Leading the Way is dedicated to enhancing the relationship of both ends of the leash through knowledge, compassion and building a long term relationship with our clients, two and four legged.

Leading the Way was established by Shannon Fitzgerald-Mehlman in 1992. She has completed over 11,500 hours of apprentice education with some of the top trainers and organizations in the country, including, but not limited to, Ian Dunbar, Sue Sternberg , Dumb Friends League of Colorado, Guiding Eyes for the Blind of NY and the Animal Protection Society of Orange County, NC.  

Our Classes: All classes listed below are also available for Private Lessons at your home or at the training center

Manners 101: This is the foundation training for all ages. How are your dog's manners? This 8-week class covers basic commands including sit, come when called, and stay, among others. Skills covered include polite greetings, no begging, and no jumping, among others. This jam packed class is full of helpful information and participating in it will help you build a better relationship with your dog. It is just $160 for 8 weeks.  It meets both Tuesdays and Saturdays.  You can attend one day or both or alternate.  It’s all up to you. Tuesdays 6-7pm  and Saturdays 9-10am. 

Experienced Handler: This class is ideal for the handler and dog with some experience under their collar and want to take their skills to the next level and improve their relationship. This group class covers relationship building skills. Many other things are covered, including improving your off-leash walking; come when called with intense distractions; distance work; advanced sits and downs and other commands; playing with the agility equipment. 

This wonderful class meets for 10 weeks. Fee is only $190.  Limited to 8 handlers.  Mondays 6-7pm, Tuesdays 6-7pm and Saturdays 9-10am.

Therapy Dog Class:  The focus of this class is on preparing the handler and dog for the therapy environment.  This class is ideal for both the novice and experienced handler and will include field trips into the community to gain skills.  Skills include working around medical equipment, loud noises, food, toys, and other distractions.  Topics covered include stress and calming signals in dogs, infection control, medical ethics, general liability, and handling difficult visitation situations.  This 6 week class is limited to 6 students. Fee is $140. Tuesdays 6-7pm.

Agility for Beginner and Intermediate:  This class will allow you to explore the fastest growing dog sport and take you and your dog’s skills to the next level. You and your dog will learn trust and teamwork as you progress in your skills with sequencing obstacles and learn the footwork needed to be successful in the sport of agility. Your dog will jump through tires, tunnels, and weave poles, walk up ramps and much more. 

(Dogs must be a minimum of 5 months of age for health and safety reasons) This 8 week class is limited to 6 dogs.  Fee is just $160.  Meets on Mondays 7-8pm, starting in January 2010.

Trick, Targets and Games Oh My!:  This class will cover tricks such as roll over, play dead, wipe your nose and yes, READ!  This is an on-going class and a collaborative effort type class.

Class fee for 3 months is $150.  Meets Wednesdays 6-7pm and Fridays 5-6pm.

Graduate Handling and Training: This class is for the most experienced handlers.  It will focus on advanced skill building; ultimate distractions while maintaining focus; social skills and so much more. This wonderful class will explore a variety of training skills, theories and sports, including drill team, free style, Rally-O and agility.  This class is open to students with the desire to improve and bond more with their dog,. 

The fee is $600 for 6 months.  Limited to 8 students.  Meets on Sundays, 9-10am.

Off-Leash Extravaganza: This is truly an off –leash class.  In fact, you will leave your leashes at the door.  This class provides all the skills needed for off-leash handling and control.  It is ideal for graduates of Graduate Handling or Experienced Handler. 

This full 12 week class is just $225 and meets on Wednesdays, 7-8pm and Mondays, 7-8pm.