February 22, 2023

Click HERE for Puppy Training Options..

This page is for adolescent and adult dog training!

For all Training Inquiries, contact: Puppyinquiries@mabernedoodles.com

We are now Accepting New Clients & Reservations for Summer Travel!

Adult and adolescent Dog Training at MBD University is in session! If you have an adolescent or adult dog in need of training or retraining, we have you covered at MBD University.

We specialize in new puppy, adolescent and adult dog training and retraining. We also specialize in “Nuisance Behavior Modification” or NBM.

What is “Nuisance Behavior” and what are the Most Common Ones?

What is nuisance behavior?

• Barking, a lot, at everything. It’s driving both me and the neighbors crazy! The neighbors are complaining. Help!
• Pulling on the leash. We can’t even take a nice walk without being dragged.. and if a dog, cat or even squirrel happens to come by, forget it. We are going for a run, instead of a walk!
• Crisscrossing on the leash. I nearly fell and couldn’t get up because my dog is constantly crisscrossing in front of me on the leash! Why can’t he walk on one side or the other?
• Chasing.. Cars, cats, dogs, leaves, squirrels, anything he can chase, he does! He jerks the leash right out of my hand and he’s gone to chase whatever he saw.
• Counter Surfing.. My dog ate 3 Wagyu Steaks while I was turned around for one minute!
• Begging.. Why is my dog always begging for food? You’d think he was starving (with all those belly rolls)!
• Digging! My entire garden was ruined last year. I’d really like to have one again this Spring but my dog digs up everything!
• Chewing, isn’t that supposed to be just when they’re teething? Not my dog! She chews everything in site, including my new shoes!
• Separation Anxiety Well, we got our puppy during Covid, when everyone was home 24/7. Now we are back to work and activities but Fido is a wreak! Help!
• House Training is for the birds! I give up! This dog just isn’t house trainable. I’m convinced. Oy.
• Jumping Up is one of my dogs favorite things to do and she knocks everyone over. Kids..the elderly.. she doesn’t discriminate.
• Mouthing, Nipping or Biting.. I’m not sure what it is! It’s not aggressive but it’s hurts and leaves marks!
• Resource Guarding? What’s that? Oh, right! It’s when my dog won’t share anything. He guards his food, toys, and even my attention from people and/or other dogs. Well, it’s getting worse over time, he’s getting bigger and I’m worried someone could get hurt. If he gets human food, he just won’t let it go!

“I didn’t think we would ever be able to enjoy our evening walks ever again….

but then we enrolled Max at MBD University and just 2 weeks later, he has leash manners! It’s a miracle. Thank You MBD University”

Our Mission at MBD University…

To help in overcoming and correcting any/all nuisance behavior(s) that are negatively impacting the relationship you have with your dog(s), before they become compound problems and thus more difficult, expensive and time consuming to fix.

The key is NBM “Nuisance Behavior Modification” …

Preventing the naughty behavior in the first place is key but, not everyone is perfect and that’s okay because no one is perfect. We are here to listen first and then to train your dog such that you may enjoy the many benefits of having a loyal, loving canine companion.

Catching the problem(s) and fixing them early are the next best solutions, before they get worse and/or compounded with other nuisance behaviors. If it’s been a minute and suddenly Fido has multiple naughty behaviors, that’s okay too. We can still work with you and your dog. It may take a little longer but it’s totally doable so, whatever you do, don’t give up!

“Don’t Worry….Be Happy!”

Why? Because we have what it takes and we will give it our all to help you and your dog bond and live happily ever after. We have Professional, Loving, Dedicated Dog Trainers. We have plenty of time and patience to work with Fido. Training. It’s what we do!

In many cases, your puppy or dog has inadvertently learned that their specific naughty, nuisance behavior is okay. They usually learn that naughty behavior from another dog in the home or simply from not being taught that the behavior is not okay. Dogs, regardless of age, can and will pick up both the good and the bad behaviors from another dog in the home. They are pack animals so it’s only instinctual. It can also happen easily, simply for lack of dog/puppy training knowledge.

