Dog Training Classes & Workshops near Springfield, MO

Precious K9s is always adding and changing workshops throughout the year. Stay up to date on our social media (Facebook and Instagram) and by visiting our Class Registration Page.

The benefits of professional dog training are endless. No matter when you start, foundation training provides the baseline for all other training and behaviors a dog will learn.

Precious K9s puppy classes will teach the necessary positive socialization and lay the groundwork for good canine psychological health. These classes also teach dog owners the skills and knowledge necessary for dealing with common puppy and dog behaviors. Puppy and dog training can also teach basic canine manners like coming when called, walking on a leash, and greeting guests.

In general, trained canines will participate more fully with their family and their environment. Well-behaved canines can attend family sporting events, attend outdoor gatherings and go along on vacations. Dog training helps dogs and owners to build strong bonds. Trained dogs are also much more likely to remain in their forever home.

Professional dog trainer Carrie Galvan has been working with and advocating for canines of all breeds, for more than 20 years.

“As owner of Precious K9s, in Springfield, Mo., we make it our mission to help aide in education, management, and training that will help our K9s live a happier life in the world to which we have domesticated them.”

Precious K9s offers a variety of dog training classes so you and your canine can have the best relationship possible. Our classes teach canines and owners how to understand and communicate. In addition, we offer classes and workshops that cover everything from basic potty training and manners, to therapy dog training and more.

LEVEL 1 CLASSES

All Paws In

All Paws In is a 6 week course for puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs. The class focuses on basic K9 behaviors and management, basic training, self control, building self confidence, handling skills, dog language and socialization. AKC Star Puppy evaluations are done upon request.

To ensure that each student gets enough individualized attention, we allow no more than 7 dogs per class. We will also separate into groups if puppies need extra instruction.

Precious K9s conveniently offers your homework on an online platform that gives you written AND VIDEO descriptions of the things you learn in class along with our spacious 5,000 square foot facility that allows plenty of room for each person and their dog.

The first week is orientation, so leave your dog at home! Also, make sure to bring a list of questions you have for our trainers.

For new students:
No aggression, reactivity, or severe anxiety allowed in this class. These behaviors include and are not limited to; lunging with a bark that is not friendly and/or conflicted, charging with intent, growling over a whisper to let someone or something know that they need more space, continuous barking that impedes class, stress signals that signify the class is too much stimulation for a fearful dog, continuous barking that signifies the dog is in a situation that is overstimulating. All behaviors will be evaluated by PK9s trainers and discussed with Carrie Galvan, CBCC. In the event it is determined a group setting IS NOT best for you and your dog, we will quietly and easily switch you into private coaching with the credit of the rest of your 6-week course. Learn more about private coaching and our trainers on our about page. For private coaching prices visit the About page of our website. **If your reactive dog has been approved to be in class after private coaching, Carrie will continue to monitor your progress.

No children under 12 are allowed in group classes unless approved by PK9s team members. This is for equipment safety, child safety, and dog safety reasons.

Your dog will need to be up to date on shots. We require at least two rounds of Parvo and the Bordetella booster for your puppy to begin class and the yearly booster if over a year. These must be done by a veterinarian. They are also required to have their Rabies shot if they are old enough, per your Vet. – Please email documentation.

PAWS For Kids

This is a once-a-month program for kids 6-12. Mrs. Jill and Mrs. Cara will have crafts, learning tools, and hands on work with dogs during this hour. The topic will be different each month, so stay up on what it will be on our Class Registration page!

No children under 12 are allowed in group classes unless approved by PK9s team members. This is for equipment safety, child safety, and dog safety reasons.

Your dog will need to be up to date on shots. We require at least two rounds of Parvo and the Bordetella booster for your puppy to begin class on week two. These must be done by a veterinarian. They are also required to have their Rabies shot if they are old enough, per your Vet. Adult dogs need to have their yearly DHPP, Bordetella, and Rabies up to date.

