I just wanted to give an update. I have been busy pursuing my latest and ongoing interests such as: butterfly gardening, Old-time fiddling and flying R.C. sailplanes. Hobbies keep me sane so I can put my best foot forward when I teach Canine Circus School. Curiosity is life!
Also I’ve also been coaching some really talented trainers and decoys in French Ringsport. That’s a dog training sport that I learned how to do back in 1995 and got pretty good at. I don’t compete anymore, but it’s always an honor to pass on the knowledge I have accumulated on the subject.
As usual our private lessons have been a real blessing, getting to know people and their dogs is very grounding and when it has been a few generations of dogs we become like family. Anyway that’s me, now for you.
If you came here looking to sign up for Canine Circus School click here, but also watch the video below to get a sense of what the class is like. Remember, we have four levels and oftentimes the dogs you see in the videos are more advanced. Don’t let that scare you, in our Circus 1 class we start from the beginning.
Watch a video of Canine Circus School
Watch a video filmed over many private lessons.
Here is a video I put together from clips of Borte, Phil and Heather over a few years of private lessons. This is a fraction of the stuff we have done, of course we started with the basics and moved up to more complicated things. Along the way we worked through all the normal behavior issues that come along with raising a dog in a big city. If you are interested in private lessons send us an email.
Some backstory.
When Heather and Phil first got Borte, her breeder referred them to Canine Circus School for private lessons. Why? Because a long time ago that same breeder took a chance on me.
Francis and Turbeaux competing in a French Ring 3 trial in New England summer of 2000.
She sold me a Malinois puppy when I was 20 and when I saw her again years later, that pup was French and Mondioring 3 (which are difficult titles to earn.) The breeder was Cheryl Carlson of Cher Car Shepherds. I was proud to see that connection come full circle. I remember Cheryl telling me as I sat in her office in Lansing, Michigan after I got my first instruction as a French Ring decoy. “Ya know Francis, when you’re 40 years old and you have been training dogs for 20 years it will all pay off.” It turns out that Cheryl was right and I’ve been fortunate to work with great people and their dogs in the Bay Area and beyond.
Watch a video of me training my dog.
If you would like to see me training my dog, watch the video below. It’s a demonstration of my dog (Schwartz) always bringing the biggest coin back first. So he is discriminating visually by size. You can see that I change the order of the coins to see if he is running a pattern or actually thinking about it.
This was just a weird thing I was curious to try. I had never seen it done before, although I have done many scent discriminations and perhaps inadvertently trained a visual discrimination, but I have never set out to do it. Again curiosity is life! Anyway I hope to see you in a class or around the town.
We were thrilled when The Oakland Museum of California asked Canine Circus School to a be a part of the Roy de Forest retrospective, Of Dogs and Other People: The Art of Roy de Forest. This exhibition is full of magical worlds swirling with fantastical scenes set in landscapes of colorful motifs and whimsical animals most of which aredogs. Lots and lots of glorious dogs. OMCA incorporated listening stations with interpretations of the work from different points of view; ranging from a horticulturist to ten year old sword swallower to a professional dog trainer.
Of course this is where our very own Francis Metcalf enters into the picture. Many may know Francis as the MasterofHounds and the Ring Leader at Canine Circus School. But Francis is also an artist and a musician. Francis was given a scholarship to study at The School of the Arts Institute of Chicago where he spent most of his time in the basement of The Art Museum of Chicago, sculpting and ticking endless hours away absorbed in the sound labs. In his off time he played bass in a group made up of fellow art students. Little did the fine folks at OMCA know that Francis and Roy de Forest have more than just a lifelong love of dogs in common, but also an insatiable love of art and the magical worlds where art and dogs intersect.
(pictured below lower left: Francis Metcalf in the OMCA studio, recording his POV of Roy de Forest’s painting, Country Dog Gentlemen pictured below upper right: Francis with Chomsky balancing a ball on her head and Balzac sitting pretty.) Also the Canine Circus School logos were drawn by Francis.
Francis with Chomsky balancing ball and Balzac sitting pretty.
Francis in OMCA studio recording POV of Roy de Forest’s, Country Dog Gentleman.
The painting below is by Roy de Forest, entitled Country Dog Gentlemen,1972. This is the the piece that Francis recorded his point of view.
We are proud to be a part of this first full career retrospective of Roy de Forest. We hope you can go and let yourself get lost in the magical world he created through his magnificent canvases. The exhibition Of Dogs and Other People: The Art of Roy de Forest is at OMCA now through August 20, 2017.
Likewise, we hope you can join us at Canine Circus School: The Art School for Dogs at some point in the near future.
When I was a kid in the 1970’s my parents brought me to Washington Square park in Manhattan. There were people playing music, juggling, walking on tightropes, playing chess, riding unicycles, and just hanging out.
Photos of Washington square park from the 50’s 60’s and 70’s.
