Frequently Asked Questions

The best first step is to schedule a free consultation call. During the call, we'll learn about your dog, discuss your goals, and recommend the right program. From there, most dogs begin with a PD360 Assessment — a one-on-one evaluation that helps our trainers build a personalized training plan. You can also take our quiz to get an instant program recommendation.

The PD360 Assessment is a comprehensive one-on-one evaluation where our trainers meet your dog, assess their temperament, skill level, and behavior history, and create a personalized training plan. It costs $109 and that fee is credited toward any program you enroll in. A PD360 is required before starting group classes, and recommended before camp programs. It ensures your dog is placed in the right program and level for the best results. Learn more about the PD360.

We are balanced trainers. That means we lean heavily on reward-based, positive reinforcement methods while also believing in clear, fair communication — including telling a dog 'no' when it matters. We do not subscribe to any single ideology; we subscribe to results. Every dog is different, and our trainers are skilled at reading the dog in front of them and adapting their approach accordingly. Our staff attend conferences, pursue certifications, and constantly refine their methods because the science of canine behavior is always evolving.

Absolutely. We work with every breed, size, and temperament — from eight-pound Chihuahuas to 150-pound Cane Corsos and everything in between. We also work with dogs of all ages, from puppies as young as five months (or younger for Puppy and Me classes) to senior dogs who need a refresher or behavior adjustment. We factor in your dog's breed tendencies, personality, age, and history to develop a tailored training plan.

Yes. Our trainers pursue ongoing certifications and continuing education year-round. More importantly, every trainer at Partners has been mentored internally through thousands of real-world cases — from basic puppy manners to severe aggression. Our head trainers have each worked with thousands of dogs individually, and many team members have been with Partners for five or more years. You can meet our team to learn about each trainer's background.

We offer a comprehensive range of programs to fit every dog and every goal:

Group Classes — 8 progressive levels from Puppy and Me to Canine Good Citizen, with open enrollment and $65 drop-in sessions.
DaySchool — Full-day structured training, socialization, and enrichment (not just daycare).
Training Camp — Immersive board-and-train for accelerated obedience results.
Behavior Camp — For dogs with moderate behavioral issues like reactivity, anxiety, or poor impulse control.
Transform Camp — Our most intensive program for severe aggression, bite histories, and cases other trainers won't take.
Private Lessons — One-on-one training tailored to your specific needs.
Rattlesnake Avoidance — Life-saving desert safety training.
Boarding — Premium boarding with optional training add-ons.

View all programs or take the quiz for a personalized recommendation.

Training Camp is for dogs who need accelerated obedience training. Your dog boards with us for 2-4 weeks and receives daily professional training. It's ideal for busy owners who want reliable results faster than weekly classes allow.

Behavior Camp is for dogs with moderate behavioral issues — leash reactivity, anxiety, resource guarding, or impulse control problems. The program combines board-and-train with behavior modification protocols.

Transform Camp is our most intensive program, designed for dogs with severe aggression, bite histories, or cases that other trainers have refused or failed. It requires a PD360 Assessment and is the program of last resort for families who have been told their dog is hopeless. Schedule a call to discuss which camp is right for your dog.

Camp durations vary based on your dog's needs and the program:

Training Camp: Typically 2-4 weeks
Behavior Camp: Typically 3-6 weeks
Transform Camp: Varies significantly based on the severity of the case — some dogs are with us for several weeks to several months.

Every camp includes private lessons with you (the owner) throughout the program and after your dog graduates, because lasting results require training both ends of the leash.

No. Group classes are designed for obedience, manners, and socialization — not behavior modification. If your dog has reactivity, aggression, severe anxiety, or other behavioral issues, those require individualized attention through our Behavior Camp or Transform Camp programs. If you're unsure, schedule a call and we'll help you determine the right starting point.

Yes, and we strongly recommend it for any dog living in Arizona. Our Rattlesnake Avoidance program conditions your dog to recognize and actively avoid the sight, sound, and smell of a rattlesnake before a strike happens. We use live, safely muzzled snakes for the most realistic training possible. It's a single session that can prevent a $3,000-$10,000 emergency vet bill — or save your dog's life.

Every camp graduate receives follow-up private lessons to transfer skills to you and ensure long-term success. We also offer Graduate Group Classes at just $10 per session where camp alumni can maintain their skills, continue socializing, and keep progressing. Many families also enroll their graduates in DaySchool for ongoing enrichment and training reinforcement.

Pricing varies by program. Here are some starting points:

Group Classes: $65 per drop-in session, with membership options available
Graduate Classes: $10 per class for camp alumni
PD360 Assessment: $109 (credited toward enrollment)
DaySchool, Camp, and Boarding: Pricing depends on frequency, duration, and your dog's specific needs

We encourage you to visit our pricing page for current rates or schedule a call for a personalized quote. We will always be transparent about costs before you commit to anything.

