Adolescent Life Skills
Practical skills for your dog’s teenage phase.
Nov. 7, 14, 21 and Dec. 5th | $250Exciting walks, busy greetings, and difficulty settling can make everyday life with an adolescent dog feel like a lot. Join us to build skills that help you and your dog navigate those moments with more connection and confidence.
You’ll learn how to recognize when your dog needs support, choose manageable environments, and practice useful skills through reward-based training.
For adolescent and young adult dogs ages 6 months–3 years.
Four Saturday classes · 90 minutes each · Limited to six handler teams
Dates: November 7, 14, 21, and December 5, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Location: Mellow Hound’s outdoor training field in Sequim
Cost: $250 per team for the complete series
No class November 28 for Thanksgiving weekend. Please also reserve December 12 as our weather makeup date.
Vaccination Requirements
Dogs must be current for their age on rabies and distemper/parvovirus vaccinations (DAPP or DHPP), including any boosters due, as recommended by their veterinarian. Please email vaccination records to samh@mellowhound.com before the first class.
How class works.
Each 90-minute class includes instruction, demonstrations, and guided practice turns. You’ll learn both by working with your dog and observing other teams. Dogs will take breaks between turns, with some practicing alongside other dogs when appropriate.
Your dog must be able to wait safely and comfortably in your vehicle, either in a familiar crate or safely secured in the car, when needed. If your dog cannot do this, please work on that skill before class begins or bring a second handler who can take your dog away from the group while other teams practice.
Reactive dogs are welcome to be considered for this class. A brief intake will help us assess whether the group format, waiting arrangements, and available space are a suitable fit.
Please email me directly if you have questions about your dog.
What we’ll cover
Week 1 — “My dog forgets I exist outside.” Build check-ins and simple ways to reconnect when your adolescent dog is excited or distracted.
Week 2 — “Walks feel like a tug-of-war.” Learn where to walk, how to give your dog room to sniff, and how to handle a long line while staying connected.
Week 3 — “My dog has a hard time settling.” Practice comfortable rest and help your dog learn the art of choosing to settle on their own, even after something exciting happens.
Week 4 — “Visitors turn into jumping and chaos.” Practice managing visitors, greeting people, and moving through doors and gates more calmly.
Skills build across the series, with adjustments for each team’s starting point.
Practice between classes.
Each class comes with instructions for practicing the lesson at home. A key part of this series is committing to regular practice between classes, so your dog has opportunities to build those skills in daily life.
When we meet again, we’ll start with a brief review and time for questions, then move into the next lesson.
Plan to attend all four classes. You’ll finish the series with a continued practice plan to keep building your skills.
What to bring.
A long line — required: approximately 15–25 feet.
A well-fitting harness or collar.
Your dog’s kibble, treats they enjoy, or both—bring enough for repeated practice.
Water and a bowl for your dog.
Waste bags.
A mat or blanket for resting.
Retractable leashes will be discussed in class, but they do not replace the required long line.
Outdoor class and weather.
This class takes place entirely outside.
November can be cold, and class will continue in light rain. Please wear warm layers, rain gear, and footwear suitable for wet grass.
If your dog finds cold or wet weather uncomfortable, the spring class may be a better fit.
Weather cancellations and makeup date
If heavy rain, strong winds, ice, or field conditions make training unsafe or unsuitable for learning, I’ll notify enrolled teams by text and email by 9:00 a.m. Unexpected changes after that time will be communicated as soon as possible.
Saturday, December 12, 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m., is reserved as our weather makeup date. Please keep this date available when registering.
If I’m unable to provide all four classes, you’ll receive a $62.50 refund for each class I can’t deliver.
Participant cancellations and missed classes
Cancellations received by October 16, 2026, will receive a full refund. After that date, registration is nonrefundable unless your space is filled by another team before the series begins. To cancel, email samh@mellowhound.com.
Please check all four class dates and the weather makeup date before registering.
Missed classes are not refundable, and individual makeup sessions are not included. You’ll still receive the practice instructions for any class you miss.
Ready to join?
Unsure whether the class format will work for your dog? Email samh@mellowhound.com before registering.