Why is training so important?
Our dog trainers understand how difficult it can be to manage a misbehaving dog. Whether you have a well behaved dog that needs to learn a few more manners or a tough dog that likes to get into trouble your dog can always benefit from dog training.
A closer bond with your dog
Statistics show that owners with well behaved pets have a stronger bond with them. In our classes we don't just tell you how to train a dog, we teach how a dog's brain works and how you can motivate your dog by using science based dog training techniques through positive reinforcement and relationship building skills. Our techniques will lead to a life with a furry companion that is obedient, happy and more relaxed at the end of the day.
Easy management
Our classes teach all of the basic commands (e.g. sit, drop, stay) and enable you to manage your dog more easily. Better management means they can become a part of the family and be by your side at events and outings instead of having to be left at home due to behavior issues. Behavior skills such as polite greetings, good recall, and loose leash walking skills are also all covered in our classes.
Social, friendly dogs
Socialization is a very important aspect of a dog’s life. Learning appropriate play 
around other dogs is an essential part of ensuring that your dog can coexist with others. If your dog is an "only pet" this is a great opportunity for them to learn these skills in a supervised environment. Your dog will encounter other dogs on everyday occasions such as walks, appointments at the veterinary clinic and if they go into a kennel or boarding.
Fun and knowledge
Obedience classes are fun for both you and your dog! Whether you have had your dog for years or you are new to being a "puppy parent" there is always room for new skills and training opportunities. "Puppy school" is a great opportunity to meet other dog owners who understand what you are going through and may have excellent tips and suggestions.
Safety
A well-trained dog is at a lower risk of injury to themselves or others than an uncontrollable dog. At the end of the day dogs are still animals and they can sometimes be unpredictable. An obedient dog is safer at home, in public, with people, and with other dogs.
(Source: VetWest Animal Hospitals)
Dog Training Classes offered at Dakotah's
Obedience and Socialization Level One
This is an entry level course in the fundamentals of canine learning theory and psychology. The course sets the dog up on a track to receive either the S.T.A.R. Puppy recognition or the Canine Good Citizen recognition, recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), and it sets you up with all the fundamentals for a well behaved dog. All dogs can take the class, which will build basic skills. This class is five sessions long.
Obedience and Socialization Level Two
In level one we learn all the basic cues and foundational skills for a well behaved dog. In level two, we learn how to apply those skills to everyday life. In this class your puppy will learn how to walk nicely on a leash, how to keep four paws on the floor at all times, and how to accept a friendly stranger, stay until called, and politely greet another dog. Dogs of all ages can take the class. This class is five sessions long.
PREREQUISITE: Obedience and Socialization Level One
Canine Good Citizen Certification
The CGC Test costs can be taken on request and will be offered at the end of level three obedience. It does not cost anything to take the test. The test can be repeated every 30 days. Once you pass the exam, there is a $25 registration fee with the AKC.
PRIVATE SESSIONS:
Private Training
Private Training appointments can be scheduled at your home at a time that is convenient for you. Private Training is a great option if you just want to work on a specific issue, or if you have a reactive dog who can not work around other dogs. Available on request.
Separation Anxiety
This is a one-on-one private treatment program that takes place in the your home. Separation anxiety is not a behavior. It is an anxiety disorder. Dogs suffering from separation anxiety might urinate, defecate, bark, howl, chew, dig or try to escape. Some may even injure themselves tearing through walls or furniture. Crate training can make it worse by trigger stacking confinement anxiety on top of SA. The university of the world wide web may offer all kinds of pseudo scientific "solutions" that will lead you in circles and may even make the situation worse. The only proven, science based way to resolve separation anxiety is through systematic desensitization and counter conditioning. We will set up a webcam in your home so you can monitor what happens when you are gone and work at a pace the is tolerable to the dog. This ongoing treatment program helps your dog learn over time that you will always come back and helps build a safer and healthier relationship between you and your fur kid. Based on the work of science based applied animal behavior experts such as Patricia McConnell Ph.D. (Author of I'll be home soon) and Malena DeMartini-Price (author of Treating Separation Anxiety for Dogs) our fool proof training program has helped hundreds of dogs learn to be alone and so their owners can feel calmer and more confident about leaving them for long periods of time.
**With dogs that are extremely reactive/aggressive, there is no guaranteed prognosis as the reasons can vary so much from trauma to genetic issues to mental illness. Much like people, we have solutions that work most of the time but unfortunately there are situations in which there are no solutions and the best thing we can do is refer you to the Veterinary Behavior Specialists of Minnesota.