Canine Character

Service area: Frederick, MD

Canine Character offers both group classes and private training options, including in-home and at their Frederick location. Group classes include Puppy Class (Level I & II), Good Manners (Level I & II), Tricks Class, and a three-tiered Social Skills Class (Foundation, The Next Level, Continuing Education).

Puppy classes cover socialization, potty training, nipping, vet visits, grooming, walks, and recall, with an open enrollment option and an initial orientation. Good Manners classes teach basic obedience like sit, down, wait, polite greeting, give/drop, walking on lead, and recall, and include a training starter kit. Level II Manners strengthens these behaviors with real-life distractions.

Tricks Class focuses on fun behaviors like spin, twirl, skateboard, weave, roll over, and bow. Social Skills classes are structured for reactive or inappropriate behavior towards other dogs, teaching techniques for comfort in the presence of other dogs and humans, and essential skills like leash walking and name recognition.

Private training is available for Good Manners, new puppies (covering jumping, biting, housetraining, crate training, guarding, socialization, and problem prevention), and problem behaviors such as aggression, fear, handling difficulties, resource guarding, thunder phobia, and separation anxiety.

Pricing Summary

Group classes range from $100 to $250 for multi-week programs. Puppy Class is $185 for a bundle including an orientation and five group classes, with single attendance add-ons at $25. Good Manners I and Tricks classes are $185, Good Manners II is $175, and Social Skills classes range from $100 to $250 depending on the level.

Private training for Good Manners is $95 per hour. Private puppy consultations are $150 for a 60-90 minute session. Behavior modification consultations are $190 for the first 60-90 minute session and $80 for 30-45 minute follow-up sessions.

Canine Character provides guidance to help dog owners create a strong, problem-free partnership with their canine companions. Their primary goal is to teach owners how to train their dogs, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to solve behavioral issues independently.

The business is committed to using only gentle, dog-friendly techniques and positive reinforcement methods for all training and behavior modification programs. They believe training should be enjoyable for both dog and owner, combining an understanding of canine behavior with scientifically based techniques to achieve reliable results for family pets, canine athletes, and working dogs.

Canine Character focuses on bringing out each dog’s unique personality and channeling their exuberance into desired behaviors, rather than solely stopping unwanted ones. This approach aims to foster an incredible relationship between owner and dog. They also offer resources related to dog walkers and vacation care.

Accomplishments

Kim Yocklin is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) with over 20 years of experience working with dogs. She is certified by the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers and is a successful graduate of a year-long apprenticeship under distinguished trainer and author Pat Miller.

Kim is an honors graduate of Peaceable Paws Intern Academy and completed an operant conditioning training workshop with renowned trainer Bob Bailey. She is also a Peaceable Paws Certified Trainer & Affiliate and served as the Adult Leader for the Washington County 4-H Dog Club (Tail Waggers).

She holds memberships with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), Doggone Safe (a non-profit organization dedicated to bite prevention), and the Mid-Atlantic Association of Professional, Positive Pet Trainers (MAAPPPT). Kim regularly pursues continuing education, attending seminars with nationally known positive trainers such as Kathy Sdao, Kay Laurence, Ken Ramirez, Karen Pryor, Jean Donaldson, and Michael Shikashio.

How to Get Started!

Clients can inquire about private training or behavior modification by emailing info@caninecharacter.com or calling 301-639-6536. For group classes, specific registration links are provided for each class, often through a SuperSaas schedule. Puppy Class requires an initial orientation form and payment before signing up for class dates.