How (and why) we run our training program!

Our training model is unique in a couple of ways. We primarily train in-home or in public and we also offer dog walking. We've often gotten questions about it, so let's talk about it!

To begin, we primarily focus on in-home or in-public training because that is where your dog will be for most of their lives. In-public training is largely restricted to our pups that might have troubles when out, need to work on generalizing their response behavior, or are reaching towards high levels of obedience. With working with you in public, we can address the issues as they arise organically and as they will after the training session in. Our reasoning for in-home training is largely similar. Your dog spends most of their life in their home and home often has different rules than outside does. They are comfortable in their home, know the area, and know what their previous learning has taught them about how to act in an area. Would you act the same at a party full of people you don’t know, or in your home with one new person joining? It’s the same way for dogs! It is easier to see behaviors that we are addressing when they present naturally and as they have in the past and (will likely) present with for the short time forward while your dog learns the alternative behavior that is more desired. A dog that barks at strangers in-home might not bark at a stranger in a dog training facility. Conversely, some of our more shy or lacking in confidence dogs might be overwhelmed with a training facility and the session might not be as effective as it would be when they are comfortable and below their threshold (i.e. able to listen and learn!). 

Another question about our model often arises with our offerings of enrichment walks. The answer is quite simple: we know what it takes to fulfill a dog everyday and we know most pet owners are working full time! We also know how difficult it can be to trust a dog walker. It involves a great amount of trust and we appreciate that! Our enrichment walks are specifically designed so pet owners can go to work stress-free, knowing their dog is being walked with compassion, treats, praise, and plenty of time to take in all the smells they want! It was not too long ago that we were in a similar position of looking for a trustworthy dog walker for a friend and finding it was difficult to make a decision without knowing a person and without knowing their methodology around dogs! That’s also why we require an initial meeting and walk with the pet owner before taking on the dog for our enrichment walk schedule so we can make sure expectations are clear on how you would like your dog walked, how your dog likes to walk, and any particular quirks your pup might have! (Astra has one favorite bush she always loves to smell for a good minute or so before continuing on!). 

Reach out if you have any questions about how and why we run our training and walks the way that we do! We are currently accepting a limited number of dog walking clients for Stillwater and the surrounding area and are offering dog training to Payne County!