Group Classes

At our center, dogs enjoy enriching activities that build important life skills.

We offer games and puzzles that keep their minds engaged while helping them develop confidence, resilience, and good manners. Dogs practice problem-solving, learn calm behaviors, and improve their body awareness in a safe, personalized, and positive environment.

They have opportunities to run, dig, jump, sniff, play, and socialize with other dogs in appropriate, healthy ways. 

We introduce dogs to a variety of new sights, smells, tastes, and textures, creating rich experiences that help build confidence, expand their minds, and strengthen their bodies. 

Small, curated groups

Every dog joining the Academy begins with an evaluation at our facility. This helps us understand their personality, preferences, and learning style so we can place them in the class setting where they’ll feel most comfortable to succeed.

Most dogs attend once a week, and we thoughtfully curate each day’s group to ensure a balanced, compatible mix of dogs of different ages, breeds, and sizes. This helps dogs learn, play, and grow together in a diverse, enriching environment.

Struggling to understand your dog’s behavior?

You’re not alone — and neither is your dog. What we often label as “problem” behavior usually stems from unmet needs. If your dog is acting out, they’re likely feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or under-stimulated — and we’re here to help.

At What Dogs Want Academy, our small team of Licensed and Certified Family Dog Mediators (FDMs) takes a modern, holistic approach to behavior and welfare. We don’t just focus on obedience — we focus on understanding. Our team is trained in applied ethology, enrichment, and complex behavior challenges like reactivity, fear, and aggression.

We look at the full picture:
Your dog’s Learning history, Environment, Genetics, and Self (known as the L.E.G.S.® model) — to uncover the why behind the behavior, not just how to stop it. 

So... how can we help?

Enrichment Consults

At What Dogs Want, we’re here to help you create an enrichment plan that truly supports your dog’s well-being — one that helps them feel confident, fulfilled, and excited about life.

Just like us, dogs thrive when their days include variety, purpose, and joy. But enrichment doesn’t always look the way we expect. While you might love a relaxing afternoon on a patio, that same outing could be overwhelming for your dog.

Do they love to sniff, shred, dig, or chase? Are they happiest when they’re moving — or when they’re solving puzzles and thinking things through?

We’ll help you discover what feeds your dog’s soul, and then work with you to find easy, effective ways to bring those experiences into their daily life.

And the best part?
Everything we do at the Academy can be adapted for life at home — so the learning and joy continue well beyond our gates.

Behavior Consults

At What Dogs Want Academy, we don’t just work with dogs — we get to know them deeply. From Affenpinschers to Xolos (and every mix in between), we understand that every dog is an individual with their own needs, preferences, and story.

That’s why we use the L.E.G.S.® framework — Learning history, Environment, Genetics, and Self — to look at the full picture of who your dog is.

Once we understand why your dog behaves the way they do, we can help you meet their needs more effectively — and build a life together that works for both of you.

Let’s start your journey with a clearer understanding, stronger connection, and a plan tailored just for your dog.