Our Services:
Private Training
Behavior Consultations & Behavior Modification Training
Private training options are utilized for dogs with aggression, anxiety or other problem behaviors. We work one on one with pet parents and their dog(s) to create a custom training and behavior modification plan. Private training is an ideal solution for anyone who has a limited schedule or just prefers working with a trainer one on one. We have offered private training options since 2007 and it has been our most popular training service every year.
COVID UPDATE - We have limited our in person options due to COVID have transitioned to doing more online sessions via ZOOM or drop off sessions in our new training center. We do still offer private one on one training but have a limited schedule and implement COVID restrictions for those appointments.
Aggression
We have studied and worked with a large variety of aggression cases; including inner dog aggression, dog aggression, dog reactivity, and aggression or reactivity directed towards humans. Each situation is unique and requires an initial consultation to discuss details, determine the training plan, and then the best way to implement behavior modification and training. Please disclose all details of the situation to ensure trainer safety.
anxiety
Like aggression cases, anxiety issues are complex and highly individualized. With all anxiety cases, we look at all variables that are involved and come up with a plan tailored for each individual animal.
Problem Solving
Loose leash walking, nipping, chewing, barking, digging, bolting out doors, not coming when called, the list goes on and on of behaviors that can be problematic when we are sharing our lives with dogs. We are here to help you work through these issues and live harmoniously with you four legged friends.
Basic Obedience
Sit, Down, Stay, Come, walking nicely on leash and all the other skills that we consider skills for basic manners in the home and around town. This is the starting point for a training relationship with your dog and is a great way to lay a solid foundation for any age dog.
Day School
(drop off training)
This is a brand new service that we are offering as of January 2021 now that we have our new training facility in Clyde. This fantastic service has options for all ages of dogs and allows owners to drop their dog off at our training center in the morning where he/she will spend time doing training with our trainers and get play time with other dogs as appropriate. We cover basic training such as mouthy behavior, stealing items, pulling on leash, bolting out of doors/crates, counter surfing, playing keep away and basic obedience skills. We have two programs depending on the age of your dog. Dogs & puppies come at least once a week but we encourage owners to schedule time 2-3 times a week if they are feeling overwhelmed with their puppy at home or just need to get the ball rolling quicker. We also have a FIELD TRIP option each week for our day school dogs that takes our skills and training on the road for additional socialization. Drop off your dog and let us do the training.
Small Tails
Puppies between 8 weeks and 9 months can join us for our Small Tails puppy day school. This drop off training program is perfect for owners who want a great start on training their puppy but need a break or just don’t have time to do it all. We work with puppies on training, socialization, and of course just like school also have play time and even nap time. We work on basic skills as well as training to prevent future problem behaviors. This program is the perfect foundation for all puppies.
Tutoring Tails
Is your dog over 9 months but still full of puppy antics? Do you need a break during the day but also want some training help. This program is designed with you in mind. Tutoring Tails is for adolescent and adult dogs to get basic training at our facility with out trainers while you have time to do whatever you need to do. Just like school we have training time, play time and rest time. It’s a great program that allows us to give pet parents a bump in training skills for their dog while also giving them a break to get stuff done.
Field trips
We designate 1-2 days a week for field trips. Once in the day school program you are offered the chance to sign up for field trips for you dog which consist of our training staff taking your dog to a location around town for training & socialization. Locations are limited to dog friendly locations but are designed to expose your dog to a variety of the things they will come in contact with throughout their life with you. This is an ideal program for anyone who wants their dog to be confident and well behaved no matter where they go.
Group Classes:
Training for Everyone:
We offer group classes for scent/nose work, tricks, loose leash walking, recall (come when called), cooperative care, basic manners for adolescent dogs, and many more topics that vary throughout the year. Classes are ideal for dogs who do well in social settings. If you don't see a class offered that fits your needs, let us know what you’re looking for and we will see what we can do.
Other Services:
Low Stress Handling - Vet/Grooming
During Caitlin's time in school becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician, she was taught Sophia Yin's Low Stress Restraint & Handling procedures. She paired this with her behavior knowledge and began implementing these methods in Veterinary hospitals around WNC. She trains veterinary staff on methods that reduce fear and stress on the animals and makes changes to the overall hospital to improve patient comfort. Caitlin also offers training to owners on how to do basic grooming and medical care preparations including cooperative care techniques. These methods are ideal for teaching dogs to love everything from teeth brushing to nail trims.
Seminars & Workshops
We enjoy teaching seminars and workshops; whether it is to other professionals or to the general public. Caitlin has taught numerous seminars on a variety of topics including cooperative care, body language, a variety of problem specific topics and staff training for understanding basic behavioral science for a variety of businesses. Caitlin is available for training at daycares, veterinary hospitals, and public or private events.
Rescue/Shelter work
Whether it is assessing an animal, working with adopters to keep animals in the home or helping train animals currently in the care of a rescue to help them become more adoptable, there are lots of training and behavior options for shelters and rescues. Caitlin has worked in rescues/shelters in a variety of roles for over 13 years. She has created behavior departments, mentored staff to their national training credentials and developed programs ranging from enrichment to volunteer training to playgroups. Caitlin continues to offer assessments for animals and training for staff at rescues and shelters throughout the southern US.
“What is possible between a human and animal is attainable only within a relationship”
