Group Classes
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Real Skills for Real Dogs
Strengthen your pup’s foundation skills with positive reinforcement, real-life practice, and guidance tailored to their pace.
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Leash Walking
Learn techniques and handling skills to help your dog walk calmly on a loose leash with professional trainer support.
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Recall
Teach your dog to reliably come when called through focused, hands-on coaching for everyday and emergency situations.
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Nosework Foundations
Introduce your pup to scent games that reduce stress and build confidence while learning the basics of odor hunting.
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Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Class
Prepare your dog for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test with practical skills for polite, calm behavior in public. Test optional.
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Cooperative Care
Help your dog feel comfortable with grooming, vet visits, and handling by teaching stress-free cooperative care skills.
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Trick & Treat
Learn fun and useful tricks tailored to your dog’s abilities, from showy performances to everyday helpful behaviors.
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Advanced/Prerequisite Classes
This section includes Manners 2, and Nosework 101, 102, 201, & 300.
REAL SKILLS FOR REAL DOGS - HYBRID CLASS
Transform your Brooklyn dog walk from stressful to seamless.
Does your dog know "sit" in your living room, but tune you out the second you step onto the sidewalks of Brooklyn? Tired of getting dragged toward every squirrel in the park or feeling stressed near outdoor dining?
Whether you just want to have fun with your dog or you love the science of behavior, this class is for you.
All Ages Welcome: No prerequisites required! Great for new rescues, young dogs (20+ weeks), or older pups who need a refresher.
The Overwhelmed Urban Dog: Pups who pull on leash, get overly excited by other dogs, or struggle to focus in noisy environments.
Guardians Wanting Practical Relief: Learn how to comfortably navigate elevators & lobbies, walks on sidewalks full of scooters & strollers, and parks overrun with squirrels, pigeons, and pizza crusts .
Class Details & Schedule
Format: 6 One-Hour Sessions (3 Virtual via Zoom + 3 In-Person in Fort Greene Park)
Location: Fort Greene Park (Rain plan: Pivots smoothly to Zoom so you never miss a beat)
Upcoming Series: Sundays at 1:00 PM
Curious about the class but not ready to dive in? Click here to learn more.
In the event of rain, certain outside classes will be postponed to the rain date. Please ensure you can attend that date as well. Vaccination records are required for all in-person classes and events. Refunds are subject to a $25 processing fee.
The Real-World Skills Class. Transform your Brooklyn dog walk from stressful to seamless.
Does your dog know "sit" in your living room, but tune you out the second you step onto the sidewalks of Brooklyn? Tired of getting dragged toward every squirrel in the park or feeling stressed near outdoor dining?
Real Skills for Real Dogs bridges the gap between apartment practice and real-world Brooklyn distractions. We combine convenient online prep with hands-on practice in Fort Greene Park so you get real relief, real fast.
Who This Class Is For
Whether you just want to have fun with your dog or you love the science of behavior, this class is for you.
All Ages Welcome: No prerequisites required! Great for new rescues, young dogs (20+ weeks), or older pups who need a refresher.
The Overwhelmed Urban Dog: Pups who pull on leash, get overly excited by other dogs, or struggle to focus in noisy environments.
Guardians Wanting Practical Relief: Learn how to comfortably navigate elevators & lobbies, walks on sidewalks full of scooters & strollers, and parks overrun with squirrels, pigeons, and pizza crusts .
Class Overview
Foundational Calmness:
Relax on a mat
Putting on a harness and other gear
Neighborhood distractions
Leash Skills & Movement:
Using fun attention games to teach regular check-ins on walks
Safe leash handling for no more pulling
Techniques for smooth stops and seamless direction changes
Disengagement & Impulse Control:
First in your home and then in more distracting environments, learn the foundations of essential safety cues:
Leave-it
Drop-it
Wait
Stay
Come when called
Comprehensive Learning Resources:
Weekly class recap emails
Zoom recordings of the virtual classes
Reference training manual
Clients are encouraged to email trainers with questions between sessions.
Class Details & Schedule
Format: 6 One-Hour Sessions (3 Virtual via Zoom + 3 In-Person in Fort Greene Park)
Location: Fort Greene Park (Rain plan: Pivots smoothly to Zoom so you never miss a beat)
Capacity: Capped strictly at 6 dogs for personalized attention from the trainer.
Upcoming Series: Sundays at 1:00 PM
Investment: $415
Requirement: Up-to-date vaccination records.
