Playful Pups offers group dog training classes designed to help dogs and owners build essential skills in a structured, social environment. These classes allow dogs to practice obedience while learning to stay focused around other dogs and real-world distractions. Led by certified trainer Katie Roppolo, our classes emphasize positive reinforcement training techniques that build confidence, encourage good behavior, and strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners. Conveniently serving Kinderhook, Chatham, and surrounding communities throughout Upstate NY, our group classes are ideal for puppies and dogs looking to improve obedience, socialization, and everyday manners.
For dogs who need individualized support, Playful Pups also provides private dog training sessions tailored to your dog’s specific needs and training goals. Private training offers personalized guidance and flexible scheduling, making it ideal for dogs that struggle in group settings or owners with busy schedules. Sessions can address a wide range of training needs, including puppy training, potty training, basic obedience commands like sit and down, leash manners, and behavior challenges such as reactivity or anxiety. Private training is available at our facility in Ghent, NY and for in-home sessions throughout Kinderhook, Chatham, and other areas of Upstate New York, helping dogs develop the skills needed to become well-mannered and confident companions.
Please note: All prices include Sales Tax
Our Pre-k Puppy Class uses positive reinforcement to set your puppy up for success. Each session has supervised playtime to encourage socialization and build confidence. The class covers essential life skills. This fun and engaging class helps puppies learn essential life skills and build good manners from the start. For puppies 10 weeks to 5 months. The best part is, with open enrollment you can start anytime!
Puppy Kindergarten is the next step after Pre-k, building on the foundation of basic skills and socialization. This class focuses on refining obedience, improving focus, and practicing cues with increasing distractions. Puppies continue to learn through positive reinforcement while enhancing their confidence and self-control. Ideal for young dogs ready for more structured training, Puppy Kindergarten prepares them for advanced learning and real-world success.
Family Dog I is a beginner training class designed for the typical family dog. This course focuses on teaching essential obedience skills such as sit, wait, down, come, and polite leash walking using positive reinforcement techniques. It also addresses common challenges like jumping and impulse control. Perfect for dogs ages 5 months and up, this class helps build a strong foundation for good behavior at home and in public, fostering a well-mannered companion for your family.
Family Dog II advances skills from Family Dog I, focusing on reliability, control, and handling distractions. Dogs practice stronger recall, improved leash manners, and consistent obedience in real-world scenarios. This class helps build a well-mannered, dependable family companion.
Pro Dog I builds on the skills learned in Family Dog II and further refines your dog’s obedience and manners. This class also prepares your dog for the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, which will be administered during the final week of class.
Pro Dog II expands on the skills developed in Pro Dog I, further enhancing your dog’s obedience, manners, and reliability in various environments. This class also prepares you for the Therapy Dogs International (TDI) test, helping you and your dog take the next step toward therapy dog certification.
This Class is all about having fun and bonding with your dog. From simple favorites like Shake and High Five to show-stoppers like Stick ’Em Up – Bang!, this class teaches a wide variety of tricks using positive reinforcement. Tricks aren’t just for showing off, they also boost confidence, improve focus, and provide great mental exercise. Whether you’re looking to impress friends or just have a blast training together, this class is designed to keep tails wagging and smiles on faces!
Please note: All prices include sales tax
Evaluations usually last 1 to 1.5 hours, though Katie asks that you set aside two so there is no rush. These are very important as they give you and your pup(s) a chance to meet Katie and discuss all of your goals for your dog. Katie will then go over what it will take to reach your goals and give you an idea of how many sessions it may take to get there.
Want to accelerate your pup's training? Drop your pup off at Playful Pups and Katie will work one-on-one with your dog, reinforcing the cues and behaviors covered in your group class or private sessions.
Why 30 minutes? 30 minutes is the ideal length for an intense training session, long enough for effective learning but short enough to prevent mental fatigue. By the end of the session, most pups are ready for a well-earned nap!
Want to accelerate your pup's training? Katie will come to your home or agreed upon location and work one-on-one with your dog, reinforcing the cues and behaviors covered in your group class or private sessions.
Why 30 minutes? 30 minutes is the ideal length for an intense training session, long enough for effective learning but short enough to prevent mental fatigue. By the end of the session, most pups are ready for a well-earned nap!
A private one-hour training session at our Ghent facility gives you and your dog focused, personalized attention with Katie. Whether you're working n basic manners, addressing behavioral concerns, or fine-tuning specific skills, sessions are tailored to meet your goals and your dog's unique needs - all in a calm, supportive environment.
Experience personalized, one-on-one training with Katie, designed to help your dog thrive. She will teach you how to effectively work with your dog on specific cues and behaviors tailored to your goals. Sessions take place in your home or at a convenient, agreed-upon location, ensuring a comfortable and effective learning environment for both you and your pup.
This package includes six private training sessions at a discounted rate. You can pay upfront or per session—either way, you’ll still receive the discount on your sixth session! A flexible and affordable way to invest in your dog’s training.
This package includes six private training sessions at a discounted rate. You can pay upfront or per session—either way, you’ll still receive the discount on your sixth session! A flexible and affordable way to invest in your dog’s training.
Want professional training without sending your dog away? With this unique program, your pup gets expert guidance while staying right at home! Over three weeks, you’ll receive one private one-hour session, plus three 30-minute training boost sessions each week. That’s a total of 3 private sessions, 9 training boost sessions — all with a $50 discount included! Get the results you want while keeping your dog in a familiar, comfortable environment.
Want professional training without sending your dog away? With this unique six-week program, your pup gets expert training while staying home! Each week, you’ll receive one private one-hour session plus three 30-minute training boost sessions to reinforce key skills. That’s a total of 6 private sessions, 18 training boost sessions, plus video recordings of your dog’s progress—all with a discount included! Achieve lasting results while keeping your dog in a familiar, stress-free environment.
Virtual training offers a convenient and effective solution for many dogs and their owners. Each session lasts one hour, providing the same dedicated time and attention as in-person training. Katie utilizes virtual training for various reasons—some clients live too far away, others prefer not to have visitors in their home, and some dogs may be uncomfortable or reactive around new people. Whatever your situation, Katie is happy to accommodate your needs.