I mean, how hard can it be to train a puppy? Famous last words…Training effectively, in a timely, positive manner is harder and takes longer than most people think, even for the most seasoned dog owners. We know it’s not for lack of caring or trying, so don’t worry. This is a no judgement zone.

Our Goals are Simple…

First, we listen! Yes, to you! After all, you know your dog the best. We listen to get accurate information about the problem behavior(s) and to learn how we can best help you.

Second, We Teach! We teach Fido, through positive reinforcement only, what’s okay and what’s not okay. The time needed for BMtraining depends on the problem(s) and any prior training.

Third, We Teach YOU! We teach you what the commands are, how to communicate in a way that dogs understand and how to continue the training once at home. If you don’t use it, you lose it! The same is true for dogs.

Finally, We Support You. No matter how difficult and frustrating. No matter what the dynamics are. We will be there to support you until there is a resolution. Failure is not an option.

Our Promise.

1. Our training methods are always positive and always productive. That’s a promise.

2. Your dog or puppy will be safe at all times with our 24/7 staff. At no time will your dog/puppy be left alone at a facility. We do this for their safety and your peace of mind.

3. Honesty and Transparency. During your dogs evaluation, if we feel the behaviors would be better handled with a more specialized animal behaviorist or related to a medical issue, we will tell you up front. If your dog is accepted at MBD University, we will give 100% to resolving the problem or problems. We will provide daily updates with photos and videos so you will know we are working hard for your success.

Scroll Down to “Foundations” to find our Amazing Puppy Training Options!

Meet Tessa, a very intelligent, sweet girl, yet also somewhat naughty... in her pink tutu!

In this video, she is one week into her two week adult board and train session. Her nuisance behaviors included pulling on the leash, nuisance barking all day, jumping on people and counter surfing. Commands learned include “Sit”, “Down” and “Easy“. She made excellent progress and within two weeks, the nuisance behaviors had been resolved. This is a week one video showing Tessa’s progress!

Adolescent and Adult Dog “Nuisance Behavior Modification” NBM Training

Two to Four Weeks $2562.00- $5,262.00

Do you have a dog you intended to train or take to training but for one reason or another, it couldn’t be done? Or perhaps training didn’t work out as well as you had hoped? Is your dog now counter surfing, nuisance barking at everyone and everything? Destructive behaviors or other issues? Over excited around new people? Jumping and pulling while on walks? If this describes you, we have you covered! Contact Us and we will help you!

MBD University is now offering board and train programs to adolescent and adult dogs!

What is the process to enroll? Great Question!

1. Send us an email! Lets us know what’s going on. We are here to help. PUPPYINQUIRIES@MAbernedoodles.com

2. We will have you fill out an online questionnaire so we can understand where you and your dog are struggling

3. We schedule an evaluation. We will coordinate an appointment to evaluate your dog

4 We make a recommendation for the length of training, based on your questionnaire and our evaluation.

5. We Begin! We update you daily on progress made via video, written notes and photos

6 We coordinate a take home lesson where you will learn how to continue the training once you’re at home

7. Post training support materials via our training app is available to you for advise once you are home

Our Study Subjects…

Haha just kidding. Meet the MBD Adolescent crew! From left to right, Narnya, Opa (the only one that isn’t an adolescent), Millie, Dolly and Latte. A typical group of 7-11 month old adolescent doggo’s. They are a great group but believe me, without training, we would be in trouble! Here they are playing outside, just after sunset!

….And here they are just prior to coming inside. They’re demonstrating the command “Wait” AND they are doing it with each other as distractions. Major distractions! One false move by any of them and they’re all off to the races. Check them out here, all together, training as a pack!

