Dogmata

Dogmata offers comprehensive training programs focusing on both obedience and behavior, with a core philosophy of training the human to understand canine behavior. All programs begin with a required one-on-one evaluation session, which introduces clients to canine behavior, psychology, communication, and the ideal canine lifestyle, and teaches them how to master walking and communicate using intrinsic language. The goal of the evaluation is to equip owners to continue training independently, but further customized training services are available if needed.

Their Board & Train program provides 24/7 hands-on training, custom-designed for each dog and owner’s goals, focusing on structure, consistency, and purpose. Dogs learn on and off-leash walking, indoor/outdoor behavior, desensitization to nail trims, boundary respect, recall, and basic obedience through vocal and hand signals. The program leverages interaction with other canine teachers in the Dogmata Pack to accelerate learning through observational behavior.

They also offer Service & Therapy Dog Training and Certification, which involves task training and behavior modification. This training aims to create a purposeful bond between canine and handler, ensuring the dog is calm, well-behaved, and responsive in both private and public settings. Certification involves obtaining AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Community Canine (CGCA), and Urban Canine (CGCU) titles, combined with the Public Access Temperament Test (PATT). Service dog certification is valid for two years and requires retesting.

Pricing Summary

A phone consultation requires a $30-$50 deposit, which is applied to a future evaluation. The evaluation itself costs $150-$200 per hour with a two-hour minimum, and the hourly rate may increase based on variables like age, aggression, fear, type of service, or additional dogs.

Board & Train programs have starting rates per night: Puppy Program (less than 5 months) is $75.00 per night, Adolescent Program (5-10 months) is $80.00 per night, and Adult Program (11 months and older) is $90.00 per night. These rates are starting points and may increase based on variables such as age, aggression, fear, or type of rehabilitation required.

Policies

To confirm an evaluation appointment, payment is required within 48 hours of receipt; otherwise, the appointment will be automatically canceled. Dogs must have proof of up-to-date vaccinations (Rabies, DHPP, & Bordetella) to be eligible for an evaluation. Puppies under four months require an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (OCVI).

Dogmata is a dog training and rehabilitation center that emphasizes training the human before training the dog. Their philosophy centers on understanding natural canine behavior, psychology, communication, and lifestyle, believing that unwanted behaviors stem from a lack of human leadership, mental boredom, and physical exercise. They aim to help owners build trust and respect with their dogs by teaching them to be consistent leaders and ensuring affection is earned.

Dogmata provides puppy training, behavior modification, obedience training, and service/therapy dog training and certification. They do not use adverse tools such as prong and e-collars in their training. The business was established in 2014.

Accomplishments

Robert Simon, the head trainer and behaviorist, has over 40 years of experience with Doberman Pinschers and immersed himself in Search & Recovery K-9 in 2008. He successfully certified his first Doberman, Ares, in Human Remains Detection (HRD) in less than nine months and currently runs two nationally certified HRD canines. He has worked with numerous law enforcement agencies and is an active member of the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) and Canine Search and Recovery (CSAR). He was integral in setting standards for national search and rescue certifications through his years with The National Search Dog Alliance (NSDA), where he served in various leadership roles including President. Robert has engaged in continuing education courses at Western Carolina University focusing on canine behavior, forensic anthropology, lost person behavior, and cadaver search training. He holds certifications from the University of Michigan (bloodborne pathogens, HAZMAT, crime scene preservation), Bay County Florida Sheriff’s Department, FEMA, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He has been an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluator since 2014, an AKC Temperament Test (ATT) evaluator since 2019, and an AKC Fetch Program judge since January 2024.

Erin Boone has been apprenticing under Robert since 2013. She volunteered at the Humane Society from age 10, operated an independent pet sitting business from 2004-2013, and worked as a kennel technician from 2011-2013. She professionally groomed from 2012 and was a registered member of the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) from 2014-2017. Erin has been an AKC CGC Evaluator since 2017 and became actively involved at Critter Care in February 2022, specializing in canine patient care and management as a Veterinary Technician.

How to Get Started!

To begin the scheduling process, prospective clients must submit an online application. It is highly recommended to complete the application on a computer and provide as much information as possible, with a minimum of 350 characters in the behavior details section. Applications with incomplete fields, poor grammar/spelling, or minimal information will be discarded without a response. Approved applicants will be contacted via email within 48 hours to schedule a phone consultation. A $30-$50 deposit is required for the phone consultation, which will be applied to a future evaluation. The evaluation is a required one-on-one session with the owner, dog(s), and trainer.