It made a big impression on me. Adults were doing fun things, not just kids stuff though, they were doing activities that took great skill. After I grew up and went back to New York in the 1990’s, I discovered that scene was replaced with guys with coiffed hair and tailored suits. Where were the beatnik banjo players, where were the Frisbee players, where was the magic?
The big cities are always magical places, the land where large urban populations grow is blessed with advantages such as protected harbors and connected trade routes. These areas soon give rise to winding market places and cobbled plazas where interesting things from around the world mingle with the thoughts of a well traveled citizenry. Like plants and animals, magic comes and goes based on the health of the environment. Once the environment that shaped an organism disappears that creature goes with it. I’m afraid magic has become scared and is hiding from us, nervous of the hum of industry and distracted by the glimmer of technology.
Because of this, certain people and animals have felt the urge to journey back to retrieve the magic we have lost along the way. You might be one who has felt the call. Often the first sign is that a beautiful thing has entered your life and captivated you. If it’s an old violin that your great grandmother once played then there are places to learn what that fiddle has to teach you, but if it is a dog that has captivated your heart then Canine Circus School is here to guide you.
H. Bosch “The Conjurer” 1496. Depicting an early trick dog.
Canine Circus School is located just seven miles from San Francisco in the East Bay. Like many of the best secrets we are hidden in plain sight. Once you enter our gates you will find a place that evokes a feeling of possibility, a place that suspends time just long enough to catch a glimpse of another reality. We built our school with the thought that the environment affects the learning process. Joseph Campbell’s, A Hero’s Journey is one of the inspirations for our landscape design. Campbell tells of the secret framework behind all great stories: first we feel a call to adventure, then we experience a refusal to follow that call, but our second thoughts fade away and we proceed with the adventure. Along the journey we pass guardians, meet teachers, confront our shadow self and finally return to the normal world with a new sense of power and knowledge. We have tried to manifest this sequence into our landscape design that leads to the ring.
Don’t worry we don’t discuss airy fairy stuff with you, the inspiration of the Hero’s Journey will reveal itself to those interested. The interpretation is up to you to indulge in or not, but one thing is for sure this postage stamp of land is built on truly magical soil nestled between the beautiful cities of San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland. An adventure awaits you behind our gates that will bring you closer to another species. Along the journey we will train you to amaze your friends and neighbors. By doing this you will help to repopulate the world with magic and make your dog smarter, healthier, and better adapted to the urban environment.
Learn a creative way to have fun training your dog.
(scroll down for list of classes)
-All Classes meet for 6-weeks of fun, held beneath the East Bay sun in North Oakland (on the border of Emeryville).
Canine Circus School has classes for every age, breed, and temperament, offering performance routines meticulously crafted by award-winning dog trainer, Francis Metcalf.
You can journey into the world of Canine Circus School through this backstories video.
Call us if you have any questions. 415 779 6550 or email
Please visit our policy page to see age requirements, vaccination and refund information.
Price and payment options: You will find prices for classes listed under each class description. To reserve your class, you have the option to pay online or to mail a check. We will e-mail you a check/or PayPal invoice if you wish to pay using a credit card. How do I sign up?
Scroll down to the list of classes.
Find a class time and date that suits you.
Fill out the new student form.
Watch our latest video. Nothing fancy, just a bunch of footage that ended up on our phones. The first half shows Francis and his dog, Schwartz, a little terrier mix he found roaming the streets of Oakland. The second half shows some nice moments we captured during our classes last year, including seminars in Spain and New York.
Start Here
Our Circus 1 Class is where all new students begin their training at Canine Circus School. (You’ve never been in a training class? No problem.)
Circus 1 Class:
Our Circus 1 Class is where all new students begin their training at Canine Circus School. (You’ve never been in a training class? No problem.) In this class we teach you many of the obedience and trick drills that we do in our more advanced classes in easy steps that anyone can follow. A big part of Circus 1 is getting your dog used to working around other dogs.
To do this we start spaced at a distance, over the course of the six weeks we get closer and closer until the dogs are maintaining complete focus on their handlers while working in close proximity to other dogs.
Circus Class is much more than just trick training, Circus 1 is about becoming an excellent handler and teacher. We cover more real world scenarios than any obedience class. We build confidence to perform in challenging environments and set a great foundation that does not conflict with, but only enhances, other training disciplines.
Class times and dates for Circus 1:
Tuesday afternoon class, 12:30 PM, starts February 2, meets weekly through March 8, 2016;
Wednesday morning class, 11 AM – 12 PM, starts February 3, meets weekly through March 9, 2016;
Saturday afternoon class, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM, starts February 6, meets weekly through March 12, 2016.
(Classes are for dogs of ALL SIZES: big, medium and small dogs welcome! We have a Small Dog only class listed below.)
Students wishing to repeat Circus 1, email us which class to hold or call 415-779-6550.
Small Dog? We have a class just for you. Learn how to teach your small dog to do anything you can dream of.
