Manners Unleashed: You're Free to Go
1-888-9-PetDog
Puppy Stuff
Did you know?
FACT: Research tells us that the brain of a puppy will reach 80% of full development by 16 weeks of age.
Well then, we better hurry!
Service Area: South Hill, Puyallup, Pierce County, South King County
Pet dog training: when you need it, where you need it.
Custom Sessions
If you are interested in setting up a customized Manners or problem solving session in your home, please fill out the Questionnaire & Goal Assessment Form, then click 'Send Message'.
Be as detailed as possible...more is better! This will allow us to get directly to solutions for your training needs. I will contact you to answer any questions, and set up your training & problem solving sessions.
If you would prefer to contact me first...please do! I encourage it. As I said in Our Approach, I want you to feel comfortable having Manners Unleashed in your home and working with your dog.
#1-888-9-PetDog
We take just as much pride in our customer service as we do in our dog training.
Session Prices
'Owner Unleashed Day Training' or 'Coaching' style of training is:
$100 per session (sessions are an hour to an hour and a half)
Packages of three or more sessions will be discounted at 20% off (pre-paid)
Cash, Check, Debit Cards, Visa, Mastercard, Discover cards and Manners Unleashed Gift Certificates are accepted.
Puppy Stuff
FACT: Research tells us that the brain of a puppy will reach 80% of full development by 16 weeks of age.
Well then, we better hurry!
We usually get our pups at 7 or 8 weeks old, but due to sound vet recommendations of disease exposure most puppies are not enrolled in group classes until around 12 weeks old. That means we squander an entire month or more NOT teaching them necessary skills that enrich their learning capabilities. Those first few weeks are the most important! We can never get those training opportunities back.
It is simply not true that young puppies are unable to learn...to the contrary, at no other time in their life will learning be easier and more permanent!
The first several weeks the pup comes to live with us sets the stage for acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. Puppies are curious by nature and learn by association what works for them and what doesn't. Is it safe or unsafe?, pleasant or unpleasant? That's the criteria for puppy behaviors to happen again or not. Often we think because we punished them for "bad" behavior (they'll usually cower or tuck their tail which we incorrectly interpret as guilt) they should know better, but usually they simply learn that we are the unsafe and unpleasant variable, and learn to do things when we are not in view.
The way we handle these issues also impacts our leadership value. A real leader is benevolent, calm, and consistent; not reactive, loud and unpredictable. (Think of the parents you hear yelling at their kids in the store...or my pet peeve, the count down...1---2----3. Do you think, WOW, great leadership!)
However, if the puppies environment is managed, behavior you like is reinforced, easy everyday skills are trained and maintained, and they are exposed to lots of appropriate people and things, it sets you and you're puppy up for success at home and better prepared to enter the world with some self-control, focus and manners already installed.
Even with the best intentions, I know it may seem overwhelming, especially if you have limited time and knowledge, but this is where Manners Unleashed comes in: I'll do the foundation work for you. Of course, you'll have to stick to the maintenance plan when I'm not there, but I'll lay it out clearly and easy to follow, so that it incorporates the entire familiy. At the end of each week we'll have a training session for the humans in the pack. No doubt about it, It's much easier than having to do ALL of the training yourself.
If you do choose the "Owner Unleashed Day Training", the added benefit when we arrive for our scheduled training session is that we can take your puppy out of his "safe area" for a potty and exercise, which means fewer accidents and less destruction in the laundry room when you come home from work.
Wether you choose "Coaching" or the "Owner Unleashed" program, now is the time. I know at 8 weeks it seems impossible that your little angel could ever have "bad" behaviors, but a little prevention and training today will last a lifetime.
Now go play...your puppy and I have work to do
Pre-Puppy Household Setup
Get it right before puppy comes home and you'll save yourself from many complications later. (obviously, owner attendance is required here)
We'll come to your home and help you set up your house to best accommodate your new arrival. This includes Potty Training 101, sleeping area, suitable crate size and style, set up of a long term confinement area for when you're at work, safe chews and toys, what to expect the first night, how to manage crying/howling & nipping, healthy foods and treats, appropriate socialization, basic skills to start teaching puppy, and any other problem behaviors you may be concerned about. Through education and some guidance, we'll take the guess work and mistakes out of the puppy raising process. Our goal is to make the first, crucial days with your new puppy the best of many to come.
A well trained dog is a pleasure to live with...sorry we don't do kids.
Puppy Manners
(This program suits either method of training we offer, "Owner Unleashed Day Training" or "Coaching")
- Introduction to "obedience"
- Sit
- Down
- Short Stays
- Learning how to trot along on a leash (Leash Manners)
- Leave it (this will come in handy)
- Waiting at doors
- ...and the basics of, Come When Called...Everytime!
- Self-control, Focus & Attention (you'll love this stuff).
- Handling skills (getting them used to baths, nail clipping, exams, Etc.)
- Appropriate chews and toys
- Plus... solutions to Problem Behaviors
Socialization Puppy Parties!
