Best Friends Training

Group classes follow a comprehensive obedience curriculum with weekly printed lesson plans and homework exercises. Classes are held on Saturdays and focus on real-world distractions. Private lessons are fully customizable in pace and content, with options for in-home or facility-based training. Advanced and trick training are available for graduates. Socialization is enhanced using trained dogs Steele and Sadie.

Pricing Summary

Group classes cost $250 for a 6-week course with only 6 openings per class. Private lessons are customizable and may be more affordable for multiple dogs. Equipment may be loaned or purchased for convenience.

Best Friends Training is a dog training business founded by Shannon McCauley in 2003, offering motivational obedience training for puppies and dogs of all ages. They provide both group classes and private lessons tailored to match each dog’s learning style and the family’s lifestyle. Group classes are held at John Simpson Park in Steiner Ranch, Austin, with a maximum of 6 dogs per class to ensure personalized attention. Private lessons are available in the client’s home or at their facility, offering flexible scheduling and customized curricula for behaviors like leash pulling, separation anxiety, barking, and aggression. They also provide training aids such as loaner beds and equipment, and use their own dogs, Steele and Sadie, to assist with socialization. Shannon is committed to helping families keep their dogs at home by solving common behavior issues and supports local rescues to ensure successful adoptions.

Their training approach emphasizes positive motivation and includes comprehensive obedience curricula, weekly printed lesson plans, and ongoing support before and after class via phone or email. They serve clients across North and Central Austin, Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock, Volente, Pflugerville, and the North Lake Travis area, with limited availability in South Austin.

Accomplishments

Shannon McCauley graduated from Triple Crown’s Academy for Professional Dog Trainers in 2003 and has over 20 years of experience in dog training. She has trained in obedience, agility, behavior modification, aggression, anxiety, tracking, search and rescue, police protection, narcotic detection, and hunting. She actively works with local rescues and shelters to ensure successful adoptions.

How to Get Started!

Call to reserve a spot in group classes or schedule a private lesson. Classes fill quickly, and equipment or loaner beds may be arranged during initial contact. Private lesson schedules are flexible and can be tailored to the client’s availability.