Down Dog Studios

Programs are structured by age and need: Puppy Start Right (8–14 weeks) covers socialization, house training, and basic commands. Step Up Pup (4–10 months) builds on foundational skills. Foundation Basic Manners (6 months–senior) teaches sit, stay, leash walking, and more. Intermediate Skills and CGC Prep classes refine obedience. Over-Reactive Rover addresses reactivity. Shy Dog Class boosts confidence. Saturday Skills Lab offers drop-in practice. Private lessons are customized for in-home or studio settings. All programs use positive reinforcement with clickers and treats.

Pricing Summary

Group classes cost $153 for a 5-week course (e.g., Puppy Start Right). Private lessons are offered in packages with pricing detailed in a downloadable PDF. Anxiety and aggression cases have separate pricing. Packages must be used within one year. Cancellations within 48 hours forfeit the session. No refunds for missed classes due to vaccine non-compliance.

Policies

Private training packages must be used within one year of purchase. Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice result in forfeiture of the session. No refunds for missed group classes due to unmet vaccine requirements. Observing classes is free but requires advance notice; no dogs allowed during observations.

Down Dog Studios is a positive reinforcement dog training center serving the Fargo-Moorhead area. They offer group classes, private lessons, and drop-in sessions designed for dogs of all ages, backgrounds, and behavior issues—from puppies to senior dogs. Their training methods are simple, effective, and fun, with a strong focus on building confidence and communication between dogs and their owners. They provide specialized programs for shy dogs, reactive dogs, puppies, and dogs needing basic manners or CGC preparation. In addition to training, they offer dog walking sessions. Their team includes certified trainers and assistants who use clicker training and force-free techniques. They encourage prospective clients to observe classes for free before enrolling. They also provide educational resources on topics like crate training, potty training, and socialization.

Their studio is located in Fargo, ND, and they offer both in-studio and in-home private sessions. Virtual sessions are available for clients outside their 20-mile service radius. They do not use corrections, pinch collars, or e-collars, and emphasize joyful, reward-based learning.

They serve puppies as young as 8 weeks and offer structured programs tailored to developmental stages, including Puppy Start Right, Step Up Pup, and Foundation Basic Manners for adults and seniors.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients should email info@fmdowndog.com to discuss goals and schedule an initial consultation. They are encouraged to observe a class before enrolling. For group classes, registration is done online via their booking system. Private lessons begin with an in-depth consultation to assess the dog and household needs.