Dog’s First Choice

Training begins with an in-home 2-hour initial consultation and assessment, followed by three 1-hour sessions to implement a customized program. Programs focus on behavior change, obedience commands, leash manners, and addressing issues like jumping, biting, separation anxiety, and pulling. Additional programs include IPO Schutzhund training (BH to IPO III), bite work, tracking, and fitness activities. Puppy and young dog group classes start in May. Homework is required between sessions for family involvement.

Pricing Summary

Private 4-session package: $450 (includes $50 travel fee per session). Single 2.5-hour consultation: $250. Tracking: $50 per team or $120 for three teams. Obedience training at facility: $80. Combination obedience and bite work: $140. Fitness classes (mind & body, core fitness, pilates, kick boxing, spinning, TRX): $20 for 45 minutes.

Dog’s First Choice is a dog training business led by Jürgen, a certified Schutzhund trainer and helper with experience since 1988. They provide in-home dog training services for puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs, focusing on balanced, dog-friendly methods that address behavior issues and build confidence through communication. Training is tailored to household dynamics and includes obedience, behavior modification, tracking, and IPO Schutzhund programs. They offer private lessons in the DC metro area and Southern MD, with packages designed to create lasting behavioral change rather than just rehearsed commands. Additional services include nosework, barn hunt, and fitness activities like core fitness and TRX for dogs.

Jürgen has personally titled dogs in Schutzhund levels up to SchH III and FH, and has prepared dogs for körung evaluations. He specializes in working with breeds such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermanns, Malinois, and Airedales. Training emphasizes trust, non-threatening discipline, and breed-specific mental stimulation to prevent destructive behaviors.

They offer a free consultation and provide homework between sessions to ensure family involvement. Programs include a 4-session private package and single 2.5-hour consultations for focused issues.

Additional offerings include tracking, obedience training from BH to IPO III, and bite work according to IPO rules, conducted at their training field.

They also host puppy and young dog classes starting in May, and plan to introduce nosework and barn hunt in October.

Accomplishments

Jürgen has been training dogs since 1988 and is a certified Schutzhund trainer and helper. He has titled Airedales, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermanns, and Malinois from SchH B through SchH III and FH, and has competed at the Deutsche Meisterschaft. He has also successfully prepared dogs to pass körung evaluations and has performed helper work at top-level competitions. He conducts training and helper seminars throughout Germany.

How to Get Started!

Begin with a free consultation by calling or emailing to schedule an in-home assessment. The initial 2-hour session includes evaluation and hands-on training to develop a personalized program. Families are encouraged to participate and complete homework between sessions.