Group Classes
Downtown Vancouver
Welcome to the pack! At The Ruff Life, we don't just teach commands; we build communication. Our small-group classes in Greater Vancouver are designed to provide a low-stress, high-enrichment environment where your dog can learn at their own pace.
We specialize in nurturing confident, happy dogs through positive reinforcement and brain-based games. Whether you are starting with Puppy Kindergarten or refining your skills in Basic Obedience, our goal is to give you the tools to live your best life together—one treat at a time.
How our classes work
Everything you need to know before your first whistle.
To keep our training high-quality and low-stress, we follow a specific set of "Ruff Life" standards for every group session.
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Intimate Group Sizes: We cap our classes at a maximum of 5 dogs. This ensures you get personalized coaching and your dog stays below their stress threshold.
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Family Welcome: We allow up to 2 handlers per dog. We encourage partners or family members to attend so everyone is on the same page with the training!
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Our Methods: We are strictly Positive Reinforcement and science-based. No prong, choke, or e-collars are permitted.
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What to Bring: A standard 6ft leash (no retractables!), a flat collar or harness, and a pouch filled with "high-value" treats (think tiny pieces of chicken or cheese).
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Location: Embarkadero (101-1200 Hornby St. Vancouver B.C. V6Z 1W2)
*Note there are no refunds given within 48hrs of the start of the first class and in the event a refund is granted, a $10 admin fee will be charged
Puppy Preschool
Building a Foundation for puppies 8-16 weeks old
The first few months of your puppy’s life are the most critical for their development. Our Puppy Preschool is designed to take advantage of this "golden window" for socialization. We focus on building confidence, preventing future behavior issues, and teaching you how to communicate with your newest family member.
What We Focus On:
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Positive Socialization: Neutrality and confidence around new sounds, surfaces, and city sights.
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Puppy Essentials: Handling "the basics" like potty training, crate comfort, and mouthing/biting.
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The Starting Line: Introduction to focus, sit, and coming when called.
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Brain Games: Early enrichment to keep those curious minds busy.
Details:
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Age: 8 to 16 weeks
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Vaccines: must have 1st round of shots + 7 days
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Format: 5-week course | 1 hour per week.
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Price: $245 + GST
Puppy Kindergaten
Navigating the "Teen" Transition for 16 weeks to 6 months
As your puppy grows, so do their distractions. Puppy Kindergarten is designed for the adolescent phase, where socialization shifts toward neutrality and focus. We move beyond the basics to ensure your puppy listens even when the world around them is exciting.
What We Focus On:
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Focus Under Distraction: Learning to "check-in" with you while other dogs and people are nearby.
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Leash Manners: Building the foundation for a loose-leash walk (perfect for those Vancouver seawall strolls!).
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Impulse Control: Teaching "Leave It" and "Stay" in real-world scenarios.
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Recall Foundations: Encouraging your puppy to choose you over the environment.
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Adolescent Support: Practical tips for navigating teething, "selective hearing," and changing energy levels.
Details:
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Age: 16 weeks to 6 months.
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Vaccines: Full core puppy series required.
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Format: 5-week course | 1 hour per week.
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Price: $245 + GST
Basic Obedience
Reliability for the real world (6 months+)
The "teenage" and adult stages are when training truly counts. Our Basic Obedience course moves beyond simple tricks and focuses on building a dog that is calm, attentive, and manageable in every environment. We help you transition from "practicing in the living room" to "listening on the streets of Vancouver."
What We Focus On:
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The Mechanics of Success: Learn the "how and why" of positive reinforcement, including the art of using food lures effectively and—more importantly—how to successfully wean your dog off treats once they've mastered the skill.
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Precision Timing: We’ll introduce you to clicker training (or marker words), giving you the "bridge" needed to tell your dog exactly when they’ve done the right thing.
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Core Skillset: Build rock-solid foundations for Sit, Stay, Down, and Heel.
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Urban Manners: Focus on the "big three" for city life: Reliable Recall (Coming when called), polite Loose-Leash Walking, and Engagement/Focus on you when the world gets distracting.
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Impulse Control: Transform "hyperactivity" into "thinking." We teach your dog how to settle their own energy and make better choices.
Details:
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Age: 6 months+
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Vaccines: must be fully vaccinated
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Format: 5-week course | 1 hour per week.
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Price: $245 + GST
Puppy Social
Learn about Socialization (8 weeks to 16 weeks)
Socialization is about more than just playing; it’s about experiencing the world together.
Our 45-minute sessions are designed to build a well-rounded, "bomb-proof" dog. We combine supervised play with exposure to the weird and wonderful sights and sounds of the human world in a controlled, positive environment.
What Happens in 45 Minutes?
Supervised Play: Controlled interactions to help dogs learn "dog language" and appropriate play styles.
Sights & Sounds Safari: Exposure to "scary" things made fun—think umbrellas, vacuum sounds, sirens, and strange surfaces (bubbles, grates, etc.).
The "Off Switch": Short intervals of calm to teach your dog how to settle even when the fun is happening.
Details:
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Age: 8 to 16 weeks
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Vaccines: must have 1st round of shots + 7 days
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Duration: 45 minutes of high-engagement learning.
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Enrollment: Ongoing weekly sessions.
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Price: $35 + GST per session