740-477-8907
1875 Stoneridge Drive
Circleville, OH 43113
E-Mail

Obedience Training

Obedience Training is "the key" to communication between dog and owner. True obedience is defined as the "willingness to follow the will of others". This does not mean implementing your will on the dog in the name of dog training. Regardless of your dog's breed your dog can be trained in some form of obedience providing they are medically capable. Obedience training teaches a dog restraint, control, respect, trust and gives the dog a reliable foundation in which to learn more advanced training such as sporting or competitive events, duck retrieval, AKC competitions, therapy dogs, support dogs for the disabled, personal protection dogs, etc… Whatever goals you have for your dog the most important step is basic obedience.

A lack of obedience in dogs leads to predatory instinct. Many owners believe their dog will never bite a human....as a canine professional let me remind you that anything with teeth can bite. The only way a dog can truly understand a human world is to have a reliable form of communication.

Our residency training is conducted one on one with your dog. This is done to ensure your dog is approached in the manner best suited for his/her personality type, behavioral issues, and your own personal goals as the dog's owner. Our purpose is not to create a robot for you. Your dog will still have his/her own unique personality.....only now he/she will have manners, and a lasting foundation of communication.

Professional Obedience training is a lifestyle for both the dog and family. It's a lifestyle that must be entered into together. Lack of follow thru is something we can't control, and if your dog is entering training you must follow a lifestyle that is worthy of your investment.

Dog training takes time and patience, no different than any other mammal relationship. You can't potty train a child by telling them to stop soiling themselves. You must show this child to do things your way then reward that behavior. Having the path you want set for you by a professional is only step one…if you don't learn to use your dog's commands properly, you can't effectively say you have achieved everything. Building a relationship with your dog isn't as easy as dropping off to get "fixed" and returning the dog to the previous lifestyle. Clients that exceed our expectations are the ones who adapt new ways of handling a situation and use what they have learned to achieve ever increasing results. Our dogs are never "trained" they are always "in training" until the last breath they give us.

Before considering professional obedience training, first understand that true dog obedience is a way of life. I say this for one reason.....regardless of who trains your dog, as the owner, you must be consistent and reinforce the training. No trainer can give you a remote control for your dog. Your dog will retain his/her training as long as you make it a way of life for them.

"Professional dog training is about freedom."

• Healthy
• Free of parasites (clean Fecal exam)
• Current on flea prevention
• Properly evaluated in our free consultation
• Current on all vaccinations including Bordatella, DHLP, Rabies, and Corona.
  (copy of Licensed Veterinarian vaccination record)
  
  

What method do you use?

First of all let me state that I am not a one method dog trainer. Our recommended training tools differ from dog to dog and owner to owner.

Over the last few years I've had the opportunity to meet many successful dog trainers. They may be classical conditioning trainers whose methodology is highly based on the works of William Koehler, whose methods were evolved while working with military dogs in the 30's. I've also met operative conditioning trainers who base their methodology from trainers such as Dr. Ian Dunbar PhD and later modified by the works of trainers like Karen Pryor. All share the common goal of creating harmony between dog and owner just applying different modalities to get there.

"All Positive" versus "traditional" dog training

First of all understand there is no such thing as "all positive" training. I wish there were, but dogs can't rationalize the way humans can. "All positive" is a term used by those seeking means of controlling their dog without the implementation of training devices and tools other than treats. Withholding that treat is an aversive to the dog. Command given = no response from dog = no treat…this withholding of food is a negative or aversive response from the handler/trainer to elicit a positive response from the dog.

This "all positive" form of training was popularized from a short cut of Dr. Ian Dunbar's approach in using a food lure. By the 1990's his method was quickly turned into routine classes teaching how a treat would gain a sit. I have heard Dr. Dunbar speak more than once about his own techniques and can assure you that is not my understanding of his methods at all. A very intelligent man who holds more credentials than any dog trainer you will ever meet including a nice group of titles such as PhD, BVetMed, MRCVS, CPDT. He is a Veterinarian, Animal Behaviorist, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and founder of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. His method is based on luring the dog, not feeding them.

"All Positive" can easily become a bribe session with your dog. Having training tools limited to a leash and a bag of kibble allows the handler to reach a dog through their craving for food eventually seeking to gain reliable control through food reward. What is most often overlooked in this method is the need to eventually eliminate the treat. Someone with a bait bag on their hip can't say their dog is trained if the need for food is still present. The downfall to this method thus becomes the reliability without treats.