Circus 1Small Dog Class (this class is for Small Dogs ONLY, up to 25 lbs.)
Small Dog Class:
Saturday morning class, 11 AM − 12 PM, starts February 6, meets weekly through March 12, 2016.
*The classes above are for both first time students and students who want to repeat Circus 1. The class costs $260 for new students and $195 for repeating students, 6-week course.
Students wishing to repeat Circus 1, email us which class to hold or call 415-779-6550.
Are you ready for the next step?
Circus 1.5 Class:
In the Circus 1.5 Class our drills get faster and more complicated. The dog works with more independence from the handler and with more control. Graduates of Circus 1 and Small Dog Circus 1 who are ready for the next level of training can sign up for Circus 1.5.
Class times and dates for Circus 1.5
Wednesday afternoon class, 12:30 – 1:30 PM, starts February 3, meets weekly through March 9, 2016;
Sunday afternoon class, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM, starts February 7, meets weekly through March 13.
This class is for students who have completed Circus 1 and first time your dog is taking Circus 1.5. The classes above are for both first time students and students who want to repeat Circus 1.5. The class costs $260 for new students/first time in the 1.5 Class; and $195 for repeating students of 1.5 level, 6-week course.
Click here to sign up NOW!Once you’ve completed the sign-up form, we will e-mail you a check/or PayPal invoice to complete your registration.
E-mail us if you have any questions.Once you’ve completed the sign-up form, we will e-mail you a check/or PayPal invoice to complete your registration.
~Scroll down for Circus 2 Classes~
BIG or small any dog can join Canine Circus School!
Advanced Class
Circus 2.0 Class:
Circus 2 students must be approved by Instructor. Circus 2 Class is our advanced class. We begin to get our drills and team work to be performance ready. Dogs work in close proximity on advanced tricks.
Class times and dates for Circus 2
Tuesday morning class, 11 AM-12 PM, starts February 2, meets weekly through March 8, 2016;
Sunday morning class, 11 AM – 12 PM, starts February 7, meets weekly through March 13, 2016.
*This class is for both returning and new students. Repeating Circus 2 students pay $195; New students to Circus 2/first time in Circus 2 pay $260; 6-week course.
Click here to sign up NOW.Once you’ve completed the sign-up form, we will e-mail you a check/or PayPal invoice to complete your registration.
E-mail us if you have any questions or give us a call at 415-779-6550.
We pride ourselves on being able to train a wide variety of dogs. The Canine Circus School pedagogy is designed to work with a wide variety of learning types.
Your dog, big or small, rambunctious or shy, is in safe hands with Francis as your teacher. Read more on our press page
Below: Schwartz holding a vodka bottle in his front paws, which goes to show that you can take a dog off the street, but you can’t take the street outta the dog…. you gotta put it to good use at Canine Circus School!
Below: Some photos from the last few sessions:
We would like to say thank you to all of our amazing students, from the people we meet for one class, to the people who come back year after year. We are so lucky that you found us and it’s been a true pleasure sharing these hours with you.
Learn a creative way to have fun training your dog.
(scroll down for list of classes)
-All Classes meet for 6-weeks of fun, held beneath the East Bay sun in North Oakland (on the border of Emeryville).
Canine Circus School has classes for every age, breed, and temperament, offering performance routines meticulously crafted by award-winning dog trainer, Francis Metcalf.
You can journey into the world of Canine Circus School through this backstories video.
Call us if you have any questions. 415 779 6550 or email
Please visit our policy page to see age requirements, vaccination and refund information.
Price and payment options: You will find prices for classes listed under each class description. To reserve your class, you have the option to pay online or to mail a check. We will e-mail you a check/or PayPal invoice if you wish to pay using a credit card. How do I sign up?
Scroll down to the list of classes.
Find a class time and date that suits you.
Fill out the new student form.
Watch our latest video. Nothing fancy, just a bunch of footage that ended up on our phones. The first half shows Francis and his dog, Schwartz, a little terrier mix he found roaming the streets of Oakland. The second half shows some nice moments we captured during our classes last year, including seminars in Spain and New York.
Start Here
Our Circus 1 Class is where all new students begin their training at Canine Circus School. (You’ve never been in a training class? No problem.)
Circus 1 Class:
Our Circus 1 Class is where all new students begin their training at Canine Circus School. (You’ve never been in a training class? No problem.) In this class we teach you many of the obedience and trick drills that we do in our more advanced classes in easy steps that anyone can follow. A big part of Circus 1 is getting your dog used to working around other dogs.
To do this we start spaced at a distance, over the course of the six weeks we get closer and closer until the dogs are maintaining complete focus on their handlers but working in close proximity to other dogs.
Circus Class is much more than just trick training, Circus 1 is about becoming an excellent handler and teacher. We cover more real world scenarios than any obedience class. We build confidence to perform in challenging environments and set a great foundation that does not conflict with, but only enhances, other training disciplines.
