· Northern Michigan · May through September 2026 · Monday and Wednesday Classes
Your Dog is Already Talking to You.
Behavior Insights + Life Skills Group Class · Johannesburg, MI
Limited to 5 dog-and-person teams per class · Enrollment closes when full · Season 2026 enrollment is open
Life skills are not just behaviors your dog performs on cue. They are the patterns that help your dog stay connected, settle, walk with you, and come when called in the real world.
This program gives you a framework for building routines your dog can predict, recognizing what their behavior is telling you, and knowing the difference between a dog who is thriving and a dog who is just tolerating.
Behavior Insights online. Life Skills in person. One connected experience.
BUNDLE PRICE SAVE ($48)
$
250 USD
Online Video Program + 4 Hands-on Workshops + 1-Year Access
✔ Full video curriculum of 11 modules
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$99 Value
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Immediate Online Access for 1 Full Year
✔ 4 In-Person Workshops
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$199 Value
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Located in Johannesburg, Michigan
✔ Weekly Pre-Class Prep Videos
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Be prepared before every workshop
✔ BONUS! Behavior Insights Field Guide PDF
Online access starts immediately
Choose your in-person start date
May through September 2026
Monday or Wednesday · 7:00 PM EST
Led by Valeria Cascaddan
Certified & Licensed Behavior Consultant
Whatever comes up with your dog in class, Valeria has seen it. 30+ years of professional practice with dogs and the people who live with them.
Total Value $298
ANY AGE • ANY BREED • ANY LEVEL
Life Skills In-Person Workshop Schedule 2026
Dates and times subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
Mondays, May 4th at 7:00 p.m.
(May 4th, 11th, 18th, June 1st)
Wednesdays, May 13th at 7:00 p.m.
(May 13th, 20th, 27th, June 3rd)
Mondays, June 8th at 7:00 p.m.
(June 8th, 15th, 29th, July 6th)
Wednesdays, June 10th at 7:00 p.m.
(June 10th, 17th, 24th, July 1st)
Mondays, July 13th at 7:00 p.m.
(July 13th, 20th, 27th, August 3rd)
Wednesdays, July 8th at 7:00 p.m.
(July 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th)
Mondays, August 10th at 7:00 p.m.
(Aug 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st)
Wednesdays, August 5th at 7:00 p.m.
(Aug 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th)
Wednesdays, September 2nd at 6:00 p.m.
(Sep 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd)
★★★★★ GOOGLE REVIEW
“There’s few that I would ever entrust with guiding me and my dog. Valeria is at the very top of that list though!”
Understanding.
When asked to describe this class in one word, that was the answer.
“One of the best things was when we were walking the dogs and you had her leash. You looked back at me and said she was a really good dog. That gave me so much confidence.”
Team Nancy + Lily
LIFE SKILLS STUDENT
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Learn at home.
Take the next step in class.
Know what to do and why.
LIFE SKILLS PARTICIPANT
“I really didn’t know what to expect. I guess I expected just basic commands. The reality was just what we needed.”
WHY ONLY 4 WORKSHOPS?
Traditional group classes often spend large portions of time on instruction while dogs wait their turn -- then ask you to show up for six weeks to get through it all. Life Skills moves that foundational learning into video lessons you complete at home on your own schedule, so the in-person workshops are denser, faster, and fewer. Four workshops. No drawn-out commitment. Most people notice changes before the program is even over.
PART ONE · VIDEO ON-DEMAND
Behavior Insights
Video Curriculum
Your program starts the day you enroll.
Most people react to what their dog does. Behavior Insights teaches you to ask a better question: what do I want instead? That shift changes everything and it travels with you to every dog you'll ever have.
11 modules and approximately 2 hours of lessons taught by Valeria Cascaddan covering why behavior happens, how dogs actually learn, and how your daily interactions shape behavior over time. You're not just watching. You'll practice with your dog at home as you go. Self-paced and accessible for a full year so you can revisit them anytime.
Because Behavior Insights handles the heavy lifting, you arrive at your first workshop prepared for the next steps.
Immediate access upon enrollment · Self-paced · Behavior Insights Field Guide PDF included
$99 Value
PART TWO · IN-PERSON
Life Skills
Group Workshops
There is not another class structured like this. Valeria built this program from the ground up. It does not follow a franchise model or a standard curriculum.
