Obedience Training
Why Private Obedience Training?
Obedience training is the key to clear and effective communication between yourself and your dog. Because training is based on both mutual respect and communication, a strong obedience foundation is the answer to a majority of dogs’ behavior problems. The most expedient as well as effective method of training is for the trainer to do the actual obedience training and then educate the owner/family. In fact, research shows that all-breed/group classes are not usually effective—just affordable. No, K-9 SOS is not the training facility for everyone. I cost more than the group classes, but I will give you more attention and more results. If you do not have the time, the patience, the energy, the knowledge, whatever—to train your dog yourself—call me.
At K-9 SOS I cover more effectively in three to four days what all-breed classes take six weeks to teach. I use one trainer working one-on-one three to four times a day with your dog. I also allow processing time for the dogs to learn because, just like people, dogs need quiet time to process what’s been taught.
Then, at the end of the training day, the owner receives a folder with individualized worksheets, complete with notes from me. I also include a short Go-Home Lesson to review what was covered during the day's training and what needs to be reviewed for homework; this way training transfers smoothly without a knowledge gap. If the owner is unable to arrange a daily Go-Home Lesson, we schedule one for the following Saturday, and of course, all owners are free to call/email/text regarding training questions or problems.
How Does Private Training Work?
I prefer consultations and training at K-9 SOS. Here I have toys, crates, two yards, my personal/demonstration dogs and access to numerous city parks and dog-friendly businesses within a few miles, all available for training. Both dogs and owners are on neutral territory, useful for diagnosing and solving behavioral and training issues.
I do insist, since dogs will be in my family's personal yard/home, around my own dogs as well as other young puppies, that owners bring written proof not only of immunizations but flea prevention to the initial consultation. If there is any doubt about fleas, however, I will give your dog a Capstar as I cannot have my own dogs, family or home infested.
For those pet owners who are nervous about leaving their dogs with a virtual stranger, I would be glad to furnish names and phone numbers to call for recommendations beyond the ones included on the website. And a note for any nervous pet moms and dads, I have yet to have a dog who is not excited and eager to jump out of the car, ready to work by the second day…even the really shy ones! Yes, I work and I do correct, but I also praise whenever possible.
How Do I Get Started with My Dog?
First, the owner (and families are welcome) and dog come in for an evaluation, required for any type of training. At the evaluation, the trainer reviews background information, health, goals, etc. to give the owner the best recommendation. This takes about an hour and costs $50.00. Then the owner decides whether or not to pursue training, and if so, sets up a training schedule with me.
A typical training day lasts from around 8:00am-1:30pm but schedule exceptions can be made on an individual basis as long as they are set ahead of time. The owners of dogs who are not picked up by 1:30pm, with no previous arrangement, will be charged $10.00 for every 30 minutes the owner is late. K-9 SOS is a training facility, not a daycare.
What Programs Are Offered?
Basic On-Leash Obedience - Cost: $130.00 per day
My most popular program package is Basic On-Leash Obedience (heel, sit, auto-sit, let's go, down, sit-stay, down-stay, intro-to-come with vocal & hand signals) is a 3-4 day program, depending on the dog and other behavior modifications needed (i.e. housetraining, socialization or aggression issues). This training package includes a 5’ leash, handmade by the Amish from bridle leather, a training collar for your dog, individualized lessons, Go-Home Lessons, and 1-2 Follow-up Lessons within a month if needed.
Off-Leash Program - Cost: $130.00 per day
Upon completion of these skills, if the owner is interested, the owner and dog can be evaluated for the Off-Leash Program. Transitioning to Off-Leash is a 5-7 day program, depending on the dog and the owner’s level of dedication up to this point. The Off-Leash Program involves polishing everything from basic obedience as well as the recall, placemat, and motion commands.
Private Sessions
Alternatives to Daily Training are Private Sessions either @ K-9 SOS or the place of your choice.
- 45 minute session= $60.00 @ K-9 SOS
- 45 minute session=$75.00 away
- Outside of county requires a separate estimate
K-9 SOS accepts cash or personal checks only.