Why the Hybrid Format Works
Outdoor parks are full of high-level distractions. In our Zoom sessions, you and your dog master the mechanics in a quiet space so you are both prepared, confident, and successful when we step out into Fort Greene Park together.
Classes 1, 2, & 4 will be on Zoom. Classes 3, 5, & 6 will be in person in Fort Greene Park.
Please note: we will pivot any in person classes to virtual in the event of inclement weather.
In the event of rain, certain outside classes will be postponed to the rain date. Please ensure you can attend that date as well. Vaccination records are required for all in-person classes and events. Refunds are subject to a $25 processing fee.
LEASH WALKING WORKSHOP
Does your dog pull you down the side walk when it is time to go for a walk? Or do the put on the brakes and have a hard time moving with you? We have just the class for you!
This is a 1-hour, in-person session with two professionally certified trainers who will coach you on how to walk your dog with a loose leash and improve your leash handling skills.
Next Class: Sundays Sept 27th: 5pm ( Oct 4th rain date)
Where: Butterfly Gardens Park at corner of 7th Ave & 18th St in Park Slope, Brooklyn
Price: $125**
Requirement: Recent vaccination records.
Class is limited to 5 dogs.
*In the event of rain, class will be postponed to the Rain Date. Please be sure you’re also available to attend this date!
Click Register if you’re ready to join this class now. Click Waitlist if the class is full or the current dates don’t work with your schedule.
1-hour, in-person class focusing on improving leash walking and handling skills for you and your dog.
Location: Class will be held at the Butterfly Gardens Park on 7th Ave & 18th St. in Park Slope, Brooklyn
This is an active practice class where you will receive coaching from our trainers, please have plenty of high value food, water for your dog, and a 6 ft. minimum leash with a harness, flat, or martingale style collar.
In the event of rain, certain outside classes will be postponed to the rain date. Please ensure you can attend that date as well. Vaccination records are required for all in-person classes and events. Refunds are subject to a $25 processing fee.
RECALL WORKSHOP
Do you want to take your dog to the park for off-leash time but are worried about their recall? There are many situations where you will want your dog to be able to reliably return to you during fun and play as well as for emergency situations and safety.
Join two professionally certified trainers for a 1-hour, in-person workshop who will coach you on ways to improve recall (come-when-called) with your puppy or adult dog.
Next Class: Sunday Sept 27th 3:30pm (Oct 4th rain date)
Where: Butterfly Gardens Park at corner of 7th Ave & 18th St in Park Slope, Brooklyn
Price: $125**
Requirement: Recent vaccination records.
Class is limited to 5 dogs.
*In the event of rain, class will be postponed to the Rain Date. Please be sure you’re also available to attend this date!
Click Register if you’re ready to join this class now. Click Waitlist if the class is full or the current dates don’t work with your schedule.
1-hour, in-person class focusing on recall with your dog.
Location: Class will be held at the Butterfly Gardens Park on 7th Ave & 18th St. in Park Slope, Brooklyn
This is an active practice class where you will receive coaching from our trainers, please have plenty of high value food, water for your dog, and a 15-20 ft. long lead with a harness, flat or martingale style collar.
In the event of rain, certain outside classes will be postponed to the rain date. Please ensure you can attend that date as well. Vaccination records are required for all in-person classes and events. Refunds are subject to a $25 processing fee.
NOSEWORK FOUNDATIONS
A Nose to Toes K9 Six Week Course
Scent Work for Stress Relief™
Overview
Introduce your dog to the fun and calming world of scent work! In this course, dogs will learn to hunt for hidden items indoors through scent-based games and tricks. This foundation is perfect for mental exercise, stress relief, and confidence building — and it’s a prerequisite for the sport-focused Nosework 101.
Class Structure
Each week includes lecture, video examples, and live coached practice. Classes are cumulative, with homework that builds week by week. Expect to practice about 3–5 minutes per day, 3–5 times a week. You’ll also have access to a private Facebook group for questions and instructor feedback between sessions.
Class Details
Class Cost: $415
Learning Prerequisites: None
Dog Age Requirements: None
Your Setup at Home: Position your camera so the instructor can see you and your dog. Plan for brief restraint (crate, gate, or another room) while searches are set up.
Schedule: Fall 2026- Starts Sept 16th at 7pm
Class Length: 45–60 minutes
Capacity: Limited to 5 pups
Click Register if you’re ready to join this class now. Click Waitlist if the class is full or the current dates don’t work with your schedule.
