Welcome to Cruisin’ the Bay! An in-person group training class that will help you and your dog learn to navigate the world around you successfully in a fun way!

This super fun class consists of an in-person orientation and five in-person field trips to various locations around the San Francisco Bay Area, from Morgan Hill to Redwood City. Being able to take your dog out in the world and know that you both have the skills to handle everyday occurrences, as well as surprises, is invaluable.

This is an advanced class for students who have strong foundational skills (see below for the required Prerequisite Skills). 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.

Upcoming sessions


September 27 - December 6
All class locations will be in the South Bay.
In-person orientation: September 27
Field trips: October 11, 25; November 8, 22; December 6
Price: $400
Day of the Week: Saturday
Start Time: 9:30 am (varies depending on location)
Class Size: 10

Field Trip Locations: park, hike, outdoor mall/downtown area, beach, restaurant patio. The actual loctions will be sent one week prior to each field trip.
Duration: Field trips will last 1-2 hours depending on the location.

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.

Required 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

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

Each potential participant is required to submit a short video of them and their dog practicing the required prerequisite skills listed above. We will review your video get back to you within 48 hours with either a sign-up link or feedback.

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

meet the trainers!

 

Erika Liljefelt, CTBC, has been working professionally with dogs for nearly a decade. 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 are 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.