· 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 6 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.
FULL PROGRAM INVESTMENT
$
250
Full foundational program · One enrollment ·
11 online modules + 4 in-person group classes
ANY AGE
ANY BREED
✔ Full video curriculum – 11 modules
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Start today, yours for one year
✔ 4 in-person workshops
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Live, hands-on coaching
✔ Behavior Insights Field Guide PDF
✔ Weekly support emails
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Next steps
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Videos & PDFs
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
with 30+ years of professional practice
Last year, every enrolled team completed the program
Maximum 6 teams
individual attention for you and your dog
★★★★★ 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.”
PART ONE · VIDEO ON-DEMAND
Behavior Insights
Video Curriculum
Start the day you enroll. This self-paced video course includes 11 modules created and taught by Valeria Cascaddan. It builds the foundation for everything that follows.
You’ll learn how dogs learn, how your responses influence what happens next, and how to notice the early shifts that change outcomes. The lessons are structured and practical, designed to give you a clear framework before you ever step into class.
By the time you arrive for your first class, you’ll understand the structure behind what we’re doing and why it works. This foundation shapes how you approach behavior moving forward.
Immediate access upon enrollment · Self-paced · Behavior Insights Field Guide PDF included
PART TWO · IN-PERSON
Life Skills
Group Classes with Workshop feel
Most dog training focuses on teaching your dog commands. This class teaches you something different: how to read what your dog is already doing and how to respond in a way your dog can actually learn from.
Each workshop is built around exercises that you and your dog work through together in real time, with live coaching as behavior unfolds. You learn how to set up situations where your dog succeeds, on leash, around distractions, near other dogs and people, without force, pressure, or frustration.
The skills you build here don't stop working when class ends. They travel with you into every walk, every greeting, every moment that your dog is looking to you for information. These are Life Skills!
Max 6 teams · Monday or Wednesday at 7:00 PM EST · May through September · Licensed and certified coach
Behavior Insights Field Guide PDF
This is a more than a workbook or journal. It walks you through what to observe, what to practice, and how to connect what you’re seeing at home to what you’re learning in the videos preparing you for the in-person workshops. Each section helps you slow down, notice patterns in your dog’s behavior, and apply the structure step by step for clarity and progress.
Weekly Support Emails
After each in-person workshop, you’ll receive a short follow-up email outlining exactly what to focus on that week and preparing you for the next class. These emails reinforce the lesson, clarify common sticking points, and give you a simple plan for practicing at home so progress continues between classes.
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
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)
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.