Dog Training and Classes

Hudson Valley Hounds offers private in-home behavior modification and dog training in addition to group classes for people and their dogs in the Hudson Valley. Our training philosophy is relationship and compassion-based. We want to see a happy, confident dog who trusts their people and feels safe in the world. 

 

Private Training & Behavior Modification

Professional Behavior Evaluation – $180 (60-90 minutes) 

Stop guessing and start solving. The Initial Behavior Assessment is the essential first step for addressing complex issues like aggression, resource guarding, or generalized anxiety.

• Functional Analysis: A behavior consultant will evaluate the “function” of the behavior—what is your dog trying to communicate or achieve?
• Environment Audit: Small changes to your home routine can lead to big breakthroughs. We’ll show you how.
• Professional Guidance: Receive a formal report and a step-by-step intervention plan based on humane, science-based methods.

Empowerment Through Expert One-on-One Coaching – $120 (50 minutes)

The best trainer for your dog isn’t me—it’s you. Private sessions are designed to coach you into becoming a confident, effective handler while building a deeper bond with your dog. In these 50-minute intensive sessions, we move at your dog’s pace to ensure they feel safe and successful every step of the way.

• Foundation Skills: Reliable recall, loose-leash walking, and “stay” under real-world distractions.
• Polite Manners: Transforming “hectic” behaviors into calm, polite interactions at the front door and on walks.
• Handover Support: You’ll receive a written recap and “homework” guide after every session to keep your progress on track between visits.
  Start Your Training Journey

Total Behavioral Support for Your Dog – $120 (50 minutes)

In 2026, we understand that “bad behavior” is often just a dog trying to communicate a need. Our Private Behavior Consulting & Training sessions provide a one-on-one environment where your dog is the sole focus, allowing for faster results without the stress of a group setting.

• Behavior Consulting: We tackle complex issues like leash reactivity, resource guarding, and separation anxiety by identifying and modifying the underlying emotional triggers.
• Skills Training: We teach essential “life skills”—from reliable recall to polite greetings—using exclusively humane, science-backed methods.
• Custom Environment Audits: We evaluate your dog’s behavior in their natural environment—your home—to create a management plan that works with your specific lifestyle.

 

Day Training Packages are available – Price varies depending on your training needs and frequency of visits

Providing your dog with training a few times a week can not only provide enrichment and stimulation for your dog, but is a wonderful way for your dog to learn new behaviors that will make your life together feel easier. At the end of each week, we will provide a transfer lesson during which we will show you what your dog has learned and how to cue those behaviors. This option can be helpful also if your dog has any behaviors at home that are challenging.

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Group Classes
Small, Supportive Classes. Big Confidence. Real Results. 

Every class is capped at 4–5 teams so that you and your dog get the attention you deserve. Whether you’re starting from scratch, working through challenges, or adding some fun to your dog’s skill set, there’s a place here for both of you. Our approach is supportive, positive, and always paced with your dog’s comfort in mind. Classes are 45 minutes in length and run for 4 weeks with a 2 break between classes.

Current Schedule:

Held on Sundays, starting April 12th at Rondout Valley Veterinary Associates in Kerhonkson and running for 4 weeks

11-11:45 am Puppy Play and Socialization
12-12-45 am Tricks
1-1:45 am Sit, Down, Go to Mat and Stay
2pm on – 30 min – Individual sessions are available. If your dog is not ready for a class setting yet, we can use individual sessions to help your dog acclimate to the setting and work on behaviors.

Held on Saturdays, starting April 4th at Camp Belly Rub in Kingston and running for 4 weeks

11-11:45 am Sit, Down, Go to Mat and Stay
12-12-45 am Tricks
1-1:45 am Loose Leash Walking
2pm on – 30 min – Individual sessions are available. If your dog is not ready for a class setting yet, we can use individual sessions to help your dog acclimate to the setting and work on behaviors

Puppy Play & Socialization

4 Weeks  •  Max 4–5 Teams  •  $165

The world is brand new to your puppy, and how they experience it now shapes who they’ll become. This class gives puppies the chance to explore, meet new friends, and discover that people, dogs, sounds, and surfaces are all things to feel curious about—not worried about.

In our small, carefully managed group of up to five puppy-and-person teams, every pup gets the space they need to learn at their own pace. We keep sessions playful and pressure-free, so confidence builds naturally. You’ll also pick up practical skills to support your puppy’s development at home.

