Group Classes
Not Your Average Dog Class, Come See The Difference!
-Small classes for individualized attention
-Set classes run once a week, same day/time (Skip Major Holidays)
-All Dogs must be healthy, on a flea / tick preventive, and must be up to date on all their vaccinations for their age.
Participate in a Guided Group Class where you will learn new skills as a handler, receive feedback, provide proper socialization, and train your dog in real world distractions.
*For Reactive or Fearful Dogs: At the minimum 1 Private Lesson is required before taking any Group Class.
A Private Lesson Prior To The Class is *Highly Recommended If…
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This is your first dog, or haven't had one in awhile
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Your dog is an excessive leash puller, puppy biter, and/or jumper
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You want the extra help as an owner with leash handling skills
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Your dog hasn’t been around many dogs
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Your dog gets easily distracted and/or doesn't listen to you around distractions
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You have other topics you want to discuss and solve that aren't covered in this class. Example bringing home a new baby
-A Private Lesson Prior To The Class is Required If...
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Your dog is reactive (get's overstimulated by dogs and/or people. May lunge, growl, excessively bark...etc)
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Your dog has a bite history or has tried to bite a dog and/or person before.
AKC Puppy S.T.A.R. Group Class
For puppies 4 - 8 months
At Willow Creek Dog Training, we combine our Puppy Group Class with the AKC Puppy S.T.A.R. Program to help you and your puppy become the best team possible. This unique 7-week program is designed to give both you and your pup the foundation you need for a lifetime of success.
Week 1 is all about YOU—the owner. This orientation is held without your puppy so we can focus solely on teaching you how dogs learn, effective training techniques, and how to set your puppy up for success at home. You’ll walk away with clear tools and a plan to begin training right away.
Weeks 2–6 include your puppy and are filled with hands-on learning, covering:
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Socialization and confidence-building
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Potty training and crate training
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Basic obedience (sit, down, come, leash walking, etc.)
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Good manners (no jumping, no biting, polite greetings)
Week 7 is the official AKC Puppy S.T.A.R. evaluation, where your puppy can earn their first AKC recognition!
You won’t find another puppy class like this. We go beyond the basics to build your puppy’s confidence, help shape a well-mannered companion, and give you the tools to continue training successfully at home.
Basic Obedience Group Class
Outdoor Group Classes are March - November
Every dog learns at their own pace — that’s why we offer two options for our Basic Obedience Group Classes! Whether your dog is just starting out or already knows a few commands, we have a class that fits their needs.
Week 1 is for humans only.
The first class is owner education only—no dogs—so we can focus on teaching you how to effectively train and communicate with your dog. You’ll learn valuable techniques and gain the tools you need to confidently guide your dog through training at home and in class.
4-Week Basic Obedience
This class is for dogs who already know the basics — like sit, down, and stay — and are ready to take things to the next level!
It’s a great fit if your dog has:
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Completed a puppy class or private lessons
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A good understanding of basic commands
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Decent focus but could use more practice around distractions
We’ll work on polishing up manners, building reliability, and keeping your dog focused even when exciting things are happening around them.
Commands & Skills Your Dog Will Learn:
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Place – Go to a mat or elevated surface and stay until given a break cue
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Leave It – Ignore and never touch restricted items
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Come – Return to you promptly when called
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Quiet – Stop barking on cue
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Drop It – Release objects from their mouth
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Settle – Learn to relax and calm down on command
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Stand – Stand politely for vet visits or grooming
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Heel – Walk closely at your side on a loose leash
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Go Play – Casual leash walking with freedom to sniff, explore, or hike
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Sit For Petting -- Greet people politely
Additional Topics Covered:
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Safe and structured play: How to play with your dog, not just around them
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Obedience games that keep learning fun
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Reaction and recovery to loud or unexpected noises
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How to naturally incorporate training into your daily routine
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Reading and understanding your dog’s body language
6-Week Basic Obedience
This is our full-length class, perfect for dogs who are newer to training or need a little extra guidance and consistency.
We’ll take our time teaching the core skills — like sit, down, stay, come, and heel — while helping your dog build confidence and focus.
You’ll learn how to communicate clearly, set your dog up for success, and practice handling real-life situations together.
