Above the Standard Dog Training

4.9 Stars,61 Reviews
435 FL-81, Ponce De Leon, FL 32455

Service area: Serves clients throughout Florida, with training conducted at their facility and trainers’ homes in the local area.

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

  • Service Dog
  • Therapy Dog
  • Behavior Modification
  • puppy
  • Family Dog

Specialty Focus Areas

  • Puppy Training
  • Leash Pulling
  • Reactivity / Aggression
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Biting / Nipping
  • Potty Training
  • Resource Guarding
  • Fearfulness
  • Stealing Food
  • Recall

Training Formats Offered

  • Board and Train
  • Private Lessons

Program Formats

  • Intensive Program
  • Ongoing Weekly

Types of Dogs

  • Large
  • Giant
  • Herding
  • Sporting
  • Working
  • Doodles

Age of Dogs Trained

  • Puppy (<1 year)
  • Adolescent (1-2 years)
  • Adult (2-8 years)

Dog Training Methodology

Methods: 

  • Positive Reinforcement Only

Equipment: 

  • Clickers
  • Food Rewards
  • Harnesses
  • Flat Collars
  • Obstacle Courses

Training programs include Board and Train (dogs live with trainers for intensive, immersive training with daily updates), Private Lessons (one-on-one sessions for owners and dogs), Puppy Raising (structured programs for socialization, house manners, and obedience), Behavior Modification (targeting reactivity, anxiety, aggression, and resource guarding), and Therapy/Service Dog Training (including CGC testing, public access, and task training). All programs involve owner participation and follow-up support. Board and train options include weekend visits for added involvement.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not publicly listed; packages are customized based on program type (e.g., board and train, private lessons) and individual dog needs. Clients are encouraged to contact the business directly for detailed pricing and program options.

Policies

Owners are expected to continue training at home after programs end. Refresher sessions are available and encouraged. No specific cancellation or rescheduling policies are stated, but ongoing support is provided indefinitely. Dogs may be returned for additional training if needed.

Testimonials

“This team absolutely changed my life. I had been looking for a service dog for close to if not over a year when I came across them and thank god I did. From the start their customer service has been absolutely incredible… You can go to any ole service dog program and get a cookie cutter dog or you can go to Above The Standard and be paired with a dog you can’t help but feel like was bred just for you.”
-Kylia Kennedy

“Was it pure luck, tireless internet searching or divine intervention that I found these AMAZING people. I have used them to board my dog before I got a service dog through them… Emily, Jen, Jim and Jay are fantastic human beings and even better dog trainers!”
-Jahmila Boswell

“We started with a wild rescue puppy who would defecate on the couch and floor, swallow rocks, make us chase him to reclaim clothing items… What a relief that they could train our baby!! They took my sweet boy into their house and I got to see daily updates of how much fun he was having while learning how to politely engage with humans.”
-Anonymous

About the Trainer

Above the Standard Dog Training is a Florida-based dog training business that offers comprehensive training services for all breeds and ages, including basic and advanced obedience, behavior modification, puppy raising, and therapy and service dog training. They specialize in board and train programs where dogs live in the trainers’ homes and receive personalized, one-on-one attention, with frequent video and photo updates provided to owners. Their training approach emphasizes long-term success by involving owners in lessons during and after training to ensure smooth transitions at home. They also breed Standard Poodles and partner with rescues to place trained dogs, offering CGC testing, public access, and task training for service and therapy dogs. Their team is known for exceptional customer service, ongoing support, and a family-like environment that fosters trust and lasting relationships with clients.

The business is led by a team including Emily, Jim, Jay, and Jen, who are consistently praised for their dedication, transparency, and deep care for both dogs and their owners. They provide refresher training and continuous guidance even years after initial training, making them a trusted partner for life. Their programs are designed to address complex behavioral issues such as leash reactivity, separation anxiety, resource guarding, fearfulness, and aggression, while also building confidence and off-leash freedom.

In addition to training, they offer pet grooming through Strut Your Paws Grooming and operate a reputable breeding program for Standard Poodles, ensuring high genetic standards and early socialization for puppies destined for service, therapy, or companion roles.

Accomplishments

Over ten years of experience in dog training, service dog placement, and breeding. Trained numerous service and therapy dogs that have significantly improved clients’ quality of life, including mobility assistance tasks. Recognized for high success rates in transforming reactive, fearful, or poorly socialized dogs into confident, well-mannered companions. Partnered with rescues to place trained dogs at standard adoption fees.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to contact the business via phone or email to discuss their dog’s needs. An initial consultation is required to assess the dog’s behavior and determine the appropriate program. Service dog candidates must pass an evaluation before acceptance into the program.

Above the Standard Dog Training featured image for this Dog Trainer
  • 11+ Years Experience

  • Free Consultation

Availability

  • Weekdays
  • Weekends
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening

Hours

8am-5pm

Associations

  • AKC

Languages

  • English

Other Services Offered

  • Dog breeder
  • Pet groomer

Location

435 FL-81, Ponce De Leon, FL 32455

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