Dog Training Services

If you are not willing to make the effort and train your dog, you will definitely pay for it later. - RSDT

Private Training

Rock Solid Dog Training provides private training for those who prefer a personalized approach to dog training. The training is tailored to the specific needs of the dog based on a Dog Training Goals Questionnaire completed by the owner. In private training you get 100% of the trainer’s attention for the entire training session. Some advanced skills may be included as training progresses. Dogs that complete four private training sessions, covering basic obedience skills, will receive a certificate of completion.

Benefits of private or individual dog training:

  • You get personalized help from the trainer.

  • The trainer is there for you and your dog, you get all the attention.

  • If you have specific issues you want to focus on, private training may take fewer sessions, making it more cost effective in the long run.

  • Private training, in your own location, can be less stressful for your dog allowing it to focus only on you without being distracted by other dogs or people.

  • If your dog is not social or comfortable being around other dogs, this may be the easier way to move forward.

  • A private setting allows you both to strengthen your bond and relationship while focusing on the skills and commands you need to learn.

Group Training

In group training, the owner and dog learn skills in a class setting alongside other dogs and their owners. Group training allows the dog to experience socialization while also learning specific skills alongside other dogs. Different group classes are offered throughout the year including the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Basic and Advanced Obedience, the AKC Canine Good Citizen Class and Test, Dog Walking, Hand Signals, Trick Dog, and a Refresher Class.

Group training might be best for:

  • Those who would benefit from more socialization without hindering their ability to perform in a group setting.

  • Dogs owners that need a structured training environment and training curriculum.

  • Owners that are available to meet at times when classes are offered.

  • Those who would like to learn from other dog owners and their dogs.

Basic Dog Training:

This introductory four session class covers basic commands including communication, proper leash holding. sit, down, stay, coming when called, loose-leash walking, leave it, jumping, and socialization. No aggressive dogs. Vaccines must be up to date (copy required). Certificate of completion awarded at the end of the class.

Intermediate Dog Training:

The Advance Dog Training four-session class builds on the skills of the Basic Dog Training class. Intermediate commands are introduced including heel, sit-stay with duration and distractions, down-stay with duration and distractions, recall, automatic sit, verbal commands and hand signals, wait, place, and some tricks. No aggressive dogs. Vaccines must be up to date (copy required). A certificate of completion is awarded at the end of the class.

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy:
(Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsibility)

The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy class is designed to help dog owners and their puppies (up to one-year old) get off to a good start. It helps owners and their puppies learn how to communicate with one another and gives them the opportunity to socialize with other dogs. Commands include grooming, walking on a leash, sit, down, come, and reaction to distractions). At least five puppies are needed to offer this class.

Advanced Dog Training - AKC Canine Good Citizen:

The AKC CGC five session class prepares owners and their dogs to take the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test. The CGC consists of a 10-skill test that teaches practical functional behaviors, manners, and responsible dog ownership for your dog to be a polite member of the community. Test items include accepting a friendly stranger, petting, grooming, walking, walking through a crowd, sit/down and stay on cue, coming when called, reaction to another dog, distractions, and supervised separation. AKC CGC Test given in the last class session. The AKC CGC Blue Ribbon is awarded for successfully passing the AKC CGC test.

Why Take the AKC CGC Class?

  1. To continue your dog’s formal training

  2. To assess your dog’s skills based on a national standard

  3. To build on your dog’s previous training

  4. To strengthen the bond you have with your dog

  5. To help your dog become a canine good citizen

  6. To socialize your dog around other dogs

  7. To have fun

10 Compelling Reasons to Train Your Dog

(By Tim Falk)

  1. Training teaches your dog how to behave

  2. Training keeps your dog safe

  3. Training gives your dog confidence

  4. Training lets you know your dog better

  5. Training helps you and your dog bond

  6. Training offers great mental stimulation

  7. Training teaches your dog how to socialize

  8. Training keeps your family (and your home) safe

  9. Training makes regular chores easier

  10. Training is fun!

Looking for a Dog Trainer?

Click here to read “Seven Qualities to Consider When Looking for a Dog Trainer.”

A Message From Preston

One of the benefits of being a dog trainer is meeting so many wonderful dog owners. I not only have the opportunity to help them train their dogs but get to develop some great friendships. Dogs are a significant part of a person’s life. They are family and should be treated as such.

To me, effective training involves helping to build a strong relationship between the dog and its owner. I believe that people don’t care how much you know unless they know how much you care. I am honored that people would put their confidence in me as a trainer to help strengthen the bond between them and their canine friend.