Because the Behavior Insights video curriculum covers the foundation, every minute of workshop time is yours. No sitting through long explanations while dogs wait their turn. You and your dog arrive prepared and ready.
Valeria coaches each team in real time as situations develop. You learn to read what your dog is communicating and how to respond clearly in the moment.
The goal is not perfect performance in class. The goal is that you leave knowing what to do on a walk, at the door, around distractions, in public spaces. Skills you can actually use.
Max 5 teams · Monday or Wednesday at 7:00 PM EST · May through September · Licensed and certified coach
$199 Value
Behavior Insights Field Guide PDF
More than a workbook. The video modules are hands-on -- you're already practicing with your dog at home. The Field Guide gives that practice structure, with observation exercises and reflection prompts tied to each module so you can track what you're noticing, record what's working, and arrive at each workshop with a clear picture of where you and your dog actually are.
Prep Videos for Each Workshop
Before each workshop, there's a specific set of videos that cover the basics you'll need, 3 hours in all -- so when you arrive, you're not starting from scratch. Workshop time is spent on the skills that actually work on walks, at the door, around distractions, and when you need your dog to come back to you. All videos are available from day one and stay accessible for a full year.
Already enrolled in the Behavior Insights online course?
You're halfway there. Reach out and we'll apply your $99 toward the full program.
This small-group dog training class is held in Johannesburg, Michigan just outside Gaylord and serves dog owners across Northern Michigan.
Questions before enrolling?
Is this class right for my dog?
This program is designed for everyday dog owners and real-life dogs. Your dog doesn’t need to be “good” to start. They just need to be able to be around other dogs and people in a group setting. Pulling, excitement, barking and distraction are completely fine.
If your dog struggles with fear, reactivity, or aggression toward people or other dogs, a group class may not be the right first step. Dogs who feel overwhelmed have a hard time learning in this environment. If you’re unsure, reach out.
What if my dog struggles in a group class setting?
If your dog becomes overwhelmed, we’ll address it directly. I’ll assess what’s happening and make recommendations that support your dog’s ability to learn safely. Your dog’s well-being comes first. Your dog must be able to take food/treats in a public setting. If they cannot, reach out and we'll talk.
Is there an age limit?
Dogs of any age can participate as long as they’re comfortable in a group setting. The skills we build apply to young dogs, adult dogs, and seniors. Learning doesn’t expire.
What if my dog doesn’t progress as quickly as others?
Dogs learn at different rates. The goal isn’t to match another team. It’s to build clarity and consistency between you and your dog. I coach each team where they are so progress feels steady, not pressured.
Will I see a difference?
Yes. Most teams notice more predictable responses, smoother movement on leash, and clearer communication. But the deeper shift is structural. You’re not just working on individual behaviors. You’re building a framework that carries into new environments, new challenges, and even future dogs.
What equipment do I need?
In most cases, a 6 foot leash and a standard collar are sufficient. I’ll provide additional guidance in class if adjustments are needed. If you’re unsure about what to bring, reach out before your first class.
When are in-person classes held?
In-person classes run May through September on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:00 PM EST. After enrolling, you choose when to begin your four-week series. You attend the same day and time each week.
Do you offer dog training classes near Gaylord, Michigan?
Yes. Classes are held in Johannesburg, Michigan just outside Gaylord and serve dog owners throughout Northern Michigan.
"We brought a scared, anxious rescue pup to class and left with a more confident, secure dog. Highly recommend."
★★★★★ GOOGLE REVIEW
Your dog has been trying to tell you something.
You and your dog. Clear structure. Live coaching. Small group.
Online access begins immediately · Start today, go at your own pace
In-person classes May through September · Monday and Wednesday at 7:00 PM EST · Six teams per class · Johannesburg, Michigan
Service Area
This program serves dog owners throughout Northern Michigan.
Classes are held in Johannesburg, Michigan, just outside Gaylord, and are convenient for people traveling from:
Gaylord, Petoskey, Traverse City, Grayling, Lewiston, Alpena, Boyne City, Cheboygan
Many participants travel from surrounding communities because the small class size and structured program are difficult to find elsewhere in the region.