LEVEL 2 CLASSES

Teamwork Through Games

This is a second level class for students that have taken a beginner class or private lessons. In this 6-week games class we will build on the behaviors you have already learned. It will help you move the training you know into real-time while raising the distraction levels and improving your obedience work. It is also an AKC Canine Good Citizen prep class. Animals learn better through games. Humans are healthier when they laugh. Teamwork Through Games is the perfect combination of both!

Precious K9s conveniently offers your homework on an online platform that gives you written and video descriptions of the things you learn in class.

No children under 12 are allowed in group classes unless approved by PK9s team members. This is for equipment and child safety.

Your dog will need to be up to date on shots. We require at least three rounds of Parvo if under a year and the yearly booster if over a year, plus the Bordetella boosters for your dog to begin class. These must be done by a veterinarian. They are also required to have their Rabies shot if they are old enough, per your Vet. – Please email documentation.

No children under 12 are allowed in group classes unless approved by PK9s team members. This is for equipment safety, child safety, and dog safety reasons.

Your dog will need to be up to date on shots. We require at least two rounds of Parvo and the Bordetella booster for your puppy to begin class on week two. These must be done by a veterinarian. They are also required to have their Rabies shot if they are old enough, per your Vet. Adult dogs need to have their yearly DHPP, Bordetella, and Rabies up to date.

LEVEL 3 CLASSES

Tricks

In this 6 week course we will work on teaching our dogs to do tricks that are just for fun, that can be implemented into your everyday life, or that will get your ready to begin agility. We will work on simple things, such as “shake” and “roll over”, all the way up to some of the hardest tricks you can think to teach a dog! The sky is the limit! You will improve your handling skills and your dog’s ability to learn new things quickly. Best of all you will improve your relationship with your four-legged family member!

If you are wanting to earn an AKC Title for your dog, look no further! Whenever you are ready you can schedule a time to come in and earn your AKC Trick Dog Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert, or Champion Titles…

Precious K9s conveniently offers your homework on an online platform that gives you written and video descriptions of the things you learn in class along with our spacious 5,000 square foot facility that allows plenty of room for each person and their dog.

No children under 12 are allowed in group classes unless approved by PK9s team members. This is for equipment, dog, and child safety reasons.

Rally- Obedience

This is a 6-week class where we will learn the basics of Rally Obedience. We will work on heeling, doing behaviors closer to you, handling skills, reading the signs, learning to walk courses, and much more. Above all we want you to have fun with your dog and build a stronger team for everyday life. If you want to show someday, we will help you with that as well. Call if you are not sure you and your dog are qualified. Some basic training and canine maturity will help you take more away from this course.

Dogs About Town

This is a Precious K9s Level Four class. Call us to schedule an evaluation to see if you are ready!

This is a great class for students that want to practice taking their skills on the road! Maybe you have taken a few classes at Precious K9s and would like some coaching in the real world? Well look no further! We will work on the basics AND raise the distractions as we visit places around our dog friendly city of Springfield. Wear your walking shoes because we may go on a short hike, do recalls at a park, walk around downtown, or sit and enjoy breakfast. Your first class will be at Precious K9s and we will take a walk over to our favorite hangout, Sequiota Park.

Scent Work

This 6 week class, with Sarah Schroeder, will start with teaching the elements (Handler discrimination, containers, interiors, exteriors, buried, and vehicles). If the class progresses to it we will work on finding one scent. We will introduce low value distractions. This course includes your cocktail kit, glove, tins for hides, 2 boxes to start off.

No aggression is allowed in this course.
Shot records should be emailed to us before the start of the course.

Agility Fundamentals Plus

Is your dog bored? Does it need a job? Come join us in Agility at Precious K9s!

Agility is the most fast paced and involved canine companion sport in the world. You and your furry friend will sail over jumps, scale slopes and zoom through tunnels.
To get started, enroll in Agility Foundations with instructor Howard Carr. He will help you teach your canine partner independent skills to enjoy in your backyard for fun or to support you in the competition trial ring.

THERE ARE PREREQUISITES FOR THIS CLASS. We typically require one or two PK9s basic training Level One and Two classes. If you have questions or have been training somewhere else, please feel free to email us at [email protected].

