doing it!
Is Basic Manners Class for me and my dog?
Does your dog need to work on some, well . . . basic manners, such as sit, loose leash walking, greeting
guests, coming when called, or stay through distractions? Is he or she 6 months or older? Is he or she
comfortable around other people and dogs? If so, this class is for you!
Behaviors covered:
Sit | Down | Watch | Come | Stay | Leave it | Loose-leash walking | Anti-jumping | Wait
“Training is about teaching animals to live in our world successfully.” - Ken Ramirez
Do you want a well-mannered canine companion? One who can accompany you on your daily
adventures, whether that means a walk around the park or a trip to the sidewalk café, and then who can
relax calmly by your side at home? We can all have that perfect family pet – we just have to show our
dogs what we want in a way that is positive, clear, and consistent.
Basic Manners class will help you communicate to your dog what these good behaviors are that we are
looking for – things such as sit,down, stay, coming when called, walking nicely on leash, greeting other
people and dogs politely, and leaving food and distractions alone. Our main goals in class, however, are
to help you have a greater understanding of how dogs learn, and to give you the skills to teach your dog
anything you might want to train them throughout your lifetime together. Dog training is both an art and a
science, and we will help you understand how to bring them together in a way that is fun for both you and
the dog. We will also help you understand how to read your dog’s own body language, to understand
better what they are feeling and communicating, and to make sure we are meeting their needs for social,
mental, and physical enrichment – all of which lead to a better relationship and a better-behaved
companion.
Our methods are all force-free and positive reinforcement-based. We focus not on simply luring a dog
through the learning steps, but on setting up situations where your dog learns how to make the correct
decision on his or her own. You will come away with a dog that not only understands their basic cues, but
who has also learned to choose polite behavior on their own without being continually reminded. And,
most importantly, both you and your dog will have fun doing it!
Is Basic Manners Class for me and my dog?
Does your dog need to work on some, well . . . basic manners, such as sit, loose leash walking, greeting
guests, coming when called, or stay through distractions? Is he or she 6 months or older? Is he or she
comfortable around other people and dogs? If so, this class is for you!
Behaviors covered:
Sit | Down | Watch | Come | Stay | Leave it | Loose-leash walking | Anti-jumping | Wait
Reactive Rover
Do you have a dog that is PEOPLE-FRIENDLY, but exhibits on-leash reactivity, such as barking
and lunging, when he or she sees other dogs? Does your dog become stressed, uncomfortable, or
over-aroused in the presence of other dogs, and do you have a hard time keeping your dog calm and
focused when other dogs are around? This may be the class for you!
Reactive Rover classes will help you understand your dog's reactivity, and will give you methods for
managing and modifying it. We solely use positive methods and work at each dog's individual level, so
that over time we can change the dog's emotional response to his or her "triggers." Our goal is to help
you teach your dog focus, impulse control, and relaxation, so that walks and outings can be more fun and
less stressful for you both!
How can you have a group class of reactive dogs?!?
Excellent question, but we make it work! Rest assured that this class will not be a room of dogs barking
and lunging and feeling stressed. Reactive Rover is a small class of only four dogs, with two instructors,
and we carefully structure the class to set every dog up for success. At orientation, we go over specific
protocols that we will use, and in class all dogs have their own stations with visual barriers that we shift to
gradually expose the dogs to distractions as they are ready. By being patient and reinforcing calm
behavior and good decisions, we can have dogs that can successfully handle real world distractions
without reacting.
Dogs who do NOT fit into Reactive Rover Class:
-Dogs who have done major damage to another dog (such as hospitalizing another dog)
-Dogs who are aggressive towards people
-Dogs who bite their handlers when their handlers try to redirect them from focusing on another dog
For dogs who do not fit into a Reactive Rover class, we would recommend consulting with an in-
home trainer first. Please feel free to contact us for recommendations at angela@harmonyk9.com and
we can refer you to someone who can help.
Advanced Reactive Rover
For graduates of our Reactive Rover classes, this new class will help you and your dog start to work
at the next level. Using the same principles of desensitization and counter-conditioning taught in our
Reactive Rover class, we will start to raise distraction levels and strengthen your dog’s skills, all while
working at each dog’s pace. If you are looking for more opportunities to help your dog feel increasingly
relaxed, focused, and comfortable in the presence of other dogs, this is a great next step.
This class will have a maximum of four dogs, with Reactive Rover as a pre-requisite. To register for this
class, please contact our instructor directly at angela@harmonyk9.com.
Do you have a dog that is PEOPLE-FRIENDLY, but exhibits on-leash reactivity, such as barking
and lunging, when he or she sees other dogs? Does your dog become stressed, uncomfortable, or
over-aroused in the presence of other dogs, and do you have a hard time keeping your dog calm and
focused when other dogs are around? This may be the class for you!
Reactive Rover classes will help you understand your dog's reactivity, and will give you methods for
managing and modifying it. We solely use positive methods and work at each dog's individual level, so
that over time we can change the dog's emotional response to his or her "triggers." Our goal is to help
you teach your dog focus, impulse control, and relaxation, so that walks and outings can be more fun and
less stressful for you both!
How can you have a group class of reactive dogs?!?
Excellent question, but we make it work! Rest assured that this class will not be a room of dogs barking
and lunging and feeling stressed. Reactive Rover is a small class of only four dogs, with two instructors,
and we carefully structure the class to set every dog up for success. At orientation, we go over specific
protocols that we will use, and in class all dogs have their own stations with visual barriers that we shift to
gradually expose the dogs to distractions as they are ready. By being patient and reinforcing calm
behavior and good decisions, we can have dogs that can successfully handle real world distractions
without reacting.