Puppy Training at MBD University

Once puppies have been weaned and have turned 8 weeks old they are old enough to begin. I highly recommend reserving your spot early as they fill up very fast!

Foundations Training

Foundations training is best suited for Puppies 8-10 weeks old. No more sleepless nights or stained carpets. All of our Board and Train Programs are done here, on-site, at MBD where we have 24/7 care for their safety and for your peace of mind. At no time would your pup be left alone. We are located in Ashby, Massachusetts.

If you haven’t yet picked up your dog or puppy from training, MBD can Personally Deliver your puppy to you, with our own employees, nationwide. Additional fee’s apply for delivery.

Play this video to see Foundations Training in action! This shows video clip shows “training with distractions”

All training levels are “board and train” programs where your fur baby will receive superb care, training, visit new places for socialization, socialize with other dogs and animals and, if needed, work on problematic behaviors.

All of our training is done on-site at MBD University, our very own Training Facility. We have 24/7 care at MBD so at no time would your new fur baby be left alone. They will come home having learned exactly what you would like.

Your Puppy and/or dog(s) can and should learn as much as possible from the very beginning as early learning lays a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning. We also offer training for Emotional Support Dogs, Canine Good Citizen, Emotional Support Dogs and even Service Dog Training!

Our Lead Trainer has more than 40 years of experience leading packs and he does this all through positive reinforcement! We provide continuous communication throughout training via semi private or private chat groups we set up. We provide daily updates videos, Training Notes and photos showing off your puppy’s progress, direct from our trainers!

If your puppy becomes due for a vaccination or vet visit, we will ensure these arrangements are made. Upon the conclusion of the training degree of your choosing, you will spend an hour with the trainer for YOUR training session. Yes YOU! You’ll be glad you did too because here you will learn how to continue his/her training at home. If they don’t use it, they will lose it – just like humans!

Read on below to find out about our Elite Training Services and Higher Education Program for puppies and Dogs!

Foundations Training and Level 2 are ideal levels for anyone who has limited experience with raising puppies. These programs are for you if you have limited time in general due to work, kids or life in general, this program is for you! If have a cat or cats, young children <5 yrs old, limited to no experience with crate and/or house training puppies on your own or limited to no time to dedicate to training and this critical phase of development, not to mention saving your rugs, sleep and sanity. If this describes you, Foundations is a great place to start.

“I highly recommend Foundations and Level 2 Training, MBD’s Associates in Hospitality Training, to get you and your fur baby off to a strong, positive start together”

They are, after all, just like human babies when they are ready to come come or go to training at 8 weeks old. BUT, don’t worry, these babies will double in size during the next 8 weeks so this phase is not only FUN, it’s also FAST. Puppy infancy only lasts about 3-4 weeks for canines!

Level 1, Foundations Training

One Week, $1,536.00

Foundations Training is a one week board and train program and is designed for puppies 8-10 weeks old, when they’re too young to start group training due to the risk of Parvo.

The goals are A. To get you over the hump of initial crate training and B. To set a strong foundation for successful socialization, muscle memory for commands like “sit”, “down” and, “heel” most importantly, successful house and crate training. This is the most important time for your puppy to learn that outside is the bathroom and inside the house is not. We aim to create GREAT habits from day 1 of training. We also begin socialization with cats, other dogs of all sizes, car rides, loud sounds and new places. This is a fantastic option for those who have never had a puppy and/or trained a puppy on their own.

Watch Max as he has a training lesson in the snow at Foundations Training!

“Building a Strong Foundation for Training a Puppy can be Difficult even for the most seasoned dog owners“

This program is also ideal for those with a busy schedule and who may not have the ample amount of time necessary to start properly house training your puppy. Remember, your puppy wants to please you but he/she is likened to a human toddler at 8 weeks old.

It will take time, attention and patience to successfully house trained your puppy and your puppy wants nothing more than to be your best friend. More information about Foundations Training can be found by scrolling down this page.

