Agility classes are on their way. Early bird registration has been extended until June 5 for the Dunbar seminar. We scheduled a CGC Test for June 27, 1PM. We scheduled a Tricks Workshop for April 15, 8PM. We have posted an update of Angela. We have room rentals available in March. We have room rental times available for Sunday, February 8. We just scheduled a Walking Workshop & Tricks Workshops.
Follow us
Services
After completing registration for class, an orientation packet will be emailed to you. This will cover what documentation and health information we will need and what to bring and expect at your group class. Instructors will address common problems such as house breaking, jumping, nipping, and chewing.
Education and training can help you enjoy the time you and your dog spend together. Our workshops cover a variety of topics and are designed for specific needs. Whether you have a new baby, a new puppy or an old dog, we have workshops to help your best friend fit into your everyday life. All of our workshops are taught by Narnia's instructors.
Narnia continues to host seminars for dog trainers and others looking to advance their knowledge of dog and animal behavior. Seminars feature nationally known experts such as Patricia McConnell, Terry Ryan, Pia Silvani, Nicole Wilde and Sue Sternberg. Topics include body language, behavior, aggression, shelter assessments, nutrition, fear and play.
Reviews (8)
David Barr
May 25, 2022
Matthew Hardin
May 20, 2022
We went to beginner obedience class with our 10 week old puppy and was asked to leave after the first couple of minutes due to our dog being very scared of others in the class. They recommended one on one training to relieve the timidness with hopes to enroll in the obedience class after completing one in one. We did pursue the one on one training, it was an hour and 30 minute session in the back office that contained about 90% discussion on his emotions and only 10% training methods/actions.
All information was helpful however it was our understanding that one on one training would be more corrective action based instead of how to analyze our dogs emotions. The trainer was informative, but for the price we expected more direct training. When we left, the trainer provided more information to research various training methods instead of physically showing us how to correct/calm our puppy.
We felt as if all of this information was already available online and would not recommend one on one training. Unfortunately after a few weeks, none of the methods we discussed in our one in one session have helped calm him down when he becomes stressed and looking elsewhere.
All information was helpful however it was our understanding that one on one training would be more corrective action based instead of how to analyze our dogs emotions. The trainer was informative, but for the price we expected more direct training. When we left, the trainer provided more information to research various training methods instead of physically showing us how to correct/calm our puppy.
We felt as if all of this information was already available online and would not recommend one on one training. Unfortunately after a few weeks, none of the methods we discussed in our one in one session have helped calm him down when he becomes stressed and looking elsewhere.
Morgan Mathew
Apr 25, 2022
Overall, the classes are very affordable and will teach you the basics needed to get your puppy started. The trainers were very kind overall and seemed willing to be present and offer support as needed. We unfortunately were not that impressed with the way classes are being taught and probably won't be coming back in the future. We wish that the trainers did more in class to assist us with our individual struggles that are visible during a lesson or hindering the learning of what is being taught at the moment.
The classes are a lot of the trainer talking at us seminar style and expecting our dogs to be able to hold still and behave quietly while we listen. Rather than listen to long lectures it would be better to give us more time in class to practice a command with a trainer present to correct what we may be doing wrong. Here is our personal experience for those who may find it helpful: We enrolled our puppy in the level 1 puppy course as a way to allow her to be with other puppies and people rather than in a 1 on 1 learning environment.
This is our second time raising a puppy, our first obedience school experience was with Urban Pooch closer to the Chicago area and we liked their classes much more. The main instructor we had wasted a lot of time telling stories of her own dogs or learning experiences that were often long winded and pointless to the command being taught. They also had us doing a lot of work with toys and our dog's kibble (which was often boring and uninteresting as a reward).
They had us use a toy to get our dog to play then use an "off" command to get our dog to settle down again after play. When our dog was not interested in the toy and wouldn't play for the lesson they did not offer any other type of support or suggestions for another way to teach our dog the settle command. Our puppy was usually very focused in class but toward the end of the session became disinterested in the treats.
The trainers never offered suggestions (other than verbally joking that our puppy would rather sniff than train) on what to do to regain our puppy's interest again even when we clearly struggled to get our puppy's focus. We also had an incident where our seating got switched around and we were in a new spot where our puppy could see different dogs than who she normally saw during class.
Our puppy got reactive to other dog's family after awhile (we think it must have been the child of the family who kept getting up to move around that was capturing her attention). She refused to focus on us and would not stop barking even after we body blocked her, tried to gain her attention by moving around, trying to work on commands, or even full on redirecting the behavior.
Even after the trainer acknowledged that our puppy was acting out of the ordinary, they did nothing to help us navigate the situation at all. We eventually had to find an unused partition to put in front of our dog to block her from seeing whatever was triggering her to get her to focus again, but it baffled me that the three trainers who were present did nothing to assist us during the whole ordeal.
If you are looking for very basic classes to get going then this might be for you. But if your dog struggles with reactiveness, not listening, or has any other special considerations then these trainers won't be able to help much or offer the correct support.
The classes are a lot of the trainer talking at us seminar style and expecting our dogs to be able to hold still and behave quietly while we listen. Rather than listen to long lectures it would be better to give us more time in class to practice a command with a trainer present to correct what we may be doing wrong. Here is our personal experience for those who may find it helpful: We enrolled our puppy in the level 1 puppy course as a way to allow her to be with other puppies and people rather than in a 1 on 1 learning environment.
