Adult Beginners Obedience (6 sessions) $187.50
You and your dog will learn skills that will make everyday life easier and more enjoyable for both of you. Topics include manners, sit, down, stay, walking on a loose leash, coming when called and "drop it." At the end of this class, your dog will be able to perform these tasks without any special collars or bribes. This class is a great foundation for owners who would like to pursue more advances work such as agility or off-leash obedience. Class size is limited to four dogs per sessions to ensure that everyone gets the individual attention they need to succeed.
Kim Roche     512-796-5783

Beginner Freestyle Seminar (4 hours) $40
This seminar will cover:

• Introduction to Canine Freestyle
• Clicker training for freestyle (including an introduction to the use of the clicker)
• Foundation freestyle moves
• Tricks!

No prior training classes required. Your dog must be okay with other dogs and be able to pay attention to you. Bring a leash, crate, treats and any toys your dog likes. If you do not have a clicker, they are available for purchase at Southpaws.
Shari Heino     512-693-1488

Canine Good Citizen Class and Testing (6 weeks) $135
This course offers a great opportunity to continue the training and fun for you and your dog. CGC certification tells everyone that your dog is among the most well mannered and can be trusted in a variety of situations. The exercises and commands you and your dog learned in your beginning obedience are the foundation we will build on for the Canine Good Citizen training, in addition to working on other behaviors expected of a polite pup in our community. Enrolled dogs and handlers should have successfully completed a minimum of basic obedience instruction (heel, sit, stay, down, come, leave it, etc.), be comfortable on leash, and have some social experience with people and other dogs. CGC Testing at the end of the series is optional.
Raquelle Godbey     512-834-1590

Clicker Training—Beginner's Class (6 weeks) $195
This class is available for puppies ten weeks or older or any dog that has not had any previous training. In this class, you will learn how to use the clicker to train your dog beginner commands such as sit, stay, lie down, leave it, and come when called, to name a few. By the end of the class your dog will know how to walk nicely on a leash, sit/stay for 30 seconds, down/stay for 30 seconds, to run to you when called, and to leave it alone if you've dropped something on the ground, and more. There will also be a problem solving discussion about all the behavior issues such as jumping, barking, digging, chewing on items he shouldn't, taking your things, etc.
Barbara Kraemer     512-762-6456

Clicker Training—Advanced Class (6 weeks) $225
Clicker training is now the preferred method, advocated by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, which is the most highly recognized organization for setting standards for dog training. Learn to teach your dog advanced commands like "wait", "go to your bed", "stand" (from a lying down position), "heel" with left and right turns, to name a few. Your dog will also learn to "sit/stay" and "down/stay" and "come" regardless of distractions such as noises, balls bouncing, other dogs, people running by, etc. and even if you are out of sight. (This class is for dogs that have graduated from a puppy or beginner class, or can meet the same requirements as a graduate from a beginner class).
Barbara Kraemer     512-762-6456

Getting in Shape with Your Dog
You will learn the right way to run with your dog, and how to safely transition from walking to running, design a program, keep safe in the heat; proper body weight for dogs, and how to slim your dog down safely; water activities; hiking with your dog: where, how and why. Plus good sports nutrition for dogs, some basic stretches and massage, and warning signs of overtraining and injury.
Kim Roche     512-796-5783

Heeling and Position Seminar (1.5 hour seminar) $50
A great transition from pet manners class to Rally. Covers the tuck sit, the drop down, the kick-back stand, the right finish, and the left finish. Then join the Novice Rally I class to proof your new skills! Prereq: basic obedience class
Cathy Cobb     512-540-2321

Heeling Drop In (1 hour) $8 per session
There is no charge for students currently enrolled in Austin Dog Sports' Rally classes
The instructor calls patterns at the beginning and end of class and there will be one heeling game or exercise. The remaining time is available for practice and will be distraction-rich (for example: toys, treats, dogs, crates being moved, a "judge" trailing your dog). This class offers limited instruction and is scheduled primarily as a practice and proofing session. This ongoing class is currently available on an as-scheduled basis. See our calendar for dates and times.
Prerequisite: Your dog should be non-reactive to dogs passing within three feet.
Cathy Cobb     512-540-2321

JumpStart! Boot Camp (10 private lessons; plus 4 private lessons with you and your dog) $795
Get a jump start on your dog's training. Kim has designed the most flexible, intensive program in Austin. Over two weeks, your dog will receive ten private one-hour training sessions with Kim, and you will receive four private lessons. Unlike a traditional in-kennel board and train program, your dog will stay at home the whole time he's learning, so you'll get to see him improve day by day! Kim will work with your dog in area parks, cafes and around your neighborhood—exactly the kind of real-world environments you'd like to share with your dog. Price includes ten full days of canine daycare at Southpaws Playschool.
Kim Roche     512-796-5783

Novice Rally I (5 weeks) $150
This beginning Rally Obedience class includes 1/2 of the Rally Novice signs, the rules of AKC Rally, 1 short course each class, and introduction to heel.
Prerequisite: Heeling & Position seminar or instructor evaluation.
Cathy Cobb     512-540-2321