Class times and dates for Circus 1:
Tuesday afternoon class, 12:30 PM, starts September 29, meets weekly through November 3;
Tuesday evening class, 5 PM – 6 PM, starts September 29, meets weekly through November 3;
Wednesday morning class, 11 AM – 12 PM, starts September 30, meets weekly through November 4;
Saturday afternoon class, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM, starts October 3, meets weekly through November 7.
(Classes are for dogs of ALL SIZES: big, medium and small dogs welcome! We have a Small Dog only class listed below.)
Students wishing to repeat Circus 1, email us which class to hold or call 415-779-6550.
We have a class just for you. Learn how to teach your small dog to do anything you can dream of.
Small Dog? We have a class just for you. Learn how to teach your small dog to do anything you can dream of.
Circus 1Small Dog Class (this class is for Small Dogs ONLY, up to 25 lbs.)
Small Dog Class:
Saturday morning class, 11 AM − 12 PM, starts October 3, meets weekly through November 7.
*The classes above are for both first time students and students who want to repeat Circus 1. The class costs $260 for new students and $195 for repeating students, 6-week course.
Students wishing to repeat Circus 1, email us which class to hold or call 415-779-6550.
Are you ready for the next step?
Circus 1.5 Class:
In the Circus 1.5 Class our drills get faster and more complicated. The dog works with more independence from the handler and with more control. Graduates of Circus 1 and Small Dog Circus 1 who are ready for the next level of training can sign up for Circus 1.5.
Class times and dates for Circus 1.5
Wednesday afternoon class, 12:30 – 1:30 PM, starts September 30, meets weekly through November 4;
Sunday afternoon class, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM, starts October 4, meets weekly through November 8.
This class is for students who have completed Circus 1 and first time your dog is taking Circus 1.5. The classes above are for both first time students and students who want to repeat Circus 1.5. The class costs $260 for new students/first time in the 1.5 Class; and $195 for repeating students of 1.5 level, 6-week course.
Click here to sign up NOW!Once you’ve completed the sign-up form, we will e-mail you a check/or PayPal invoice to complete your registration.
E-mail us if you have any questions.Once you’ve completed the sign-up form, we will e-mail you a check/or PayPal invoice to complete your registration.
~Scroll down for Circus 2 Classes~
BIG or small any dog can join Canine Circus School!
Advanced Class
Circus 2.0 Class:
Circus 2 students must be approved by Instructor. Circus 2 Class is our advanced class. We begin to get our drills and team work to be performance ready. Dogs work in close proximity on advanced tricks.
Class times and dates for Circus 2
Tuesday morning class, 11 AM-12 PM, starts September 29, meets weekly through November 3;
Sunday morning class, 11 AM – 12 PM, starts October 4, meets weekly through November 8.
*This class is for both returning and new students. Repeating Circus 2 students pay $195; New students to Circus 2/first time in Circus 2 pay $260; 6-week course.
Click here to sign up NOW.Once you’ve completed the sign-up form, we will e-mail you a check/or PayPal invoice to complete your registration.
E-mail us if you have any questions or give us a call at 415-779-6550.
We pride ourselves on being able to train a wide variety of dogs. The Canine Circus School pedagogy is designed to work with a wide variety of learning types.
Your dog, big or small, rambunctious or shy, is in safe hands with Francis as your teacher. Read more on our press page
Below: Schwartz holding a vodka bottle in his front paws, which goes to show that you can take a dog off the street, but you can’t take the street outta the dog…. you gotta put it to good use at Canine Circus School!
Below: Some photos from the last few sessions:
We would like to say thank you to all of our amazing students, from the people we meet for one class, to the people who come back year after year. We are so lucky that you found us and it’s been a true pleasure sharing these hours with you.
Learn a creative way to have fun training your dog.
(scroll down for list of classes)
-All Classes meet for 6-weeks of fun, held beneath the East Bay sun in North Oakland (on the border of Emeryville).
Canine Circus School has classes for every age, breed, and temperament, offering performance routines meticulously crafted by award-winning dog trainer, Francis Metcalf.
You can journey into the world of Canine Circus School through this backstories video.
Call us if you have any questions. 415 779 6550 or email
Please visit our policy page to see age requirements, vaccination and refund information.
Price and payment options: You will find prices for classes listed under each class description. To reserve your class, you have the option to pay online or to mail a check. We will e-mail you a check/or PayPal invoice if you wish to pay using a credit card. How do I sign up?
Scroll down to the list of classes.
Find a class time and date that suits you.
Fill out the new student form.
Watch our latest video. Nothing fancy, just a bunch of footage that ended up on our phones. The first half shows Francis and his dog, Schwartz, a little terrier mix he found roaming the streets of Oakland. The second half shows some nice moments we captured during our classes last year, including seminars in Spain and New York.
Start Here
Our Circus 1 Class is where all new students begin their training at Canine Circus School. (You’ve never been in a training class? No problem.)