(locations will vary, so please check back for updates)
Manners Unleashed will offer Socialization Puppy Parties! in a 2 hour Clinic format every week or so.
While the pups are gaining critical, time sensitive information, such as bite inhibition and appropriate play from other puppies, we will also be socializing them to all of the quirky things people and children do to them such as hugs. We'll work on handling skills, especially around their collar and face and giving up valued objects like bones & toys.
The evening should be full of fun and information that will last a lifetime.
Adolescents and beyond
This program suits either training method we offer, "Owner Unleashed Day Training" or "Coaching"
Wether you have just rescued a dog from the Humane Society, adopted him from Petfinder.com, or have simply waited until his Problem Behaviors are driving you nuts, our program can help. Manners Unleashed is not just the name, it's also the goal.
"Your dog should differentiate between working and not working based on your interaction with him...not based on whether or not he is on a leash."
~Leslie McDevitt Author/trainer
Our training techniques are based on motivational principles, therefore your dog is a willing participant in his new attentive, well behaved lifestyle. Using the Owner Unleashed Day training Program the dog learns at a quicker speed, and with a greater understanding of what's expected. And don't we all do a better job when we know what's expected of us.
When we arrive for our scheduled training session with your dog, the added benefit of a potty break, along with mental and physical stimulation should make a more pleasant arrival home from work, for you as well.
We'll train your dog...he'll fill you in later.
Foundation Manners
- Self-Control, Focus & Attention
- Leash Manners
- Come When Called, Everytime!
- Sit
- Down
- Leave it
- Stay
- Wait at doorways & car doors
- Go to your bed
- Handling Skills (Your vet will thank you!)
- Plus...Solutions to common Problem Behaviors
Finer Manners
Improve all of your Foundation Manners so that they're reliable in any situation.
Dogs don't "generalize" well which means...because they've mastered a behavior such as down/stay at home does not necessarily mean they know what it means at the park. They're not being stubborn, it's just that the context has changed and/or the environment is too stimulating or difficult for their current skill level.
Here's an example: Perhaps you're learning how to drive and the car you're learning on is a stick shift. You pick up the skill fairly quickly and feel comfortable driving around your neighborhood and town. Within days of learning you must drive to Seattle. Now add in braking on steep hills, looking out for pedestrians, unfamiliar one lane roads & merge left signs, and the other person in the car reprimanding you for not doing it perfect, which just makes you more anxious. It's the same mechanics; the gas, clutch, & brake pedals are in the same spot...but the environment has changed drastically.
However, once you've been given appropriate guidance or feedback and had the opportunity to practice, the challenges of that scenario becomes relatively easier.
Finer Manners doesn't necessarily teach more behaviors, it makes the behaviors you've already learned...work in everyday life situations.
Do you have something specific to work on?
Come When Called...Everytime!
We come when called...when your dog won't.
"Come!!! I said COME!!" stomp, stomp, stomp...*@!!# Dog.
Sound familiar?
Coming when called is the most critical of behaviors in my opinion. Not only can it be a life or death command, but nothing makes us angrier than having to stomp out in the wet grass in our slippers after our dog.
Kidding aside, if you have a dog that comes when called, regardless of the temptations and distractions the environment offers, then you have a dog you can go anywhere with, on leash or unleashed! And I must say...there is nothing better. I've attended seminars, conferences, researched, read, experimented with and put alot of thought into my Come When Called...Everytime! program.
A dog with great "trust" and motivation to work with the owner not against them, will have much more freedom...to be a dog. This program will take your dog through progressions of training, enabling them to come away from distractions.
Yea, life with your dog just got way better.
Leash Manners
Nothing is tougher than this one for many owners and dogs. We simply walk too slow, and obviously don't get the whole "sniff and pee" craze. Teaching our dogs "self imposed self control" and the value of their owner is the basis for many of my training techniques, and it is especially true here. It doesn't happen over night, but my goal for you is Manners Unleashed, (put the leash in your pocket though...it's the law).
Self-control, Focus & Attention "On the Road"
This program is for the dog and owner who have decent "obedience" skills at home but fall apart around competing motivation (squirrels, playing dogs, etc.) We'll take our training "on the road" and teach your dog that paying attention to you is just as rewarding as the environment.
In fact, quick respones to your cues (commands) are exactly what gets them access to the environment. I don't want to inhibit my dogs' drives, I want to use them as reinforcers.
This is the heart & soul of Manners Unleashed, and these are the skills that enhance a lifetime.
Fear, Reactive and Aggression Issues
Resource/food guarding, on-leash reactivity to other dogs, nervous around kids, and on and on and on..
This is a huge subject and unfortunately, all too common. Often times however, the behavior seems far worse than it is, and is a fairly straight forward remedy. Other times, well, it's not so straight forward.
I know you're embarrassed, frustrated, and wish he would just STOP it.
