Group Workshops

Train your dog to recognize and avoid rattlesnake scent—without fear, pain, or shock collars.

Rattlesnake encounters are a real risk in the desert southwest—but avoiding danger shouldn’t mean compromising your dog’s trust or well-being. Snakes Stink! is a science-based, shock-free workshop that teaches your dog to detect rattlesnake odor and move away from it—without corrections or shock collars.

Through reward-based training, your dog will learn that the scent of a rattlesnake is the cue to return to you. No yelling. No zapping. Just smart, proactive behavior built through positive reinforcement and a strong dog-handler relationship.

Why Shock-Free?
Traditional rattlesnake avoidance training often uses electric shocks to scare dogs away from snakes. But fear-based methods can damage your dog’s confidence, trust in you, and overall well-being. Our approach respects your dog’s ability to learn through trust, not trauma. It’s effective, humane, and grounded in behavioral science.

This advanced workshop is ideal for teams who:

• Have experience with positive reinforcement training
• Have experience using marker-based communication
• Work well around other dogs in a small group setting
• Want to protect their dog on hikes or desert property without the use of fear or pain
• This workshop is not suitable for beginners.
• All participating dogs must be able to settle intermittently next to their handler, in a crate/pen or tethered. Please consider if your dog can tolerate 90 minutes in a room with dogs and not work the entire time before registering 
  

What to Expect

• Safety Orientation & Science of Snake Avoidance
  
• Odor Introduction with Boundaries: Teach the dog to recognize and move away from the scent
• Fading Boundaries and Cues: Reinforce voluntary disengagement without visual prompts or cues
• Generalize Stations: Learn how to practice in multiple locations with varying setups
• Long-Line Work: Bring a long line to apply skills with more freedom
• Wrap-Up & Take-Home Plan: Tools to continue training in real-world settings

What We Use: We use safely secured, ventilated containers with real rattlesnake odor—no live snakes and absolutely no aversive tools.

Class Instructor: Kim Silver

Class Length: 90 minutes

You and Your Dog Will Learn:

• How to teach your dog to recognize the odor of Western Diamondback and Mojave rattlesnakes
• How to turn that odor into a reliable cue for recall
• How to reinforce voluntary avoidance and check-ins without prompting
• How to generalize these behaviors across multiple settings and terrains
• Why aversive tools like shock collars are unnecessary—and potentially harmful

Requirements:

• Documentation from a veterinary clinic that your dog is fully vaccinated for rabies, DHPP, and bordetella (kennel cough). You may upload this documentation to the registration form or email it to us.
• We ask that you please give your new dog 14 days to settle in before coming to a group class. Many illnesses will present themselves in the first 14 days.
• All participating dogs must be able to settle intermittently next to their handler, in a crate/pen or tethered. Please consider if your dog can tolerate 90 minutes in a room with dogs and not work the entire time. Your dog must be comfortable with other dogs within 6 feet of them. Excessive barking is not suitable for a group class.
• Have experience with positive reinforcement training and marker-based communication.

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A lecture-style session covering the foundations of Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT), developed by Grisha Stewart. Kim Silver, Certified Behavior Adjustment Instructor (CBATI-KSA), will explain the principles behind BAT, how it empowers dogs through choice and safe exploration, and how to apply it with real-world case examples. This session is designed for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge of BAT and its applications.

Audience: Dog professionals, trainers, behavior consultants, vet pros, pet parents

Consider enrolling in our companion presentation, “Long Leash Skills Lab” that immediately follows this presentation. 

Class Instructor: Kim Silver

Class Length: 60 minutes

Requirements:

• Humans only!
• Pre-registration required.

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Leashes provided for practice, or bring your own. Leashes are also available for sale. 8-15ft foot leashes recommended.

This follow-up, hands-on session focuses on one of the core skills needed for successful BAT walks: leash handling. Using human partners (no dogs present), participants will practice the mechanics of long leash work, including smooth leash feeding and gathering, preventing tangles, reading body language, prompting, slowing, and stopping your dog. Think of it as dance practice before stepping onto the floor with your canine partner.