There is not aggression allowed in class as there will be times your dog is off-leash. If you are interested in agility with a dog that may not qualify behaviorally, please email us at [email protected] and we will get you into private coaching!

Your dog’s age will play a factor in whether or not you are ready to begin agility.

LEVEL 4 CLASSES

Trick Dog Fun! 2

Build on your skills learned in Trick Dog Fun! We will begin to chain behaviors together, fade treats, get behaviors on clear cues, and help you gain more skills for agility or other dog sports!

Certified Trick Dog Instructor Lisa King CTDI will be your instructor so you will be able to earn your Immediate and above titles too! For more information on the Trick Dog Titles, visit our Classes and Workshops page and scroll to the last section. We can work you through your Do More With Your Dog Titles and you AKC Trick Dog Titles!

Therapy Prep

This is a 4-week session with classes lasting approximately 1 1/2 hours each week.

During this course we will teach you valuable behaviors that are used in Animal-Assisted Therapy and talk about the different directions you could go with your therapy team. This course is a prerequisite to our on-site Therapy class Dogs With a Job. Dogs with a Job will require you to do at least 4 on-site visits with an evaluator/trainer. We will discuss how to schedule these in your Therapy Prep sessions.

If you have not been approved to take this class, give us a call to make sure your dog’s previous training qualifies them for this course.

Canine Good Citizen

Do you think you are almost ready to pass your AKC Canine Good Citizen test? The 123 CGC is just the brush up you need. Two weeks of practice on the 10 test items, and on week three we test. It is a light fun atmosphere to see just where you stand. If you pass the test, your dog gets the title CGC. If he doesn’t, you had great practice for the next time!

Agility Fundamentals

Agility is the most fast paced and involved canine companion sport in the world. You and your furry friend will sail over jumps, scale slopes and zoom through tunnels.

To get started, enroll in Agility Foundations with instructor Roberta Mansfield. She will help you teach your canine partner independent skills to enjoy in your backyard for fun or to support you in the competition trial ring.

THERE ARE PREREQUISITES FOR THIS CLASS. We typically require one or two PK9s basic training core classes. If you have questions or have been training somewhere else, give us a call and we will discuss the best place for you to begin!

ADVANCED TRAINING

Skills and Drills

This class will be six weeks of challenges with Mrs. Roberta. You will learn how to keep your team sharp; look for the best possible line to for your dog; how to proof the all important obstacle discrimination and encourage speed in your dog. We will cover the necessities to help you get ready for Novice Agility Classes.

Threadles and serpentines, Perfecting the 3 basic crosses, Four jumps and two tunnels, Wrapping a tight jump, Lateral weaves, Weaves with distractions, Distance work, Collection over a jump, Lateral obstacles, Blind tunnels, Obstacle discrimination, and Racing to the finish!

Novice Agility

This 6-week class is designed to help prepare both the handler and their canine teammate to compete in AKC agility trials at the Novice level. It is also for those who just want to improve their game.

Trainer, Howard Carr, will help you learn what to expect at your first trial. Handlers will practice walking, analyzing and memorizing courses, building the dog’s focus and their team’s confidence.​We will work through handling exercises, sequences, and full courses.​

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Agility Fundamentals, Agility Fundamentals Plus, and Skills and Drills classes or equivalent. It is okay if you are still perfecting weave performance but your dog should be able to do six weaves from a straight on send. Dogs should also be able to perform all AKC agility obstacles.

Agility Competition 1

This 6 week class is designed to further prepare handler/dog teams for agility trials.

Your instructor, Barb Stockard will help teams on skills needed to compete in agility trials at the novice level or above. We will be learning different handling options, and what options work best for your team. The class will be tailored toward the student’s needs and skill level. Please be sure and let the instructor know if there is something specific you would like to work on.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Agility Fundamentals and Agility Fundamentals Plus or the equivalent.
Dogs taking this class should also be able to perform all AKC agility obstacles including 12 weaves.