Novice Rally II (5 weeks) $150
This class includes the remaining Rally Novice signs, the rules of AKC Rally, 1 mini course each class, and heeling with right and left turns.
Prerequisite: Novice Rally I or instructor approval. Note: If you and your dog are heeling very well together, you can choose to begin with Novice Rally II. Private sessions are available to summarize the Rally I signs; contact us to discuss.
Cathy Cobb     512-540-2321

Pet First Aid and CPR (4 hours) $65
You will learn first aid techniques to stabilize a pet during an emergency as well as ways to prevent injuries. This class will enable you to react with the knowledge and confidence to help give your pet the best chance of survival. Classes are taught by lecture, demonstration and hands-on practice. Handbook included.
Therese Kopiwoda     512-586-2328

Play Train Your Puppy (6 weeks) $150
This class is an excellent way to get your dog started the right way in life. During this six week course:

• Learning is done through play with interruptions for training. Competitions and completion of homework assignments will tell everyone of your wonderful progress with your puppy.
• You will learn how to get your dog to come, sit, down, stay, and follow you WITHOUT telling your pup "NO" and WITHOUT A LEASH!
• You will learn how to properly socialize your pup in any human or canine situation.
• Your puppy will acquire excellent bite inhibition.
• You will get guidance on how to solve countless "puppy problems".
• In addition, you will gain invaluable information on how to keep on the training trail once your pup finishes the class.

You will need to commit to reading several articles per week, as well as completing homework assignments with your puppy and socializing your puppy by having him meet new people/dogs every day.
Class is for puppies from 12 to 24 weeks. Puppies must have had two rounds of shots in order to participate in class. CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED!
Sonya Wilson     512-440-7529

Positively Mannerly I (6 weeks) $150; no prerequisites
This pet manners class is for dogs 6 months or older that have either completed a puppy class or are just starting out with training. Your dog will be introduced to sit, down, stay, come, 2 tricks, greet new people nicely, place, loose leash walking and more. Each week will offer new skills, at home practice exercises, out & about tips for practicing in new environments, and fun at-home games. Due to the fast pace of the class, this class is intended for dogs with adult handlers and no serious behavioral problems. Click/treat methods are used, so plan to bring your cookies, a fun toy, and lots of praise for your dog!
Cathy Cobb     512-540-2321

Positively Mannerly II (6 weeks, 1.5 hours per week) $175; prerequisites--Positively Mannerly I or instructor's approval
Positively Mannerly, Take 2! If you enjoyed Positively Mannerly I and are interested in more tricks, increasing distractions, and practicing some Canine Good Citizen skills, this class is for you and your dog! We will increase distance and distraction for your dog's stay, increase recall reliability, learn the difference between loose leash walking and heel, learn two more tricks, and get a basic introduction to a variety of dog sports.
Cathy Cobb     512-540-2321

Private Lessons (4 lessons) $250; $65 per each additional lesson
Private lessons are the best way to establish a good foundation in obedience skills or to address behavior issues such as destructiveness, separation anxiety, biting or fighting. You will receive as much personal guidance and attention as you need. Because dogs learn best in familiar settings, our initial lesson will take place in your home. As your dog becomes more adept at handling distractions, we may meet at other locations. Each lesson lasts approximately one hour and will be scheduled per your needs.
Kim Roche     512-796-5783

Rally Drop-In (ongoing) $10 each drop-in session
Rally run-throughs, 1-2 courses set up. This ongoing class is currently available on an as-scheduled basis. See our calendar for dates and times.
Prerequisite: Completion of Novice Rally I or instructor approval. Cathy Cobb     512-540-2321

Recall Intensive (4 sessions) $100
This four week class could save your dog's life! Learn how to make your dog come to you every time you call, wherever you call her. We will be working with a number of distractions to make your dog reliable off-leash.
Kim Roche     512-796-5783

Classes for Kids/Families (click on class title to view class details)

Daycare Programs
Tailor a program especially for your age group. Weekday mornings. Certified teacher.
Sonya Wilson  512-440-7529

Fun-to-Make Dog Toys $20
Make and take class for kids and their parents. You will take home several safe, fun toys for your dog. Your child will also learn how to play dog games safely. Ages 8-12.
Sonya Wilson  512-440-7529

Make Art with Your Dog $20
Your child will learn simple obedience commands. These commands will then be used to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. For kids, parents, and dogs. Ages 10 and up.
Sonya Wilson  512-440-7529

Pet First Aid and CPR $35
A two hour introduction to pet wellness and urgent care taught by a Pet Tech first aid instructor. For kids and their parents. Ages 10 and up.
Therese Kopiwoda      512-586-2328

Safety Around Dogs
This AKC written course taught by a certified teacher will help your young child deal with meeting new dogs, and teach them what to do in a dangerous situation. Ages 5-8.
Sonya Wilson  512-440-7529

Southpaws University Calendar

Not all described classes are listed on the current calendar. Some classes are taught intermittently, and some are demand-based. If you are interested in a class that has not been scheduled, please contact the instructor to get more information on when that class will be taught.

Registration Form

Download the Southpaws University Registration Form

Payment options

• Complete the SU registration form, pay with cash or check
• Contact the course instructor at the number listed to register for individual classes and arrange payment
• COMING SOON! Complete online registration form, pay through PayPal