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At the Smart Dog Training Center, you'll find a comprehensive training program designed to meet the unique needs of your furry friend. The center's experienced trainers use positive reinforcement techniques to help dogs overcome behavioral issues and develop good habits.
The training services offered at the Smart Dog Training Center include puppy socialization, obedience training, and agility training. These programs are tailored to address specific age and skill levels, ensuring your dog receives the right kind of training at the right time.
The center's trainers are certified professionals with years of experience in canine behavior and training. They work closely with dog owners to identify areas for improvement and develop customized training plans that suit their dog's needs.
Training Phases
At our smart dog training center, we offer a structured approach to help you and your dog achieve your goals. We break down our training into three phases, each designed to build on the previous one.
In Phase 2, Hands-On Learning, you'll have the opportunity to choose from a wide selection of 1-hour classes, including Sports, Obedience, Behavior, Shaping, and Working with different breeds.
As you progress to Phase 3, Advanced Coursework in Service Dog Training or our Mentorship Program, you'll have private interaction and support with your instructor, along with weekly mentorship meetings and shadowing and assisting in classes. This phase is designed to put everything you've learned into practice in real-life situations.
Here are the key components of Phase 3:
- Private interaction and support with your instructor
- Weekly mentorship meetings
- Shadowing and assisting in classes
- Customized tutorial on running a successful dog training business
- Information on various routes to formal, national accreditation
- Programs for internships
Phase 2: Hands-On Learning
As we move into Phase 2: Hands-On Learning, you'll have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities that will help your puppy develop important skills and behaviors.
Choose from our wide selection of 1-hour classes, which include Sports, Obedience, Behavior, Shaping, and Working with different breeds. This is a great way to tailor your training to your puppy's unique needs and interests.
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Early intervention is key, especially for puppies between 8-18 weeks of age. This is the ideal time for socialization and behavior training, which will help your puppy feel comfortable in new situations and adapt to the world around him.
Training is an essential part of responsible dog ownership, and it's crucial for the well-being of both you and your dog. By establishing a strong bond through training, you can prevent behavior problems from developing and make your dog more enjoyable to live with.
Here are some examples of the types of classes you can choose from in Phase 2:
- Sports
- Obedience
- Behavior
- Shaping
- Working with different breeds
Phase 3 - Advanced Coursework
In Phase 3, you'll have private interaction and support with your instructor, which is a game-changer for your learning.
Weekly mentorship meetings are included, as well as shadowing and assisting in classes, to help you apply what you've learned.
This phase is designed to implement everything you've learned by applying your dog training education to real-life situations, which is where the magic happens.
You'll need to understand the fundamentals of running a small business if you plan to make your living as a self-employed dog trainer, or you'll always struggle to balance income and your private life.
The founder of AZ Dog Smart Academy, Layne Kizler, will lead a customized tutorial for each aspiring entrepreneur, teaching you how to run a successful dog training business and how to access some of the best resources out there.
Business coaching, strategies for your market, pricing, hiring, and creating an organizational vision for your business will be part of this tutorial section.
You'll also need a strong grounding in the ethics of the dog training industry, as dog trainers encounter difficult situations on an almost daily basis.
Understanding the different ways to approach a situation and make the best decision for all involved is crucial to your reputation and longevity in this industry.
Here's a rundown of what you can expect in Phase 3:
- Private interaction and support with your instructor
- Weekly mentorship meetings
- Shadowing and assisting in classes
- Customized tutorial on running a successful dog training business
- Business coaching and strategies for your market
- Information on various routes to formal, national accreditation
- Programs for internships
Training Options
At our smart dog training center, we offer a variety of training options to help your furry friend learn and grow.
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in our training methods. By rewarding desired behaviors with treats, toys, or praise, we encourage your dog to repeat them.
Clicker training is another effective technique we use. This method involves using a small device that makes a distinctive sound when pressed, marking the desired behavior and following it up with a reward.
Operant conditioning is a technique that helps your dog learn to associate behaviors with consequences. For example, if your dog jumps on you and receives attention, they're more likely to repeat the behavior.
Here are some of the techniques we use:
- Positive reinforcement, which involves rewarding desired behaviors with treats, toys, or praise.
- Clicker training, which uses a small device to mark desired behaviors and follow up with rewards.
- Operant conditioning, which helps your dog learn to associate behaviors with consequences.