Dogs who do NOT fit into Reactive Rover Class:
-Dogs who have done major damage to another dog (such as hospitalizing another dog)
-Dogs who are aggressive towards people
-Dogs who bite their handlers when their handlers try to redirect them from focusing on another dog
For dogs who do not fit into a Reactive Rover class, we would recommend consulting with an in-
home trainer first. Please feel free to contact us for recommendations at angela@harmonyk9.com and
we can refer you to someone who can help.
Advanced Reactive Rover
For graduates of our Reactive Rover classes, this new class will help you and your dog start to work
at the next level. Using the same principles of desensitization and counter-conditioning taught in our
Reactive Rover class, we will start to raise distraction levels and strengthen your dog’s skills, all while
working at each dog’s pace. If you are looking for more opportunities to help your dog feel increasingly
relaxed, focused, and comfortable in the presence of other dogs, this is a great next step.
This class will have a maximum of four dogs, with Reactive Rover as a pre-requisite. To register for this
class, please contact our instructor directly at angela@harmonyk9.com.
Fun and Games
Are you looking for fun ways to spend time with your dog? Do the winter weather and short days have
you both getting “cabin fever”? Do you want to build your relationship with your canine companion and
learn to play together more?
We all know how important training and physical exercise are to our dog’s well-being, but dogs also
need opportunities to use their minds. This class will introduce you to a variety of mental enrichment
activities that will harness your dog’s creativity and intelligence, and show you fun ways to enjoy time
together. Watch your dog use his nose. Let him show his creative side. Watch her problem-solve a
puzzle. Discover the many ways they learn to read our cues and body language. You will come away
with a new perspective on what a clever companion you have, and will have a lot of fun in the process!
To participate in this class, dogs should be comfortable in the presence of other dogs and people. Dogs
may attend wearing a flat-buckle collar, martingale collar, harness, or head halter. Please no choke
chains, prong collars, or electronic collars.
These classes are currently located in the Education Center at the Humane Society of Huron Valley
3100 Cherry Hill Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Are you looking for fun ways to spend time with your dog? Do the winter weather and short days have
you both getting “cabin fever”? Do you want to build your relationship with your canine companion and
learn to play together more?
We all know how important training and physical exercise are to our dog’s well-being, but dogs also
need opportunities to use their minds. This class will introduce you to a variety of mental enrichment
activities that will harness your dog’s creativity and intelligence, and show you fun ways to enjoy time
together. Watch your dog use his nose. Let him show his creative side. Watch her problem-solve a
puzzle. Discover the many ways they learn to read our cues and body language. You will come away
with a new perspective on what a clever companion you have, and will have a lot of fun in the process!
To participate in this class, dogs should be comfortable in the presence of other dogs and people. Dogs
may attend wearing a flat-buckle collar, martingale collar, harness, or head halter. Please no choke
chains, prong collars, or electronic collars.
These classes are currently located in the Education Center at the Humane Society of Huron Valley
3100 Cherry Hill Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Classes at Animal Kingdom Veterinary Hospital
Animal Kingdom Veterinary Hospital and Harmony Dog Training are pleased to announce the start of group classes on site in the clinic lobby on Sunday mornings. Animal Kingdom Veterinary Hospital is located at 4920 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103.
Animal Kingdom Veterinary Hospital and Harmony Dog Training are pleased to announce the start of group classes on site in the clinic lobby on Sunday mornings. Animal Kingdom Veterinary Hospital is located at 4920 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103.
Puppy Foundations
Get your puppy off on the right paw.
This class is for puppies 16 weeks and younger and focuses on basic behaviors, preparation for real world experiences and safe socialization. You’ll also learn about your puppy’s development, get questions answered in a safe and supportive atmosphere and become better able communicate with your young companion. The class runs for 6 weeks including a humans only orientation on week 1.
Cost: $150
Max capacity: 6
Note: Proof of vaccination required. One handler per puppy. One additional adult if children under 13 also attending. No children under 6 please
Classes are offered on Sundays in the lobby at 11AM. Call Animal Kingdom at 734 913-0003 to register.
Get your puppy off on the right paw.
This class is for puppies 16 weeks and younger and focuses on basic behaviors, preparation for real world experiences and safe socialization. You’ll also learn about your puppy’s development, get questions answered in a safe and supportive atmosphere and become better able communicate with your young companion. The class runs for 6 weeks including a humans only orientation on week 1.
Cost: $150
Max capacity: 6
Note: Proof of vaccination required. One handler per puppy. One additional adult if children under 13 also attending. No children under 6 please
Classes are offered on Sundays in the lobby at 11AM. Call Animal Kingdom at 734 913-0003 to register.
Well Behaved 101
Behaviors, skills and techniques that bring harmony to your home.
The focus is on how dogs learn, basic behaviors and management techniques. We’ll teach you how to use training and management so that you can better enjoy your dog. The best part is that we use methods enjoyable to dogs and humans alike! The class runs for 6 weeks including a humans only orientation on week 1.
Cost: $150
Max capacity: 5
Note: Proof of vaccination required. One handler per dog.
Classes are offered on Sundays in the lobby at 10AM.
Behaviors, skills and techniques that bring harmony to your home.
The focus is on how dogs learn, basic behaviors and management techniques. We’ll teach you how to use training and management so that you can better enjoy your dog. The best part is that we use methods enjoyable to dogs and humans alike! The class runs for 6 weeks including a humans only orientation on week 1.
Cost: $150
Max capacity: 5
Note: Proof of vaccination required. One handler per dog.
Classes are offered on Sundays in the lobby at 10AM.