Audience: Dog professionals, trainers, behavior consultants, vet pros, pet parents

Class Instructor: Kim Silver

Class Length: 60 minutes

Requirements:

• Humans only!
• Pre-registration required.

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Does your dog ignore you the moment something more exciting shows up? Learn how to turn your dog’s head on a dime!  In this fast-paced, one-hour workshop, you’ll install a reliable recall and a separate Emergency Recall you can count on when it matters most. Whistle and lanyard included.

Perfect for adolescent and adult dogs; fully vaccinated puppies welcome. Beginners encouraged.

Humans may also attend without their dog and practice at home—your registration still includes all materials. Please contact us before you register if you plan to leave your dog home. 

Class Instructor: Kim Silver

Class Length: 60 minutes

You and Your Dog Will Learn:

• Build a recall your dog loves to follow (no yelling, no chasing).
• Use simple games to add speed, reliability, and real-world focus.
• Pay with what your dog actually wants—food, play, or permission to sniff.
• Troubleshoot common mistakes that poison recall cues.
• Follow a clear progression plan from living room to distracting spaces.

Requirements:

• Documentation from a veterinary clinic that your dog is fully vaccinated for rabies, DHPP, and bordetella (kennel cough). You may upload this documentation to the registration form or email it to us.
• We ask that you please give your new dog 14 days to settle in before coming to a group class. Many illnesses will present themselves in the first 14 days.
• Your dog must be comfortable and able to work around other dogs. If your dog has a history of barking at dogs on leash, growling or has bitten another dog, please attend without your dog.

What to Bring to Class:

• A harness
• A six foot and a 15–30 foot long line (available for purchase at Building Bonds if you don't have one)
• A variety of high-value treats
• A favorite toy

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Fear and anxiety are more than just emotional states for our dogs—they can profoundly impact physical health, behavior, and quality of life. In this compelling one-hour presentation, Kim Silver (PCBC-A, KPA CTP, FDM, FFCP) explores the lived experience of fearful and shut-down dogs through a case study, scientific insight, and practical tools.

Whether you’re a trainer, veterinary team member, or dedicated pet guardian, this session will provide insight, empathy, and immediately applicable tools to help even the most fearful dogs begin their healing journey.

Audience: Dog professionals, trainers, behavior consultants, vet pros, pet parents

Class Instructor: Kim Silver

Class Length: 60 minutes

You and Your Dog Will Learn:

• What fear looks like—subtle signs most people miss
• How fear affects the body and brain
• Why traditional training methods often fail these dogs
• Practical, non-invasive interventions that build trust and emotional safety
• The power of predictability, choice, and agency
• Why “progress” looks different for every dog—and how to support the humans too

Requirements:

• Humans only!

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Every dog thinks and learns a little differently—just like us! In this engaging and interactive class, you’ll explore the fascinating world of canine cognition and discover how your dog learns best. Through a series of fun, easy-to-learn games, you’ll uncover your dog’s individual problem-solving style, memory strengths, and decision-making preferences.

This class is perfect for curious pet parents who want to strengthen their bond with their dog while building mental stimulation into their daily routine. Whether your pup is a bold risk-taker or a thoughtful observer, you’ll learn how to tailor your training techniques to suit their unique mind.

Class Instructor: Michele Almeida

Class Length: 60 minutes

Requirements:

• Documentation from a veterinary clinic that your dog is fully vaccinated for rabies, DHPP, and bordetella (kennel cough). You may upload this documentation to the registration form or email it to us.
• We ask that you please give your new dog 14 days to settle in before coming to a group class. Many illnesses will present themselves in the first 14 days.
• Your dog must be comfortable and able to work around other dogs. If your dog has a history of barking at dogs on leash, growling or has bitten another dog, please contact us about private training.

Register Now