Naked and Happy. The way dogs ought to be!
The best way to explain our approach to training programs is they are a unique combination of both art class and mathematics. Much like mathematics there are defined principles that both dog and owner learn, and specific approaches to take to teaching your dog each exercise. Those approaches change depending upon how your dog responds, and how well you can use an approach to train your dog. This being the art of dog training.
Again, much like art dog training is very fluid. Your dog may be doing Level I training for some things and Level II for others. You can do both in the same class. Which class is most suited for your dog is usually determined by the trainer. What is most important is not which program your dog is in but what is the desired outcome (we hope creating a Naked Dog!), where is your dog at now and what is the next step in moving from here to that outcome. Allow our training staff to help you in moving in that direction with your dog.
Our Naked Dog Training program can be started with puppies as young as 8 weeks old all the way through seniors (10+). The program consists of three phases; Obedience Basics, Molding Behavior and Finishing.
In addition to Naked Obedience we also teach manners as well as address any behavioral problems. We place immediate emphasis wherever it’s needed most (obedience, manners, behavioral program) while still progressing in all aspects of training.
You may either bring your dog to classes or leave your dog with us for our “Bed and Breakfast” program.
If you choose to attend weekly classes you are your dog’s trainer. We serve as your coach in how to train your dog. Naturally, achieving functional results is dependent upon you. We will be happy to coach you in achieving the highest level of performance with your dog.
In contrast our Bed and Breakfast program is the fastest way to achieve functional results, and to do so with the least investment of time and effort. And those results are guaranteed!
We offer group classes with a ratio of one trainer for every four dogs.
Puppy Basics:
This program is very similar to Creating Behaviors – Phase I, just with puppies eight to sixteen weeks old. In addition to obedience, we help you to develop your puppy’s personality, and guide you in preventing problems wherever possible. Naturally, puppies being puppies issues such as chewing, nipping or even a bathroom mistake can happen. If an issue does arise we will assist you in addressing it quickly before it becomes a problem (habit).
Creating Behaviors – Phase I
Most dog owners start with their dogs in Phase I. Once behaviors are consistent, are able to be performed on-command, and markers clearly understood they move on to Phase II.
Molding Behavior – Phase 2
There is no specific time frame for dogs to move on from Phase 2. The rule of thumb is once dogs are no longer able to be helped by “molding” (they instantly respond so fast that helping them is no longer possible), it is time to move on to Phase 3 for finishing.
Finishing – Phase 3
As the name implies, Phase 3 is finishing school. It is the easiest phase to teach, and the quickest for dogs to learn. Once completed it needs to be maintained (little effort, and no classes required) for most dogs for about six months. That is when dogs move on from being “nearly naked dogs” to being “naked dogs”!
Home Work, Cost and Fun
While our dog training is unique, so is the approach we recommend for “homework.” No need to have “dog training classes” in your yard to practice what was learned in class. For most people it’s discouraging, it requires time not easily found in our hectic lives and teaches your dog to compartmentalize their training. Your dog will be great in the yard where he or she was trained. In everyday life, very much the same dog – just new training equipment!
We recommend three to five minute training sessions, within everyday life, as often as possible. Whenever your dog is brought out to the bathroom, it’s a brief session on the way out, on the way back into the house or both. Another great time is during commercials. Indoors during the heat of summer and in the cold of winter!
Owners and their dogs are continually starting programs and moving onto the next program. You need not wait until a “class begins.” You may begin any time provided we have an opening in a class. You may move from one program to another as needed. Naturally, after first speaking with the trainer.
Our classes are designed for owners who want to achieve extraordinary results as quickly as possible. It does involve work at home. Even though the work is in small increments, and can be done inside your home, it is work none the less. The cost is $100.00 a class, and are purchased in packages of four.
Your dog is a guest of ours while going through our training program. Our Bed and Breakfast program provides the fastest results, with the least effort. And we guarantee the results! Our guarantee is functional results (impeccable manners, complete off-leash control along with resolving behavioral problems) for you, in your home and your everyday life. After all, it’s not much of an accomplishment for professional trainers to have complete control. What is impressive is for you to have it. We take it a step further by teaching you how to maintain the highest level of performance on a long-term basis.
It’s important to understand although your dog will be fully trained, it does require some effort. A good analogy is it’s like purchasing a new car. It’s already built, you just need to learn how to drive it. You will need to learn our training principles and how to communicate them to your dog.
Cost – Local Clients
Bed and Breakfast (weekly rate): $625.00*
Handling instruction: $100.00 an hour
* Leaving your dog with us (bed and breakfast) for complete off-leash training requires on average 21 to 30 days with us combined with four instructional classes. The first class taking place when you pick-up your dog, the following two within the first seven to ten days. These are designed to insure you’re correctly handling your now fully trained dog. The last class is done both at your home and out in public. This is designed to insure your dog’s training is fully integrated into everyday life.
The average cost of training and handling instruction is $2,500.00 to $3,500.00. The price is determined by the amount of time require for training while with us (“Bed and Breakfast”) combined with the amount of follow-up instruction required. To determine that price we will need to first evaluate your dog. The price we quote you will be based on the anticipated time required. If the actual time required for the “bed and Breakfast” portion of training is longer than anticipated there is no additional charge. However, the classes of handling instruction are different. You determine how quickly you learn to handle your dog. The instruction does require following through when at home with your dog. Again, under your control. Therefore, if you require additional handling instruction above and beyond what was originally paid for you will be responsible for the cost of the additional classes.
For out-of-state clients:
We include eight hours of handling instruction. However, we do charge for travel time and travel expenses. For clients within New England, New York and New Jersey the travel expenses are for vehicle, fuel and hotel, if needed. For clients outside of the Northeast, expenses include airfare, hotel, car rental, shipping (for your dog).
Our senior staff provide the off-site handling instruction when travel is required. That rate for senior training staff is $150.00 an hour.