Personalized, in-home training is offered for dogs who need behavior modification and/or basic obedience. In-home behavior counseling begins with a consultation to discuss concerns, goals, dog behavior and training techniques. Sessions are followed up with written reports and behavior modification plans with continued training and guidance as needed.

Designed to help guardians prevent behavior problems before they develop and teach them the skills necessary for successful puppy raising.

Topics included: How dogs learn & what motivates them, preventing fear and aggression, successful socialization, body handling, vet exam desensitization, chew training, housetraining, puppy biting, preventing resource guarding, jumping up, coming when called, pulling on leash, home alone training, beginning basic obedience and more.

An off-leash puppy socialization class is strongly advised in addition to the head start counseling.

Adult dog class: While addressing individual goals, guardians will learn the most effective techniques to teach their dogs a variety of behaviors: sit, down, stand, come, leave it, anti-jump, loose leash walking, problem solving and prevention and more. Puppy class: Emphasis is on proper socialization, problem solving and management. In addition to learning beginning basic obedience, puppies will enjoy periods of off-leash play.

Dogs and humans should enjoy the training process and build a healthy, lasting relationship. Behavior modification is much more effective using methods based on positive reinforcement (rewarding appropriate behavior), rather than using training methods based on force, pain and fear. Dogs learn more effectively when they aren't under stress. With reward based methods, dogs can use their brains to make proper choices and discover how to be successful.