Level 2, Associates In Hospitality

Two Weeks $2,531.00

Associates in Hospitality Degree is a two week board and train program to further solidify outside as the “potty” place, solidifying “sit, “down” and “heel” commands, leash training adding distractions, beginning recall and off leash obedience, socialization with dogs, cats and different people, car rides and to continue obedience and manners training through lure training, otherwise known as muscle memory training. They will learn to walk next to you and to “Look” ie; walking next to you instead of walking ahead of you and watching you instead of watching everything else going on around you.

In addition, your puppy will have have their 2nd distemper vaccination administered during this time at training as they are due for a booster at 10 weeks old.

Level 3, Bachelor of Basic Obedience

Two Weeks $2,531.00

Bachelor of Basic Obedience Degree is level 3 and is a two week board and train program for puppies that have completed previous levels and are now ready to start learning intermediate commands like “wait” and “Place”, a particularly useful command for those time you’d like your puppy to stay on their bed.

Examples of when the “place” command comes into play include entertaining friends/family, meal times to avoid begging behavior, counter surfing, sports gatherings, dinner parties and holidays. Prior to this point, the primary method of training is via lure training and muscle memory. Now, your puppy is very well behaved and well socialized.

You WANT to bring your puppy everywhere you can right away and socialize them with the things you enjoy doing. Boating, skiing, busy home, rock and roll, these are all experiences they should have prior to turning 16 weeks old.

At this stage, they will also start beginner off-leash training and recall! “Rover, come here!” and Rover actually comes to you. Wow! Exciting! Learning recall at this level is considered the beginning of off-leash training and can’t be counted on fully until puppy is about a year old. This level of training sets the foundation for future recall consistency. This level continues to include socialization with dogs, cats, different people of various ages and new places. Just as with people, if they don’t use it, they will lose it so continued practice of each level is very important! Your puppy will have have their 3rd distemper vaccination administered at 14 weeks old.

Level 4, Turnkey Puppy

New Enrollments, Ten Weeks $10,260.00

Continuing from Levels 1-3, Four additional weeks $5,562.00

The Turn Key Puppy Degree Program is a comprehensive, age appropriate board and train program. It includes all previous levels plus four more weeks of training to ensure success at home! Your puppy comes home with updated vaccinations and a 1:1 take home training session!

Your puppy is now at the age where they are developed enough to really understand humans and what we are asking them to do, with or without treats! Check out this video demonstrating Mocha’s Turnkey Training lesson! Mocha has gone home but more will be coming Spring 2023!

“All Levels of Training come with a 1:1 Take Home Lesson to Ensure a Successful Transition Home”

This way you will know how to continue practicing at home which is very important for continued success!

Level 5 – Off-Leash “Recall” Training, Leash Manners & Obedience

Two-Four Weeks $2,531.00 – $5,260.00

Off-Leash “Recall” Training and Obedience. The length and cost of training depends on the individual dog and their intake assessment. Typically, it takes 2-4 weeks. Your dog is now an adolescent and old enough, at 5-7 months old, to start learning advanced training or to work on “problem areas”!

This is a two to four week board and train program which focuses on the off leash training, continuing obedience training and socialization with people, places, things and other animals. We can also begin to correct any “problem” behaviors she/he may have picked up in between training levels. Examples include mouthing, counter surfing and jumping on people.

This training level is a 2-4 week training program focused mainly around off leash training and avoiding or correcting problems/issues such as nuisance barking, counter surfing, jumping, running off, begging, manners and any other issues you may be experiencing!

Level 7 – Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Fellowship

Four to Eight Weeks $5,260.00 – $10,500.00 (depending on training evaluation/intake)

Emotional Support (ESA) Fellowship is for anyone who would like their puppy trained to pass the Emotional Support Animal or Comfort Animal test. This level includes all essential training and socialization experiences, with distractions, needed to pass the ESA test. The trainers can not certify your pup as this has to be done between owner and dog at a testing site. After this level, you will both be ready to take the test to become certified ESA and fur-parents. This means being able to bring your Bernedoodle with you to places like hospitals, schools/colleges, work places and/or anywhere an ESA is allowed to go.

