Nothing replaces hands-on training; however, we recommend everyone wanting to learn the best and most up-to-date training methods should watch "IT'S ME OR THE DOG" on Animal Planet. Victoria Stillwell represents the most humane and effective methods available today. That's how we train dogs without harming them physically or psychologically. $40 for 4-week Basic Obedience Class. Each session is one and a half hours. $60 for Private Sessions for obedience, behavior, and/or aggresssion (dog-dog or dog-human) and lasts 2-3 hours. * Basic Commands Sit, Stay, Down, Come when called, and Walk on a Loose Leash. * Behavior Modification for Housesoiling, Jumping, Chewing, Biting, and other common unwanted behaviors. * Advanced training to learn all the commands to pass a Canine Good Citizen's test. * Aggression including dog-to-dog and dog-to-human aggression and similar problems. WHAT METHOD OF TRAINING DO YOU USE? Modern trainers use POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT. Our trainer is a "Certified Pet Dog Trainer" through CCPDT (Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers, Inc.) and a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Inc. For details on style of training, mission, and code of ethics, Please visit www.apdt.com and www.ccpdt.org
The next four-week Obedience Class, held on Saturdays, will be announced shortly. If you wish to be included on the WAITING LIST, please e-mail Katie at northfloridapaws@windstream.net.
Class size limited to four students with pre-payment. Number of classes depends upon total number of students. Small dogs are usually in a "class of their own."
PRIVATE SESSIONS can be scheduled for obedience training, behavior and/or aggression issues by calling
e-mailing northfloridapaws@windstream.net. Give a brief description of your dog and problem(s).
HOW MUCH DOES TRAINING NORMALLY COST?
WHAT DO YOU TEACH?
Old-style training requires you to set your dog up for failure then correct him/her with a leash jerk or other aversive move. Very confusing to the dog and harmful to the relationship. This does not teach leadership; just fear.
Positive Reinforcement lets you set your dog up for success and reward your dog when he/she gets it right! Your dog understands what you want him/her to do without harm.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU RECOMMEND?
Choke Chains, Prong Collars, and Shock Collars are NOT necessary to good training! They hurt the dogs and harm the human-dog relationship. Most dogs learn well on a regular flat collar and leash. When additional physical control and/or safety are an issue, Premier Easy Walk Harnesses, No-Slip collars, and Gentle Leaders are much better options.
WHAT AUTHORS, BOOKS, AND VIDEOS DO YOU RECOMMEND?
There are many excellent Positive Reinforcement Training books and videos on the market. Dog trainers/animal behaviorists we recommend include, but are not limited to, Dr. Patricia McConnell, John Fisher, Dr. Ian Dunbar, Jean MacDonald, John Wilkes, Karen Pryor, Nicole Wilde, and Victoria Stillwell. A good source for dog training and other pet-related resources is DOGWISE.com. If you visit by clicking the button below, North Florida PAWS receives a portion of each sale. Thank you!