Dog Training
Positive & Ethical training is crucial for developing a strong bond and a rewarding relationship with your dog. That's why we offer a range of training options to help your dog reach their full potential.
We get it – your dog is one-of-a-kind with their own quirks and needs. That’s why we offer customized training programs that will have both you and your pooch wagging your tails with excitement! Our goal is to make dog training a fun and interactive experience that strengthens the bond between you and your furry BFF. Let us help you take your relationship with your pup to the next level – trust us, your dog will thank you with slobbery kisses and tail wags galore!
Mary Kegarise is not just a trainer she is a Canine Behavior Specialist with over 30 years of experience. Her deep understanding of how to communicate with dogs and their owners stems from her canine behavioral education at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and her experience as an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Mary's passion for helping dogs extends beyond her work as she is the founder and director of BAK-PAK Critters Reading Program, a nonprofit that uses therapy dogs in reading programs at public schools in Houston.
Mary firmly understands that customized attention from a team of skilled professionals can transform your dog's life (and yours too!). She has worked with a variety of dogs, including rescued dogs, deaf dogs, and dogs with special needs, using personalized training techniques and creative play to achieve success with dogs of all breeds and issues. She places a strong emphasis on positive and ethical dog training practices.
Mary continually seeks to enhance her expertise in canine behavior protocols and training programs through ongoing education and remains an active member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. (IAABC).
With Mary's expertise in positive-based and ethical training methods, we employ a combination of positive and proven training techniques to ensure lasting results. We offer a range of training options tailored to your unique situation, ensuring that your pet receives the training they need to become a well-behaved and model student, no matter which option you choose.
Dog Day School is an excellent option for dogs who need extra training and socialization during the day while their owners are at work.
During the program, we will work on specific behaviors based on your dog’s individual needs. You will receive detailed lesson notes and video updates on your dog's progress.
Classes are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays for 4 weeks. At the end of the 4 weeks, a private session will be scheduled with you to review everything your dog has learned and answer any questions you may have. It's important to note that lessons will be conducted during naptime so that your dog can still participate fully in daycare.
These sessions will utilize positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior and discourage unwanted behavior.
This program is designed with a rolling calendar, allowing enrollment at any time, but a continuous 4-week commitment is recommended for the best results.
Price: $550, in addition to daycare rate.
Our puppy preschool program is designed as a 4 week, 3 days a week positive reinforcement training with a focus on impulse control commands, following cues and redirection. Additionally, the scheduled group play time will allow your furry best friend to socialize with other puppies and people in a positive and controlled environment.
Classes are scheduled Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Daily training includes:
- Multiple one on one training sessions. Amount will vary depending on how the puppy is responding to that day’s training (minimum 3 per day)
- Multiple supervised small group socialization play times
- Staff socialization time. This time will be spent allowing the puppy to get used to routine handling such as brushing, paw handling, etc. (also an excuse for our staff to get to some snuggles with the puppies!)
- Scheduled time for healthy snacks and naps. Puppies are growing so they need their quite time.
- Scheduled potty breaks to help with house training.
- Daily report cards sent to keep all parents informed as well as homework for both the parents and puppies to work on outside of class.
For puppies up to 8 months.
Price: $1,380
One-on-one with you and your furry friend to address any behavioral issues. Whether your dog needs help with leash walking, socialization, or commands like sit and stay, Mary will customize a training plan to meet your dog's needs.
Our private training sessions are conducted in our facility. We use positive reinforcement and ethical techniques to encourage good behavior and discourage unwanted behavior. Mary will provide you with personalized instruction and feedback to help you and your dog achieve your training goals.
Prices depend on training program length.
Evaluation for private sessions $50
An affordable and effective way to address specific issues with your dog's behavior!
Our group training sessions are designed to address common issues like basic commands, jumping, excessive barking, and leash pulling to name a few. Led by Mary, our classes provide a fun and social environment for you and your dog to learn new skills and improve your bond.
Our group training lessons are suitable for dogs of all ages and skill levels, and no prior training experience is required. Plus, you'll have the chance to socialize your dog with other friendly pups in a safe and controlled environment.
We will provide ongoing support and feedback to ensure you and your dog get the most out of our group training program.
Group classes and prices vary.
A dog trainer teaches dogs specific skills and behaviors using various techniques such as positive reinforcement or clicker training. Dog trainers work with dogs and their owners to teach basic obedience, advanced skills, and address behavior problems such as jumping, barking, and leash pulling.
On the other hand, a canine behavioral specialist is someone who has an in-depth understanding of dog behavior and can help dogs overcome more severe behavioral problems such as aggression, anxiety, and fear. A canine behavioral specialist will work with both the dog and the owner to identify the underlying cause of the behavior and develop a personalized training plan to address it.
A canine behavioral specialist has more extensive training and experience in addressing complex behavioral issues and focuses on addressing the root cause of behavioral problems to help the dog live a happier and healthier life.