*Length of training and cost varies depending on individuals, dogs, prior training and how well owners kept up with any prior training(s).

Level 8, Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Board and Train Program 4-8 Weeks and $5,160-$10,500.00 depending on prior training

Four to Eights Weeks $5260.00 – 10,500.00 (depending on evaluation/intake)

Level 8 – The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Degree – This is a multi phase program to ensure proper training and socialization specific to your home and environments. You and your Bernedoodle will be prepared to take the CGC test and our trainers will work with you to ensure you pass the test. Owners, not trainers, are required to take the test with the dog being tested otherwise we would do that for you as well! Unfortunately, we can’t change those rules but we CAN make sure you are both ready!

Level 9, Turnkey Doctorates Degree is specific to your training wishes

Varies in length and cost based on training requests, training thus far and intake evaluation

TURNKEY M.D. is our Doctorates Degree Program ie; TurnKey MD Training! Everything above is included and much much more depending on your specific needs and wants. You will have the best behaved, loyal and affectionate dog anyone has ever met!

*Length of training and cost varies depending on individuals, dogs, prior training, how well owners kept up with any prior training(s), problem behaviors if present and your specific wishes for training outcomes.

If you have a specific goal in mind for your puppy or dogs training, be sure to let us know so we can ensure your goals are exceeded.

Here we can see a puppy out for a socialization trip at Home Depot, around loud noises! It’s important to socialize puppies with loud noises to avoid common fears such as thunder and crying children.

Our Training Programs are available from Foundations Training through Emotional Support Animal (ESA), Canine Good Citizen (CGC) training and even Service Dog Training!

We offer the most elite training programs with the best of the best trainers around. These training options are only open to MBD customers and non-MBD customers! Our trainers are committed to your puppies success, and to yours!

FAQ’s

Q. Will my puppy receive vaccinations, if due for them, while at training?

A. Yes! Our trainers will take of any/all veterinary needs while in their care. They will also provide the proof of vaccinations upon completion.

Q. What am I, the new owner, responsible for while my puppy is at training?

A. Activating your one month free Trupanion veterinary pet insurance policy (provided on Gotcha Day), the cost of his/her kibble, the cost of vaccinations and/or vet visits, scheduling your training session(s) with the trainers and scheduling pick up date and time. Elisa will be available to assist you as well. Reservations for any/all levels of training are made through MBD directly with Elisa, our Customer Excellence Manager. Her contact information can be found here.

Q. Where will my puppy stay during training?

At no time will your fur baby be left at a training facility, like most other board and train programs are run. This is what makes our program better than every board and train programs offered elsewhere.

Just as I don’t agree with housing my dogs in a traditional kennel environment, my amazing trainer doesn’t agree with leaving your Fido/ette alone at night either. Too much can happen at a unattended facility overnight and we would never leave anything to chance. Every doggo/ette enrolled is trained in a home setting at my trainers house, at our state of the art training facility and around town for socialization and training with distractions. They go on daily adventures! Please see the Home Depot video below which demonstrates training with distractions. We even socialize with cats!

The options for training are limitless (well..learning to fly might be a challenge 😉 and vary in the time it takes to achieve the milestone you have in mind. Why? Because every pup is different. For some, just manners and basic obedience will do. For others and for various reasons, advanced training is a must! You’re decisions, after puppy pick day, include

A. What degree of training do you want your puppy to achieve?

B. Would you like your doggie back in between degrees until s/he is ready for the next level? Or do you want him/her to stay until the desired level is achieved? Many families choose to have their puppy back in between levels, perhaps coordinated with vacation! This way your puppy returns to you having more training and stimulation verses being kept in a kennel for 1-2 weeks and coming home stressed and full of energy.

