Basic obedience and a whole lot more.....

The Happy Retriever

  (774) 233-0640

A dog is a pack animal that needs pack leadership and pack structure.  This is where most training fails by humanizing the dog.


We use a “whole dog approach” and look at nutrition, pack structure, exercise routines and training regiments.  There is no cookie-cutter method that works for all dogs.  Far too many dogs are being medicated for issues that can be taken care of and most aggression issues can be fixed with some pack structure and training regiments.  We believe in training before medicating.


All of our training starts with an evaluation so we can see the pack structure, dog’s issues, behaviors, temperament and owners interaction.  We do not just sign you up for a class without meeting you and the dog.  Doing so is not looking out for the dog’s best interest and could set everybody up for failure.  Our perfect training scenario is to start the puppy off right with a lure & reward class that teaches owners basic commands and not to allow bad behaviors to begin.  If we do not allow bad behaviors to begin right away then we have less to correct later in life.  Puppy 101 class teaches by lure & reward with the power of verbal markers.  Then we layer over some leash pressure, in Puppies 102, once the dog knows the commands with food.


Our many classes consist of Lure & Reward with verbal markers, leash pressure with a training collar and/or e-collar.  There is a proper and humane way to use any training collar but far too many trainers out there will put a collar on a dog the first day of class and start to correct the dog.  That can change the dog’s behavior, temperament and relationship with its owner.  Same thing goes with a dog owner that orders an e-collar online or purchases a training collar at a pet chain, big box store and does not utilize it to its full potential.  Proper training collars used appropriately can be a valuable tool. 


When e-collar training we look for a training collar with 100 stimulation levels or more. If the e-collar is set up properly in the beginning and the dog learns to turn off low level stimulation, it can be a wonderful training tool.  To enroll in our e-collar classes the dog must already know and hold its commands on a 6 foot leash.  We do not train solely with an e-collar as it is an unnatural stimulus for a dog and if they do not know their basic commands they will not understand how to turn off that pressure.


Our goal with all of our students is to make sure they succeed.


Please contact us now to set up your evaluation.


GROUP CLASS OFFERINGS!


Puppies 101:

Our puppy class is structured for large breed dogs under 4 months of age and small breed dogs under 6 months of age with a goal of producing good natured, well mannered adult dogs. From 7 to 20 weeks of age, your puppy's brain is a sponge soaking up life lessons and habits that will form the foundation of his/her personality and long term habits. Raising and training a confident, friendly and well mannered life long companion deserves more than just a 7 week commitment to class. We want to make sure your early training and socialization stays through your dogs adolescence by showing you how to effortlessly integrate it into your ongoing daily routine. During this program we will introduce puppies to custom, low-impact agility obstacles to help build confidence and socilazation to mulitple surfaces.  A benefit if you plan on going further with agility courses.  Sound therapy is also used each class to make thunderstorms, FUN and fireworks, FUN!  Detail on our 7 week program is listed below.  Minimum of 3 dogs and maximum of 6 dogs.  All classes are 45 minutes in duration with 2 trainers. Price includes weekly treats, study materials, treat pouch and A.K.C. STAR puppy test.

Behavioral issues covered:

Housetraining tips

Crate training tips

Bite inhibition

Food bowl exercises

Play interaction

Socialization  to people and dogs

Socialization to sounds

Socialization to things

Basic commands introduced:

Engagement

Release word (FREE)

Place

Loose leash walk/Lets go/Focused Attention walk

Sit/Holding Sit

Handling Exam

Down/Long Term Down

Stay

Recall (come) command


Puppies 102: (CURRENTLY NOT RUNNING)

Detail on our 4 week program is listed below.  Puppies must be over the age of 20 weeks and graduated Puppies 101 to participate.  Minimum of 2 dogs and maximum of 4 dogs.  All classes are 45 minutes in duration with 2 trainers. Training equipment is included in the price.

Basic commands taught:

Loose leash walk/Lets go

Place

Sit/Holding Sit

Release word (FREE)

Heel w/AutoSit

Down/Long Term Down

Recall (come) command


Elementary School: (CURRENTLY NOT RUNNING)

Detail on our 5 week program is listed below.  Dogs must be over the age of 6 months with no prior training with us to participate.  Minimum of 2 dogs and maximum of 4 dogs.  All classes are 45 minutes in duration with 2 trainers. Training equipment is included in the price.

Basic commands taught:

Loose leash walk/Lets go

Place

Sit/Holding Sit

Release word (FREE)

Heel w/AutoSit

Down/Long Term Down

Recall (come) command

Intro to Long Line work




PRIVATE CLASS OFFERINGS!

    Doggie Boot Camp I:

    Please note this program includes a daily thirty (30) minute private pick up class. Time frame of program is Monday thru Friday with a 9am drop off and scheduled pm pick up. Training equipment is included in the price. Commands are taught on 4/6 ft. leashes

    Commands covered:

    Controlled Walk

    Heel w/Auto Sit

    Place

    Release word

    Holding Sit

    Down/Long term down

    Come (recall command)


    Doggie Boot Camp II:

    Please note this program includes a daily thirty (30) minute private pick up class. Time frame of program is Monday thru Friday with a 9am drop off and scheduled pm pick up. Boot Camp I is a prerequisite. Commands are taught on 30 ft. check cord or e-collar.

    Commands covered:

    In Motion Sit

    In Motion Down

    Long Line Commands

    Long Line Recall

    Distraction Training

    Leave It Command


    Resident Training Program:

    Let our 2 week resident program get you there!  Each program is fully customizable to suit the needs of your family and your dog.  Boarding and grooming expenses are included.  Please note this program includes a One hour private pick up class and (2) thirty minute follow up classes. Training equipment is included in the price.  Commands are taught on a 4ft, 6ft and 30ft check cord.

    Commands covered:

    Controlled Walk

    Heel w/Auto Sit

    Place

    Release word

    Holding Sit

    Down/Long term down

    In motion down and sit

    Come (recall command)

    Handling Exam (show)


    Resident  E-Collar Training Program:

Let our 3 week resident e-collar program get you there!  Each program is fully customizable to suit the needs of your family and your dog.  Boarding and grooming expenses are included.  Please note this program includes a One hour private pick up class and (2) thirty minute follow up classes. Training equipment is included in the price.  Commands are taught on a 4ft, 6ft, 30ft check cord and e-collar.
Commands covered:
Controlled Walk
Heel w/Auto Sit
Place
Release word
Holding Sit
Down/Long term down
In motion down and sit
Come (recall command)
Handling Exam (show)

    **AKC Canine Good Citizen**

    **AKC CGC test can be administered but not guaranteed.**

    ALL group classes are set as needed based on the minimum requirements.  We do not offer rolling or rotating classes as they are not efficient or practical.  If you are interested in enrolling in one of the classes listed above, please feel free to contact us via the contact form, email or phone.  Thank you!



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