GREAT DOGS START HERE AT THE SCHOOL FOR DOGS
Whether you’ve brought home a new puppy or recently rescued a dog, School for Dogs is here to help you navigate all stages of your dog’s life. Our program is designed to help you and your dog progress together from beginner skills to mastering those skills in any environment. Our comprehensive curriculum covers a wide range of topics essential for a well-rounded canine companion. We start with foundational obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. As your dog progresses, we introduce more advanced skills, including public manners, advanced leash skills, and fun enrichment based classes. Our experienced trainers use positive reinforcement techniques to ensure that learning is enjoyable and effective for both you and your pet. We believe that all dogs are unique and a well-trained dog is a happy dog. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and skills to build a strong bond with your dog, enhance communication, and create a harmonious relationship that will last a lifetime.
FROM OWNER, SHANTHI STEDDUM
A MESSAGE TO DOG PARENTS
I’ve been working with dogs since 1996, starting with my own pets and quickly branching out to help friends, family, and even strangers at the dog park. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of apprenticing with incredible trainers, taking specialized courses in obedience and positive reinforcement, and mastering techniques for behavior modification that rely on trust and respect—not fear. I truly believe that positive reinforcement is the best way to train dogs because I’ve seen it transform relationships and help countless owners enjoy a stronger, happier bond with their pets. From basic manners to advanced skills, I’m here to guide you and your dog every step of the way.
I use positive, science-based methods to train desired behaviors and never use force or punishment.
My goal is to help every dog become a well-behaved, happy member of your family.
I’m passionate about creating strong, lasting relationships between dogs and their owners, both in and out of the home.
OUR UPCOMING GROUP CLASSES
Manners 1
Join us for a 6 week class to learn our essential foundation skills. Curriculum includes: engagement, sit, down, come, stay, place, leave it, and leash manners.
Starts: May 23 at 11:00 am
Price: $250
Manners 2
Join us for a 6 week class that advances the skills learned in Manners 1. Strengthen recall, increase reliability with distance, and maintain focus around distractions.
Starts: April 18 at 12:00 pm
Price: $250
Puppy Class
Join us for a 4 weeks of foundational training to set your new pup up for success. This is an open enrollment class that you can start at any time.
Start any Saturday at 10:00 am
Price: $150
OUR SERVICES
BOARD & TRAIN
Our two-week board and train program uses force-free techniques to teach your dog essential skills to be a well-mannered dog.
DAY SCHOOL
Let your dog spend the day with us! They will play with their friends and learn essential skills to be a well-mannered dog!
PRIVATE LESSONS
We also offer private lessons for those dogs that may need more personalized training.
GROUP CLASSES
Let our instructors guide you and your dog through all stages of life. From puppy training through advanced skills. We offer courses for all stages of life.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is positive reinforcement dog training?
Positive reinforcement training is a scientifically proven method: you offer rewards (or “reinforcements”) to the learner to increase the likelihood a behavior will be repeated. In more practical terms, I’ll pay you to do a thing, so you’ll do it again. This approach is kind to both the learner and the teacher.
Why is force-free training the most effective method?
Force free methods strive to teach the learner in a manner that involves no force or fear thus building a stronger trusting bond between learner and teacher. It’s a way to teach a dog to do something with no force or fear. It’s nice, friendly, fun and error free for your pup. That way, they’re happy to try new things. You can see dogs that have been taught through coercion, force, fear, pressure etc. get stuck and refuse to try something new because, in the past, if they did it led to an unpleasant outcome for them.
Does positive reinforcement work for aggressive dogs?
YES, positive reinforcement works for aggressive dogs, scared dogs and a myriad of other behavioral issues!
What kind of training certifications should I look for?
When looking for a dog trainer, we recommend you look for someone affiliated and/or certified with the APDT, IAABC, or CCPDT. There are other organizations and schools like the Karen Pryor Academy that our trainers go through as they work towards their CCPDT certification.
WHAT SKILLS WILL MY DOG LEARN?
Our curriculum is designed to follow the American Kennel Clubs’ Family Dog program. Sit, down, come, leave it, leash skills, and stay are the foundation for a well-mannered dog. We guide clients through these skills in a variety of ways that allow them to navigate any environment with their dog.
WHAT VACCINATIONS DOES MY DOG NEED?
Rabies, DHLLP, and Bordatella every 6 months.