And Finally..

C. Would you like a fully trained doggo prior to bringing him/her home? This is also know as “Turn Key” not to be confused with “Turn Key Junior”. With our Turn Key program lasting 6-12 months, NO training is needed by you! All you would need to do is practice what they have already learned!

Once home, you will need to practice training with your puppy. As with anything and anyone… if you don’t use it, you’ll loose it!

*The cost and time needed to complete each level will vary depending on your choice in level of training, age of pup/dog and how well you maintain what Fido/ette learned from previous levels of training.

More about Foundations Training:

This video demonstrates how the muscle memory work, as part of Foundations Training, is taught to your puppy!

Foundations Training begins after you pick your puppy on puppy pick day which happens when the puppies are between 8-9 weeks old. This training comes before basic obedience and sets a strong Foundation for a happy, well adjusted adult dog who is attentive to your commands.

How Long is Foundations Training? We want our puppy NOW …. Foundations Training is just one week long and gets you over the hump of puppies crying during the crate training process- also the most important step in house training. Occasionally a puppy needs a little longer to crate train but it’s pretty rare.

As a gentle reminder, the goals for this training are crate training, house training (as much as a puppy that age can be-small bladders), socialization, learning through muscle memory that their default position is to sit or lay down when on a leash or when you stop walking and, finally, setting an age appropriate foundation for your puppy such that you can continue their training a lot home.

Socialization? What’s that and why is it so important?

Why is this important? Unlike human babies, the neuro pathways for socialization in dogs begins at birth and closes at 16 weeks old. Because these neuro pathways for socialization close at 16 weeks for all puppies, the goal is to complete the crate/house/foundations work and get your puppy out into the world, with you, as soon as they are ready and without cutting any corners on their training. You then socialize your puppy with your favorite places, people and things. Next time you go on vacation or away, sign your puppy up for the next level of training! You’ll come home to a happy dog having learned new skills.

Foundations Training Focuses on 4 Key Areas;

1. Crate Training -The key to fast, successful house training and the easiest area to “mess up”, even for the most experienced dog owners.
2. House Training – Who doesn’t want their puppy house trained quickly? Happy Wife, Happy Life, gentlemen and women..
3. Socialization – Continuing the socialization process but in the outside world with outside noises. This can be individualized based on sounds the puppy will need to be familiar with once s/he goes home. For example, your pup will be born in the suburbs but may be living in the city with busy/loud streets and many many people. This can also be a safety must as well!
4. Muscle Memory Training – The art of learning through muscle memory! Your puppy will sit next to your feet as their default position. For example, if you’re out for a walk and a neighbor is approaching with their new baby, grand baby or fur baby. You can actually choose to stop and talk rather than worry about what Fido/ette might do! Why? Because your puppy will have learned to sit at attention rather than yielding to their instinct to jump on your neighbor, jump in the stroller, pull you ahead or back out of his/her collar (which, of course, leads to a full on game of “chance the puppy” in 100 degree (or 0 degree) weather 😉

Foundations training concludes with the final training session where you, the owner, will learn the commands and how to continue training both at group basic obedience classes and at home. We will also answer all of your questions & set the proper expectations for a puppy at 10 weeks old. Please see the “Contact Us” page and call or email for more information.

Training & socialization are a continuous process and should be attended to throughout a dogs’ life. If they don’t use it, they will lose it!

Level 4 Turn Key Jr.

The skills your best buddy will learn include phenomenal leash training, obeisance and the introduction to the exceptionally impressive “Place” command. These skills will make taking a walk, run or hike a breeze! The “place” command is especially useful during meal times to avoid begging and other disruptive and sometimes even embarrassing behaviors. It’s especially helpful when having guests over and those yummy, irresistible chicken wings are out along with many other tantalizing dishes (which were slaved over all day) are out for your human guests to enjoy. Your beautiful Massachusetts Bernedoodle will be learning to stay in his/her place until the release command is given. Wow, Good Dog! However, the “Place” command becomes concrete (verses the introduction/foundation) and takes place when your puppy is 5-6 months old.

