Cruisin’ the Bay

Welcome to Cruisin’ the Bay! An out-and-about group dog training class that takes place in the real world to help you and your dog learn to successfully navigate the world around you in a fun way! Being able to take your dog places and know that you both have the skills to handle everyday occurrences, as well as surprises, is invaluable.

This class is an advanced class and requires a few solid foundational skills that are listed below. In Cruisin’ the Bay, we’ll be taking these skills on the road to practice in various locations.

You’ll have the support of two experienced professional trainers as you practice all of the amazing skills you and your dog have been working on.

This super fun class consists of:

  • a virtual orientation

  • five in-person field trips to various locations in the San Francisco Bay Area: hike, park, outdoor mall/downtown area, beach, restaurant patio for a meal. (Locations are subject to change.)

  • a virtual Q&A session after Week 3.

Please note

Dogs must be able to handle being in close proximity to dogs and people. This class is not for reactive, fearful, overly anxious dogs, or dogs who cannot quickly calm down in the presence of dogs and people.

This class is strictly force-free/positive reinforcement. Please read the Equipment & Training Restrictions section below for more information.

Upcoming Classes

We are currently in session and will be adding our next session soon!
Please complete the Waitlist Form below to be notified the next time we offer the class.

 

Class Details:

Price: $400
San Francisco Bay Area Locations: from the Peninsula to the South Bay
Day of the week: Sunday. This is subject to change for future sessions. All field trips & Zooms for one session will take place on the same day.
Field Trip Duration: Up to 90 minutes
Required Vaccinations: Rabies, DAPP/DHLPP/DHPP (distemper-parvo)
Equipment: Harness or flat collar and a 6-10 ft leash depending on the location. (+ a 20-30 ft leash for the beach). Please read the Equipment & Training Restrictions section below.
Class Size Limit: 10 dogs

Prerequisite Skills:

  • Loose Leash Walking on a harness (preferred) or flat collar

  • Down-stay and/or sit-stay

  • Recall from 10 feet away with some distractions

  • Eating food in the presence of dogs & people

  • Your dog paying attention to you

  • Able to settle

If you have not been a client or student of one of the Trainers, you will be required to submit a short video of the prerequisite skills for our review before you will be allowed to register for the class.

SOLICITORS & MARKETERS: DO NOT USE THIS FORM TO SOLICIT BUSINESS.

Waitlist Form

meet the trainers!

 

Erika Liljefelt, CTBC, has been working professionally with dogs since 2016 and graduated from the Dog Training Internship Academy in 2020. She loves playing & being silly with dogs, working with people, and helping dogs & owners live harmoniously. You can find out more about Erika here and here.

Sue Rusnak, CTC, has been working professionally with dogs since 2003 and graduated from the SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers in 2008. She enjoys working with dog owners that want a well-behaved family dog. You can find out more about Sue here.

 

Equipment & Training Restrictions

The following equipment is not allowed in class: prong/pinch collars, shock collars (including vibration or beep), anti-bark collars, citronella collars, choke chains, slip leads, Martingale collars (limited slip/choke), head halters (gentle leader, halti, or the like), or any equipment that causes the dog discomfort or pain when used correctly, as determined by the Trainers.

The use of physical or verbal corrections of any kind are not allowed, including but not limited to, yelling, kicking, hitting, pinching, or leash yanking/corrections.