Group Classes

In alignment with Mindful Partners’ intention to support the community through service, I teach the Life Skills group classes as a volunteer instructor with the Greater Lafayette Kennel Club (GLKC). One hundred percent of all registration fees are received by GLKC.

Life Skills for you and your dog

Life Skills I:
Connection and Foundation Skills

For: Puppies and dogs 16 weeks and older
Time: 1:30 or 3:00 (two class times available)
Dates: 7 week class, Tuesdays, beginning January 13-February 25
Fees: $140 (non GLKC member), $110 (GLKC member)
Prerequisite: Please complete the Group Class Intake Questionnaire to help determine if this class is the best fit for you and your dog.

Life can feel hectic and unpredictable—for us and our dogs. Life Skills I offers a slower, supportive learning environment where teams can build trust, confidence, and calm while developing practical, everyday skills.

This is not a fast-paced or high-pressure class. Emphasis is placed on connection, clear communication, and helping both dogs and handlers settle, focus, and learn together. While dogs are learning foundational skills, handlers are also learning how to slow down, notice, and respond with greater ease—skills that naturally support calm behavior on both ends of the leash.

You will learn:

• How to read and respond to your dog’s body language

• Foundational skills such as recall, leash walking, and settle

• Tools to support calm behavior at home and in public

• How to become a more confident, connected handler

Life Skills classes are offered in a group setting and may not be appropriate for all teams. The Group Class Intake Questionnaire helps ensure this class will set both you and your dog up for success.

→ Complete the Group Class Intake Questionnaire

Life Skills II:
Life Skills and the Real World

Coming Spring 2026 session
Life Skills II builds on the foundation from Life Skills I by gently adding real-world distractions and increasing reliability. This class helps prepare teams for Canine Good Citizen (CGC) classes and therapy dog classes.

Questions or next steps?
Email Julie Shaw at julie@mindfulpartners.org