This is a behavioral issue near and dear to me. My 2 year old aussie/ border collie, Emmy, had many reactive issues. I was certainly in denial early on, "how could my own dog be aggressive?" It forced me to do many, many hours of reading, research and seminars on the subject.
Since those early days I now know that much of her behavior is genetic. Other manifestations of her breeding are a low tactile/high opposition reflex. This basically means she doesn't necessarily like to be touched, especially by strangers, has restraint issues and is extremely space sensitive.
This is true not only of many herding breeds but more dogs than you would think. Labrador and Golden Retreivers tend to propagate the Myth that every dog should be friendly, happy and outgoing to everyone in every situation, all the time. Wow, that's alot to ask. We don't expect that from a cat, or horse or any other animal. Heck, are we friendly, happy and outgoing, to everyone, all of the time...not me.
I'm not saying that it's okay for your dog to act aggressively or "over the top" whenever he feels the need. To the contrary, let's teach him alternative ways to deal with his fears, anxiety, hypermotivation, etc. as well as showing you ways to be a better advocate and leader for your buddy.
There's enough information about aggression and related issues to give a seminar here, but for now suffice to say, there are ways to help most cases.
Emmy and I now live a reactive free life. She can be off leash anywhere without me worrying about an inappropriate response, loves other dogs and doesn't mind the occassional pet from a stranger. I also use her during some of the training sessions with aggressive, "over the top" dogs to act as the neutral, well mannerd, calm dog. She's got great body language which helps to put the other dog at ease.
We've come along way for sure. Maybe we can help you. If I feel like a professional other than myself would be more approriate for your case I also have some fantastic referrals. Drop me an email or give me a call. Let's talk about some options.
Potty Training 101 (all ages)
This program is designed to teach any dog, young or old, big or small appropriate bathroom etiquette. We'll show you how to manage your dogs potty needs around the clock. Nighttime, work time, busy times...it's all in here.
I know you're frustrated, but really, it's pretty easy once you know what to do. Even Yorkies get it. (No nasty emails please...I'm just kidding.) This is a 1 hour session of interesting, user friendly, and effective information. It's basically errorless potty training...so go ahead and order new rugs after we leave.
Separation Anxiety
I most often see this in small breeds and rescues, but it can certainly afflict any dog. It's heart breaking, pathetic and extremely frustrating for all. There are many layers of treatment to address this behavior, and owner dedication and patience is a must, but often the problem can be remedied.
If your dog has a severe case or you just need guidance on how to prevent it, give a call.
Small Breed Issues
Although small in stature, little dogs bring their very own unique challenges to the game. We will design a customized program to address the most common "mis"-behaviors of your littlest pal, from barking and biting, to marking & mounting. Bolting out the front door & not coming when called. Hey, we might even put you back in control of your own house.
Big dogs have nothing on these little guys!
Canine Body Language
Dogs communicate so effectively without ever uttering a sound, we just aren't listening. You're probably catching the obvious signs such as whining & barking, play bows or baring their teeth, but more often they're using subtle body language such as liplicks, small paw raises, look aways, yawing, blinking, and body alignment to name just a few.
This is a topic I will present during the Socialization Puppy Parties! but it is available as an in-home or "at the park" service as well.
If you have issues with the interactions or over-the-top play-style in your multiple-dog household or at the off-leash dog park, often times this session makes apparent the communication going on right under your nose. Once you understand the nuances of "dog talk" you can make pre-emptive choices to diffuse the situation, solidifying your calm, "all knowing" leadership. Exactly what your dog(s) have been waiting for.
Emotions drive behavior (ex: fear drives aggression).
Recognizing your dogs emotions early on and knowing how to handle it, will diffuse many reactive/aggressive issues you may be dealing with.
I must say, Canine Body Language is one of my favorite subjects to teach. It's always informative and useful.
Group Clinics & Free Seminars
Group Clinics
(Topics, dates, times and places will be posted as I schedule the events)
Clinics will be a fun, fast paced 2 hour group class. Each clinic will address a different set of obedience & behavioral skills. Topics will include ...Come when Called Everytime!, Leash Manners, Absolutely Must Have Puppy Skills, Puppy Parties! and more...
All Group Clinics are $50 per dog. Depending on the venue, space may be limited, but I will make sure and post that well ahead of time. Please bring vaccination records, your dogs favorite toy(s), a baggie full of 2-3 kinds of soft HIGH value treats, a regular collar or harness, a six foot leash, a towel or blanket, and yourself of course. Come ready to have a good time and learn a bunch.
Free seminars
(Topics, dates, times and places will be posted as I schedule the events)
Seminars will cover... well a bit of everything from how to solve specific training & Problem Behaviors, Myths about Dogs to Kids & Dogs. You can bring your well mannered dog, but these seminars are for their drivers.
If you have a topic you're interested in or think would make a good seminar, please let me know. (If you are interested in hosting a Manners Unleashed dog training & behavior related Seminar or Group Clinic at your business, please email or give me a call. or #1-888-9-PetDog)