The Bare Necessities

You can’t always have your cake and eat it too, but with the Bare Necessities training program, you can!

This program takes a unique, hybrid approach, perfect for self-driven dog owners looking for a cost-effective approach to training. This program includes access to our comprehensive online course "Raising Your Dog the KeenDog Way," plus 4 in-person lessons OR 5 virtual lessons.

Click here for more information about what’s included in our online course, “Raising Your Dog the KeenDog Way”!

The lessons can be used whenever / however you prefer - you can start with them, finish with them, or sprinkle them throughout your self-paced learning. 

As far as where in-person lessons are conducted, we typically start at home and progress to outdoor locations that are in line with individual training goals. 

This program is perfect for owners who love the idea of working at their own pace, from the comfort of their home, but would like to have a hand to hold through the trickier bits of training. Our trainers can answer questions, help you troubleshoot, give you feedback on your handling, and more! 

This program is especially great if you feel like you have the basics covered at home, but need some help leveling up when you walk out the door. As you progress through training, we recommend moving from quieter, calmer environments, to busier, higher distraction environments. If you’d like, we can conduct your lessons in the exact environments to envision spending time with your dog. Want to hike with them? 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 curriculum of behaviors and life skills that we believe every dog should know as laid out in our online course, the focus of your in-person or virtual lessons 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, that’s okay! We can conduct your lessons virtually versus in person.

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. If booking in-person, please select “In-Home Lesson” to start with. If booking virtually, please select “1 Hour Virtual Session.”

Will I work with multiple trainers or just one?

  • It’s up to you! We have multiple trainers who teach 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.

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 Bare Necessities 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?

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.

 

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!

$1,200.00 USD

Services:

KeenDog shall provide dog training services, Keen Content, and/or a Pro Educator 900 collar set (if included in course / training package). KeenDog will provide all instruction on how to properly train dog using the KeenDog training system.

Keen Content:

Online course content is copyright © 2024 by KeenDog Training. All rights reserved.
No part of any KeenDog Training online course may be reproduced or distributed without written permission from the copyright owner.

Scheduling:

Scheduling is done through our website by client: keendogtraining.com and lessons are booked out on a 7-14 day cycle to ensure consistency between client and KeenDog. All one-on-one lessons must be completed within one year of purchase. For Immersion Training, the scheduling of specific dates should be set up by emailing KeenDog directly at [email protected]

Liability:

Client is responsible for their pet at all training sessions, including group classes and social outings. Client is solely liable for any injury to persons or damage to property caused by the pet. Client agrees that KeenDog will provide all necessary instruction and equipment for training of their dog, but it is up to the Client for success of the KeenDog training program. If pet is aggressive, then client must muzzle dog during training session to avoid causing harm to other people and animals.

Results:

At the conclusion of the one on one coaching sessions and/or the immersion training with KeenDog, the Client will be asked to demonstrate the skills of their pet that have been established through the KeenDog training system. These skills shall include: coming when called (“here”), heeling next to handler, sit/stay, down/stay, place command, being able to correct an unwanted behavior, play development, proper management techniques and knowledge of release command “keen!” All dogs have different temperaments and their owners vary in ability and willingness to follow the program; therefore results will vary. If Client follows the training instructions provided and at the conclusion of the program, the pet fails to perform the skills required, at clients option, trainer will continue to work with the client and the pet. KeenDog does not guarantee services nor does KeenDog give refunds.

Images:

Trainer may photograph and/or video training sessions for future use in training, advertising or other purposes. Client consents to trainer’s use of images and videos of client and pet in such manner.

Payment:

KeenDog accepts PayPal, cash, check, debit or credit card transactions. If the payment is divided up, KeenDog requires to keep a card on file and Client’s next payment will be ran a month after original payment and so forth automatically. A charge of $50 shall be charged for any check returned unpaid by your financial institution for any reason. 

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