Training Overview
Obedience Lessons
These lessons are held at our Spencer, Indiana facility, are approximately half hour in length, and can deal with the particular issues your dog is offering, and/or basic to advanced obedience. This course requires a great deal of commitment by the client in order to complete the desired goals. We will coach the client with training techniques that need to be done with the dog. The client then needs to return home and train the dog until the next appointment. Weekly appointments seem to work best in the private lessons. Cost is $50 per session.
Training
This is by far our most popular dog obedience training option. During this training, your dog stays at our facility and is trained by our certified trainers. We take pride in providing a structured, comfortable, and effective training environment for your dog. Here’s what you can expect from our Board & Train program:
- Indoor training area and two outdoor training fields
- Climate-controlled kennels for your dog’s comfort
- Minimum of four training sessions per day
- Minimum of four supervised exercise/playtime let-outs daily in our fenced outdoor runs
- Weekly training updates provided to owners
- Regular photos and videos uploaded to the Gingr portal for easy viewing
- 1–2 hour classroom and hands-on lesson at pickup, where our trainers review your dog’s progress and teach you how to maintain the training
- Free follow-up private lessons available after the board & train program
- Dogs must be up to date on at least Bordetella, Rabies, and Distemper vaccines
- Owners must provide their dog’s food for the duration of their stay
- While not required, owners may bring blankets, a dog bed, or toys for their dog’s comfort
As with all training, you as the owner/guardian will need to maintain what the dog has been taught (dogs are not robots). Be advised that we are most always scheduled out months in advance (sometimes longer) for the in-kennel options. Some clients find it helpful to get their dog trained while they are on a vacation, which tends to save boarding fees etc.
During this obedience training, we will also work on behavioral issues that are displayed. A strong obedience foundation gives us the structure and leadership needed to begin addressing more serious concerns like reactivity, fear, aggression, etc. When a dog understands what’s expected and has consistent guidance, we can then begin to reshape how they respond to triggers in their environment.
Our Programs
The Academy3-week on-leash Training (in-kennel)
$1000. The Academy package is a foundational 3-week on-leash training course designed to establish clear communication, respectful behavior, and real-life obedience. Whether your dog is just starting out or needs a tune-up, this program provides structured training for everyday success.
Assuming your dog has the temperament for these, we will work on the following Behaviors & Commands:
• Let’s Go – Casual, loose-leash walking. Your dog walks politely at your side without pulling, great for everyday outings.
• Heel – A formal walking position. Your dog remains focused, walking beside your left leg (unless otherwise requested)
• Sit
• Down
• Stand
• Stay – Builds impulse control as your dog holds a position until given a release command.
• Implied Stay – Your dog learns to remain in place after any stationary command (sit, down, place, etc.) until released, without needing a repeated “stay.”
•Place – Your dog is trained to go to a designated spot (mat, bed, platform) and remain there until released.
• Here – A structured recall. Your dog returns promptly and sits in front of you upon command.
• Return to Heel – After a recall or break in position, your dog is guided back into the heel position.
• Automatic Sit – Your dog learns to sit automatically when you come to a stop during walks or halts, promoting focus and anticipation of your next command.
• Other behavior issues displayed: jumping, pulling, etc.
This package lays the groundwork for lifelong obedience and harmony at home and in public. It’s ideal for dogs needing better leash manners, impulse control, and everyday obedience with structure and reliability.
Keep in mind that on-leash training does not mean you can expect the dog to obey when off leash; off-leash training is a separate, advanced skill. Additional charges will apply for treating aggression issues (as some forms of aggression will take longer than three weeks to re-condition). Dogs will need to be at least four months old to be enrolled in the Academy. The Academy comes with the training materials you will need to maintain your dog’s training once he/she returns home. As with all training, you as the owner/parent will need to maintain what the dog has been taught (dogs are not robots).
Boot CampAdvanced off-leash Training (in-kennel)
The Boot Camp is a three week board-and-train course for $1300. Dogs must complete the Academy before moving forward into the Boot Camp. Lessons include the Academy behaviors but take it to an advanced off-leash level. We will also work with behavioral issues the dog shows us while it is here (such as jumping, nipping) to help produce a mannered individual. We keep you informed with your dog’s progress by weekly updates. Be advised that timid dogs typically do not do well in advanced off-leash training. Additional charges will apply for treating aggression issues (as some forms of aggression will take longer than three weeks to re-condition). The Boot Camp includes one-on-one training with the client when the dog is picked up. The dog must be at least 6 months old. The Boot Camp comes with all the training materials you will need to maintain your dog’s training once he/she returns home, as well as a packet of information you can refer to as needed. As with all training, you as the owner/parent will need to maintain what the dog has been taught (dogs are not robots). Free follow up is included as well.
Flex Package6-week On-Leash and Off-Training Training (in-kennel)
Our Flex package is an immersive 6-week board and train program for $2200. It is designed to give your dog both on-leash and off-leash reliability. This program includes all the foundational obedience taught in our Academy package, but takes it to the next level with advanced training, greater distraction proofing, and freedom-focused control.
Assuming your dog has the temperament for these, we will included the following Behaviors & Commands:
• Let’s Go – Casual, loose-leash walking. Your dog walks politely at your side without pulling, great for everyday outings.
• Heel – A formal walking position. Your dog remains focused, walking beside your left leg (unless otherwise requested)
• Sit
• Down
• Stand
• Stay – Builds impulse control as your dog holds a position until given a release command.
• Implied Stay – Your dog learns to remain in place after any stationary command (sit, down, place, etc.) until released, without needing a repeated “stay.”
•Place – Your dog is trained to go to a designated spot (mat, bed, platform) and remain there until released.
• Here – A structured recall. Your dog returns promptly and sits in front of you upon command.
• Return to Heel – After a recall or break in position, your dog is guided back into the heel position.
• Automatic Sit – Your dog learns to sit automatically when you come to a stop during walks or halts, promoting focus and anticipation of your next command.
• Any other behavior issues displayed: jumping, pulling, etc.
This package provides your dog the structure, consistency, and real-life exposure needed for off-leash freedom with trustworthy obedience. Remote E-Collar Training Included. This package includes a Dogtra remote training collar, which is used during the off-leash portion of the training. This high-quality remote trainer allows us to create clear, consistent communication with your dog even from a distance—enhancing reliability while maintaining a fair, low-level approach. You’ll be coached on how to use it effectively during your go-home session.
Be advised that timid dogs typically do not do well in advanced off-leash training. Additional charges will apply for treating aggression issues (as some forms of aggression will take longer than six weeks to re-condition). Dogs must be at least 6 months old to enroll in the Flex. The Flex includes the training materials you will need to maintain the dog’s training once he/she returns home. As with all training, you as the owner/parent will need to maintain what the dog has been taught (dogs are not robots).
