Training
All of our Programs incorporate both lessons at your home and a residency at ours. We use this format so that we can concentrate on training the dog first and then train YOU on how to best apply what your dog has learned. This allows for rapid change that sticks for the lifetime of the dog.
**Residency does NOT mean quarantine! You are always welcome to visit your dog and participate in training. We are also happy to send photos of your pup on adventures!
Programs
Pup Scouts
When can you start training? As soon as the pup gets home!
Weekly lessons will be taught at home and afield up until 6 months of age, followed by a 1- or 2-week board and train.
Lessons will cover a variety of topics that are designed to start your puppy off right. It’s much easier to create good behaviors NOW than correct problem behaviors LATER.
Some of the the topics to expect are potty training, socializing, crate training, boredom busters, mouthing, grooming tips, veterinary practice, leash skills and coming when called.
Knucklehead
This is a 3-week board and train program for the dog that has the basics, but can’t quite stay out of trouble. The goal is a friendly, neighborhood canine!
Is your dog “pretty good” but going on walks is a real drag? Does your dog think it’s fun to jump all over people to say Hello? Does your dog insist on its own place at the dinner table? If so, then you’ve got a Knucklehead.
This program is designed to solve problem behaviors in an otherwise happy-go-lucky dog. But it is more than just remedial training. We will sharpen up that obedience and show your dog the best way to behave in a variety of environments.
Our simplest program includes a 3-week stay and 3 subsequent lessons once the dog is back home.
Ranger
Our Premier training program! This program is a 6-week board and train with unlimited follow up lessons.
Take your dog to the next level with Off-leash obedience, socialization and adventure training.
Your dog will become a (temporary!) member of our family; we can train throughout the day, everyday, while your dog lives with us, plays with us, and takes field trips with a stable group of dogs.
After a Ranger program, your dog will be able to tag-along with you wherever dogs are allowed. With unlimited lessons, we ensure you are confident in continuing the life skills your dog has learned.
All training tools are included. Your dog will come home with an E-Collar (mini educator ET-300 typically), a place bed, and 20’ leash.
The Hero’s Journey
This 8-week board and train is geared toward intensive behavior modification. If you are afraid of your dog or your dog is afraid of everything, this program is for you.
This program includes Ranger school, but we take extra time to focus on behaviors that are dangerous towards your dog or others. This extra time allows us to gain as much trust as possible and control the dog’s environment while we modify behaviors to the best of our ability.
During your dog’s stay, we will be in close contact helping you make any necessary changes to your schedule at home.
Subsequent lessons are unlimited and required! We do this to be sure your dog comes home to a stable environment and that you are confident in providing the needs of your dog.
All training tools are included.
Methods
If you've read the fancy talk on our Philosophy page, then you're probably wondering how we actually get there. We start slowly, drilling the dog with universal skills (come here and stay there) in a stimulating environment. We apply harder distractions as we go. As the dog progresses, we give it more freedom and try new environments, practicing the same drills. We watch as the dog makes choices on its own and respond accordingly: certain choices let the dog keep doing what it wants to do, others will result in an interruption, the withdrawal of a reward, or a correction.
Quickly the dog sees a pattern of cause and effect that depends on its own behavior. As the dog gets better at understanding this sequence, we try it out in environments that correlate to the lifestyle of the owner. This means everyday situations at home, as well as adventurous expeditions in the out of doors.
Incrementally the dog learns that being calm and attentive is the easiest way to get what it wants and avoid what it doesn't want.
When we are not doing drills, the dog is given plenty of exercise and opportunities to socialize with people and other dogs. Draining energy is a great way to avoid many problem behaviors before they even show up. During these times, we encourage the dog to let loose a little. We don't want to restrain the dog 24 hrs a day, chomping at the bit worried about obedience. Throughout the day we want them to have times to just be a dog.
Over time, the dog learns the difference between when it needs to be calm and when it can let loose. This keeps them from tearing up the living room by thinking its a good place to play. At the end of a training package, the dog has learned several things: commands to keep them out of trouble, that calm behavior gets more rewards, when it is time to exercise, how to interact with other dogs appropriately, and that their human is the best resource for good things.
Locations
We are located in Concord, North Carolina but we train all over the place. Some of our favorite places are:
Latta Plantation
Lake Norman State Park
Mountain Island Lake
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
McDonald General Store
Rocky River Blueway
Idlewild Road Park
Cabela’s
Les Meyer’s Park
Catawba River
Uwharrie National Forest
Cabarrus Brewing Co.
Frank Liske Park
Buffalo Creek Preserve Trailhead
Mint Hill Vietnam Veterans Park
US National Whitewater Center
Lowe’s
Tractor Supply Co.
Bass Pro Shops
Commoners Brewing Co.
Pisgah National Forest