Canine Trade Group – John Van Olden

John Van Olden’s training programs are customized, private, and commitment-based, designed to address each dog’s specific needs and integrate with the family’s lifestyle. Training typically begins in the comfort of the client’s home to establish new behaviors without distractions. As the dog progresses, sessions may move to outdoor environments to practice skills amidst real-life distractions like cars, people, and other dogs.

The programs focus on teaching new preferred behaviors, enabling dogs to make good decisions in challenging scenarios, and ensuring consistent responses even with distractions. A core aspect is building a strong bond of reliance and admiration between the dog and owner. For puppies under 16 weeks, specialized training focuses on housebreaking, calm behavior, loose leash walking, proper greetings, and preventing excessive chewing, barking, and digging, while also educating owners on puppy body language and communication. The “Cribs and Canines” program prepares dogs for the arrival of a new baby, teaching calm manners and acclimating them to baby-related stimuli.

Pricing Summary

There are no one-size-fits-all programs or package deals; each training program is customized to the dog’s unique traits. Cash, check, or credit cards are accepted.

Policies

The business is committed to working with each owner and dog until all training goals are accomplished, regardless of the duration of the training. They state they “won’t abandon you along the way” and will “work closely with you until we complete each and every of our training goals.” No specific cancellation or rescheduling policies are mentioned.

Canine Trade Group – John Van Olden offers professional, in-home dog training and behavioral problem-solving programs throughout Southern Delaware, including Dover and the Delaware Beaches. John Van Olden, a premier dog trainer, works with dogs of all ages, breeds, and temperaments, believing that no dog is untrainable. He uses time-tested, reward-based techniques focused on positivity rather than punishment.

The business provides customized, private training programs designed specifically for each dog’s unique needs and environment, with no one-size-fits-all solutions. John is committed to working with owners and their dogs until all training goals are accomplished, regardless of duration. He also collaborates with DVMs and Vet Behaviorists to ensure comprehensive care.

Specialized programs include aggressive dog training, puppy training, and “Cribs and Canines” for new or expectant parents to help dogs adjust to a baby’s arrival. John Van Olden aims to enhance the relationship between dogs and their owners, fostering trust and a harmonious family environment.

Accomplishments

John Van Olden has been working with dogs since age 14, serving as a Military Police Dog Handler and Trainer. He launched his first business, Golden State K-9 Training, and later formed K-9 Advantage, the first dog training franchise in the country. His subsequent business, PAWSitive Solutions, grew to be the biggest private dog training company on the West Coast, employing 36 professional trainers.

John is a founding member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) and has served on its Board of Directors. He has consulted with large pet care and dog training companies in the U.S. and has personally trained over 60 professional dog trainers, many of whom are considered among the best globally. He is also the owner and creator of Canine Trade Group, a network and school for professional dog trainers.

How to Get Started!

To begin, a no-obligation behavior evaluation is conducted in the dog’s home environment. During this preliminary consultation, John will assess the dog, explore influencing factors such as its rapport with the family and daily routine, and discuss the owner’s training objectives. This initial step allows John to understand the dog’s overall behavior and devise a tailored plan.