Yes. We understand that investing in professional training is a significant decision. We offer flexible payment options for our camp programs and can discuss payment plans during your consultation call. Our goal is to make training accessible — if cost is a concern, talk to us. We will work with you to find a solution.

Yes. The $109 PD360 Assessment fee is fully credited toward the cost of any program you enroll in. Think of it as a deposit that ensures we can give your dog the most accurate evaluation and program recommendation possible. If you decide not to enroll in a program, the assessment fee covers the evaluation and personalized training plan you receive.

Yes! Partners Dog School gift cards are available in denominations of $50, $100, $250, and $500 — or any custom amount. Gift cards can be used toward any program, service, or class we offer. They make a perfect gift for new puppy owners, dog lovers, or anyone whose dog could benefit from professional training. Purchase a gift card.

We want you to feel confident in your decision. Specific refund and cancellation policies vary by program — your enrollment agreement will outline the details. For group classes, there are no contracts or commitments with our drop-in pricing. For camp programs, we discuss cancellation terms during your consultation so there are no surprises. If you have questions about any policy, contact us and we'll walk you through it.

Both locations offer premium, climate-controlled boarding with raised Kuranda cots, daily cleaning with hospital-grade sanitizer, and structured daily routines. Scottsdale (Shea and the 101) features modern indoor suites with glass fronts, stainless steel fixtures, and on-site overnight staff for 24/7 monitoring. Cave Creek offers a sprawling desert property with expansive outdoor areas, and an owner lives on the same property for overnight security. Both facilities provide the same high standard of care.

Absolutely — and we highly recommend it. You can add DaySchool (structured training and socialization during the day), private training sessions, or treadmill sessions to any boarding stay. Many families use boarding visits as an opportunity to accelerate their dog's training. Your dog comes home not just rested, but better trained.

All boarding dogs must be current on Rabies, DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus), and Bordetella (kennel cough). We also require a negative fecal test within the past 12 months. These requirements protect your dog and every other dog in our facility. Please bring proof of vaccination at check-in or have your vet send records to us in advance.

Yes. At our Scottsdale location, we have on-site overnight staff who monitor the boarding area throughout the night. At our Cave Creek location, an owner lives on the same property and is available for any nighttime needs. Your dog is never left unattended at either facility.

We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for holidays and peak travel seasons (Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break, and summer). Popular dates can fill up weeks in advance. For regular boarding, a week or two of notice is usually sufficient, but earlier is always better. DaySchool members receive priority boarding access. Contact us to check availability.

The Dog School Bus is Arizona's first dog school bus service. We pick up your dog from a neighborhood bus stop near you, give them a full day of training and enrichment at DaySchool, and bring them back — all while you're at work. It's a monthly add-on available exclusively for active DaySchool members.

Yes. The Dog School Bus is an add-on for active DaySchool members only. This ensures every dog on the bus is known to our team, up-to-date on vaccinations, and comfortable in our training environment. If you're not yet a member, learn about DaySchool first.

Bus stops are community-driven. Anyone — DaySchool members, apartment managers, HOA boards, or office park coordinators — can request a new stop. Once 5 active DaySchool members commit to a location, we scout it for safety and feasibility, then activate the route. Request a bus stop for your area.

We currently operate routes in Scottsdale, North Phoenix, and Cave Creek, with active stops at Scottsdale Airpark, Desert Ridge Marketplace, DC Ranch Village, Grayhawk/Thompson Peak, and Cave Creek Town Center. The service area expands as new stops are requested and activated. View current routes.

DaySchool is not daycare. Traditional daycare is supervised play — dogs run around together with minimal structure. DaySchool is a full-day curriculum that includes structured training sessions, supervised socialization, enrichment activities, treadmill time, and structured rest periods. Your dog comes home tired, happy, and genuinely better trained than when they arrived. It's school, not a playdate. Learn more about DaySchool.

Most families start with 2-3 days per week and adjust from there. The more consistently your dog attends, the faster they progress through the training curriculum and the more social confidence they build. We offer flexible scheduling so you can find the frequency that works for your budget and your dog's needs.

Yes. All DaySchool dogs must be dog-friendly and people-friendly, and must pass an initial evaluation to ensure they're a good fit for the group environment. Dogs with reactivity, aggression, or severe anxiety may need to complete a camp program before joining DaySchool. We'll assess your dog's temperament and let you know the best path forward.

A typical day includes: morning check-in and settling, structured training sessions with a professional trainer, supervised group socialization in appropriate playgroups, enrichment activities (puzzles, confidence-building exercises, sensory work), optional treadmill sessions, structured rest periods, and an afternoon training session before pickup. Every dog follows a daily schedule designed to balance mental stimulation, physical exercise, social time, and rest.