Let’s follow Motek on his Journey through his Foundations Training and onto his CGC Training! Please see this video below which also demonstrates our methods of training.

Demonstrating his amazing manners and budding obedience training, this young adolescent is practicing the skills he learned in the yard but in a real world scenario. Super important!

Off Leash Training and Recall

Isn’t this what every dog owner strives for? A good dog that comes when s/he is called and knows “chase the dog” isn’t always a fun (or safe) family game to play? The front door was left open? You have several guests leaving including their toddler who insists on walking (“I do! I do!”) very slowly through the door all by her/himself? Not a problem. This is where the “place” command is reinforced so your puppy stays in his/her place.

“Fido, Place”

Your dog will come home responsive to your “come” and “place” command. What a great dog!! Please see the video below to follow Motek’s progress from Associates Degree to Bachelors Degree!

This program is especially useful for people who love to adventure and would like to give their dog(s) the freedom off leash while maintaining full control. If you like to hike, go to the beach, play fetch in an open field and you want your dog to be consistently reliable off leash then this program is for you!

Many people say “My dog is great off leash and will stay with me except when he she see’s (insert catalyst)__________.. I think we’ve all experiences this! You CAN have a dog that is controllable in these situations. Off leash training provides the safety net while enjoying the freedom of being off leash.

What if your dog approaches an aggressive dog while off leash and doesn’t respond to your recall? It’ll be too late and your dog may have a traumatizing experience that could stay with him/her for a lifetime. Having your dog off leash trained has added safety benefits. You will also be able to reinforce basic obedience commands such as sit, down, stay, heel, come and place all from a distance. You can expect to hear onlookers saying things like “WOW! That’s impressive! Where did you have your dog trained?”

We can start off leash training with a dog as young as 5-6 months old. However, to set appropriate expectations, your dog won’t be mature enough to be consistently reliable off leash until s/he is approximately 1 year old. Following the private session with the trainers where YOU learn how to continue the training at home, you can have yourself an impressively obedient off leash trained pooch by the time s/he is a year old!

Training is a continuous process and requires specific timing and lots of practice. Can you skip levels and go straight to off leash? Yes, of course! It will take longer and therefore cost more but it can be done. I personally recommend progressing through the training levels for the smoothest and most pleasant experience.

Master of Canine Good Citizenship (CGC)

The goal of the ESA and CGC programs are to promote good citizenship from all dogs so they can come with you almost anywhere! Some insurance companies even offer a discount for CGC certified dogs and many apartments and condos require that resident dogs pass the CGC test. The goal is also to make life with Fido/ette as rewarding as possible! The evaluation for the Canine Good Citizenship certificate includes 10 objectives including;

1. Accepting a friendly stranger

2. Sitting politely for petting

3. Allowing basic grooming procedures

4. Walking on a loose lead

5. Walking through a crowd

6. Sitting and laying down on command and staying in place

7. Coming when called (off leash, recall)

8. Reacting appropriately to another dog

9. Reacting appropriately to distractions

10. Calmly enduring supervised separation from the owner

All 10 items must be completed satisfactorily or the team (owner and dog) fail the test. But, don’t worry! The trainers will practice with you many times before you go to the test. If the team fails, your pup will have more training and then can try again! If you pass then you’ll receive a special dog pet tag from the AKC stating that your dog has earned the status of Canine Good Citizenship.

The CGC program is a prerequisite for service dog training and the backbone of other exams such as those given to therapy dogs and is a good foundation for more advanced training, if desired.

Stay tuned for more training videos! This page is currently being updated to include more details about each level of training.

Please inquire here if you are interested in learning more about these training programs.