This is our second time raising a puppy, our first obedience school experience was with Urban Pooch closer to the Chicago area and we liked their classes much more. The main instructor we had wasted a lot of time telling stories of her own dogs or learning experiences that were often long winded and pointless to the command being taught. They also had us doing a lot of work with toys and our dog's kibble (which was often boring and uninteresting as a reward).
They had us use a toy to get our dog to play then use an "off" command to get our dog to settle down again after play. When our dog was not interested in the toy and wouldn't play for the lesson they did not offer any other type of support or suggestions for another way to teach our dog the settle command. Our puppy was usually very focused in class but toward the end of the session became disinterested in the treats.
The trainers never offered suggestions (other than verbally joking that our puppy would rather sniff than train) on what to do to regain our puppy's interest again even when we clearly struggled to get our puppy's focus. We also had an incident where our seating got switched around and we were in a new spot where our puppy could see different dogs than who she normally saw during class.
Our puppy got reactive to other dog's family after awhile (we think it must have been the child of the family who kept getting up to move around that was capturing her attention). She refused to focus on us and would not stop barking even after we body blocked her, tried to gain her attention by moving around, trying to work on commands, or even full on redirecting the behavior.
Even after the trainer acknowledged that our puppy was acting out of the ordinary, they did nothing to help us navigate the situation at all. We eventually had to find an unused partition to put in front of our dog to block her from seeing whatever was triggering her to get her to focus again, but it baffled me that the three trainers who were present did nothing to assist us during the whole ordeal.
If you are looking for very basic classes to get going then this might be for you. But if your dog struggles with reactiveness, not listening, or has any other special considerations then these trainers won't be able to help much or offer the correct support.
Jennifer Pereles
Sep 24, 2021
Stephanie Hogan
Jul 24, 2021
Allison Bridges
Apr 02, 2021
If you're looking for general or beginner dog training/help, or looking for more structure in your training sessions this seems like a great place to go! The staff member we worked with seemed fairly knowledgable in dog training and techniques for helping our reactive dog. However. Unfortunately I would caution paying for a "behavior consult" as the staff member we were scheduled with informed us she is not actually a certified dog behaviorist.
She was incredibly sweet and nice, and was able to recommend new commands to try, but in all i felt unsatisfied with the lack of knowledge about some of my behavior questions, and wish I would have saved my money for an actual behaviorist as I feel 100% confident in teaching my dog new commands. Also feels pretty misleading by the company itself to charge for a "behavior consult" this way without a certified behaviorist. Additionally, while I am sure that the staff member we worked with is a great trainer (and she worked well with our dog), its pretty disheartening/concerning to hear her tell us directly that her dog isn't well-trained (by her choice) and that she sometimes indulges her dog in unwanted behaviors (which of course, we all do sometimes, but not something you want to hear from a trainer you're paying.)
She was incredibly sweet and nice, and was able to recommend new commands to try, but in all i felt unsatisfied with the lack of knowledge about some of my behavior questions, and wish I would have saved my money for an actual behaviorist as I feel 100% confident in teaching my dog new commands. Also feels pretty misleading by the company itself to charge for a "behavior consult" this way without a certified behaviorist. Additionally, while I am sure that the staff member we worked with is a great trainer (and she worked well with our dog), its pretty disheartening/concerning to hear her tell us directly that her dog isn't well-trained (by her choice) and that she sometimes indulges her dog in unwanted behaviors (which of course, we all do sometimes, but not something you want to hear from a trainer you're paying.)
Rachael Brackmann
Jan 26, 2021
When we rescued our dog a year ago, he was a mess to say the least behaviorally. The rescue we got him from suggested Narnia so we went for it. We did a private to assess him and the trainer was very kind and had some ideas to keep him active. However, she seemed to not be able to control his barking or jumping and attention seeking behaviors when we were there.
Obviously I was not looking for perfection on the first go and knew it would take time. Using their techniques - being all food based and luring wasn't a good approach for him with behavioral needs. We went a second time hoping we could do a group class and they suggested another private due to his leash reactivity and excitable nature. Again, the same situation where the trainer didn't seem to give solid advice for leash reactivity and behavioral modification.
I don't think telling your clients to practice avoidance and walk the other way is a positive approach - you're not teaching the dog anything nor are you learning anything either. Their techniques are more for "fun activities" to do with your dog, not real sound behavior training. If you need a real dog trainer in the aurora area, call suburban k9 no gimmicks, no treats, and your dog WILL have a difference in behavior. Don't waste your money or time at Narnia!
Obviously I was not looking for perfection on the first go and knew it would take time. Using their techniques - being all food based and luring wasn't a good approach for him with behavioral needs. We went a second time hoping we could do a group class and they suggested another private due to his leash reactivity and excitable nature. Again, the same situation where the trainer didn't seem to give solid advice for leash reactivity and behavioral modification.
I don't think telling your clients to practice avoidance and walk the other way is a positive approach - you're not teaching the dog anything nor are you learning anything either. Their techniques are more for "fun activities" to do with your dog, not real sound behavior training. If you need a real dog trainer in the aurora area, call suburban k9 no gimmicks, no treats, and your dog WILL have a difference in behavior. Don't waste your money or time at Narnia!
Nick Day
Nov 08, 2017
We brought our rescue dog here for beginner training with 1 week to go! The price is very good and they give you a discount if you adopted from a shelter or rescue. Our trainers are very nice and upbeat. All training is positive reinforcement. During the class they almost always choose the most difficult dogs to demo which give you confidence that your dog can do it to. I would recommend them for beginner obedience training. We may also look to continue advanced training with them in the future.