A Nose to Toes K9 Six Week Course
Scent Work for Stress Relief™
Overview
Introduce your dog to the fun and calming world of scent work! In this course, dogs will learn to hunt for hidden items indoors through scent-based games and tricks. This foundation is perfect for mental exercise, stress relief, and confidence building — and it’s a prerequisite for the sport-focused Nosework 101.
Class Structure
Each week includes lecture, video examples, and live coached practice. Classes are cumulative, with homework that builds week by week. Expect to practice about 3–5 minutes per day, 3–5 times a week. You’ll also have access to a private Facebook group for questions and instructor feedback between sessions.
Class Details
Class Cost: $415
Learning Prerequisites: None
Dog Age Requirements: None
Your Setup at Home: Position your camera so the instructor can see you and your dog. Plan for brief restraint (crate, gate, or another room) while searches are set up.
Schedule: Fall 2026- Starts Sept 16th at 7pm
Class Length: 45–60 minutes
Capacity: Limited to 5 pups
In the event of rain, certain outside classes will be postponed to the rain date. Please ensure you can attend that date as well. Vaccination records are required for all in-person classes and events. Refunds are subject to a $25 processing fee.
CANINE GOOD CITIZEN CLASS
Overview
Thinking about earning the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title with your pup? This 6-week course helps you practice the required skills in a supportive, positive environment. Testing is available as a separate event and fee at the end of the course if you and your trainer feel ready. You’re also welcome to repeat the course to keep building your pup’s skills.
As with all of PumpkinPups classes, and in accordance with test requirements, equipment allowed for this class includes any type of body harness, flat collar or martingale style collar and a 6 foot leash.
Skills covered include:
Polite greetings (no jumping)
Calm behavior around other dogs
Loose leash walking
Sit, down, and stay
Recall
Supervised separation from guardian
Dogs should be comfortable around people and other dogs, and tolerant of gentle handling. If your pup struggles with fear, anxiety, or reactivity, our trainers can recommend private sessions as a starting point.
Class Details
Class Cost: $415
Duration: 6 weeks
Location: Butterfly Gardens, Park Slope (7th Ave & 18th St)
Schedule: Sundays at 3:30 pm ET — May 3, 10, 17, 31, June 7, 14
Capacity: Limited to 5 pups
Requirement: Recent vaccination records.
Click Register if you’re ready to join this class now. Click Waitlist if the class is full or the current dates don’t work with your schedule.
Sundays at 3:30pm ET
Sundays: May 2, 9, 16, 23, June 6, 13
Space is limited to 5 pups per class!
This course will be offered over 6 weeks. All sessions are in person but in the event of rain or inclement weather the class will be switched to virtual. Classes will meet at the Butterfly Gardens in Park Slope at the corner of 7th Ave and 18th St.
(A zoom link will be emailed to you prior to class for virtual sessions.)
Once you receive a payment confirmation, you have reserved a spot in class. You will receive a welcome message to the email address you provided with your payment 24 - 72 hours before your class is scheduled to start.
In the event of rain, certain outside classes will be postponed to the rain date. Please ensure you can attend that date as well. Vaccination records are required for all in-person classes and events. Refunds are subject to a $25 processing fee.
CANINE GOOD CITIZEN TEST
Overview
The CGC test is recognized by some housing associations and often serves as a first step for therapy dog certification.
Skills tested include:
Polite greetings without jumping
Calm demeanor when meeting strangers and being petted
Comfort with handling/grooming
Calm behavior when passing another dog
Loose leash walking
Sit, down, stay, and recall
Supervised separation from guardian
Reactions to distractions
Class Details
Fee: $150
Location: TBD depending on test date: Brooklyn, NY
Retest discount available for previous PumpkinPups students (email us)
CGC title registration: $25 (paid to AKC after passing)
Testing dates: Arranged individually after registration. Dates will be determined with the individual testers once a registration is received. Feel free to email us for more info.
Equipment: 6-ft leash, long line (15–20 ft), body harness, flat or martingale collar. Head halters allowed if your dog is comfortable.
Requirement: Recent vaccination records.
FEAR FREE COOPERATIVE CARE CLASS
Overview
Does your pup dislike nail trims, baths, or vet visits? This 6-week class helps dogs learn to relax and participate in grooming and handling with confidence. You’ll develop a step-by-step training plan tailored to your dog’s needs, while also building a set of core cooperative care behaviors.
Examples of skills covered:
Standing calmly for brushing or nail trims
Getting comfortable with harnesses and grooming tools
Easing stress during vet exams or dental care
Each week includes follow-up email support to help you continue at home.