Circus 1 Class:
Our Circus 1 Class is where all new students begin their training at Canine Circus School. (You’ve never been in a training class? No problem.) In this class we teach you many of the obedience and trick drills that we do in our more advanced classes in easy steps that anyone can follow. A big part of Circus 1 is getting your dog used to working around other dogs.
To do this we start spaced at a distance, over the course of the six weeks we get closer and closer until the dogs are maintaining complete focus on their handlers but working in close proximity to other dogs.
Circus Class is much more than just trick training, Circus 1 is about becoming an excellent handler and teacher. We cover more real world scenarios than any obedience class. We build confidence to perform in challenging environments and set a great foundation that does not conflict with, but only enhances, other training disciplines.
Class times and dates for Circus 1:
Saturday afternoon class, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM, starts August 1, meets weekly through September 12 (skip week of Sept. 5 for Labor Day);
Wednesday morning class, 11 AM – 12 PM, starts August 5, meets weekly through September 9.
Students wishing to repeat Circus 1, email us which class to hold or call 415-779-6550.
Small Dog? We have a class just for you. Learn how to teach your small dog to do anything you can dream of.
Circus 1Small Dog Class (this class is for Small Dogs ONLY, up to 25 lbs.)
Small Dog Class:
Saturday morning class, 11 AM − 12 PM, starts August 1, meets weekly through September 12, (skip week of Sept. 5 for Labor Day).
*The classes above are for both first time students and students who want to repeat Circus 1. The class costs $260 for new students and $195 for repeating students, 6-week course.
Students wishing to repeat Circus 1, email us which class to hold or call 415-779-6550.
Are you ready for the next step?
Circus 1.5 Class:
In the Circus 1.5 Class our drills get faster and more complicated. The dog works with more independence from the handler and with more control. Graduates of Circus 1 and Small Dog Circus 1 who are ready for the next level of training can sign up for Circus 1.5.
Class times and dates for Circus 1.5
Wednesday afternoon class, 12:30 – 1:30 PM, starts August 5, meets weekly through September 9;
Sunday afternoon class, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM, starts August 2, meets weekly through September 13 (skip week of Sept. 6 for Labor Day).
This class is for students who have completed Circus 1 and first time your dog is taking Circus 1.5. The classes above are for both first time students and students who want to repeat Circus 1.5. The class costs $260 for new students/first time in the 1.5 Class; and $195 for repeating students of 1.5 level, 6-week course.
Click here to sign up NOW!Once you’ve completed the sign-up form, we will e-mail you a check/or PayPal invoice to complete your registration.
E-mail us if you have any questions.Once you’ve completed the sign-up form, we will e-mail you a check/or PayPal invoice to complete your registration.
~Scroll down for Circus 2 Classes~
Circus 2 students learning to cross their paws. Big or small any dog can do Circus School.
Advanced Class
Circus 2.0 Class:
Circus 2 students must be approved by Instructor. Circus 2 Class is our advanced class. We begin to get our drills and team work to be performance ready. Dogs work in close proximity on advanced tricks.
Class times and dates for Circus 2
Tuesday morning class, 11 AM-12 PM, starts August 4, meets weekly through September 15, (skip week of Sept. 8 for Labor Day);
Sunday morning class, 11 AM – 12 PM, starts August 2, meets weekly through September 13 (skip week of Sept. 6 for Labor Day).
*This class is for both returning and new students. Repeating Circus 2 students pay $195; New students to Circus 2/first time in Circus 2 pay $260; 6-week course.
Click here to sign up NOW.Once you’ve completed the sign-up form, we will e-mail you a check/or PayPal invoice to complete your registration.
E-mail us if you have any questions or give us a call at 415-779-6550.
We pride ourselves on being able to train a wide variety of dogs, such as this Malimute or Boston Terrier. The Canine Circus School pedagogy is designed to work with a wide variety of learning types.
Your dog, big or small, rambunctious or shy, is in safe hands with Francis as your teacher. Read more on our press page
Below: Schwartz holding a vodka bottle in his front paws, which goes to show that you can take a dog off the street, but you can’t take the street outta the dog…. you gotta put it to good use at Canine Circus School!
Below: Some photos from the last few sessions:
We would like to say thank you to all of our amazing students, from the people we meet for one class, to the people who come back year after year. We are so lucky that you found us and it’s been a true pleasure sharing these hours with you.
Learn a creative way to have fun training your dog.
(scroll down for list of classes)
-All Classes meet for 6-weeks of fun, held beneath the East Bay sun in North Oakland (on the border of Emeryville).
Canine Circus School has classes for every age, breed, and temperament, offering performance routines meticulously crafted by award-winning dog trainer, Francis Metcalf.
You can journey into the world of Canine Circus School through this backstories video.
Call us if you have any questions. 415 779 6550 or email
Please visit our policy page to see age requirements, vaccination and refund information.
Price and payment options: You will find prices for classes listed under each class description. To reserve your class, you have the option to pay online or to mail a check. Ifpaying by check address to, Friends of the Family Dog Training, and mail to 1005 53rd Street, Oakland, CA 94608.
