Train. Bond. Thrive.
Welcome to The Animal Foundation’s Dog Training Program, where every wagging tail learns the art of good manners through positive reinforcement and LIMA-based training. Whether your dog is brand-new to training or ready to polish their skills, our certified trainers will guide you and your pup every step of the way.
We currently offer three tiers of group classes designed to meet your dog where they are in their training journey:
- Puppy Prep — Now enrolling! Have a new puppy at home? Give them the best start possible with Puppy Prep, our 5-week course designed for puppies 8–20 weeks old. Each 40-minute session includes playgroups, hands-on learning, and guided discussions on topics like enrichment, crate and potty training, handling, and understanding body language.
- Bark to Basics — Our beginner-friendly course covering essential commands like sit, down, stay, come, and loose leash walking. Perfect for dogs 6 months and older.
- Polished Pup — Now open! For dogs who’ve completed Bark to Basics or can test into the class, this intermediate course builds reliability and focus in real-world settings.
Classes are held in small groups to ensure individualized attention. Each course is $175 total for a 5-week series (that’s just $35 per week). Classes meet once a week for one hour.
If you adopted your dog from The Animal Foundation, use code ADOPTTAF25 at checkout for 20% off any group course!
Change Your Dog’s Life (And Yours)
With our fun and engaging approach, your dog will thrive in a supportive environment, building confidence and trust along the way. Join us for training sessions where we can help you transform your pup’s behavior with love and positive reinforcement!
Interested in private training classes?
Looking for more one-on-one attention? Our private training sessions are perfect for dogs (and humans!) who need a little extra support or prefer a more personalized approach. Whether you’re tackling specific behavior challenges or want to focus on fine-tuning particular skills, our certified trainers will create a customized plan tailored to your dog’s needs.
To get started, fill out this short questionnaire about your goals and how we can support you and your furry friend.
Meet Your Trainer
Meet Andrew, the dynamic Public Canine Training Program Supervisor. As the brains behind these new training classes, Andrew put together this comprehensive curriculum to help your pup become the most obedient in Las Vegas.
A certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA), Andrew brings his deep knowledge and passion for animals to every Bark to Basics session.
With expertise in both dogs and small mammals, Andrew is known for his ability to understand and connect with a wide range of furry friends (his two guinea pigs Hewie and Torta can attest to this).
Training is simply learning how to communicate with your dog; sharing your goals clearly and understanding theirs in return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you’ll find all the essential information you need — from participant eligibility and vaccination requirements to class size, location, and attire. Dive in to confidently prepare both you and your dog for a rewarding and well‑organized positive reinforcement training experience.
All human participants must be at least 18 years old.
All dog participants must be at least six months old.
All dog participants must have proof of vaccination (DA2PP, Rabies, and Bordetella)
All dogs must show up to class with a collar and a leash. Slip leads, pinch/choke collars, and e-collars are not allowed.
All participants should bring their own dog treats, specific to what their dog is motivated by.
Owners must wear close-toed shoes. No sandals, please.
Unspayed female dogs cannot participate while in heat.
The Polished Pup requirements are the same as the Bark to Basics requirements, but all dogs must have either passed Bark to Basics or tested into the class.
All human participants must be at least 18 years old.
All puppy participants must be between 8-20 weeks old.
All puppy participants must have proof of vaccination (DPPV, Rabies, and Bordetella)
All puppies must show up to class with a collar and a leash. Slip leads, pinch/choke collars, and e-collars are not allowed.
All participants should bring their own dog treats, specific to what their dog is motivated by.
Owners must wear close-toed shoes. No sandals, please.
Each Bark to Basics and Polished Pup class will have a minimum of four participants and a maximum of eight.
Puppy Prep is limited to 6 puppies and will have two instructors.
Classes will be held in the community center at The Animal Foundation campus. The address is 655 N Mojave Rd. The entrance is on the far right side of the parking lot (you can look for the public training entrance sign).
At Bark to Basics, we are committed to providing the best training experience for your dog, which is why we incorporate the LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) training technique into our curriculum.
Developed by The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), LIMA is a humane and effective approach that prioritizes the well-being and positive experience of your dog. The core principle of LIMA is to use the least intrusive and minimally aversive methods possible, ensuring that training is respectful, gentle, and focused on positive reinforcement. This means avoiding harsh or punitive techniques and instead encouraging good behavior through rewards and praise. By incorporating LIMA into our training, we ensure that your dog learns in a safe, supportive, and empathetic environment, ultimately leading to a happier and better-behaved furry friend.
If you think your dog already has the basics covered, you can sign them up for Polished Pup, but they’ll be required to pass an entrance examination!