Class Details
Class Cost: $415
Duration: 6 weeks
Schedule: Sundays at 6p EST Dates: 2027 January 10, 24, 31, Feb 7, 21, 28
Capacity: Limited to 4 pups
Requirement: Recent vaccination records.
Click Register if you’re ready to join this class now. Click Waitlist if the class is full or the current dates don’t work with your schedule.
This is a 6 week class that will help you develop a training plan for various cooperative care behaviors from putting on a harness to brushing teeth. Julie Wintrob and Jean Keesler will help you break down the training into small, successful steps until your pup is comfortable with regular grooming, handling, and veterinary procedures.
Sundays at 6pm
Meets on: January 10, 24, 31, Feb 7, 21, 28 2027
All classes are virtual.
(A zoom link will be emailed to you before class starts.)
In the event of rain, certain outside classes will be postponed to the rain date. Please ensure you can attend that date as well. Vaccination records are required for all in-person classes and events. Refunds are subject to a $25 processing fee.
TRICK & TREAT
Training Fun Behaviors
Overview
Looking to add some fun to your pup’s routine? This 4-session virtual class focuses on teaching playful tricks and useful skills that impress in the living room or on stage.
You’ll learn customized tricks based on your goals, such as:
Leg weaves and spins
Offering a paw for nail trims
Jumping onto a chair to get leashed up
Party tricks like high fives and turns
The class is designed for all skill levels, with plenty of fun and encouragement along the way.
Class Details
Class Cost: $275
Location: Virtual
Duration: 4 weeks
Schedule:Mondays Sept 28, Oct 5, 19, 26 6PM
Capacity: Limited to 6 pups
Requirement: Recent vaccination records.
Click Register if you’re ready to join this class now. Click Waitlist if the class is full or the current dates don’t work with your schedule.
Looking to add some fun to your pup’s routine? This 4-session virtual class focuses on teaching playful tricks and useful skills that impress in the living room or on stage.
You’ll learn customized tricks based on your goals, such as:
"Are you hungry?" (licking lips)
Pressing a button
Touch targeting
Get in a box
Leg weaves and spins
Offering a paw for nail trims
Jumping onto a chair to get leashed up
Party tricks like high fives and turns
The class is designed for all skill levels, with plenty of fun and encouragement along the way.
Mondays at 6PM: Sept 28, Oct 5, 19, 26
In the event of rain, certain outside classes will be postponed to the rain date. Please ensure you can attend that date as well. Vaccination records are required for all in-person classes and events. Refunds are subject to a $25 processing fee.
MANNERS TWO - HYBRID CLASS
Adding distractions to behaviors learned in Manners One, plus introduction to games & tricks training. The curriculum is shaped in part by student input so the trainers will take your training goals into account during class!
In our hybrid format, class # 1 will be virtual and classes #2 - 4 will be in-person in Fort Greene Park. You'll get a mix of the low distraction, foundation-building of our virtual classes and the safety net of in person support from our certified trainers while heading into the real world.
This class meets every other week for 8 weeks and includes off week homework emails and trainer contact.
*Class #1 will be on Zoom. Classes # 2-4 will be in person at Fort Greene Park. Please note: we will pivot any in person classes to virtual in the event of inclement weather.
If you are interested in the class and want to be informed about when the next upcoming Manners Two class registration opens, please sign up for our waiting list.
Prerequisite - Manners One and/or trainer recommendation. Please email us if you think you qualify
Requirement for hybrid classes: Recent vaccination records.
Class meets on Sundays @ 11am ET.
Space is limited to 6 pups per class!
Price: $415
By Invitation Only
NOSEWORK 101
A Nose to Toes K9 Six Week Course
Scent Work for Stress Relief™
Overview
Take the next step in scent work! This course is designed for teams ready to build on their foundations and explore the sport of Nosework. Dogs are introduced to NACSW and AKC target odors while practicing more complex indoor and container searches.
Class Structure
Each week includes lecture, video examples, and live coached practice. Classes are cumulative, so short practice sessions several times a week are needed to make progress. A private Facebook group is available for questions and homework feedback.
Class Details
Class Cost: $415
Additional Supplies: $45–$50 (recommendations sent after registration)
Learning Prerequisites: Nosework Foundations
Dog Age Requirements: None
Your Setup at Home: Position your camera so the instructor can see you and your dog. Plan for brief restraint (crate, gate, or another room) while searches are set up.