Online Training
Online classes offer the same curriculum and high learner-to-trainer ratio as in-person classes, making them a great option for dogs to learn at home in a familiar environment.
Our online classes have received extremely positive feedback, with clients reporting that their dogs are better able to focus on them and the training exercises.
Some families find it easier to attend training from home, especially those with busy evening schedules or those living further from our training facilities.
Finn's owners, for example, were thrilled with the online format, saying it helped their Basenji puppy, Finn, focus and succeed in training despite his easily distracted nature.
In fact, many clients have found that online classes allow them to ask more questions and spend class time more effectively, as seen in Sly's owner's experience where they found the online format conducive to discussion and gained useful information beyond the curriculum.
Socializing a Puppy Online
Socializing a puppy online is a great option for those who need a more flexible approach. If your puppy is too over-excited to learn in class, online training instructions can be a lifesaver.
You can still socialize your puppy with online instructions, and then attend socialization sessions in person. This way, your puppy can get the socialization they need without feeling overwhelmed.
Some puppies are not suited for group socialization and do better in calmer, one-on-one meetings with other dogs. Private one-on-one training can be set up to meet your puppy's specific needs.
Puppies under 17 weeks can even participate in a separate puppy socialization class, which is designed specifically for their age group.
Online Classes
Online classes offer the same curriculum and high learner-to-trainer ratio as in-person classes, allowing dogs to learn at home in a familiar environment.
We've had extremely positive feedback about our online classes, with clients reporting that their dogs are better able to focus on them and on training exercises.
The online format is a great fit for families who struggle to attend evening classes or live far from our training facilities.
Many clients have found that online classes have given them a chance to set their dogs up for success, with personalized feedback from our trainers.
Some clients have even mentioned that their dogs are more focused and willing to learn in their own space, making the most of the online format.
As one client put it, "We were a bit skeptical about virtual classes, but it went very well. Our puppy seemed to enjoy it too and was quite calm and attentive the whole time."
Training Benefits
Training your dog is essential for their well-being and happiness. It helps establish a strong bond between you and your dog, making them more enjoyable to live with.
Training also improves your dog's obedience and behavior, preventing behavior problems from developing. This makes them easier to take out in public and reduces stress for both you and your dog.
Smart dog training takes it to the next level, providing mental stimulation and challenging your dog to learn new behaviors and skills. This keeps their mind active and engaged, reducing boredom and destructive behavior.
By investing in smart dog training, you can enhance your dog's socialization skills, making them more confident and comfortable around other dogs and people. This is especially beneficial for timid or anxious dogs.
With smart dog training, you can increase your dog's intelligence and problem-solving abilities, making them more capable and responsive to your commands.
Training Techniques
At our smart dog training center, we use a variety of techniques to help your furry friend learn and grow. Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in smart dog training, and it's based on the principles of learning theory, which states that animals are more likely to repeat behaviors that are followed by positive consequences.
We use a clicker to mark the desired behavior, and a reward follows it. For example, if your dog sits on command, we press the clicker and immediately follow up with a treat or praise. Clicker training is a popular technique in smart dog training because it's effective, efficient, and humane.
We also use operant conditioning, which involves reinforcing or punishing behaviors based on their consequences. If your dog jumps on a person and receives attention, they're more likely to repeat the behavior in the future. But if they jump on a person and are ignored or punished, they're less likely to repeat the behavior in the future.
Here are some common training techniques we use:
- Positive reinforcement: We use rewards like treats, toys, or praise to reinforce desired behaviors.
- Clicker training: We use a clicker to mark the desired behavior, and a reward follows it.
- Operant conditioning: We use reinforcement or punishment based on the consequences of the behavior.
Training Techniques
Training Techniques are essential for establishing a strong bond between you and your dog. Training helps to prevent behavior problems from developing and improves the dog's obedience and behavior.
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in smart dog training. It involves reinforcing desired behaviors with rewards, such as treats, toys, or praise. When a dog performs the desired behavior, the trainer immediately follows up with a reward, reinforcing the behavior and making it more likely that the dog will repeat it in the future.
Clicker training is a popular technique in smart dog training because it is effective, efficient, and humane. It involves the use of a small device called a clicker, which makes a distinctive sound when pressed. The clicker marks the desired behavior, and a reward follows it.
Operant conditioning is a technique that involves reinforcing or punishing behaviors based on their consequences. In operant conditioning, the dog learns to associate a particular behavior with a particular consequence. For example, if a dog jumps on a person and receives attention, the dog is more likely to repeat the behavior in the future.
