Details
Learn more about what all our plans have to offer. Registration in our ProPet software is always available to schedule lessons and be added to our email list.
Private Lessons
We offer private lessons year round on a flexible schedule for your convenience. While some dogs and owners enjoy and thrive in a group setting, others find that private instruction best suites their needs. Private lessons allow flexibility, and when appropriate, we can add or subtract material from the initial plan. All below pricing is for lessons at our location. Contact us for house call rates/scheduling.
Lessons scheduled weekly when possible.
This package is designed to cover leash manners, place command, boundary setting/common problem behaviors, relaxation, and proper leadership.
4 private lessons and a training tool - $350
Composed Canines Package Details
Lessons purchased in a package of three or more are $80/lesson.
This does not include any tools. For this package, with a minimum of three lessons - $240.
This package would be ideal for someone who does not need any tools or has a specific goal outside of what is listed above in the composed canines package (scent work, basic obedience commands, puppy material)
General Package Details
An evaluation or previous lessons with us is required to sign up for this package. The goal of this tool is generally to enhance what we’ve taught rather than be the first thing we do.
Includes 3 private lessons, Mini Educator E-Collar (ET-300), additional training collar if needed, handouts, long line, and trainer support.
*When in stock, you may also choose to trade out the ET-300 for an EZ-900 for $15 more. Please visit ecollar.com to view the collars and see the differences.
We require a minimum of 3 lessons to learn the proper use of the E-Collar for a few simple commands and functions.
More lessons can be added at the package rate of $80/lesson as needed to address more complex behaviors/commands.
E-Collar Lessons Details
Puppy Preschool
Our Puppy Preschool lessons are designed for puppies between 8-16 weeks of age and provide a wide variety of puppy related information and assistance. Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or first time puppy parent, these classes are for you! All puppies must show proof of age appropriate vaccinations*. If you need assistance before your puppy can safely attend class, please schedule an online ZOOM lesson with us!
While many vets still recommend no socialization until after a puppy is fully vaccinated, many are now realizing that controlled socialization is vital. Should you take your unvaccinated puppy to roam a public park? No. Should you take your puppy to training class with other puppies and dogs who have age appropriate vaccines? Yes! The AVSAB states the following…
…behavioral problems are the number one cause of relinquishment to shelters. Behavioral issues, not infectious diseases, are the number one cause of death for dogs under three years of age. – American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
How it works:
Our Puppy Preschool consists of an orientation video and handouts and three group lesson plans that cycle back around every three sessions. Each lesson is free standing, so you can start at any time. If you will miss a lesson in the typical three week window, you can discuss make up options with the trainer. The trainer reserves the right to end your puppy’s attendance at any time if your puppy is posing a threat to any other puppy in class.
These lessons are designed for the neurological socialization period between 8 and 16 weeks of age, which means puppies need to be registered by 13 weeks of age to complete the program during that window. If your puppy will be slightly outside of that window, contact the trainer for options.
Group class will be at 6pm (almost) every Tuesday.
Items We Cover During Each Lesson
Object Socialization:
We utilize special equipment, such as a puppy teeter totter, as well as household items, such as a vacuum cleaner, to teach owners how to socialize their puppies with new and sometimes scary objects or obstacles.
Handling Exercises:
Our goal is to make your puppy your vet’s favorite patient! We teach owners how to practice handling their puppies to minimize future problems when dealing with veterinary care, grooming, or even routine in-home wellness.
Special Topics:
During puppy preschool, we address typical questions and problem areas such as play biting and housebreaking, but we also specifically focus on a few special topics including dental care, ear cleaning, and toe nail trimming.
Socialization:
Puppies will socialize with each other or one of my personal dogs, when available, as long as the play is considered advantageous for all personalities/needs in the room. Play is not guaranteed.
Orientation Material:
Play biting, housebreaking, crate training
*Vaccinations – proof of age appropriate vaccinations must be provided from your vet, rescue, or shelter. Handwritten notes/stickers/passports from breeders or at home care will not be accepted. We reserve the right to refuse any puppy who we feel poses a health risk to others in class. Puppies must have had one vaccine given by a veterinarian and two weeks in the home or more than one vaccine with at least the second given by a veterinarian and appear healthy to attend class. Please also familiarize yourself with our general policies located on the scheduling page.
Group Classes
These are not your stereotypical basic obedience classes! Over the years, we have found that most owners come to us with the same basic issues, which are often rooted in relationship, basic manners, and communication rather than a lack of what most would term "traditional" obedience. We want our curriculums to reflect our desire to help people with these day to day issues.
Generally, we schedule group classes between January-May and August-November.
When we are able, we will open additional sections of our group classes if they fill quickly and there is still a lot of interest. If you have interest in a full class, please let us know.
All group class reservations need to be made online. Please click here to go to our Registration Page. Age appropriate vaccinations are required.
Composed Canines
This class will cover relationship building, proprioception, leash manners, common problem behaviors, recall, basic nutrition information, and place. Group class is not suitable for dogs with intense reactivity or other more unique behavior modification needs.
Class size: Maximum 4 dogs - dogs must be 6 months and up
Class cost: $250
Dates: Check back for future dates
Composed Puppies
This class will cover relationship building, proprioception, leash manners, household management, recall, and grooming basics. This class is no longer based on the AKC STAR puppy program - however, any puppy who meets the program criteria is welcome to take the test during the last lesson. Group play will be determined based on the needs and personalities of puppies in the class and is not guaranteed. Group class is not suitable for dogs with intense reactivity or other more unique behavior modification needs.
Class size: Maximum 4 dogs - dogs must be 6 months and under
Class cost: $275
Dates: Check back for future dates
RUFFreshers
What is a Ruffresher?
Our vision is for Ruffreshers (refreshers) to be like an “open gym” of sorts for dogs who have completed a certain level of training with us. Our primary goal and focus will be on walking and leash manners with distractions, and we plan to meet outside at the Greenway as often as weather will allow.
Can my dog come?
All client dogs, past and present, who have either completed a private training program or class (higher than Puppy Preschool) are welcome to attend. If you are unsure if your dog would be a good fit for a Ruffresher lesson, please don’t hesitate to ask!
Where is it held?
We meet at the Boone Greenway, specifically at the Clawson-Burnley Park entrance (355 M.L.K. Jr Street, Boone). This is the entrance across from the Armory and down the road from the Watauga Rec Center. We always post a confirmation based on the weather on the Friday afternoon before the event on FACEBOOK. If you do not have a Facebook account and wish to receive an email notification, please let us know. If we need to cancel/reschedule a lesson for some reason, the cancellation will also be posted on Facebook and sent via email.
RUFFresher dates for 2024
January - 6, 20
February - 3, 17
March - 2, 16
April - 6, 20
May - 4, 18
June - 1, 15
July - 13, 27
August - 10, 24
September - 7, 21
October - 26
November - 9, 23
December - 7, 21