Schedule: New dates coming soon!
Class Length: 45–60 minutes
Capacity: Limited to 5 pups
There is a prerequisite of Nosework Foundations to register for this class, if you have not taken that class with Pumpkin Pups, the fee will be refunded minus a processing fee of $25
Prerequisite Required
NOSEWORK 102: USE YOUR TWO SCENTS
A Nose to Toes K9 Three Week Course
Scent Work for Stress Relief™
Overview
Expand your dog’s scent skills with new odors, new cues, and multiple hides! This short three-week course offers fast progress and fun challenges at half the cost of a full-length class. Perfect for teams eager to sharpen their skills.
Class Structure
Each session includes lecture, demonstration, and live practice. Homework is shared and reviewed in a private Facebook group.
Class Details
Class Cost: $210
Additional Supplies: Scent kit and additional supplies recommended after registration
Learning Prerequisites: Graduation from Nosework 101 or equivalent title (Fenzi NW, AKC, NACSW, C-WAGS Level 1). If you believe your dog qualifies, submit a short video showing two interior searches and one container search.
Dog Age Requirements: None
Your Setup at Home: Camera positioned to capture the search area; dog should be able to free-search interiors with hidden vessels.
Schedule: New dates coming soon!
Class Length: 45–60 minutes
Capacity: Limited to 5 pups
Note: If your dog isn’t quite ready for multiple hides yet, no worries! This course will be offered again. Sign up for the waiting list to be notified.
Requirement: Recent vaccination records.
Prerequisite Required
NOSEWORK 201: ADVANCED SEARCH TECHNIQUES
A Nose to Toes K9 Six Week Course
Scent Work for Stress Relief™
Overview
Step up your Nosework game with advanced searches and handling techniques. This course adds outdoor and vehicle searches, introduces new challenges, and helps you become a more confident team.
Class Structure
Weekly classes include lecture, examples, and live practice. Participants also video outdoor and vehicle searches to share in the private Facebook group for instructor feedback.
Topics Covered
Advanced interior searches
Basic exterior searches
Vehicle searches
Handling skills for leashed searches
Understanding odor movement outdoors
Setting fair hides
Class Details
Class Cost: $415
Additional Supplies: Odor kit, vessels, harness, start line marker, 10–15 ft leash (10 ft preferred). Optional: tripod, vehicle, travel case, flagging tape. (Full list in Welcome email after registration.)
Learning Prerequisites: Nosework 101 or equivalent; dog must be imprinted on at least one odor and able to free-search interiors
Dog Age Requirements: None
Your Setup at Home: Safe outdoor area and access to a vehicle recommended. Camera set up for live sessions.
Class Length: 45–60 minutes
Capacity: Limited to 5 pups
Optional Add-On: In-person session in Prospect Park (fee applies; date arranged during course).
Requirement: Recent vaccination records.
Prerequisite Required
NOSEWORK 300: SHERLOCK HOUNDS
A Nose to Toes K9 Six Week Course
Scent Work for Stress Relief™
Overview
Calling all Sherlock Hounds! This course teaches your dog to detect and find human scent. Start with locating your own belongings, then progress to finding items belonging to anyone. A fun and challenging next step in scent work!
Class Structure
Weekly classes include lecture, demonstrations, and live practice. Homework is reviewed via a private Facebook group. Optional in-person sessions may be offered for dogs ready to work outdoors.
Class Details
Class Cost: $415
Additional Supplies: Personal items (socks, keys, wallets, etc.), mylar or Ziploc bags. Additional recommendations included in Welcome email.
Learning Prerequisites: Nosework 101 or equivalent; dog must be imprinted on at least one odor and able to free-search interiors
Dog Age Requirements: None
Your Setup at Home: Camera positioned to capture search area.
Schedule: New dates coming soon!
Class Length: 45–60 minutes
Capacity: Limited to 5 pups
Optional Add-On: In-person session in Prospect Park (fee applies; date arranged during course).
Requirement: Recent vaccination records.
Prerequisite Required
OUR GOALS AND METHODS:
All our classes are based on positive reinforcement methods.
We’ll show you how to apply what you learn in class to your everyday life.
Start training from the very first lesson! You’ll receive the tools you need to help your pup practice good behaviors right away.
Our positive reinforcement trainers and assistants make sure every pup has a positive experience and learns at their own pace.
We provide homework after every class and offer email support between multi-session classes for questions that can’t wait until the next session.
You’ll also receive comprehensive training materials covering everything taught in class.