Dog Training Durango/Diane’s Clever K9s, LLC

Diane’s Clever K9s offers a range of training programs. AKC Canine Good Citizen Classes are 5-week sessions designed to teach dogs good manners and behavior for community settings, culminating in the 10-step CGC test. Dogs should have some basic obedience, and these classes are not suitable for aggressive or reactive dogs.

Basic Obedience Classes, also 5-week sessions, are for dogs 5 months and older, focusing on foundational skills such as marker training, attention, sit, down, place, come, manners at doorways, and leash manners. These classes are also not for aggressive or reactive dogs.

The Board and Train program is an intensive 2 or 3-week program aimed at improving obedience, confidence, and the canine-human relationship through structured learning, socialization, and environmental work. It covers commands like recall, waiting at thresholds, polite leash walking, sit, down, stay with distractions, place, and appropriate dog interaction. This program includes a consultation, a pick-up lesson, two follow-up lessons, free pack walks, and lifetime training support. It does not address human/dog aggression, reactivity, or separation anxiety.

Private Lessons and Day Training services are available. Private lessons are 4 or 6 one-hour sessions where the owner is hands-on, covering basic obedience commands and advanced skills like off-leash recall. Day training involves the trainer working with the dog multiple sessions throughout the day. Both options include free training support and drop-in participation in basic obedience classes. These programs do not cover dog reactivity, aggression, or separation anxiety.

Puppy Classes are 5-week sessions for puppies aged 10 to 20 weeks, teaching basic commands like sit, down, come, focus, and beginning leash manners, while also addressing common puppy issues such as chewing, jumping, and house training. A mini obstacle course is included to build confidence. Puppies need at least two rounds of vaccines to attend.

Rally Obedience Drop In Classes are ongoing sessions for all levels of AKC Rally, a sport where dog and handler teams navigate a course of skills. An introduction to Rally is offered as a private lesson.

Pricing Summary

Group classes (Puppy, Basic Obedience, AKC CGC) are priced at $185.00 for a 5-week session. Rally drop-in classes cost $25.00 per session.

Private lessons are offered at $500.00 for a four-lesson basic obedience program and $750.00 for a six-lesson advanced obedience program; these may incur an additional charge for travel or training room rental. Day training is available at $185.00 per day, also with potential additional charges for travel or room rental.

Board and Train programs are $2,400.00 for a two-week on-leash program and $3,600.00 for a three-week off-leash program. Payment for all services is due at the first week or session and can be made by cash or check payable to Diane’s Clever K9s. Training tools are not included in the price for private lessons, day training, or board and train programs.

Policies

All group classes, including AKC Canine Good Citizen, Basic Obedience, and Puppy Classes, are non-refundable once the first attendance or session has occurred. For voluntary missed classes, the training material from the missed session will be provided to the student. In the event of a weather cancellation, clients will receive an email notification at least two hours prior to the class start time, and the class will be rescheduled.

Diane’s Clever K9s, also known as Dog Training Durango, offers dog training services in Durango, CO, and surrounding areas. The business aims to teach practical communication skills to dog owners, helping them guide their dogs toward good behavior choices and foster healthy habits while preventing and eliminating undesirable ones.

They provide a variety of services including puppy training, basic obedience training, rally obedience, and AKC Canine Good Citizen classes. For added convenience and success, private lessons and board and train programs are also available.

Diane’s training philosophy is rooted in a positive, reward-based approach that emphasizes clear communication between the dog and handler. She utilizes treats, toys, and praise to reinforce desired behaviors, while also establishing clear distinctions between acceptable and unacceptable actions. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the bond between dog owners and their pets, leading to a happier and healthier relationship. The training approach is described as well-rounded and balanced.

Accomplishments

Diane is the Owner and Head Trainer of Diane’s Clever K9s, with a lifelong passion for dogs and dog training that began with competing as a junior handler in conformation and obedience in Scotland. She has extensive experience in dog training and the pet retail industry.

Diane has competed in high-level dog sports, including Schutzhund/IGP and Mondioring with her Belgian Malinois, and Agility with her Jack Russell. She has attended numerous seminars and educational events led by innovative and respected trainers, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and staying current with training techniques.

She is a certified dog trainer through the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI) and an AKC approved CGC Evaluator. Diane is also a member of the Durango Kennel Club, Durango Agility Dog Club, Ouray Working Dog Club, and a professional member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. Her personal dogs have achieved various titles in Schutzhund/IPO, FH1, Mondioring, Agility (including PACH, MXPB, MJP3, MJPB, PAX, OF, MFP, RATM, CGC, TKI), and Rally (RN, FDC).

How to Get Started!

To begin training, prospective clients can contact Diane’s Clever K9s via email or phone. Registration forms are available online for group classes such as AKC CGC, Basic Obedience, and Puppy Classes. For private lessons and board and train programs, a questionnaire needs to be filled out. For puppy classes, a copy of the puppy’s vaccination records must be emailed before the class starts. Payment for all services is due at the first week or session of the program.