Retriever Foundations Class

What is Retriever Foundations Class?

Retriever Foundations Class is designed to help handlers tap into their dog's natural instincts—and shape that energy into calm, consistent, and connected work.

Misty mornings. Dew on the grass. A dog with purpose at your side.

Retriever Foundations Class is back! With a new fall format designed for handlers who want to tap into their dog’s natural chase and retrieve drive and build calm, connected working behavior along the way.

This class is especially great for dogs who light up at the sight of a tennis ball or flying bumper—but struggle to turn off the excitement. You’ll learn how to channel that intensity into structure, focus, and willingness to work.

✅ Satisfy your dog’s innate drive in a healthy way
✅ Build a more attentive, willing canine partner
✅ Teach focus, patience, and clear engagement with the handler
✅ Strengthen your bond through play and structure

By the end of the class, you’ll have a dog who's not just chasing a target—but learning the value of choosing to work with you, even when the world is full of tempting distractions.

This class is perfect for:

• Dogs of ALL medium and large breeds or mixes who live for fetch
• Handlers who want a balanced, durable working relationship with their dog

📍 Limited spots available. Let’s channel that incredible drive into something lasting, meaningful—and fun!

Registration is open to dogs over 45 pounds. Dogs under 45 pounds must be approved by the class leaders.

Class starts at 9:00am

If you are invited to join the additional Fieldwork Fundamentals* portion, your instruction will begin at 8:30am

What is Fieldwork Fundamentals? It's an invitation-only skill-building bonus for handlers who really want to take retrieval work to the next level. Learn more about how to lay scent trails, how to read your dog's tracking language and start learning how to build your dog's ability to track multiple scents.

If you'd like an invitation for Fieldwork Fundamentals, please contact us before you register.

We will not overwork dogs. The time your dog works during this class is determined by your dog, not the clock. However, even if your dog shows that they are done for the day, the handler is welcome to stay, observe and learn through the end of class.

Classes will last about 2-2.5 hours, ending between 11:00am-11:30am.

*Note, the dogs in the Fieldwork Fundamentals group must be approved/invited.

 

Please make note of the class schedule (all dates are Sundays): 

1. Oct 5th

2. Oct 12th

3. Oct 19th

No class Oct 26th

4. Nov 2nd

5. Nov 9th (bonus class, or weather make-up date)

 

This class is organized around a 4-class structure. However, we are building in an extra class date (Nov 9) that will either be a fifth, free bonus class or a make-up date in the event of a weather cancellation.

This class is "rain-or-shine," however we will not work dogs in dangerous conditions. If there are several weather cancellations, we will reschedule and keep you updated.

All classes will begin at the times described above, unless otherwise communicated in advance.

Class location is a private property:

78700 Bryson Sears Rd, Cottage Grove, OR 97424

We'll be in touch via email to prepare you for the first class.

 

Reach out with absolutely any questions

Christina Hester

541-954-0322 (text for fastest response)

We have a weight restriction for this class. Dogs over 45 pounds* are welcome to register. Dogs under 45 pounds need approval to join. Contact Christina or Willie if your dog is under 45 pounds.

*If you would like to register a puppy or young dog who will grow to be more than 45 pounds, contact Christina or Willie to discuss before registering.

Terms: By registering for Pawsitive Influence Dog Training's Retriever Foundations class, you (Client) understand that it secures your spot in a class with limited space. No refunds are offered for Retriever Foundations classes.

In the event of an Client emergency, the Pawsitive Influence training team may, at their discretion, allow Client to apply partial or full credit toward enrollment in a future class. Client understands that all training services are good for six months from commencement of services, and any services not used within the six-month period will be forfeited and cannot be transferred to other people or dogs, or used for other services. Payment for a class series cannot be used for private lessons, drop-in group classes, pack walks, or training seminars, and vice-versa.

In the event of a cancellation due to trainer emergency, weather event, or air quality concern, Pawsitive Influence will reschedule the cancelled session at their earliest availability. If Client is not able to attend the rescheduled date, no refunds will be given. However, at their discretion, the Pawsitive Influence training team may allow Client to apply partial or full credit toward enrollment in a future class.