Dog Training

We train in a balanced, rewards-based dog training system.  What this means is that we are going to teach your dog through rewards.  Most commonly we will use food rewards to build focus and engagement and teach the dog obedience behaviors.  Once the dog fully understands the expected behaviors, we will then begin to randomize rewards and begin to hold the dog accountable for disobedience with a leash.  Once a dog understands accountability with a leash, we will then condition the dog to a remote collar which allows you to control your dog’s behavior from a distance or off-leash.  After the dog has a full understanding of reward and accountability, we will proof all training through distraction work by taking them to a wide variety of places (hardware store, park, restaurant, coffee shop, farmer’s market, beach, etc) and ensure they understand the training even with distractions present.

All dogs enrolled in a training program will stay at our Lead Trainer’s home for the duration of training.  He has converted an entire area of the home for dog’s to remain at.  Your dog will be fed twice a day (unless special dieting requires more or less feeding), exercised a minimum of twice per day, and be trained throughout the day.  Anytime the Lead Trainer, other trainers, or caretakers are not present, or the Lead Trainer is asleep at night, your dog will remain in a kennel.  Dogs that have had previous bad experiences with kennels are rehabilitated to view the kennel as a good place to be.

We do not believe that a remote collar (electronic collar) should be the “backbone” of any training system, however it is an extremely valuable training tool that we can utilize.  Once a dog is taught all expectations and obedience work we will condition them to a remote collar.  This is because we consider the remote collar to be your “invisible leash”, meaning you will be able to influence and control your dog’s behavior with a remote collar off-leash or from a distance.  The sensation from a remote collar is very similar to a TENS unit, however it is something that our dogs have never experienced before so it can be surprising to them.  We have an extremely thorough process to teach the dog what the sensation from the remote collar means and how to respond to it that the dog clearly understands.  We DO NOT endorse the use of remote collars without thorough and appropriate conditioning for the individual dog.  Remote collar conditioning should only take place after the proper relationship building, teaching of expectations, and training have occurred.

We have a wide variety of training services and programs available.  All of our board & train programs vary in pricing depending on the length of training and are paid in two payments.  Our behavior modification and rehabilitation services depend on the level of rehabilitation required (determined at consultation) and are added to a board & train program.  Our specialty training is typically conducted in a “private lesson” format and priced depending on the amount of work required for the particular dog with the selected specialty program.  Seminars and clinics depend on the topic and number of attendees in the event.  We do offer services outside of the lowcountry area however we do charge for mileage and travel operating costs for travel requirements.  Contact us to discuss particular fees for your situation and desires.

We offer group classes for all alumni who have graduated from one of our board & train programs so that we can continue to support the relationship they have with their dog.  We do not offer group classes for non-alumni.  If there is a group of friends who would like to train together, we can set up a seminar and / or clinic, or a series of them, to help them work with their dogs.  This will be dependent on the individual dogs in the group, some dogs are not compatible for this type of teaching environment.