Dogability Dog Training

Dogability offers board and train in-house behavior modification programs where dogs stay for either 4 or 6 weeks. At the end of the residential training, owners participate in 4 mandatory lessons to learn how to maintain the training at home. The core philosophy is getting a dog to take direction, understanding agreement and disagreement, and teaching appropriate behaviors for the owner’s lifestyle.

Taught cues include eye contact, relaxing in a specific area, recall, stay, kennel training, on-leash and off-leash heeling, non-verbal leash pressure, and agreement/disagreement/release signals. A typical day involves morning potty breaks, breakfast, training sessions (indoor, outdoor, offsite), a midday break, afternoon training, dinner, and a final potty break. Dogs sleep in individual crates in a temperature-controlled building with strict sanitary measurements. Dog-to-dog interaction is decided at professional discretion for safety.

There are 4 graduation classes in total: one lecture and three hands-on sessions, held on a weekend (AM and PM), requiring 3 hours for lecture and 2 hours for hands-on sessions. No visits or offsite trips are allowed during the program, but a small clip/wellness update is sent every 10 days. Programs begin and end on specific dates, with a 2021 class schedule available.

The 4-week High Reliability Obedience program covers behaviors like come, stay, loose leash walking, boundary recognition, and go to place, along with socialization. The 6-week Premier Advanced Obedience program builds on the High Reliability program, focusing on off-leash performance in various environments. Both programs include lifetime support after the dog goes home.

Pricing Summary

The 4-week High Reliability program costs $2,850 and includes a relaxation target, training leash, and e-collar. The 6-week Premier Advanced program costs $3,950 and also includes a relaxation target, training leash, and e-collar.

A 50% deposit or full payment is required to secure a spot. The business has previously helped clients split payments and offers a small discount to repeat clients. Any financial aid benefits are at Juan Galvis’ discretion and decided on a case-by-case basis, with preference given to families who do not need financial aid on the waiting list.

Policies

No toys or personal items are allowed at drop-off, except for treats. Dogs must be current on flea and tick medication.

No visits or taking your dog offsite are accepted during the program, unless special circumstances require it, due to class structure and potential disruption. Go home lessons are mandatory, and there will be no make-up time.

Dogability Dog Training specializes in using a dog’s natural abilities to create or modify behavior, focusing on building a clear, trusting, and harmonious relationship with exceptional communication. Their approach is motivational, utilizing both desire to access and desire to avoid as tools for behavior modification and management. They emphasize engagement as a key secret to their training, helping dogs build a desire to engage by discovering their ultimate motivators.

Dogability offers board and train in-house behavior modification programs for 4 or 6 weeks, followed by mandatory lessons for owners to maintain training at home. They also have a sister company, The Pet Wagon, which provides pet care services in the Triangle area, including boarding, daycare, pet transportation, and grooming arrangements. The Pet Wagon also serves as the in-person point of communication for Dogability’s front desk staff.

Accomplishments

Juan Galvis, the founder and head trainer, grew up on a cattle ranch/farm in Colombia, South America, gaining empirical knowledge of animal body language and behavior. He moved to the US for business school and later delved into animal and human psychology, discovering classical and operant conditioning.

Juan is a student of Michael Ellis, a well-known dog sport trainer and “trainer of trainers,” and continually takes part in courses and seminars with him, considering him a mentor. Other influences include Ivan Balabanov (2-time IPO world Champion), Andrew Ramsey (Military K9 trainer), Lisa Maze (Multi-sport international competitor), and Lisa Geller (Mondioring world competitor).

How to Get Started!

To sign up, clients need to check the 2021 Class Schedule and send an email inquiring about availability. Then, contact The Pet Wagon Hotel at 919-757-6085 to get access to enrollment forms.

Clients must provide vaccination records and pay a 50% deposit or the full course fee to secure a spot. Drop-off is at the countryside satellite facility in Cedar Grove between 3-7 pm on the course start day. Clients should bring enough food for an extra week’s stay and any necessary medication.