Advanced Dog Training in Vancouver
The Dog School's Badge Program
Earn as you Learn!
$5 Credit for Every Badge you Pass

After Basic Obedience Classes, What's Next?
The Dog School's Badge Program bridges the gap between basic obedience and high-level dog training!
Come join us for endless fun in our start-anytime small group classes that are designed just for you.
Never repeat class content with our carefully designed classes that truly are customized to your goals!
BADGE PROGRAM - CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE!
​​​​Start Anytime, Progress At Your Pace
There are no fixed session start dates so come join in whenever you're ready!
Use your credits when your schedule allows with no weekly commitment required.
Each class adapts to whoever attends that day. You might be earning your first badge while another student works on their twentieth. We meet every dog and handler where they are, so you never repeat the same content.
Earning Your Badges
Skills are organized into progressive badges across our eight training categories. Some badges take one class to earn. Others, like weave poles, can take lots of practice. You advance at your own pace based on your training between classes.
When you complete a badge, you earn it plus $5 credit toward your next class.
Class Details
Schedule: Badge Classes currently run 3 days a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays
Duration: 50 minutes
Class Size: 5 dogs or less
Location: 4333 W 10th Ave, Unit 1, West Point Grey, Vancouver
Prerequisites: Completion of our Key Skills Program or equivalent training
​
Pricing Details
All Badge Classes use our credit-based system for maximum flexibility. For a more comprehensive breakdown of our pricing models please visit our PRICING page.
Monthly Membership: $200/month 4 credits per month (works out to $50 per class).
6-Credit Package: $330 ($55 per class)
Single Drop-In: $60
Credits do not expire for 6 months. No cancellation fees if cancelled more than 8 hours before the start of classes.
​
Earn $5 credit for every badge you complete!
Credits can be used across all our programs
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need to commit to attending every week?
No. The credit system gives you complete flexibility to attend when your schedule allows.
What if I miss a class?
Just come to the next one. Since every class adapts to who's there, there's no content to make up.
Can I focus on just one area, like rally-obedience or nose work?
Absolutely. You can focus on one category or explore multiple areas—both approaches work great.
How long does it take to earn a badge?
It varies by skill complexity and how much you practice between classes. Some badges take one session, others take several months. You'll have an opportunity to earn a badge every class and if you are ready to show off your badge skills from previous sessions we'll give you an opportunity to earn those as well!
Do I need to compete in dog sports?
Not at all. Most of our Badge Program students train for fun and enrichment, not competition. However we promise not to give you skills that will ruin your training for competition if this is what you're interested in doing! (e.g.: We don't teach post-click automatic sit behaviours for food delivery because we know this is a pain if you're competing in sports where positioning is important!)
Will taking badge classes wreck my training for competition?
No! We promise not to teach you anything that conflicts with competition work. Sarah and Katrina are familiar with various organizations and rules and are happy to adapt the program to best benefit you.
Can I try a class before committing to a package?
Yes. Drop in pricing is just $60!
What if my dog has reactivity or behaviour issues?
The Badge Program is designed for dogs with solid foundation skills who are ready for advanced work. If your dog has reactivity challenges, we recommend starting with our private lessons or behaviour consultations however some reactive dogs really benefit from our program. It's best to send us an email at info@thedogschool.ca with your concerns and we will help you find the right program for you!
What equipment do I need to bring?
Just your leash, collar or harness, and a variety of treats/kibble. We provide all specialized equipment including platforms, obstacles, and scent materials.
Where do Badge Classes take place?
All classes are held at Vancouver's only dedicated dog training studio at 4333 W 10th Ave, Unit 1, West Point Grey. Some badges include field trips to outdoor locations around Metro Vancouver.
​
Badge Class Tracks
Rally Obedience
Nose Work & Scent Detection
Agility & Obstacles
Trick Training
Loose Leash Walking
Fancy Heel Work
Advanced Off Leash & Trail Skills
Canine Good Neighbour Prep
Rally Obedience:
Rally-Obedience is a great way to build a lovely relationship with your dog. Classes will cover: Precision position work, fronts and finishes, distance commands, moving positions, spiral patterns, stays, rally signs and more.​
Agility & Obstacles:
Interested in agility? Start here! You'll learn about start lines, and how to expertly guide your dog through weave poles, contacts, tunnels, cavaletti and confidence around equipment. ​​
​
Loose Leash Walking:
Real-world skills for high-distraction environments. Figure 8s, serpentines, variable pace work and more.
Nose Work & Scent Detection:
Does your dog want to sniff everything? Join one of our scent-focused classes and learn about: Search patterns, odour pairing, container searches, interior searches, alert behaviours and more.
​
Trick Training:
We've all seen Dr. Sarah Shapiro-Ward and Percy play Jenga, right? (If not, you have to see it: @prancingpoodles on instagram!) Wave, back up, put toys away, leg weaves, orbit, handstand, cross paws and more are covered in these classes.
Heel Work:
Heeling is always fun when taught with first principles! Learn competition-level positioning, platform and pivot work, steering, turns, and advanced heel patterns.
Canine Good Neighbour Prep:
Public manners and Canine Good Neighbour test skills. CGN Test topics include: Accept petting from a friendly stranger, stand for exam, mat work, settle and more.
Off-Leash & Trail Skills
When working dogs "in the wild" we need some solid skills including: reliable recalls, emergency recall, long line handling, confidence around new surfaces, sights and sounds, the ability to call away from distractions and more.
Get in touch!
info@thedogschool.ca