Here are some common training techniques used in smart dog training:
- Positive reinforcement: This involves rewarding desired behaviors with treats, toys, or praise.
- Clicker training: This involves using a clicker to mark desired behaviors and follow up with rewards.
- Operant conditioning: This involves reinforcing or punishing behaviors based on their consequences.
Basics
Teaching your dog to think and solve problems is a valuable learning experience that can be achieved through tricks and agility training. This type of training helps you perfect your timing and engages your dog's interest in fun activities.
Teaching your dog to listen and behave well-mannered is essential for a happy and enjoyable living experience. You can achieve this by training core behaviors such as Sit, Down, Place, Come, Stay, Walk on a Loose Leash, and Leave It.
Basic Manners Obedience is a great starting point, but cementing prior skills and teaching new exercises will help you and your dog become a well-oiled team. This prep class will also prepare you for the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test.
Relaxation and focus are crucial for your dog to work reliably in stressful situations. Training games that increase attention and reduce stressors can be a great way to achieve this, and Rally is a fun and interactive way to do so.
Wicked Advanced Obedience
Wicked Advanced Obedience is a challenging class designed for dogs that have already completed beginner and intermediate training. It's perfect for owners who want to take their dog's obedience skills to the next level.
In this class, you'll work on increasing the difficulty of basic commands like place, heel, and stays, and practice them in real-life situations with various distractions. This will help you and your dog develop a stronger bond and improve your communication.
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Heeling, off-leash heeling, distance sits, and distance downs are some of the skills you'll learn in this class. You'll also work on improving your dog's recall, even in the presence of distractions.
Some classes will be held at the training facility, while others will be held in public locations, providing you and your dog with a variety of environments to practice in.
To get the most out of this class, it's essential to have already completed beginner and intermediate training with your dog. This will ensure that you both have a solid foundation in basic obedience commands and can build on that foundation in Wicked Advanced Obedience.
Illinois Training
If you're looking for a qualified smart dog trainer in Illinois, there are several factors to consider. A certified trainer is a must, and look for one certified by reputable organizations like the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).
Experience is also crucial, and a trainer with experience working with dogs similar to yours is ideal. This ensures they have the knowledge and skills to address your dog's specific training needs.
References from satisfied clients can give you a good idea of a trainer's style and effectiveness. Be sure to follow up and ask about their experiences.
A trainer's philosophy is also important, and look for one who shares your training philosophy. A good trainer will be open to your input and willing to adapt their training methods to suit your needs.
Here are some key things to look for in a qualified smart dog trainer in Illinois:
- Certification from a reputable organization
- Experience working with dogs similar to yours
- References from satisfied clients
- A philosophy that aligns with your training goals
Class Types
At our Smart Dog Training Center, we offer a variety of classes to suit dogs of all skill levels.
Our beginner skills class is a great starting point for new dog owners, but if you've already completed that and our intermediate skills class, we have advanced obedience classes that can take your training to the next level.
These classes are designed to increase the level of difficulty for place, heel, and stays.
Some classes will be held at our facility, while others will be held at public locations, providing your dog with real-life distractions to practice around.
Specialized Training
At our smart dog training center, we use specialized techniques to help your furry friend learn and grow. Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in smart dog training, based on the principles of learning theory that states animals are more likely to repeat behaviors followed by positive consequences.
We use a variety of techniques, including positive reinforcement, to encourage desired behaviors in our canine students. This approach is effective and efficient, making it a popular choice among dog owners.
One technique we use is clicker training, which involves the use of a small device called a clicker that makes a distinctive sound when pressed. This sound marks the desired behavior, and a reward follows it.
Here are some key techniques we use in our smart dog training center:
By using operant conditioning, we help your dog learn to associate particular behaviors with particular consequences, leading to more desirable outcomes.
Conclusion
Smart dog training is an effective way to improve obedience and behavior in dogs.
By using rewards such as treats, toys, or praise, you can reinforce desired behaviors and see real results.
This approach is based on the principles of learning theory, which is a proven method for teaching dogs new skills.
With smart dog training, you can enhance socialization skills and increase intelligence and problem-solving abilities in your furry friend.
Whether you're a professional dog trainer or a pet owner looking to improve your dog's behavior, smart dog training is a great option to consider.
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