Prickly Pooch

Reactive Dog Training Classes in Denver, CO

TO START - enroll in a Prickly Pooch LEVEL 1 Class

then TO GRADUATE - enroll in a Prickly Pooch Level 2 Class

PROMOTIONS ON THIS CLASS

PRICKLY POOCH COURSE TRAINING DEAL!

Promotional Package Policy

Discounted promotional packages are non-refundable once the first class or service has started, at which point, any unused portion may be applied as a non-refundable account credit, and cash refunds are not available.

COURSE LEVEL

Extra-Curricular courses for our sensitive dog population!

PREREQUISITES

FOR REACTIVITY IN DOGS THAT LEADS TO AGGRESSION.

PRICKLY POOCH LEVEL 1:

   NONE

PRICKLY POOCH LEVEL 2:

   PRICKLY POOCH LEVEL 1


If your pup generally gets along with other dogs and/or people, but simply has challenges with not being able to FOCUS around other dogs and/or people (often due to SHYNESS or OVER-EXUBERANCE), Please check out the

FOCUSED FIDO CLASS

AGES

4 months and older

CLASS DURATION

4 Week Class for both LEVEL 1 and LEVEL 2.

1 Hour Sessions – Attended once a week – same day, same time, and same location each week!

PRICING

$289 each for these 4-session classes

REFUND OF TRAINING
RELATED SERVICES

NOBLE BEAST DOG REACTIVE DOG TRAINING CLASSES

If your dog barks, lunges, growls, or shuts down around other dogs or people — you are not alone, and your dog is not broken. What you're seeing is reactivity, and it is one of the most common challenges we work with here at Noble Beast Dog Training in Denver.


We call these dogs Prickly Pooches — our affectionate, judgment-free term for sensitive dogs who feel big feelings and need the right support to move through the world more comfortably.


After 18 years of working with reactive dogs across Denver and surrounding areas, we built the Prickly Pooch Class Series specifically for them — and for you:


  • Small groups of four dogs maximum.
  • Significant space between each team.
  • A curriculum built around real, lasting progress — not quick fixes.


This is not about suppressing your dog's behavior.

It is about understanding it, working with it, and watching it transform.


The PRICKLY POOCH 2 Course Series


Signing up for both classes at the same time is highly recommended in order to receive and maximize the full benefits of this 2-part course!


CLICK FOR THE PRICKLY POOCH COURSE TRAINING DEAL


PRICKLY POOCH LEVEL 1 CLASS

Does your dog bark, growl, and/or lunge while on leash? Do they have a hard time meeting or being around other dogs and / or people? Or maybe they are so fearful that they refuse to interact with other dogs and/or people. If you’ve started nodding your head, then this is the class for your dog!


Our Prickly Pooch LEVEL 1 Class covers:


  • Stopping the trigger cycling of reactivity between you and your dog.
  • Proper leash handling to avoid injuries to both you and your dog.
  • Motivating your Prickly Dog to partner with you by opening up the lines of mutual communication
  • Setting your dog up for success and strengthening your dog's ability to HEEL.
  • Relaxation protocols and practicing calm excitement


We have designed this class to help you help your dog by managing thresholds and environments and give you tools to help your dog learn how to cope with the outside world so that you can comfortably walk your dog successfully on a leash. 


It is our goal to help you understand the 'why' behind your dog’s behavior and coach you through how to help him or her be more successful when out and about. Our strategic setup includes a lot of space and visual barriers, which allow us to provide an environment where your sensitive dog can feel safe and learn. We will guide you through exercises that will promote alternative behaviors to their reactivity or avoidance.


PRICKLY POOCH LEVEL 2 CLASS

After Prickly Pooch Level 1, you have likely seen a notable decrease in your dog's reactivity while on leash, and we are sure they have made some progress being around other dogs and/or people.  For those really fearful Prickly's, you're probably seeing a decent boost in confidence, along with at least a willingness to be present with other dogs/people - and you and your pup are now ready for Prickly Pooch Level 2!


Once you have completed our Prickly Pooch Level 1 Class, solidify your dog's Zen skills by adding a few more tools in your training toolbox, along with a few more weeks of coaching, and a bit more practice in a controlled training environment!


Our Prickly Pooch LEVEL 2 Class covers:


  • Continued confidence building through interactive games
  • Recognizing and practicing CUT OFF signals for dogs, as well as continued coaching to help your dog move past triggers.
  • Solidifying your understanding of systematic desensitization to help your dog's continued acceptance of triggers.
  • Strengthening automatic eye contact and partnership on leash.
  • Continuance of relaxation protocols and practicing of calm excitement.
  • Interactive group work with other Prickly Pooches in class, or at the very least, using systematic desensitization to get closer to other dogs and/or people!


We designed this class as a level up to our Prickly Pooch Level 1 class, providing you with additional tools and skills in supporting your dog with their reactivity, building a higher propensity to cope with the outside world. Our goal is to help you feel confident in creating more opportunities for your dog to join you in life!  In this class, we will continue to guide you through exercises that will promote alternative behaviors to their reactivity or avoidance.


