Group Training
Master the Art of Focus at Runchkin Hill Farm
Group Training & Community Classes
At Runchkin Hill Farm and Kennel, our group classes are where your hard work translates into real-world reliability. Designed for any breed and any size, our structured 5-Level Course takes you from basic markers to advanced competition-level skills.
Pricing: $60 per 60-minute session. Available exclusively for our Day School dogs and pre-evaluated teams.
Our 5-Level Progression
We utilize a progressive system to ensure every dog is challenged at the right pace. To “Level Up,” teams must demonstrate specific mastery:
Level 1: The Foundation
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Focus: Introduction to positive and negative markers, sit/down commands, and building basic distance and duration. We emphasize “attention-getters” and walking on a loose leash.
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To Graduate: Your dog must go into sit/down positions with minimal help and walk with the handler without causing leash tension.
Level 2: Building Reliability
- Focus: Increasing duration and distance for sit/down with added distractions. We begin formal recalls (coming when called) and transitioning into a sit from a down position.
- To Graduate: Your dog must stay in a sit/down at the end of a 6-foot leash with distractions, perform a 6-foot recall ending in a sit, and transition from down to sit smoothly.
Level 3: Precision & Movement
- Focus: Advanced distance work (up to 20 feet). We introduce formal heeling with pace changes, left/right turns, about-turns, and halts—all while managing distractions.
- To Graduate: Your dog must heel on a loose leash through turns and pace changes, perform a 20-foot recall with a sit, and maintain stays while you are 20 feet away.
Level 4: Off-Leash Preparation
- Focus: We begin “Sit in Motion” and “Down in Motion.” Training moves toward leash-dragging to prepare for total off-leash work. We add faster pace changes, quick halts, and “run-out” about-turns.
- To Graduate: Reliability with the leash dragging and focus during high-speed movement.
Level 5: Elite Mastery
- Focus: This is where our students truly excel. Level 5 is customized to the team and can include advanced agility, competition obedience, and specialized task work.
- Goal: A dog that is a master of focus and can work at a professional level in any environment.
Featured Classes
Class starts- July 13th at 5 pm for 6 weeks, $300
Ready to teach your dog some fun new skills? Trick Training is a fantastic way to strengthen your bond, build confidence, and keep your dog’s mind engaged!
Join us for our AKC Trick Dog Class beginning Monday, July 13th, at 5:00 PM.
- 6-week program
- Earn an AKC Trick Dog Title at the end of the course
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your dog’s skill set, this class is perfect for dogs of all ages and experience levels.
Limited Spots Available! Contact us today to reserve your place.
Why Choose Group Training at RHF?
The "Real World" Environment
Unlike training in a quiet living room, our farm provides the sights, sounds, and smells that dogs encounter in the real world. If your dog can listen here, they can listen anywhere.
Expert Supervision
Every group class is led by our professional training staff. We don’t just stand at the front and shout orders; we move through the group to provide individual feedback and ensure every team is progressing safely.
Handler Community
One of the best parts of our group classes is the “pack.” You’ll be surrounded by other dedicated owners who understand the journey of training. It’s a supportive environment where you can celebrate wins and troubleshoot challenges together.
Saturday Morning Group Class
The Weekly “Tune-Up” for Focused Teams
Our flagship group session meets every Saturday morning. These classes focus on sharpening obedience, improving socialization under control, and proofing behaviors against high-level distractions.
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Exclusivity: To maintain a safe and productive environment, Saturday classes are reserved for dogs that have completed at least 5 sessions of our Day School or an equivalent Board & Train program.
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Focus Areas: * Advanced “Heel” and loose-leash walking through a crowd.
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Long-duration “Stay” and “Place” with moving distractions.
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Neutrality: Teaching your dog to ignore other dogs and stay focused on you.
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Recall (Coming when called) in a group setting.
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Class Details & Requirements
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To maintain the high standard of training Runchkin Hill is known for, we have a few ground rules:
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Evaluation Required: All dogs must go through an initial evaluation ($100) before entering group class. This ensures they show no signs of aggression and are placed in the correct level.
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Scheduling: We require at least 48 hours’ notice to avoid a charge for cancellations.
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Payment: We accept Cash, Check, or Venmo (@runchkin). Note: Venmo payments incur an additional business charge.
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