Training

Training at Dog Gone Smart is fun!  We use a positive motivational and instinctual approach. Most of our training is geared toward making your dog a well-behaved family pet. This means we try to understand how the dog thinks and train him in a way that makes sense to him. This approach produces a reliable pet and happy dog.

At Dog Gone Smart, we are one of the very few training schools that deal with canine behavioral problems, particularly aggression.  We have been extremely successful in turning these behaviors around and saving the lives of many dogs who would have been euthanized otherwise.

There are several training options:

Group classes

New sessions begin every month.  Class offerings go all the way from puppy class for eight to sixteen-week old puppies through to competition level obedience.  We also offer a variety of specialty classes, such as agility, water sports, freestyle, TTouch, conformation, acting (make your dog a movie star), therapy (for work in hospitals and nursing homes), and new baby . Costs range from $100 - $185.00 depending on the length of the class. Classes fill up fast, please sign up as soon as possible!

Private Lessons

With private lessons, you are generally assigned to one trainer. You and the trainer determine the best course of training for the dog. Generally, lessons are scheduled weekly, but there is no contract or obligation to purchase any set number of lessons.  The lessons can be held in your home or here at the canine center. Prices range from $110.00 to $250.00 depending on the trainer’s level of experience and the type of training needed.  There may be an additional charge for travel time if you are at some distance from us.

In-House Program

In this program, the dog boards with us while being trained daily.  This program is ideal for people who just don’t have the time to train the dog themselves, but still want a well-trained dog.  For a dog with little or no obedience training or with severe behavioral issues, the 3-week program is the recommended course. This can be a convenient way to have your dog trained while you're away and when he is boarding with us. For dogs who have had some training, a shorter program to enhance or refresh the training may be sufficient. This program is explained in further detail in this same booklet.