If your dog is just starting out or you’d like more hands-on coaching, this class is the best place to start!
Commands & Skills Your Dog Will Learn:
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Sit – Respond to the cue promptly
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Down – Lie down on command
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Stay - Remain still until released
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Wait – Pause at doorways until released
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Place – Go to a mat or elevated surface and stay until given a break cue
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Leave It – Ignore and never touch restricted items
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Come – Return to you promptly when called
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Quiet – Stop barking on cue
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Drop It – Release objects from their mouth
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No Jump – Greet people politely
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Go – Move away to create personal space or avoid overstimulation
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Make Friends – Properly greet people and other dogs
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Settle – Learn to relax and calm down on command
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Stand – Stand politely for vet visits or grooming
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Heel – Walk closely at your side on a loose leash
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Go Play – Casual leash walking with freedom to sniff, explore, or hike
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Sit For Petting -- Greet people politely
Additional Topics Covered:
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Doorway boundaries: Teaching that an open door is not an invitation
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Safe and structured play: How to play with your dog, not just around them
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Obedience games that keep learning fun
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Reaction and recovery to loud or unexpected noises
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How to naturally incorporate training into your daily routine
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Reading and understanding your dog’s body language
Which Class Should I Choose?
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Choose the 4-Week Class if your dog already knows the basics and just needs a refresher or more practice around distractions.
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Choose the 6-Week Class if your dog is brand new to training, still learning the basics, or needs extra time and guidance.
Not sure which one is best? We’re happy to help! Reach out and tell us a little about your dog — we’ll point you in the right direction.
Book Now
Starts Oct 25
From 175 US dollarsLoading availability...
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Started Oct 7
From 225 US dollars
E-Collar Group Class
Unlock Your Dog's Potential with Our E-Collar Group Class!
Are you ready to take your dog's training to the next level? Our Off-Leash E-Collar Group Class is designed to unleash the full potential of your Canine Companion and strengthen your bond like never before.
Why Choose Our E-Collar Group Class?
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Comprehensive Training: Learn how to use the e-collar effectively and responsibly with guidance from our expert trainers.
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Off-Leash Freedom: Experience the joy of having a well-behaved, off-leash dog that you can trust in any environment.
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Build Confidence: Empower your dog with the confidence they need to navigate a world filled with distractions.
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Connect with Community: Join a supportive group of fellow dog owners and share your journey toward better communication and control.
Class Requirements
Before enrolling in the group class, a minimum of one private lesson is required. This ensures that both you and your dog are comfortable with the basic principles of e-collar training.
What You'll Learn
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Safe and effective e-collar use
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Techniques for off-leash obedience
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Commands and cues for reliable responses
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Strategies for managing real-world distractions
How to Enroll
Spaces are limited, and classes fill up quickly! Contact us today to book your private lesson and secure your spot in our transformative E-Collar Group Class.
Give your dog the training they deserve and enjoy the freedom of off-leash adventures.
Book Now
Private Group Classes
Host Your Own Private Group Obedience Class!
Do you have a great location to train—like a large backyard, a flat open space, or a private field? Do you have at least two friends with dogs who are also looking for a solid obedience foundation? Then this is the perfect opportunity for you!
We now offer Private Basic Obedience Group Classes—a unique way to train your dog in a comfortable, familiar environment without having to travel to a training facility.
This 6-week course covers everything from basic commands to manners, leash walking, and confidence building—just like our traditional group class—but it’s taught exclusively for your group, at your location. Whether you’re a group of neighbors, family members, or close friends, this is a great way to train together and have fun while doing it.
What’s Included in the 6-Week Course:
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Reliable obedience commands like Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Heel, and more
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Polite greetings and impulse control (no jumping!)
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Leash manners for everyday walks and adventures
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Structured socialization in a safe group setting
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Confidence-building exercises for dogs of all temperaments
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Tips on how to play with your dog and train through daily routines
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Owner education on dog body language, communication, and reinforcement strategies
Requirements:
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You provide the location (must be safe and secure for dogs)
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A minimum of 3 participating dogs (including your own)
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Dogs must be at least 4 months old and friendly with other dogs and people
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Location must be within 20 miles of Dahlonega, GA
$250 per dog for the full 6-week course
(Same high-quality training, customized for your private group!)
