Want to learn how to train your dog?!
The Bestie is our one-on-one, in-home lesson package. With this package, we come to you! Over the course of ten, one-hour long lessons, we will teach YOU how to train your dog.
This package is a great option for owners who want to play an active role in training their dog. It is our most hands-on option, and as such, owners will get the most out of this program if they’re willing to spend some time between lessons practicing behaviors and holding their dog accountable. This package includes a training manual that will serve as a reference between lessons, making sure you’re not just practicing, but practicing correctly!
This package covers basic and advanced obedience, both on and off leash (e-collar included!). Among other things, we will teach your dog to walk nicely on and off-leash, recall consistently regardless of distractions, behave calmly in your home, focus and engage with you, interact politely with people, respect doors and thresholds, navigate the world with confidence, stop unwanted behaviors and more!
As we progress through training, we’ll move from quiet, calm environments (such as your home and neighborhood) to busier, more distracting environments. We want to proof your dog’s training in the exact environments that you envision spending time with them. Want to hike with your dog? We’ll go on a hike! Want to hang at a brewery with them? We’ll go to a brewery! Want to improve their comfort level at the vet? We can do a training session in the lobby!
While we do have a planned curriculum of behaviors and life skills that we believe every dog should know, this package is highly customizable based on individual needs. If there are behavioral issues you want to work on, problem areas you want to dedicate more time to, tricks you want to teach your dog, etc., just let your trainer know!
INCLUDED COMMANDS WE BELIEVE EVERY DOG SHOULD KNOW:
- NAME RECOGNITION – look to you for direction when name is given
- HERE – recall to handler
- SIT – sit and remain in position until released, automatic sits at heel position
- DOWN – down and remain in position until released
- PLACE – go to a specific boundary and remain until released (bed, crate, etc.)
- HEEL – walk on left side, nose to knee, auto sit when handler stops walking
- SWITCH – switch from left side to right when heeling
- LET’S GO – follow along, less structured loose leash walk
- WATCH – make eye contact with handler
- TOUCH – two paws on object, i.e. a rubber feed bowl
- OUT – drop a toy
INCLUDED MARKERS WE BELIEVE EVERY DOG SHOULD KNOW:
- KEEN/CLICK – terminal marker / release word for food reward direct from handler; builds drive, enthusiasm and engagement
- GET IT – terminal marker / release word for toy reward or food reward delivered indirectly by handler (tossed out)
- YES – terminal marker / release word for toy reward direct from handler (optional)
- FREE – terminal marker / release word with no reward (freedom is the reward)
- GOOD – duration marker; let’s your dog know you like what they are doing and to keep doing that behavior; food, affection, or praise reward
- NICE – duration marker; let’s your dog know you like what they are doing and to keep doing that behavior; no reward (optional)
- EH-EH – lets your dog know that they are on the wrong track
- NO – stop unwanted behaviors
EXAMPLES OF PROBLEM BEHAVIORS THAT CAN BE ADDRESSED WITH THIS PACKAGE:
- Pulling on leash
- Not coming when called
- Excessive barking
- Whining or barking in crate
- Jumping on people or furniture
- Counter surfing
- Mouthing or play biting
- Chasing cats or prey
- Destructive chewing
- Marking in the home or on walks
- Not following through on commands when distracted
- Resource guarding*
- Leash or barrier reactivity*
- Aggression towards people or other dogs*
*Please schedule a virtual consultation prior to booking to discuss severity of behavior and schedule an in-person assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas does KeenDog serve?
- We primarily serve the Charlotte, NC / Fort Mill, SC area. Surrounding communities we serve include Pineville, Matthews, Monroe, Huntersville, Concord, Indian Land, Tega Cay, Rock Hill and more. If you are not local to the Carolinas, we still have options for you! We have trained dogs from as far as Canada and Europe. Check out our Out-of-State Dogs page for options that may be a good fit for you!
When are lessons available and how are they booked?
- We typically have lessons available Tuesday - Saturday. Our trainers each keep individual hours, but generally we have lessons available from 9am to 7pm. Lessons are booked through our scheduling platform, Booksy.
Will I work with multiple trainers or just one?
- It’s up to you! We have multiple trainers who teach in-home lessons. You are welcome to book all of your lessons with one trainer or you can bounce around. If you choose to work with multiple trainers, we will do our best on the back end to communicate any individual needs and priorities, what has been covered already, etc.
Are lessons the right fit for my dog?
- Lessons are generally a good fit for all dogs, but not necessarily for all clients. Before signing up, we encourage you to consider whether you have the bandwidth to spend a small amount of time each day practicing with your dog, and whether you’re committed to holding them accountable for behaviors you want to change. If so, then lessons are a great option!
What training methods are used?
- We take a modern, balanced approach to training. We do not use a one size fits all approach; we train the dog in front of us, utilizing all four quadrants of operant conditioning.
When is the best time to start training?
- As soon as possible! It is a lot easier to form new habits than fix old ones. Many behavioral issues that we see in dogs are caused by boredom or lack of management, so the sooner you can start forming new habits, the closer you will be to living optimally with your dog. Puppies can start training as early as 8 weeks of age.
Is an e-collar included with this package?
- Yes! The Bestie package includes a professional grade e-collar from E-Collar Technologies. Not familiar with e-collars or how they’re used in training? Schedule a virtual consultation and we’d be happy to talk you through our beliefs on e-collars, the conditioning process, and our training methodology.
Is a training manual included with this package?
- Yes! The training manual is a comprehensive reference PDF that covers everything taught in lessons.
Is KeenDog boarding included with this package?
- Yes! Access to boarding with our KeenDog trainers is included with this package (additional fees apply).
Are KeenDog group classes included with this package?
My dog already knows some commands. How will that impact training?
- We will start by assessing your dog’s obedience foundation. If they already know some commands and perform them well, we’ll adapt our training to accommodate these commands (i.e. if they know the command “Come” and recall reliably to that command, we’ll keep it!). In most cases, owners come to us because their dogs don’t consistently respond to commands. If this is the case, we’ll typically choose a new word to use (like switching from “Come” to “Here”) and retrain the command.
What if my dog has a bite history?
- We don’t shy away from working with aggressive dogs, but we do want to know ahead of time if your dog has a bite history. We will work with you to plan a safe approach to your dog’s first interaction with your trainer. We may have you start work ahead of time on muzzle conditioning, meet in a neutral environment, give you special instructions for how to handle your dog, etc.
What if I only want to work on one specific behavior? Can I purchase a package with fewer lessons?
- We focus on the WHOLE dog. Even if you only want to work on barking, for example, we want to make sure they have other manners, walk nicely on leash, hold positions, etc. We want your dog to be the best they can be so that you can live an optimal life together. Because of this, we do not offer one off lessons or smaller training packages.
Do you offer discounts for completing training with multiple dogs?
- Yes! We offer a $500 discount for the second dog if you are signing up two at once. If you would like to complete training with more than two dogs, please reach out before signing up!
Not sure which package is right for you and your dog? Schedule a virtual consultation with one of our trainers. They’ll be happy to discuss your needs and point you in the right direction!