How do I sign up?
Scroll down to the list of classes.
Find a class time and date that suits you.
Fill out the new student form.
Watch our latest video. Nothing fancy, just a bunch of footage that ended up on our phones. The first half shows Francis and his dog, Schwartz, a little terrier mix he found roaming the streets of Oakland. The second half shows some nice moments we captured during our classes last year, including seminars in Spain and New York.
Start Here
Our Circus 1 Class is where all new students begin their training at Canine Circus School. (You’ve never been in a training class? No problem.)
Circus 1 Class:
Our Circus 1 Class is where all new students begin their training at Canine Circus School. (You’ve never been in a training class? No problem.) In this class we teach you many of the obedience and trick drills that we do in our more advanced classes in easy steps that anyone can follow. A big part of Circus 1 is getting your dog used to working around other dogs.
To do this we start spaced at a distance, over the course of the six weeks we get closer and closer until the dogs are maintaining complete focus on their handlers but working in close proximity to other dogs.
Circus Class is much more than just trick training, Circus 1 is about becoming an excellent handler and teacher. We cover more real world scenarios than any obedience class. We build confidence to perform in challenging environments and set a great foundation that does not conflict with, but only enhances, other training disciplines.
Class times and dates for Circus 1:
Tuesday evening class, 7 PM – 8 PM, starts June 2, meets weekly through July 14, (skip week of June 30th for 4th of July);
Wednesday morning class, 11 AM – 12 PM, starts June 3, meets weekly through July 15, (skip week of July 1 for 4th of July);
Saturday afternoon class, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM, starts June 6, meets weekly through July 18, (skip week of July 4th).
Students wishing to repeat Circus 1, email us which class to hold or call 415-779-6550.
Small Dog? We have a class just for you. Learn how to teach your small dog to do anything you can dream of.
Circus 1Small Dog Class (this class is for Small Dogs ONLY, up to 25 lbs.)
Small Dog Class:
Saturday morning class, 11 AM − 12 PM, starts June 6 , meets weekly through July 18, (skip week of July 4th).
*The classes above are for both first time students and students who want to repeat Circus 1. The class costs $260 for new students and $195 for repeating students, 6-week course.
Students wishing to repeat Circus 1, email us which class to hold or call 415-779-6550.
Prepay to reserve your spot
Are you ready for the next step?
Circus 1.5 Class:
In the Circus 1.5 Class our drills get faster and more complicated. The dog works with more independence from the handler and with more control. Graduates of Circus 1 and Small Dog Circus 1 who are ready for the next level of training can sign up for Circus 1.5.
Class times and dates for Circus 1.5
Wednesday afternoon class, 12:30 – 1:30 PM, starts June 3, meets weekly through July 15, (skip week of July 1);
Sunday evening class, 6 PM – 7 PM, starts June 7, meets weekly through July 19, (skip week of July 5th).
This class is for students who have completed Circus 1 and first time your dog is taking Circus 1.5. The classes above are for both first time students and students who want to repeat Circus 1.5. The class costs $260 for new students/first time in the 1.5 Class; and $195 for repeating students of 1.5 level, 6-week course.
Circus 2 students learning to cross their paws. Big or small any dog can do Circus School.
Advanced Class
Circus 2.0 Class:
Circus 2 students must be approved by Instructor. Circus 2 Class is our advanced class. We begin to get our drills and team work to be performance ready. Dogs work in close proximity on advanced tricks.
Class times and dates for Circus 2
Tuesday morning class, 11 AM-12 PM, starts June 2, meets weekly through July 14, (skip week of June 30 for 4th of July);
Sunday evening class, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM, starts June 7, meets weekly through July 19, (skip week of July 5th for 4th of July).
*This class is for both returning and new students. Repeating Circus 2 students pay $195; New students to Circus 2/first time in Circus 2 pay $260; 6-week course.
Here is a video created by Heather Hilleren with her Dutch Shepherd, Borte. Heather and Borte have trained with us from the start, at Circus School and Private Lessons.
Back Story: The breeder of Borte (Cher, Car Kennels) referred Heather to us. A long time ago we had a dog (Turbeaux) from the same breeder, so naturally we were thrilled to help guide Heather and Borte.
The thing that this video shows very well is that Canine Circus School does not interfere with other dog sports it only enhances them. Canine Circus School is designed to run parallel with other sport programs such as Agility, Nosework, Rally, Obedience, Ringsport and IPO. No matter what your final goal, Circus School will enhance your relationship with your dog.
This next video is my dog, Turbeaux (from the same breeder as Borte) at the 1999 French Ring 3 Nationals in Eldorado, CA. Turbeaux is guarding a basket from a thief in a padded suit. He did pretty good that day and was a great dog.
