Upcoming Classes, Events, and Workshops

classes & Workshops

Every class here starts the same way: you and your dog, paying attention to each other before anything else gets layered on. What changes is the shape that attention takes: a sequence of obstacles, a game with rules added, a piece of music, a page in a sketchbook. Pick one below, or do more than one.

Dog and handler navigating an agility obstacle course at Urban Pooch

Agility

A structured, active way to build connection. Taught at Urban Pooch.

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Small dog with a ball, ready for a fetch and retrieve exercise

Fetch

A cooperative retrieve built in small, dog-friendly steps. Taught at Urban Pooch.

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Handler cueing a dog during a freestyle dance class

Dance

Interpret music together and find out what your dog is capable of when you're both paying real attention. Online and in-person.

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Pencil portrait sketch of a dog made in a multi-media pet portraiture class

Art classes

Create art of your pet. Online and in-person.

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Dog and handler trying a sport activity at a Bosly's Backyard sampler session

Sport samplers

Try four new dog sports in one month. Seasonal at Bosly's Backyard.

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Filtering by: “fetch”
Connected Fetch Foundations
Aug
22
fetch, class

Connected Fetch Foundations

  • 5400 North Damen Avenue Chicago, Illinois, 60625 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

A Five-Week Retrieve Skills Class

Connected Fetch Foundations is a five-week class for dogs 6 months and up that teaches a clear, cooperative retrieve by breaking the skill into small, dog-friendly steps. This class is appropriate for dogs new to organized fetch, as well as teams considering AKC Fetch titles, improving obedience or rally retrieves, or simply wanting a safer, more thoughtful approach to toy play.


Rather than relying on repeated throws, we’ll focus on communication, clarity, and body awareness. Dogs will learn how to confidently take, hold, carry, and release objects while staying connected to their handler. Guardians will learn how fetch fits into the canine prey sequence, why structure matters for safety, and how to build retrieve skills without creating over-arousal or physical strain.
Each week builds progressively, giving dogs time to develop understanding and emotional comfort with objects before distance and speed are added.

Dogs will learn to:

  • Take and release objects on cue

  • Hold and carry items calmly

  • Move with an object without dropping

  • Respond to cues while holding an item

  • Retrieve with clarity and purpose

Guardians will learn:

  • How to structure fetch for sport, function, or enrichment

  • Why excessive ball throwing can be hard on a dog’s body

  • How to build retrieve skills that support confidence and communication

  • How to adapt retrieve work for AKC Fetch, obedience, or rally

This class prioritizes clear communication, cooperative skill-building, and the dog’s physical and emotional wellbeing, making fetch a shared activity rather than a repetitive exercise.

Age Requirements: Dogs must be 6 months or older to participate in this class.

Pre-Reqs: This class is appropriate for dogs new to organized fetch, as well as teams considering AKC Fetch titles, improving obedience or rally retrieves, or simply wanting a safer, more thoughtful approach to toy play.

Please note that there will be 1-2 classes towards the end of your series that will require your dog to be crated between turns.

Saturdays at 5:15pm
Instructor: Justus Joseph
Upcoming Class Dates: 8/22, 8/29, 9/5, 9/26 & 10/17 (No Class 9/12, 9/19, 10/3 & 10/10)
Link to register for this class: https://app.punchpass.com/org/8136/series/50157

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