Dogs who enroll in and complete both the Prickly Pooch Level 1 and Level 2 classes, are able to receive a Prickly Pooch Graduation Certificate at the end of our Prickly Pooch Level 2 class as you and your dog move into confidence with the skills learned from both classes! 

  • Detailed Description

    Because this is a class full of sensitive dogs and to be sure that everyone is absolutely safe in the rare instance a leash is dropped, your dog will be required to be muzzled while entering and exiting the building.  However, if your dog has never been muzzled before, we will be sure to email you muzzle training instructions so that your pup is nice and comfortable in a muzzle before you start class. 



    For those of you uncomfortable with the idea of muzzling your dog, here is a great article to read by the great Nan Arthur – http://www.clickertraining.com/node/3948



    In choosing a muzzle for your dog, we suggest Basket Muzzles, which are very comfortable for the dogs, allowing them to pant, drink water, and take treats.  Mesh or cloth muzzles that clamp the mouth shut, are used typically in emergency situations for short term muzzling and will not allow your dog to pant, drink water, or take treats.  Although your dog will only be required to wear a muzzle while entering and exiting the building, being muzzled trained is a great thing to teach your dog and gives you much more freedom to interact with other dogs and people as it will ensure there will be no injury if contact with other beings happens.  As well, if you need help finding and fitting a muzzle, we do sell muzzles at the Noble Beast Dog Training & Education Center (4335 Vine Street, Denver, CO  80216), as well as treats, treat pouches, and front clip harnesses – all of which we require for class (except the front clip harness – which is highly recommended).



    We cap both these classes at a 4-dog max.

  • Payment

    Payment must be made prior to your first class AND no refunds will be honored 72 hours prior to a class start date, due to the limited number of dogs in class. Noble Beast Dog Training does not cancel classes due to low enrollment. 


  • Missed Classes

    In group classes, a no-show results in the loss of that session; make-ups are not possible. The client can still access the homework sent by the class trainer and is welcome to ask questions about the material covered in the missed session. These questions must be sent in writing via email to the trainer at least 24 hours prior to the next scheduled class session. It is the client’s responsibility to comply with the established schedule.

  • Refund of Training

    See Refund Policy

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    What is a Prickly Pooch?

    Prickly Pooch is Noble Beast's affectionate, judgment-free term for a reactive dog — a dog who barks, lunges, growls, or shuts down around other dogs or people. Reactivity is not aggression and it is not a character flaw. It is almost always rooted in fear, frustration, or overstimulation — and it responds beautifully to the right training approach.


    Do I start with Level 1 or Level 2?

    Everyone starts with Prickly Pooch Level 1. Level 2 is only available after completing Level 1. We strongly recommend signing up for both at the same time to get the full benefit of the two-part series — and there is a promotional package deal available when you do.


    How many dogs are in each class?

    We cap both Prickly Pooch classes at a maximum of 4 dogs. This is intentional — reactive dogs need space, and a smaller group means more individual attention for you and your dog.


    Do you use e-collars, prong collars, or shock collars?

    Never. Noble Beast does not use any tool that causes fear, pain, or intimidation — including e-collars, prong collars, or choke chains. Our entire approach is built on positive reinforcement, relationship-based training, and systematic desensitization. This is a non-negotiable commitment we have held for 18 years.


    Where are Prickly Pooch classes held in Denver?

    Classes are held at Noble Beast Dog Training & Education Center, 4335 Vine Street, Denver, CO 80216, and at select partner locations including Mac's Pack, 1101 W Quincy Ave, Englewood, CO 80110. Check our current schedule for upcoming class dates.


    What if my dog needs more support than a group class can provide?

    Some reactive dogs do better starting with one-on-one support before joining a group setting. We offer In-home Private Training and Social Sessions at our Denver facility — both are great options for dogs who need a more individualized starting point. Our trainers will help you figure out the right path for your specific dog.


    My dog is reactive on leash but fine off leash. Can they still join?

    Yes — leash reactivity is actually one of the most common patterns we see and exactly what our Prickly Pooch class series is designed to address. On-leash reactivity is its own specific challenge that responds very well to our approach.

REQUEST A CLASS

Your dog's reactivity is not the end of the story — it is just the beginning of the right one.


If you're ready to take the first step, we'd love to meet you and your Prickly Pooch.

Spaces are limited and classes fill quickly.

Enroll in the Prickly Pooch Class Series by filling out the form below....


Not quite ready to commit? Want to get a taste of how we roll?

Becoming Noble is our online membership community where you can ask our certified trainers anything — including whether Prickly Pooch is the right fit for your dog right now.

 Click below to

  Explore Becoming Noble Noble

See our locations here


After you have completed your registration and submitted the above form, there is nothing more to do. We will contact you via email with the next steps, questions, or confirmation, as applicable.



Thank you for your interest in working with Noble Beast Dog Training! We look forward to meeting you and your dog soon.


Sincerely,
Your Friends at Noble Beast Dog Training