based in Petoskey, serving Charlevoix, East Jordan, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor, Elk Rapids, Mackinaw City, Sault Ste. Marie, Gaylord, Cheboygan, Traverse City, and many more...
Dog or Puppy Problems?
Bear just won't listen. We tell him what to do, but he ignores us.
My dog is out of control- jumping on people, stealing things around the house, won't come when called, destroying things- help!
King growls when I try to get him off the furniture, or take his food away.
Mick is extremely anxious in the car.
We'll be away for a week, can you train Lucy instead of her going to a kennel?
I don't even want to take walks anymore; Sassy won't stop pulling or lunging at other dogs.
Chloe is aggressive; she just bit someone.
My vet told me a year ago to see you; I should have listened as now he has bitten my husband several times.
The puppy won't stop nipping the kids, and it hurts!
We just adopted this dog from the shelter, and he has "fear issues".
I just want a polite, well-mannered dog- not this lunatic!
I just got a puppy and want to train her, but the vet said I have to wait for all her shots.
Missy thinks she's human, so I've spoiled her. Now she's pushy, snappy, and barks at everything.
Whether you have these or other problems with your dog, or just want some basic training and manners, help is on the way!
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Watch Patty introduce clicker training to her new newfoundland puppy. She teaches Anya to Sit, Down, and Come @ 8 weeks old in 4 minutes!
Classes-Dates
Although I specialize in private training, I LOVE teaching classes. Come help your puppy/dog get the critical socialization and basic training that he/she needs. Basic Training & Manners-Puppies can be as young as 8-16 weeks old. (Older puppies/dogs with approval are welcome, or in separate classes.) All classes take place in our beautiful climate-controlled Training Studio in Petoskey Michigan.
These professionally-run classes are small enough for individual attention and are geared towards learning the basic behaviors around distractions. Guaranteed lots of fun and education for dogs and owners! Lots of handouts, too. For maximum benefit of dogs and owners, a private session with your family and dog is a prerequisite to taking a group class. See Owner Training #101 or "New Puppy Starting Out Right"under Services.
Why Private Session first?
"My husband said it was a waste of time and money going to a trainer; he had always had dogs growing up. But he grudgingly came since you insisted the whole family come to the private session. I wanted to let you know that even though he was very quiet, you should hear him talk about what he learned to his friends and family! And the kids had so much fun and are doing great with Casey- that session made a big difference before class." D.E., Onaway
As a holistic trainer, I believe it is important to meet each dog and family on an individual basis to get everyone started off on the right "paw" in this new style of training. I evaluate your dog for readiness for class (some are not ready due to fear, aggression, or other reasons), and teach him (and you!) the basic training skills to be able to handle the distractions of other dogs and people. We cover MUCH more, including the all-important foundational program that I'm known for, modified to each individual dog and owner.
Basic Training & Manners- PUPPIES (puppies 8-16 weeks; older dogs welcome with approval).
New Puppy Starting Out Right private session required first or with instructor approval.
Jan 14 Saturdays @ 11am overbooked, new class opening below:
Jan 16 Mondays @ 6:30pm FULL
Feb 11 Saturdays @11am (4 weeks, but we'll skip Feb 18 due to the Humane Society Snowshoe fundraiser) now open
Basic Training & Manners- ALL AGES - All ages welcome. Owner Training 101 or New Puppy strongly recommended first. May be repeated for refresher class; it's always new dogs! AKC Canine Good Citizen test optional.
Dec 4 - Sundays @ 4pm Graduated
Jan 10 -Tuesdays @ 6pm full
Feb 13 - Mondays @ 6:30pm now open
Level 2 Puppies/dogs Requires previous class or instructor approval. Continue basic training and manners with more distractions and longer durations. Possible field trip to practice outside recalls- fun!
Oct. 2 - Sundays @4pm Graduated
Jan 14 - Saturdays @ 1:30pm Full
Feb 11 -Saturdays @ 1:30pm (4 weeks, but we'll skip Feb 18th due to the Humane Society Snowshoe Fundraiser) now open
Street Smarts Class
This class is for dogs that get over-aroused and easily excited at the sight of other dogs, people, bikes, rollerblades, children etc. Must have head halter or easy walk harness, at least 1st class. 2 sessions here at Training Studio and 2 sessions downtown at Petoskey Waterfront and downtown sidewalks!
Because of very full schedule, there will not be a group Street Smarts class; however, this very common issue can be covered in private lessons.
I cannot begin to tell you how much I/we have learned in your class!! The private session was incredible!! I feel like we would not have been as successful in class if we hadn't taken the time to meet with you privately. I have had dogs in my household for over 20 years (currently 3 labs) and honestly thought, "I probably don't need this class", well, boy was i wrong!! Patty covers soooo much in the 2 hour private session, everything from diet and excercise, to obedience and owner training. My Moe and Red have now graduated from her Level 1 class, and i cannot say just how happy we all are!! I think the most important thing that i learned was "Owner" training. We send sooo many mixed messages to our pets w/out even realizing we do it!! Patty sets everyone up for SUCCESS, and helps teach way more than just basic obedience commands!!! As a beginning breeder, i have already decided, Patty's name and number and program info will be going home with all of my future new puppy parents!!! J.H., Alanson
All group classes are 4 consecutive weeks and require a private session first. All family members or friends may attend!
***Best value and most popular combination packages:***
Northwoods Training Packages:
2 hr Private Session + 4 week Group Class $230 (total 6+ hours of training)
For any of the above classes, call the office 231-439-0365 or PREFERABLY please email.
" Our friends told us about your classes and highly recommended them, but they forgot to say
how much fun they are! We learned so much! Thanks, we'll be registering for the next level,
and maybe this former monster can even be a therapy dog- what a change thanks to you! " R.S., Levering
"We learned SO much in class- I only wish we had met you sooner! Our dog gained so much confidence and learned so many new skills (so did we!). It was the high point of the week. Can't wait for Level 2. Love your training style, BTW." K.F, Boyne Falls
