Real-Life Relevance of the C.L.A.S.S. Program
The skills in the C.L.A.S.S. assessment are designed to help your dog navigate the outside world successfully.
The skills in the C.L.A.S.S. assessment are designed to help your dog navigate the outside world successfully.
The three levels of the program are named after human university degree programs: the B.A. (Bachelor’s level), the M.A. (Master’s level), and the Ph.D. (Doctorate level). The skills in each level vary in the level of difficulty and distractions.
For example, at the B.A. for Dogs™, we allow the use of treats as rewards after the completion of an exercise, and some of the “real life” skills that are assessed are waiting at the door, drop it, and settle.
In the M.A. for Dogs™, dogs are asked to walk past several dogs of different sizes, breeds and genders, to wait in the car before exiting, and to allow the student to handle various parts of their body.
And in the Ph.D. for Dogs™, students must carry everyday objects such as a cardboard box or paper sack while walking their dogs on a loose leash, ask their dogs to back up, and have their dog demonstrate table manners during a simulated dinner session.
Each level also allows for two “bonus rounds” that students may elect to try or not with their dog.
| Program Level |
Real Life Relevance |
| B.A. |
 |
| M.A. |
 |
| Ph.D. |
 |
About Canine Life and Social Skills