OBEDIENCE TRAINING
Why Should You Train Your Dog?
• The simple answer is to learn to clearly and effectively communicate with your animal. You will be much happier with your dog throughout the course of his/her life and enjoy a deeper, more substantial bond with your pet.
• Obedience training develops and focuses your dog’s mind so that he can experience and understand more of his world. Although your dog does not have an analytical mind such as humans, he does still have a brain that needs to be developed. Denying obedience training to your dog is like denying your child an education.
• Nature intends dogs to be obedient to their pack leader, or owner. Like their ancestors the wolves, dogs are pack animals. A pack may contain twenty individuals, but only one is dominant; all of the others are submissive. Because of this, dogs are hard-wired by nature to be submissive creatures. Through obedience training, owners can learn how to become the dominant pack leader that our dogs naturally seek, so that they can simply relax and be their carefree, submissive selves.
The truth is that whether you intend to or not, you are training your dog every moment you are with your dog. Your dog develops behaviors and habits because of how you and your family are interacting with him. Unfortunately, most owners are unwittingly training their dogs to be disobedient, unfocused, and dominant. This is how serious dog behavioral problems – such as aggression and separation anxiety – develop. This is why it is vital to either learn dog psychology and obedience training methods yourself, or seek out a professional.
Our dogs want to please us; often they simply do not understand what it is we want from them. The goal of a Have Leash trainer is to resolve this confusion and methodically teach both dog and owner a language in which to clearly, consistently communicate. As important is educating the owner about the canine’s nature and the necessity of providing pack leadership for the dog. Thus, while your dog learns commands and control from us, you (the owner) will receive training as well – on how to deepen the mental and emotional bond with your dog, through handling/leadership lessons and supporting materials.
We do not offer group classes – only private, at-home dog training courses. All of the training will take place in your home and neighborhood, amidst the distractions and stimulations of your dog’s everyday life. The benefits of such an experience go far beyond the mere convenience of us coming to you. You and your dog will receive one-on-one tutelage and have the total, undivided attention of your trainer. Since we are in such a familiar, comfortable environment for your dog, he will feel far more relaxed and secure. Since he feels less stress, your dog will be far more eager and capable of learning. Furthermore, in the home, your trainer can successfully address specific behavioral problems (such as jumping, chewing, aggression, separation anxiety, barking, etc.). Such problems rarely can be adequately dealt with anywhere (such as a training facility) other than at the site where they occur.
Creating an obedient dog is not a Herculean task, but it requires patience, consistency, and an appreciation of your dog’s point-of-view. If you trust us and put your relationship with your dog in our hands, we will teach you what you need to know to become a dominant pack leader for your dog and show you the techniques needed to accomplish the training goals you have for your animal. Your dog will become not only the pet you always dreamed of owning, but the dog nature intended, a balanced and contented follower and companion to his master.
Although Have Leash will tailor the training to your specific needs, we have two general courses to satisfy the needs of most and individual seminars for others. If you have two dogs and need both trained, there will be a significant discount off the price for the second dog. Training courses & sessions are available to residents of southwestern Saint Paul (Mac-Groveland, Highland Park, Merriam Park, Summit-Hill, etc), depending upon your exact address.
General Obedience Course — (Sorry, Currently Unavailable)
During this 4-6 week course, your dog will learn to perform five basic commands: SIT, HEEL, DOWN, COME, and STAY. A concerted effort will be made to teach your dog focus and self-control. During this course, you — the owners — will learn how to correctly handle your dog and, most importantly, how to become a PACK LEADER that your dog will recognize at all times as being in control.
Your dog trainer will visit your home at least three times a week (usually Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) to work individually with your dog. Dependent upon which command is being taught or polished, the lessons will last between 20 minutes and one hour. The owner(s) does not need to be present for these lessons, but is welcome to watch and/or participate after the first week of training. In addition, your trainer will give handling/leadership lessons for owner and dog at least once per week at the owner’s convenience (usually on weekdays, in the evening). These lessons usually last about 30 minutes, but can go as long as one hour.
After the agreed-upon completion date, your trainer will be available to you for two follow-up (or tune-up) visits of up to one hour in duration.
Price varies depending upon your location and the age and behavior of your dog. Special discount available for most pre-existing walking clients.
General Obedience — $1250-1500
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Walking Obedience Course
Does your dog pull on walks? Tired of the embarrassment, frustration, and discomfort? Have the walks become so difficult that you find yourself walking your dog less and have found that your dog’s behavior and health have suffered because of it (as it always does)? Is your dog a danger or a nuisance to pedestrians, particularly other dogs and dog owners? Would you like to learn how to properly exercise your dog and get the most out of every minute of your walks? Would you like your dog to prance effortlessly at your side whenever you say one simple word?
During this 4-week course, your dog will learn to HEEL. “Heeling” involves the dog walking at your side (but not in front of you), matching your pace (however fast or slow you decide to walk), and sitting whenever you come to a complete stop (such as at crosswalks).
Your trainer will visit your home five times a week (Mon-Fri) to work individually with your dog. The lessons will last approximately thirty minutes. The owner(s) does not need to be present for these lessons, but is welcome to watch. In addition, your trainer will give handling lessons to the owner(s) as many as twice per week, at the owner’s convenience (usually on weekdays, in the evening); these lessons typically last thirty minutes as well, but may extend longer.
Walking Obedience — $750
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Training Seminar
For those interested in training their own dog, we offer individual training seminars to answer all your questions & get you on the right track. The price below includes two separate sessions: (1) An initial one-hour meeting to address all your queries, give you an overview of training concepts, and teach you to properly handle your dog, and (2) a 30-minute follow-up meeting one or two weeks later to answer more questions and correct your technique.
Training Seminar — $150