Obedience 1 — Foundation Builders | Clever Canine Dog Training | Waterford, MI
Group Class — Oakland & Macomb Counties, Metro Detroit

Obedience 1 —
Foundation Builders

Stop your dog's most frustrating behaviors — in 4 weeks.

No more pulling, jumping, ignoring you, or running out the door. This class teaches the commands and principles behind every well-behaved dog you've ever admired — and shows you exactly how to apply them at home.

✓ 4 weekly sessions ✓ Two certified trainers ✓ Max 6–8 dogs ✓ No prerequisites ✓ Any age or breed
Register Now — $200 Book a Free Discovery Call

Not sure if this class is right for your dog? Book a free call first — we'll tell you.

Obedience 1 group dog training class at Clever Canine in Waterford Michigan
$200 Total Investment
4 Weekly Sessions
2 Certified Trainers
6–8 Dogs Max
Tue Apr 7 Next Class Starts · 6pm
None Prerequisites
Is this the right class?

Who Obedience 1 Is For

This class is built for families who are frustrated, embarrassed, or just plain tired of their dog's behavior — and ready to actually do something about it. No experience needed. No judgment. Dogs of any age welcome.

If any of these sound familiar, you're in exactly the right place:

  • Your dog pulls so hard on leash that walks feel like punishment
  • Guests get jumped on every single time they come through the door
  • Your dog doesn't come when called — unless there's nothing better nearby
  • You've said "no" a thousand times and it hasn't changed anything
  • Your dog bolts out open doors and your heart stops every time
  • You've tried training before and it just didn't stick
You're not a bad dog owner. Most training fails because the approach doesn't match the dog. Obedience 1 is built differently — we address root causes, not just symptoms.
The Clever Canine difference
2
Certified trainers in every class
Most group classes have one instructor for 15+ dogs. We put two certified professional trainers in every class of 6–8 dogs. More attention. More feedback. More progress — every session.
No one else in Metro Detroit does this
Register for Obedience 1 →
$200 · 4 weekly sessions · Starts April 7th
The curriculum

What You'll Work On in Class

Changing unwanted behavior in dogs involves three core principles: Impulse Control, Relationship, and Communication. These are the same principles behind every well-trained service dog, therapy dog, and AKC certified dog you've ever seen. This class builds all three — through commands that actually solve daily problems.

SIT & DOWN

The foundation of every polite behavior. A dog who sits and downs reliably can be managed in almost any situation — guests, vets, walks.

STAY

Hold position even with distractions nearby. The command that keeps your dog out of trouble at doors, on walks, and when company arrives.

COME (Recall)

Come when called — even when there's something more interesting. The command that could save your dog's life, built with reliability from day one.

FOCUS

Eyes on you, not the squirrel. Focus is the prerequisite to everything else — a dog that can redirect attention is a dog you can actually communicate with.

PLACE

Go to a designated spot and stay there. A game-changing command for guests arriving, mealtimes, or any moment you need your dog settled and out of the way.

OFF & LEAVE IT

Stop jumping on people and leave things alone on command. Two of the most practical skills for daily life with a dog who gets into everything.

WAIT

Pause before crossing a threshold — doors, cars, stairs. Builds impulse control and prevents the door-bolting that terrifies so many dog owners.

Loose Leash Walking

Walk next to you instead of pulling you down the street. We build this from the ground up so walks become something you actually enjoy.

Impulse Control

The foundation beneath all the commands. A dog who can pause and think before reacting is a dog who can learn anything — and behave everywhere.

About training collars: Owners must be willing to use the training collar recommended by the trainer. This may include a martingale-style or Herm Sprenger prong collar depending on the dog and safety considerations in a group setting. A trainer will speak with you and evaluate your dog before making any recommendation.
What makes this different

Why Clever Canine Group Classes Work When Others Haven't

Big-box pet store classes put one trainer with 15+ dogs. We put two certified professionals in every class of 6–8. The results speak for themselves.

👥

Two Certified Trainers Per Class

Every single session. Not a helper — a second certified professional trainer who can coach you individually while the other manages the group. Unique in Metro Detroit.

🐕

Maximum 6–8 Dogs

Intentionally small so every dog — and every owner — gets real attention. You'll leave every session knowing exactly what to practice at home.

🧭

The Canine Connection Compass

Our proprietary system addresses all four pillars: Relationship, Impulse Control, Communication, and Boundaries. Not just tricks — actual behavior change.