"Traditional" training methods are all based off of the Koehler method to some degree. There are those who would argue its usage because it deals with the common training collar often referred to as the "choke chain". Let me point out that if you are choking your dog with any tool you are not properly training them…you are in fact choking them. There is a varying level of technique that is used with any training device. Deeming a tool unfit due to its misuse is unfair to the tool and the many that use them properly. Pain is not the objective here despite many notions. The objective is to send a clear and definitive response to an action. The Koehler method is certainly the most widely used method in the world and the basis of most forms of dog training. It is a blend of firm discipline and lavish praise. The downside to this method is the possibility of doing it poorly, potentially hurting the dog and or your relationship with the dog.

As these two approaches are so opposite one another, which one has the most lasting results? I find myself on neither extreme end of this spectrum; however I find myself more to traditional training because its application creates a longer lasting reliability and deeper sense of trust and respect.

Since my education began I have listened to, observed, and read the opinions and beliefs of so many trainers that I have formed my own opinion and belief when it comes to dogs and more importantly their owners. I have found one thing to be true in dog training…you can't "make" a dog do anything reliably. They have to want to. If food gets that dog to give me their attention, so be it. If it's a Kong, a tennis ball, or whatever that dog responds to, I have no objections to using them initially. However, my goal is not to walk down a street waving a Kong in the air, or adorning myself with food to maintain commands. I want control of my dogs because I deserve it, not because I possess their favorite object. In fact I want that favorite object to be me.

My father taught me something about respect while serving in the military. He taught me that respect may come in one of two ways. You can "demand" respect because of your position or title, or you can "command" respect because of your actions and deeds. Demanding respect will get you just that when you are present, but commanding respect is long lasting and remains even in your absence. With dogs and owners this model applies as well. Demanding your dog to do something creates a "do it or else" relationship…your dog may listen, but what if you leave the room. While commanding your dog's respect creates a way of life that is happily obeyed because that's just how you live.

Having your dog trained by treats, training collars, remote training collars, gentle leaders, clickers, whistles, or any other tool or device constructed for dog training is somewhat irrelevant to the dog. Results differ from one owner to the next with identical tools and the same trainer. It's not the tool, but rather the implementation of that tool that is most important.

What is the cost of training?

As you can imagine there are different levels of training that we offer. I first require an owner considering advanced training to start with obedience training as this is essential at any level of training. We offer the following forms of Obedience Training:

• Residency Training: This form of training includes your dog living with Circleville Pet Services llc. They are boarded, trained, socialized, and behaviorally reconditioned at our training facility or throughout our fair city of Circleville, Ohio. This form of training is the most formal and should be pursued by those looking to increase their very lifestyle with their dog. It is paramount that proper follow through of training is conducted, and for this reason out of state and distant clients must schedule a phone interview to assess the situation. Not every client is guaranteed this form of training as you must possess a true desire to train your dog. Dog's completing our residency training receives a one year discount on boarding fees.
• Drop-off training: This option allows us to train your dog during the day but allows you to keep them at home in the evening. This spares the labor of our top notch kennel staff which saves you money. This option has a certain level of uncertainty as what you do in the evenings could cause regression in the training. It is important that you follow any directions given by your trainer during the initial training process. This is not the recommended avenue for severe temperament problems. There is no discount in future boarding fees with this form of training.
• Private Lessons: It is important to point out that by choosing this avenue of training you, as the owner, are the dog's trainer. We help you reach your goals by showing basic techniques in training, behavioral problem solving, establishing a realistic training schedule, and setting attainable goals in your training. Emphasis in developing your abilities as a handler and trainer will be our focus based on your goals and your dog's personality. There is no discount in future boarding fees with this form of training.
• In-Home Lessons: This option is designed to assist owners with issues that typically only happen in their home. This option is essentially the same as a Private Lesson with the additional cost of our trainer leaving our training facility, but often times beneficial to clients who cannot surface specific problems outside of their homes. It is advisable to have the items you wish to work on readily available at the start of your lesson. There is no discount in future boarding fees with this form of training.

We now only offer two packages of residency training which is our most thorough form of training and the only style guaranteed. All of our stationary commands are taught with an implied stay. There is no need to include a stay command with our training. When the command "sit" is given to your dog that means sit and stay there until released from your command or given another. Saying "stay" at the end of every command adds an unnecessary step that should be understood and improved on while you train your dog. Therefore, all stay commands are implied with our training.

"Basic Obedience" Residency Training:

This package teaches the essential commands needed to start your new lifestyle with your dog. Included with this package is a 5 foot leather handcrafted obedience leash, appropriate training collar fitted for your dog, food and boarding during the residency stay, a full demonstration and initial "go home" lesson, two follow-up private lessons (our distant and out of state clients are offered residency follow-up lessons over the phone or via webcam), and a 5% discount off basic boarding fees for one year following your residency training stay. The commands included with this package are:

• Sit with implied stay
• Heel with automatic sit
• Down at your side
• Down with implied stay
• Sit from down at your side
• Come command
• Basic behavior modification
• Socialization
  

This is a residency program lasting approximately 7-14 days depending on the behavior that needs addressed and the socialization needed to reach your goals. This package is intended for those looking to obtain a well adjusted dog with basic understandings in obedience, and established a level of management for poor behavior. Temperaments requiring a great deal of behavioral work should consider the Obedient Housedog Package.