Formosan Mountain Dogs
We pride ourselves on being able to train a wide variety of dogs, such as this Formosan Mountain Dog. We have had 4 Formosan mountain dogs come through Circus School and they all picked up the tricks very quickly. The Canine Circus School pedagogy is designed to work with a wide variety of learning types.
Your Instructor:
Francis Metcalf and his dog Balzac. Francis and Balzac came in second place in the 2014 NARA Cup making them 2014 National French Ring 1 Vice Champion. Your dog, big or small, rambunctious or shy, is in safe hands with Francis as your teacher. Read more on our press page
Above: From puppy to champion, cradle to grave, Balzac d’Contes d’Hoffmann. Below: Schwartz holding a vodka bottle in his front paws, which goes to show that you can take a dog off the street, but you can’t take the street outta the dog…. you gotta put it to good use at Canine Circus School!
Below: Some photos from the last few sessions:
We would like to say thank you to all of our amazing students, from the people we meet for one class, to the people who come back year after year. We are so lucky that you found us and it’s been a true pleasure sharing these hours with you.
Learn a creative way to have fun training your dog.
(scroll down for list of classes)
-All Classes meet for 6-weeks of fun, held beneath the East Bay sun in North Oakland (on the border of Emeryville).
Canine Circus School has classes for every age, breed, and temperament, offering performance routines meticulously crafted by award-winning dog trainer, Francis Metcalf.
You can journey into the world of Canine Circus School through this backstories video.
Call us if you have any questions. 415 779 6550 or email
Please visit our policy page to see age requirements, vaccination and refund information.
Price and payment options: You will find prices for classes listed under each class description. To reserve your class, you have the option to pay online or to mail a check. If paying by check address to, Friends of the Family Dog Training, and mail to 1005 53rd Street, Oakland, CA 94608.
How do I sign up?
Scroll down to the list of classes.
Find a class time and date that suits you.
Fill out the new student form.
Watch our latest video. Nothing fancy, just a bunch of footage that ended up on our phones. The first half shows Francis and his dog, Schwartz, a little terrier mix he found roaming the streets of Oakland. The second half shows some nice moments we captured during our classes last year, including seminars in Spain and New York.
Circus 2 students learn tricks on the mat.
A group shot from our seminar in Buffalo, New York. Many thanks to our hosts at The Barking Lot for putting together such a great group of trainers.
Start Here
Our Circus 1 Class is where all new students begin their training at Canine Circus School. (You’ve never been in a training class? No problem.)
Circus 1 Class:
Our Circus 1 Class is where all new students begin their training at Canine Circus School. (You’ve never been in a training class? No problem.) In this class we teach you many of the obedience and trick drills that we do in our more advanced classes in easy steps that anyone can follow. A big part of Circus 1 is getting your dog used to working around other dogs. To do this we start spaced at a distance, over the course of the six weeks we get closer and closer until the dogs are maintaining complete focus on their handlers but working in close proximity to other dogs.
Circus Class is much more than just trick training, Circus 1 is about becoming an excellent handler and teacher. We cover more real world scenarios than any obedience class. We build confidence to perform in challenging environments and set a great foundation that does not conflict with, but only enhances, other training disciplines.
Class times and dates for Circus 1
Monday morning class, 11 AM – 12 PM, starts April 6, meets weekly through May 11;
Tuesday evening class, 5 PM – 6 PM, starts April 7, meets weekly through May 12;
Wednesday morning class, 11 AM – 12 PM, starts April 8, meets weekly through May 13;
Saturday afternoon class, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM, starts April 11, meets weekly through May 16;
Sunday morning class, 11 AM – 12 PM, starts April 12, meets weekly through May 17.
Returning students email us which class to hold or call 415-779-6550.
Above: All smiles from Team Banjo in Circus 1 Class.
Small Dog? We have a class just for you. Learn how to teach your small dog to do anything you can dream of.
Above: Small dogs only class is the perfect place to let the spirit of these tiny beasts soar.
Circus 1Small Dog Class (this class is for Small Dogs ONLY, up to 25 lbs.)
Class times and dates for Small Dog Class
Saturday morning class, 11 AM − 12 PM, starts April 11 , meets weekly through May 16.
*The classes above are for both first time students and returning Circus 1 students to Canine Circus School. The class costs $260 for new students and $195 for returning students, 6-week course.
Returning Students email us which class to hold or call us 415-779-6550
Prepay to reserve your spot
Below: Our training ring in its summer glory.
Are you ready for the next step?
Circus 1.5 Class:
In the Circus 1.5 Class our drills get faster and more complicated. The dog works with more independence from the handler and with more control. Graduates of Circus 1 and Small Dog Circus 1 who are ready for the next level of training can sign up for Circus 1.5.
Class times and dates for Circus 1.5
Wednesday morning class, 11 AM- 12 PM, starts April 8, meets weekly through May 13;
Sunday afternoon class, 12:30-1:30 PM, starts April 12, meets weekly through May 17.