What Metro Detroit families are saying

Real Dogs. Real Families. Real Results.

★★★★★

"After spending hundreds and hundreds on trainers and training tools I was at my end. I can honestly say I am simply amazed at the transformation in my dog. I can now walk him next to me, call him to me, and even settle him down. I am able to bring people over once again."

Lisa A.
2-year-old Blue Nose Pit Bull · Metro Detroit
★★★★★

"After only two lessons, my dogs and I have already learned so much! I am so excited to see such positive changes in my dogs' behavior so quickly. You are great with dogs and you understand them. I wish I had met you sooner. I highly recommend Clever Canine for any type of training."

Sarah S.
Group Class Client · Oakland County
★★★★★

"It's definitely worth at least having the conversation at a free discovery session. The training aspect is very thorough — they give the training more to you than the dog. They teach you with your dog. I have seen results and we are only halfway through."

Brittany A.
Pit Bull Terrier Mix · Oakland County
Obedience 1 — Foundation Builders

Register for the April Class

Next class starts Tuesday, April 7th at 6pm. Spots are limited to 6–8 dogs — click the date on the calendar below to register.

Not sure if group classes are right for your dog? Book a free discovery call first →

What to expect

What's Included in Every Session

Each week builds on the last. You'll leave every session with specific exercises to practice at home — because real progress happens between classes, not just during them.

Most families notice real improvement starting after session one. By week four, the daily behaviors that were driving you crazy look — and feel — completely different.

1
Register and confirm your spot
Register below. You'll receive a confirmation with everything you need before your first session — including what to bring and what to expect.
2
Attend 4 weekly sessions with two trainers
Each session covers new commands and builds on the previous week. Two certified trainers means you get individual coaching — not just a group demonstration.
3
Practice at home with a clear plan
Every session ends with specific take-home exercises. You'll know exactly what to work on so progress continues between classes.
4
Graduate with a better dog and the skills to maintain it
By graduation, the foundation is set. Many families continue to Obedience 2 to proof skills around real-world distractions and work toward AKC Canine Good Citizen certification.
What's included in Obedience 1
  • 4 weekly group training sessions
  • Two certified trainers present every session
  • Maximum 6–8 dogs per class for individual attention
  • 9 behavior-changing commands: SIT, DOWN, STAY, FOCUS, COME, PLACE, OFF, LEAVE IT, WAIT
  • Loose leash walking technique and practice
  • Take-home practice plan after every session
  • Trainer evaluation of your dog before class begins
  • Judgment-free, supportive environment
  • Option to continue to Obedience 2 / CGC Prep after graduation
What to bring
Your dog on a regular 6-foot leash, and high-value treats your dog loves. The trainer will evaluate your dog before class and advise on any additional equipment needed. No need to purchase anything before the first session.
Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

None at all — Obedience 1 is the starting point. It's designed for dogs of any age with no prior formal training. Whether this is your dog's very first class or you've tried training elsewhere and want a fresh start, this is where we begin.
Not at all. Dogs of any age can learn new behaviors — this isn't just something we say to be encouraging. Older dogs often have longer attention spans than puppies, which can actually make training more efficient. We regularly work with adult and senior dogs with excellent results.
It depends on the severity. Dogs with mild reactivity often do well in our small, structured class environment — and the class itself helps build the impulse control and focus that reduces reactivity over time. Dogs with significant reactivity or aggression toward other dogs may be better served starting with private lessons first. Book a free discovery call and describe what you're seeing — we'll give you an honest recommendation.
Graduates of Obedience 1 are eligible to continue into Obedience 2 / CGC Prep, where we proof all the skills you've learned against real-world distractions and work toward the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen certification. Many families find that Obedience 2 is where everything really clicks and becomes automatic.
Just your dog on a regular 6-foot leash and high-value treats they love. The trainer will evaluate your dog before the first session and advise on any additional equipment. We keep it simple — there's no need to purchase anything before attending.
We offer a full refund if you cancel before the first class begins. After the first session, we don't offer refunds — but we'll work with you if the class isn't the right fit. Our goal is your success.
All group classes are held at our facility at 4396 Dixie Hwy #3, Waterford, MI 48329. We're centrally located to serve Oakland County and Macomb County, and many of our families drive in from across Metro Detroit for our two-trainer class format and small class sizes.