Each week covers:

• Safe, structured off-leash play with appropriate pairings
• Positive introductions to new people, sounds, surfaces, and objects
• Early foundation skills woven into every session
• Guidance for you on reading your puppy’s body language and emotional state

If your puppy is between 8 and 16 weeks old and has had their first set of vaccinations, this is the perfect place to start.

Individual Foundation Behavior Classes

4 Weeks Each  •  Max 4–5 Teams  •  $200 Per Class

These focused, four-week classes each zero in on a specific group of skills. You can take them in any order and build your own training journey one class at a time. Every session is kept to just 4–5 teams so you get real feedback, genuine support, and plenty of time to practice.

Our small class sizes mean your dog can work comfortably without being pushed beyond their limits—and you can ask all the questions you want. Zoom office hours are also available if you have questions or need help between classes.

Sit, Down, Go to Mat & Stay

The building blocks of a dog who can settle and hold it together in the real world. You’ll teach your dog to sit, lie down, and go to a designated mat on cue—and to stay there calmly while life happens around them. These behaviors create a dog who knows how to relax on purpose, which is a gift for both of you.

Loose Leash Walking, Leave It, Transitions & Engagement

Walking together should feel good. This class focuses on building a genuine partnership on leash—teaching your dog to choose to stay with you rather than pulling ahead. You’ll also work on “leave it” (for all those irresistible things on the ground), smooth transitions between behaviors, and the kind of engaged attention that makes everything else easier.

Tricks

Tricks are serious training disguised as fun—and they genuinely are fun. Learning new things builds your dog’s confidence, strengthens your communication, and deepens your bond. From spins and high-fives to more elaborate chains, this class lets you and your dog shine while sharpening focus and body awareness.

Recall & Touch

A reliable recall is one of the most important skills your dog can have. This class is dedicated to building a come-when-called that works—even when there’s something really interesting going on. You’ll also teach “touch” (targeting your hand), a versatile skill that supports recall, attention, and cooperative handling.

Impulse Control

Impulse control is the foundation of a dog who can make good decisions even when excitement runs high. You’ll work on teaching your dog to pause, think, and choose calm behavior—around food, toys, doors, and other dogs. Dogs who learn impulse control are easier to live with and more confident in challenging situations.

Vet Visits

Vet visits don’t have to be stressful. This class prepares your dog to feel relaxed and cooperative at the veterinary clinic, working through the handling, restraint, and unfamiliar equipment they’ll encounter. A dog who feels safe at the vet gets better care—and the whole experience becomes easier for everyone involved.

Cooperative Care

Whether it’s nail trims, ear cleaning, brushing, or medication, cooperative care teaches your dog that being handled is something they can opt into rather than endure. Using consent-based techniques, you’ll learn how to work with your dog’s body in a way that builds trust and keeps stress low. This class is transformative for dogs who are nervous about handling—and deeply rewarding for both of you.

Reactive Rover Class

6 Weeks  •  Max 4–5 Teams  •  $350

Living with a reactive dog can feel isolating, but you are far from alone—and things can genuinely get better. The Reactive Rover class is a safe, supportive space designed specifically for dogs who bark, lunge, or shut down around triggers like other dogs, strangers, or traffic.

Because reactivity takes time and consistency to work through, this class runs for six weeks—two more than our standard classes. The class will be a mix of people-only and dog classes. The small class size of 4–5 teams means your dog is never overwhelmed, and you have plenty of room to practice at whatever distance feels right for your dog on any given day. We will meet for 4 weeks and then take two weeks off for you to practice and digest what we’ve been working on. We’ll meet for another 2 weeks to continue to practice and learn!

Over the six weeks, you’ll learn how to:

• Recognize your dog’s early stress signals before reactions escalate
• Use counter-conditioning and desensitization techniques at your dog’s pace
• Build a reliable set of coping behaviors for challenging moments
• Manage your dog’s environment to set them up for success
• Feel more confident and calm yourself—because your energy matters too

Progress isn’t always linear, but every small win counts. We celebrate all of them here.

*Please note the following regarding private training and group classes:

• Acceptable collars include: harness, flat collar or martingale
• Age appropriate vaccinations are required for all puppies and dogs.
• Cancellations/changes to private training appointments must be minimum 24 hours in advance or full fee will be due and payable.
  
• Classes are open to dogs who are dog and people friendly or tolerant. If your dog is not appropriate for a group setting, private sessions are available.