| Days/Times | Grade/Ages | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sundays June 28th-August 2nd *No class 4th of July weekend! |
Adult & Dog | $180/dog for five week session |
| Location | ||
| TTCC | REGISTER ONLINE NOW! | |
Join us for a 5-week group obedience class designed to build confidence, improve behavior, and strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
Classes are held at the Tapply-Thompson Community Center and meet once per week on Sunday afternoons.
Sunday, June 28 – Sunday, August 2
No class on July 5 in observance of the Independence Day holiday weekend.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Focus on socialization, confidence-building, and foundational obedience skills.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Focus on building attention and engagement, foundational obedience skills, and developing clear communication between you and your dog.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
For dogs who have completed a Level 1 class and are ready to build on foundational skills with increased reliability, advanced training, and real-world distractions.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Designed for dogs ready to advance their training and work toward the skills required for the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program.
Group training classes are a fun, supportive way to set your dog up for lifelong success. In a small-group setting, you’ll work alongside your dog to build a strong training foundation together using positive reinforcement techniques.
Level 1: Puppies (2–5 Months)
Level 1: Dogs (6+ Months)
Level 2: All Ages (must complete Level 1)
Level 3 (AKC CGC): All Ages (must complete Level 2)
Smith River Pet Care group classes provide a supportive, small-group environment designed to build a strong training foundation between dog and owner. All training is positive reinforcement–based and focuses on trust, clear communication, and strengthening the bond between handler and dog.
Classes emphasize:
For safety and to maintain a positive learning environment, all participating dogs must be dog-friendly to attend group classes.
$180 per dog
5-week session
Spots are limited. Early registration is encouraged.
Register online: ttccrec.org
Meet the TrainerKristen Belanger, Owner – Smith River Pet Care
Kristen Belanger has worked professionally in animal welfare since 2015, serving in roles ranging from Animal Caregiver to Director of Animal Care and Practice Manager. She has overseen animal intake and outcomes, medical and behavioral programs, foster care systems, and daily operations for facilities caring for 50–70 animals at a time.
Kristen also helped open and manage a general practice veterinary hospital within a shelter setting, gaining hands-on experience supporting complex medical and behavioral cases.
In 2026, she opened Smith River Pet Care, a locally based pet sitting, dog walking, and dog training service serving the Newfound Lake area. Her professional focus centers on animal care, welfare, and behavior, with a strong passion for helping people better understand and communicate with their pets.
She holds certifications in Animal CPR, Fear Free Shelter practices, Shelter Animal Medical Management, Clinic Management, and Shelter Animal Behavioral Management. Her background blends medical, behavioral, and husbandry expertise, allowing her to confidently work with a wide variety of animals—from small exotics to companion animals and livestock.
Phone: (603) 455-1274
Email: smithriverpetcare@gmail.com