Price for Basic Obedience: $815

"The Obedient Housedog" Residency Training:

This package gives you the very foundation to have a dog just like ours. This training provides you with everything you need to start a new life together with your dog. This level of training offers a 5 foot leather handcrafted obedience leash, appropriate training collar fitted for your dog, placemat, training tab, food, boarding, and exercise during their residency stay, a full demonstration and initial "go home" lesson, four follow-up one-on-one private lessons (our distant and out of state clients are offered residency follow-up lessons over the phone or via webcam), a 10% discount on future boarding fees for one year after your dog's residency training stay, and a video to assist in your follow through. The obedience commands taught are:

• Sit with implied stay
• Heel with automatic sit
• Down at your side
• Down with implied stay
• Sit from down at your side
• Come command
• "Place" command
• Down with implied stay from front
• Sit from the down in front
• Down in motion
• Sit in motion
• Up and Off commands
• Informal recall
• More extensive behavior modification
• Socialization
• Confidence building

  This is a residency program lasting approximately 14-21 days depending on the behavioral work necessary to reach your goals and allows our staff to set the path for you to have your best dog ever. Many of the dogs completing this level of training were rehabilitated from very serious behavioral problems to a loving member of the household. Others were owners seeking a great dog with limited time to provide the initial training needed, but do have time to maintain training already in place by a professional. If your goals are realistic, and you are motivated to complete your training, they can be met here.

Price for Obedient Housedog: $1,655

Drop-Off Training:

This form of training is great for local clients by saving money and keeping your dog at home during training. This training requires you to drop off your dog each day for training and picking them up in the afternoon. This option saves a great deal of labor from our kennel staff saving us time and your money. We offer two options for this training.

Introductory Obedience:  This package includes a 5 foot leather handcrafted obedience leash; appropriate training collar fitted for your dog and allows the training staff of Circleville Pet Services llc to teach your dog the following commands in an average of three consecutive days of drop off training and one private lesson following your ending demonstration:

• Sit with implied stay
• Heel with automatic sit
• Informal recall
• Very light socialization and behavioral work as needed

Price for Introductory Drop-Off = $284

Basic Obedience:  This package teaches the essential commands needed to start your new lifestyle with your dog. Included with this package is a 5 foot leather handcrafted obedience leash, appropriate training collar fitted for your dog, a full demonstration and initial “go home” lesson, two follow-up private lessons. The commands included with this package are:

• Sit with implied stay
• Heel with automatic sit
• Down at your side
• Down with implied stay
• Sit from down at your side
• Come command
• Basic behavior modification
• Socialization

This is a Drop-Off program lasting approximately 2 weeks depending on the behavior that needs addressed and the socialization needed to reach your goals. This package is intended for those looking to obtain a well adjusted dog with basic understandings in obedience. Temperaments requiring a great deal of behavioral work should consider a residency package.

Price for Basic Obedience Drop-Off: $675

Private Lessons:

This service allows a certified professional dog trainer to be available for one-on-one sessions with dog, owner, and trainer. Each lesson is focused on your specific needs. This form of training is wonderful for those seeking to control minor behavioral issues and/or teach basic obedience to your dog. It's also a great way for clients who have received the Basic Obedience residency to complete the Obedient Housedog on their own saving up to $532. It's a great way for local clients to maintain reliable results with minimal financial investment and using "sweat equity" in their training.

1 Private Lesson = $80 / in home $105*
4 Private Lessons = $304 / in home $399*
8 Private Lessons = $576 / in home $756*
(*in-home rates are based on a 15 mile radius of our facility location. An additional charge of $2 per mile will be charged for those outside the 15 mile radius.)

How do I begin?

Call our office and set up an initial evaluation for training and a demonstration with one of our dogs. Our initial evaluation is free of charge and will answer many of your remaining questions. For our distant and out of state clients a questionnaire may be completed and sent to Circleville Pet Services llc where a phone interview will be scheduled and assessment into our program is determined.

Before considering professional obedience training, first understand that true dog obedience is a way of life. I say this for one reason.....regardless of who trains your dog, as the owner, you must be consistent and reinforce the training. No trainer can give you a remote control for your dog. Your dog will retain his/her training as long as you make it a way of life for them.

740-477-8907
1875 Stoneridge Drive
Circleville, OH 43113
E-Mail