This class is for students who have completed Circus 1 and students who are returning to the 1.5 Ring; $260, 6-week course for new students; $195 for returning students.
Below: Chris, Nessie and Francis work on the double hoop. Not all Bull breeds are tough guys, many need to work on their confidence in challenging situations.
Above: Borte poses in the Sit Pretty position.
Advanced Class
Circus 2.0 Class:
Circus 2 students must be approved by Instructor. Circus 2 Class is our advanced class. We begin to get our drills and team work to be performance ready. Dogs work in close proximity on advanced tricks.
Class times and dates for Circus 2
Tuesday morning class, 11 AM-12 PM, starts April 7, meets weekly through May 12;
Sunday evening class, 6 PM – 7 PM, starts April 12, meets weekly through May 17.
*This class is for both returning and new students. Returning Circus 2 students pay $195; New students pay $260; 6-week course.
Below: A demonstration of the Canine Circus School curriculum at the San Francisco Exploritorium.
Below: Francis Metcalf and his dog Balzac. Francis and Balzac came in second place in the 2014 NARA Cup making them 2014 National French Ring 1 Vice Champion. Your dog, big or small, rambunctious or shy, is in safe hands with Francis as your teacher.
Canine Circus School: February – March 2015 Class Schedule
Class Schedule (scroll down for list of classes)
-All Classes meet for 6-weeks of fun, held beneath the East Bay sun in North Oakland (on the border of Emeryville).
Canine Circus School has classes for every age, breed, and temperament, offering performance routines meticulously crafted by award-winning dog trainer, Francis Metcalf.
You can journey into the world of Canine Circus School through this backstories video.
Call us if you have any questions. 415 779 6550 or email
Please visit our policy page to see age requirements, vaccination and refund information.
Price and payment options: You will find prices for classes listed under each class description. To reserve your class, you have the option to pay online or to mail a check. If paying by check address to, Friends of the Family Dog Training, and mail to 1005 53rd Street, Oakland, CA 94609.
~Scroll down for list of Classes~
Our Circus 1 Class is where all new students begin their training at Canine Circus School. (You’ve never been in a training class? No problem.) In this class we teach you many of the obedience and trick drills that we do in our more advanced classes in easy steps that anyone can follow. A big part of Circus 1 is getting your dog used to working around other dogs. To do this we start spaced at a distance, over the course of the six weeks we get closer and closer until the dogs are maintaining complete focus on their handlers but working in close proximity to other dogs.
Circus Class is much more than just trick training, Circus 1 is about becoming an excellent handler and teacher. We cover more real world scenarios than any obedience class. We build confidence to perform in challenging environments and set a great foundation that does not conflict with, but only enhances, other training disciplines.
Circus 1 Class:
Tuesday evening class, 5 PM – 6 PM, starts February 3, meets weekly through March 10;
Wednesday morning class, 11 AM– 12 PM, starts February 4, meets weekly through March 10;
Saturday afternoon class, 12:30 PM- 1:30 PM, starts February 7, meets weekly through March 14;
Sunday morning class, 11 AM – Noon, starts February 8, meets weekly through March 15.
Returning Students email us which class to hold or call us 415-779-6550
Prepay to reserve your spot
Circus 1.5 Class:
In the Circus 1.5 Class our drills get faster and more complicated. The dog works with more independence from the handler and with more control.
Wednesday afternoon class, 12:30 PM- 1:30 PM, starts February 4, meets weekly through March 11;
Sunday afternoon class, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM, starts February 8, meets weekly through March 15.
This class is for students who have completed Circus 1 and students who are returning to the 1.5 Ring; $260, 6-week course for new students; $195 for returning students.
email us which class time to hold and prepay to reserve your spot in class.
~Scroll down for Circus 2 Classes~
email us and prepay to reserve your spot in class.
Circus 2 Class:
Circus 2 students must be approved by Instructor. Circus 2 Class is our advanced class. We begin to get our drills and team work to be performance ready. Dogs work in close proximity on advanced tricks.
Tuesday morning class, 11 AM-12 PM, starts February 3, meets weekly through March 10;
Sunday evening class, 5 PM – 6 PM, starts February 8, meets weekly through March 15.
*This class is for both returning and new students. Returning Circus 2 students pay $195; New students pay $260; 6-week course.
email us which class time to hold, and prepay to reserve your spot.
Please call 415-779-6550, if you have any questions!
talented trainers and decoys in French Ringsport. That’s a dog training sport that I learned how to do back in 1995 and got pretty good at. I don’t compete anymore, but it’s always an honor to pass on the knowledge I have accumulated on the subject.
basics and moved up to more complicated things. Along the way we worked through all the normal behavior issues that come along with raising a dog in a big city. If you are interested in private lessons send us an email.
ifferent points of view; ranging from a horticulturist to ten year old sword swallower to a professional dog trainer.
on their handlers but working in close proximity to other dogs.
How do I sign up? 
ave trained with us from the start, at Circus School and Private Lessons.
