Dog Training Philosophy
Our training goal is to create a healthy mentality and relationship with humans. We develop calm, confident, and responsive dogs while maintaining the fun and increasing freedom.
I use a balanced approach to training. There are some applications where treats are useful, but we also need to train our dogs using praise and leadership.
The Basic Obedience Program.
Here are some details of the training program:
Please note that we are not conducting in-home sessions at this time. Our in-person sessions will be conducted outdoors in South Boulder.
Some dogs and dog parents will progress more quickly than others. We have the flexibility to Increase what we cover in each session and address your specific needs.
In general, sessions are set up about two weeks apart.
New Puppy Session: In-Person or Virtual (FaceTime or Skype)
Duration: 60 minutes
Cost: $135
Designed for puppies 8-12 weeks of age. You will learn how to establish the proper relationship with your puppy and how to communicate effectively. We will cover: housebreaking, puppy biting, proper socialization, corrections, and the come command. We will also begin laying the foundation for the stay command and teaching your dog how to relax. You may choose either in-person or virtual.
Basic Obedience Session 1: In-Person
Duration: 90 minutes
Cost: $200
For dogs 12+ weeks of age. In this session we will work on one of the most crucial ways that we teach dogs how to let go and relax and also to let you be in control, the “stay” command. We’ll also begin our formal leash-work with drills that develop attention and impulse control.
We’ll go over your daily homework routines with detailed instructions.
Basic Obedience Session 2: In-Person
Duration: 90 minutes
Cost: $200
In this session we expand on the very important leash work drills as we build towards off-leash reliability. Progressing to a proper heel and then to the heel-release drill. We’ll expand on the stay command, adding duration and distance.
We can also go over basic correction techniques for any problem behaviors you’re experiencing.
Basic Obedience Session 3: In-Person
Duration: 90 Minutes
Cost: $200
By the end of the third session we would like to have out heel-release pattern established. We’ll work on having our dogs come into heel position on command without the need for the leash communication. We begin working on off-leash skills, and expanding on the stay command by adding distractions. We’ll also cover specific techniques for breaking the “tunnel vision” some dogs get with distractions like wildlife, other dogs, people, etc.
Basic Obedience Session 4: In-Person
Duration: 90 Minutes
Cost: $200
We are advancing the leash work to have your dog release on command and come back to heel on command. This is a very high level of discipline. The transition from heel-release to “come” on command is not a very difficult. The major factor is distractions. At this time we are really fine-tuning the come command and addressing any distraction work.
All of the leash work sessions are preparation for off-leash reliability. If your dog is extremely distracted with other dogs, wildlife, etc. we may need additional sessions.
Puppy Training
Give your puppy all the advantages of early training. Your puppy’s developing mind is leaning how to behave in a human pack. Show them the right way from the start. If your puppy is already exhibiting negative behaviors, please schedule a session ASAP. While it is true that a dog’s energy settles down with age, behaviors don’t just go away. One of the biggest advantages to puppy training is that your dog will develop confidence and a deep connection with you. Most of the common problem behaviors will be avoided. Barking, jumping up, leash pulling, not coming when called, anxiety, and generally being hard to control are all symptoms of a lack of puppy training. It would be a shame not to take full advantage of this developmental period. Creating the mindset and behaviors we want is always easier than going back and changing it later.
Obedience Training
Basic Obedience Training focuses on the commands of sit, down, stay, come, and heel, as well as proper leash walking with no pulling. We will then solidify these basic commands by incorporating the three D’s of training: Distractions, Distance, and Duration. Obedience Training will teach your dog all of these commands and you will understand how to correct mistakes in order to achieve complete reliability.
Problem Behavior Correction
Rabbits! Squirrels! Must chase! Pulling on the leash. Not coming when called. Jumping up on people. Chewing/eating things. Excessive barking. Digging. Taking food/objects from counters, tables, etc.
Starting training when still a puppy is one of the best investments you can make, but it’s not always possible. Many times our canine companions come to us already grown up or we just didn’t realize the need for training until we see some problems. No worries, although we may have to undo some learned behaviors, you can teach an old dog new tricks!
Boulder County Voice and Sight Tag Program
Would you like to have your dog off-leash in Boulder? You can in certain areas, but you must be registered and have tags for your dog. I’ll walk you through the process and get your dog ready so you can both enjoy freedom in the great outdoors. Here is the requirement as stated by the city of Boulder… “Voice and sight control means the dogs you are responsible for must be within your sight and under your verbal command at all times, regardless of distractions which can occur during a walk. If your dog cannot immediately obey verbal command, your dog must remain on-leash. Also, keep in mind that dogs under voice and sight control are not allowed to charge, chase or display aggression towards other people or dogs or chase, harass, or disturb wildlife and livestock.” In other words, when you say “come” or “here” your dog must obey immediately. It’s a good idea to achieve this level of discipline in any situation. Let’s get started!