Reactive Dog

This will be a four-week class with Carrie Galvan CBCC. We will focus on the behaviors you have learned in private coaching or group classes (OR an equivalent). You will learn to help your dog work around new people and dogs without lunging, barking, and/or growling. You and your dog do have to be approved to enter this class. Please send and email to [email protected] if you wish to be considered.

There is a Reactive Dog Two that you can join after this class and finally a Reactive Dog Walk.

NEW – Online Training

ONLINE TRAINING


Bringing your puppy home

Workshops

Essential Oils With Your K9

Conformation

Prerequisites:

You must have taken at least two PK9s core classes unless otherwise instructed by Carrie or Sarah.

Your dog needs to be able to walk on a leash. Your instructor, Sarah Schroeder, will teach you how to handle your dog in conformation. She will cover stacking, gaiting, and presenting your dog to the judge. This class will consist of actual instruction and run-throughs.

Scent Work Run-throughs

This is for show level dogs. Run- throughs on containers and interiors. We will offer all levels. After signing up you will need to email [email protected], and let Sarah know what levels you would like to run. There will be coaching with your practice run throughs if you would like.

Trick Dog Certifications and Titles

Do More With Your Dog (DMWYD) created by Kyra Sundance

Instructor Carrie Galvan, Certified Trick Dog Insturctor (CTDI)

DMWYD Certificate:

You can learn tricks on your own or with some friends.  Carrie Galvan is a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI). Watch each other perform the tricks and sign the witness line!  Print and mail in the Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert, and/or Champion sheets one at a time or all together!  You can earn your certificate…BUT if you are going to spend that much time doing all this, why not work toward a title with Precious K9s!

DMWYD Title with Carrie and Precious K9s:

Because you are in class with Carrie Galvan, CTDI, you can earn your Trick Dog Titles with DMWYD without submitting a video.  Have a Certified Trick Dog Instructor sign and date the tricks you need to earn your title.  Precious K9s will print your checklists and get you on your way to Champion Trick Dog!

  1. Novice (15 Tricks.  Advanced and expert tricks count as two tricks)
  2. Intermediate (Novice title plus 12 tricks of intermediate or higher skill level.  Advanced and expert tricks count as two tricks)
  3. Advanced  (Intermediate title plus 5 advanced or expert tricks)
  4. Expert (Advanced title plus 5 tricks of expert skill level)
  5. Champion (Expert title, plus video submission of tricks set out in the Trick Dog Champion Title application)

domorewithyourdog.com/pages/trickdogtitle.html

American Kennel Club (AKC) Trick Dog Title:
  1. Must be registered or listed with AKC by having either an AKC number, PAL alternative listing, or AKC Canine Partners number.
  2. Complete the tricks listed for the level in the presence of an approved CGC Evaluator, and Precious K9s can provide the CGC evaluator; or another option is to submit proof (a copy of the certificate or title) of the level achieved with DMWYD.

 

AKC TRICK DOG TITLE STRUCTURE    

AKC Trick Titles                                   Equivalent DMWYD Titles

AKC Novice Trick Dog (TKN)……………..Novice Trick Dog (NTD)

AKC Intermediate Trick Dog (TKI)………Intermediate Trick Dog (ITD)

AKC Advanced Trick Dog (TKA)…………Advanced Trick Dog (AT)

AKC Trick Dog Performer (TKP)…………Expert Trick Dog (ETD) or Trick Dog Champion  (TDCH)

AKC Trick Dog Elite Performer (TKE)….No Equivalent DMWYD title

https://www.akc.org/sports/trick-dog/

DMWYD – GRANDFATHERED TITLES

If you have a DMWYD title (Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert), you may send proof of the title (copy of DMWYD certificate) and pay only the $20 title fee for the highest level title for which you are applying to earn the equivalent AKC Trick Dog title.  Example: If you have a DMWYD Advanced Trick Dog title, send the AKC Advanced Trick Dog Application with the $20 title fee, and AKC will issue your AKC Advanced Trick Dog title.  You do not need to apply for Novice and Intermediate Trick Dog.