This is a great option for those who want the structure of a professional class with the convenience and comfort of training close to home—and the fun of learning alongside friends.
Spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Contact us today to schedule your private group class and start training with your pack!
Pop Up Group Classes
What is Pop Up Training? A group class that occurs weekly working on obedience, and real life skills. Each Session is one hour long.
Who Can Attend? This class is only for current or previous students that have been approved. These students have taken Private Lessons and/or a Basic Obedience Group Class with Willow Creek Dog Training.
When Are Classes? Classes are typically Thursday or Saturday, but can vary per week. At the beginning of each week, the trainer will text everyone the details for the class.
Where Are Classes Held? Classes are currently held at our Dawsonville Location. The goal is to start going to Downtown Gainesville, Dahlonega and other locations!
Price:
One dog: $25
Two dogs: $40
Every Fifth Session is FREE
How Can I Attend/Get Approved? If you have taken a group class or private lesson with Willow Creek then simply text 770-625-1521 if you can attend.
If you are new to Willow Creek, then please contact us to start private lessons to get you prepared!
Canine Good Citizen
Advanced Obedience
One Hour Per Session / 6 Weeks Total
Open to All Purebred and Mixed-Breed Dogs
This class is designed for dogs and owners who are ready to take their training to the next level. Whether you’re working toward a Therapy Dog Certification, preparing for the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test, or simply want a well-mannered dog in public spaces, this course will help you build the advanced obedience skills needed for real-life situations.
Our CGC Prep Class focuses on:
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Strengthening obedience commands (sit, down, stay, come, heel, etc.)
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Building reliability around distractions (dogs, people, noises, and movement)
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Practicing polite greetings and calm behavior in public
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Increasing your dog’s focus, confidence, and handler engagement
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Preparing you and your dog to successfully attempt the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test
Why Train for the Canine Good Citizen Title?
“By training in CGC, you and your dog will deepen your bond and become a more connected team. Not only will you and your dog master skills like sit, down, and stay, but your dog will become a welcomed community member when out in public.” – AKC.org
The CGC test is widely recognized as a foundation for therapy dog work, public access readiness, and general good manners. It’s a respected accomplishment that demonstrates your dog’s ability to behave politely and reliably in everyday environments.
Is Your Dog a Good Fit for Therapy Work?
While every dog is different, strong candidates for therapy work tend to be:
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Friendly and social with both people and other dogs
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Calm and confident in a variety of environments
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Responsive and attentive to their handler
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Mannerly—no jumping, barking, lunging, or pulling on leash
This class will help identify and develop these qualities while giving you tools to work through any challenges.
Please Note:
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This is an advanced obedience class. Dogs should already have a solid foundation in basic commands (sit, down, stay, leash walking, etc.).
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A private lesson may be required prior to joining if the trainer feels it would benefit your dog’s success in the class setting.
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While this class prepares you for the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test, it does not guarantee certification. Your results will depend on your dog’s temperament, progress, and how consistently you complete the homework between classes.
Who Should Enroll:
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Dog owners working toward CGC or Therapy Dog goals
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Those looking to improve their dog’s behavior in public
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Anyone wanting a stronger, more reliable connection with their dog
If you’re ready to build a well-mannered, confident dog that can succeed in public settings or future therapy work, this class is for you.
Spots are limited—enroll now to start your advanced training journey!
Morgan S.
"10 stars! Bailee is a wonderful trainer who is patient and knowledgeable. She provides helpful examples, tips, and has clear demonstrations. My dog and I attended the 5-week puppy course and by the end of course learned so much. My dogs behavior has changed and she is now behaving. I am looking forward to attending another class soon!"
Barbra M.
"Excellent class! Bailee was very knowledgeable and spent extra time explaining ways to deal with issues we were having. Highly recommend her!"
Carol W.
"Our experience at Willow Creek could not have been better. Bailee is professional, knowledgeable, and meets each dog and owner’s individual needs. She makes class fun and enjoyable and she has a wealth of ideas to guide owner’s through any situation they may encounter with their dogs. I have taken dog training classes in the past, and her class is above any others!"