SERVICES
Private Obedience and Behavioural Dog Training
Whether you’re seeking training to teach your adult or young dog the basics, lay a solid foundation for the new pup you just brought home, or are dealing with upsetting behavioral problems, we are here and happy to help!
Every dog learns a little differently, much like us. Finding out how to compliment their learning style and which methods will work best for your dog is one of the main objectives of our initial consultation, which is where we will begin.
In our sessions, we will be using balanced training methods to accomplish your goals. This means that we can communicate with clarity to our dogs what we want and what we don’t want in a way that is fair and consistent.
We will help you form a lasting cooperative working relationship formed on the basis of trust and mutual respect. We will walk you through each step of the process and provide you with homework to continue the training until the next session.
Let us help you create the well trained, balanced dog that you can feel proud to boast about!
Group Classes
At Balanced K9 we offer a multitude of different group classes ranging from puppy classes to focused classes like recall classes, leash manners, e-collar classes that are designed to create absolutely solid behaviors in those focused classes. Our puppy classes are designed to be a comprehensive coverage of everything you need to know about raising a well trained dog. We send our clients home with both written homework and video tutorials on the different commands and concepts covered in each class, so that you don’t have to try to remember what we covered in class!
Board & Train
Our Board & Train Program is an intensive sun up to sun down customized training program. Whether you’re dealing with serious behavioral problems or are struggling with obedience skills, our program is designed to deliver a well trained dog, so that your only job is to maintain all the work that was done!
The main advantages of the Board & Train program is opportunity, skill and time frame to accomplish your goals. The handler is learning alongside their dog, whereas we are not learning and making inevitable mistakes along the way. We also have the time and opportunities to expose and practice with whereas a lot of the time finding those training opportunities can be challenging! It takes us significantly shorter time frame to teach dogs new skills and address concerning behavior problems which allows us to capitalize on the amount of time your dog will be ‘practicing problem behaviors’ that we are addressing.
Our programs differ from other Board & Train programs in that your dog will stay in the comfort of our our head trainer’s home which creates the same environment they will be going home to and allows them to decompress in a space that is welcoming and safe. We only take 1, max 2 dogs at a time to ensure they receive our full attention and we can provide a space that is stress free.
Frequently asked questions
Private training has many advantages. The following are just a few examples that my clients find make a big difference:
- Our one-on-one sessions allows for my undivided attention to be solely on you and your dog.
- You can book in for times that work better for your schedule.
- If you’ve got a dog that is high-energy and easily distracted in a classroom setting, private training is perfect!
How do we start working with you?
We will begin with the consultation, typically lasting up to an hour. There we would get a chance to meet, get to know each other, talk about the problem behavior(s) and discuss your goals. I would would do a behavior assessment and temperament evaluation and develop a training plan that is customized to you and your dog. I believe that with consistency, structure, guidance, and boundaries, anything is possible! No dog is “too far gone.”
What type of training method do you use?
We are Balanced trainers and believe in using all 4 quadrants of Operant Conditioning.
To put it simply, I use both positive reinforcement and fair corrections once a dog has learned what is expected of him. Being the best thing to our dogs, but also being able to hold them accountable creates a dog that understands what we want and removes conflict and confusion.
Scientific evidence proven in how we learn, can and is also applied to how dogs learn. The four major concepts of Learning Theory are applied in different situations during our training sessions.
Depending on the issues we’re working on, whether behavior modification or obedience training, will determine the best course of action and methods for your dog and his or her temperament. Applying the principals and concepts of Learning Theory with methods like; gradual desensitization, exposure therapy, classical conditioning, counter-conditioning, shaping, luring, timing, schedules of reinforcement, etc.
This may sound complicated, but don’t worry, my job is to break this down into practical skills.
How many sessions will we need?
Some clients only need a couple sessions, others with more serious issues need more. Our programs are tailored to fit you and your dog so that you see real results right away and are confident and able to continue the training on your own. On average training programs last 4-6 weeks, depending on how much time owners practice concepts with their dogs in between sessions.
What type of issues are you able to work with?
The following list are the most common behavioural issues that will bring a dog and their owner to start training. Don’t worry if what you need help with is not on the list. Please contact us to discuss.
- Dog or Human Aggression
- Separation Anxiety
- Pulling on the leash
- Food or Toy Possession
- Disobedience
- Jumping up
- Not Coming When Called (recall)
- Destructive
- Barking
- House Training
- Basic Obedience (sit, come, stay, side, down, stand, heel)
- Prey Drive (cats, deer, or the dreaded neighbourhood squirrels taunting your dog!)
How do we know which program is the right fit for us?
During the consult, your trainer will make some recommendations on which programs are the best fit for your dog and why. Our recommendations are based on your goals, our assessment, your schedule and whether you are able to fully commit to consistent training.
PACK WALKS
Dogs need a few important things to be balanced, happy pups. Exercise, structured socialization with safe dogs, training and continued guidance.
Pack walks with our certified trainer meets all of those things. We head out to one of the East Kootenays many beautiful trails and the dogs get to run and play with their buddies, chase the ball and sometimes even swim! We pick up and drop off, so all you need to worry about is reserving your dog’s spot with us!
To participate in our pack walks (for the safety of all dogs in the pack, including your pup); dogs are pre-screened at a complimentary meet and greet. Dogs must meet certain minimum social behavior criteria. If your pup isn’t quite ready yet, we will let you know what needs to be worked on. Most of the dogs who want to join our pack walks can do so without any further training required.
PRICES
Consultation
$
80
- consultation
- assessment
- personalized training plan
Training sessions
$
70+
a session
- price dependant on type of training
- basic obedience from $70
- behavior modification from $100
Pack walk for one dog
$
30
a walk
- second dog from same home $20
WHY CHOOSE ME
I’m experienced and qualified
My natural intuition with animal behavior was enhanced and fortified through becoming a Certified Professional Dog Trainer at the International Academy of Canine Trainers. My methods have been time tested by working with people and their dogs since 2012.
I’ve been there
I’ve rehabilitated my own “too far gone” adult rescue dog and raised two other rescues from pups and a working line pure bred Malinios. I know the feelings my clients go through from my own experiences and have the tools to guide you and your dog through yours.
I can help you
I’ve worked with every issue people come to trainers for successfully and can help you achieve your goals, so that you can have the life you’ve dreamt of having with your dog and be able to trust and rely upon them in any situation.
BOOK A FREE CALL
I’d like to know what you and your dog need help with and how I can help you make those changes. Let’s schedule a call to see if I’m the right trainer for you. Call, text or email me to set up a time.