Distinctive Dog Training, LLC

Distinctive Dog Training offers several programs:

Training Camp: An exclusive board & train program where dogs live with trainer Barb 24/7 for a few weeks (average 3 weeks). It focuses on manners, impulse control, and basic obedience. Daily journal updates, photos, and videos are shared with owners. This program cannot address serious behavioral issues like separation anxiety, aggression, or severe fear. Dogs must be comfortable relaxing in a crate.

Puppy Prep Program: A 3-session in-home program for pups 8 weeks to 5 months old. It covers puppy management, preventing bad habits, handling typical puppy behaviors, nutrition, walking on leash, handling, and coming when called. Follow-up support via phone and email is included.

Private Training Sessions: One-on-one training for you and your dog, lasting about an hour. Sessions can be scheduled as needed. An informational questionnaire is sent prior to the first visit, and personalized overviews, handouts, and homework assignments are provided. Follow-up support via email and phone is included. Phone and Zoom consultations are also available for long-distance help.

Service Dog Training: Barb, a Service Dog Coach, helps people with disabilities train their own dogs. The program involves an initial phone consultation (free), an in-person evaluation ($75), and then private training, drop-off day training, and/or board and train. Training can take 6 months to 2 years depending on the dog’s age and prior experience. It focuses on foundation skills, Canine Good Citizen test, specific tasks to mitigate disability, and Public Access test. Follow-up support is free for the dog’s ownership. Barb can also assist in evaluating potential service dog candidates.

Pricing Summary

Training Camp (Board & Train) costs $2100 for 2 weeks, $3000 for 3 weeks, and $3950 for 4 weeks. This includes daily training, playtime, nap time, enrichment activities, social time, a harness or enrichment toy, body handling, cooperative care, bathing, and nail clipping.

Private Training Sessions are $75 per hour. The 3-Session Puppy Prep Program is $375 for pups under 5 months old. Day Camp for Distinctive Dog Training puppy parents is $25/day, and boarding (play days combined with sleepovers) is $50/night.

For Service Dog Training, an in-person evaluation costs $75. Training packages are $625 for the first 5 sessions, then $600 for subsequent 10-session packages. Board and train options are also available as part of the service dog program at the same rates as Training Camp.

Policies

A consultation visit is required before a dog can be enrolled in Training Camp. For Service Dog Training, a phone appointment is the first step, followed by an in-person evaluation. Scheduling is noted for January 2024.

Distinctive Dog Training, LLC offers positive solutions and personalized training for dogs and their owners, serving Keller, Texas, and surrounding areas. The business is owned by Barb Gadola, a professional trainer with extensive experience since 1989.

They provide a range of services including Board & Train (Training Camp), Puppy Programs, Private Sessions, and Service Dog Training. Their philosophy is based on humane methods and positive reinforcement, adhering to the LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) philosophy.

Distinctive Dog Training focuses on setting dogs up for success, teaching new skills to replace bad habits, and managing the home environment. They aim to make training an enjoyable process that builds mutual trust and respect between dogs and humans.

The business emphasizes customized behavior and training programs rather than “cookie cutter classes,” ensuring personalized attention to individual needs. They also offer follow-up support via email and phone calls for as long as the client owns the dog.

Accomplishments

Barb Gadola, the owner of Distinctive Dog Training, has been involved in dog training since 1989. She holds an undergraduate degree in education and has done graduate work in behavioral psychology.

Her certifications include Fear Free Certified Professional, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP), and Service Dog Coach. Barb is also a Mentor Trainer for the CATCH Canine Trainers Academy.

She regularly attends seminars, lectures, and coursework in practical application of learning theory and operant conditioning. Barb is the Vice-President and Training Director for IDEA Service Dogs and a volunteer for Greyhound Adoption League of Texas and Golden Retriever Rescue Alliance. She is also a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT).

How to Get Started!

To get started or ask questions, clients are encouraged to contact Distinctive Dog Training. The fastest response is typically achieved by filling out the contact form on their website. A phone consultation can also be arranged by completing the form. For Training Camp, a consultation visit is set up for Barb to get to know the family and dog before enrollment. For Service Dog Training, the process begins with a phone appointment to discuss needs and review the dog’s history, followed by an in-person evaluation.