Dog Training Programs
Training with Purpose
Whether your goal is to build a well-mannered companion or become a certified CHAMP therapy dog team, our training classes provide the skills, guidance, and hands-on support to help you succeed. Led by experienced instructors in small class settings, each program focuses on positive reinforcement, practical training, and building a stronger bond between you and your dog.
Basic Obedience Class
This is an 8-week class designed to help you and your dog work on basic skills, with particular emphasis on the skills required for the initial evaluation for entry into our Basic Therapy Dog Class.
Skills:
- Walk on a Loose Leash
- Sit
- Down
- Come
- Sit-Stay 1 minute
- Down-Stay 3 minutes
- Place or Go-to-Mat
- Leave It
- Heel
Classes meet for one hour at our CHAMP office in Maryland Heights, on Saturdays at either 1PM or 2:30PM. Each session is limited to 8-10 dogs who are at least 6 months old. The 8-week class is $250.
Four 8-week courses will be held in 2027, on the following dates:
January 16, 2027 – March 6, 2027
April 17, 2027 – June 5, 2027
July 3, 2027 – August 21, 2027
September 25, 2027 – November 13, 2027
Take the first step – complete and submit the Basic Obedience Class Interest Form today.
Basic Therapy Dog Class
Basic Therapy Class prepares you and your dog to become volunteers for CHAMP. Social visits to CHAMP approved facilities include health care venues, reading programs at schools, libraries, colleges, and other public settings. Your Dog must pass a skills test and be evaluated for temperament for admission.
Our curriculum goes beyond basic manners to build the specific skills therapy dog teams need in real-world settings:
- Comfort Around Medical Equipment
- Navigating Tight and Crowded Spaces
- Focus and Eye Contact Exercises
- Reading Canine Body Language
- Supporting Human Emotions
- Grooming, Health, and Etiquette Education
- Real-World Practice
Are You and Your Dog Ready?
To ensure the safety and success of every team, dogs must meet the following requirements before joining the class:
- Age & Tenure: At least 18 months old at the time of evaluation, and living with their current owner for a minimum of 6 months
- Obedience: Strong basic obedience skills are required
- Temperament Test: Dogs must pass a temperament evaluation prior to admission
Class size is limited to approximately 8–10 dogs for personalized, hands-on instruction.
Class fee for 2026 is $275 (includes a $25 non-refundable evaluation fee, due prior to the evaluation).
Classes meet Thursday evenings from 5:30–7:30 pm, at the CHAMP office, 1950 Craig Rd. – Ste 200, Maryland Heights, MO 63146
Upon graduation, each graduate will purchase an official CHAMP Therapy Dog cape for their dog @ $30.
Fall/Winter 2026-2027 Therapy Dog Class
at Purina Farms in Gray Summit Schedule
| Event | Dates & Times |
|---|---|
| Evaluations | Monday, November 9, 2026 Time: 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM Appointment required |
| Class Sessions | November 23, 30 December 7, 14, 21 January 4, 11, 18, 25 February 1, 8, 15 Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM |
Winter/Spring 2027 Therapy Dog Class Schedule
| Event | Dates & Times |
|---|---|
| Evaluations | Tuesday, January 5 & Tuesday, January 12 Time: 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM Appointment required |
| Class Sessions | January 28 February 4, 11, 18, 25 March 4, 11, 18, 25 April 1, 8, 15 Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM |
Every dog changes a life. Every gift makes it possible.
Your support helps CHAMP transform lives through our
assistance and therapy dog programs.