Good Dog Rising training & behavior

Good Dog Rising offers a core curriculum starting with Puppy Socialization & Manners (8 weeks to 4 months old) and Basic Manners & Obedience (over 4 months old). These are 7-week group classes, one hour each week, with two instructors and a class handbook. They operate on a rolling enrollment basis for these foundational classes, allowing clients to choose their start date.

After completing Basic Manners, dogs can progress to Advanced Manners, a 7-week class that builds on foundational skills and introduces elements of K9 sports. Graduate-level classes and ongoing K9 continuing education include Trick Dog Classes (with optional titling), Rally-Obedience, Intro to K9 Sports (sampling agility, scent work, tricks, rally-obedience), Agility for Fun (Levels 1-3), and Scentwork (Levels 1-3).

Private training is available for individualized attention, specific problem-solving (e.g., leash walking, reliable stays, counter surfing, housetraining), common behavior issues (shyness, low-level reactivity, crate training), and one-on-one lessons in sports. They currently accept private clients for obedience, house manners, life skills, sports, CGC prep, common behavior problems, minor resource guarding, and common dog-dog reactivity. They do not accept new clients for serious aggression issues, bite history, aggression toward people, or major separation anxiety.

Pricing Summary

Core Curriculum classes (Puppy, Basic Manners, Advanced Manners) are $210 for seven weeks. Follow-on classes (Graduate level, ongoing sports) are $130 for seven weeks. Classes are one hour each week. Packages for multiple core classes can save $70-$130.

Private training options include a 3-pack for $495 and a 6-pack for $950. An optional initial consultation is available for $25 for a 20-minute session. Prepayment is required for new clients or if there’s a missed payment/cancellation history. Fees are due upon enrollment, similar to any other class.

Policies

Good Dog Rising has a “Reschedules, not Refunds” policy. If a client enrolls, fees are due even if they miss classes. With at least 10 days’ notice, they can reschedule a class or leave credit on the account for future use. For unexpected, unavoidable situations, partial credit may be offered. A $50 non-refundable fee is retained for any refunds issued.

For Basic and Puppy classes, one or two make-up weeks can often be added to the end of the class if notified via email at least one week in advance, subject to space availability. For upper-level classes, fees can be prorated if 3 or more weeks will be missed, at $25 per week, provided the class is not otherwise full.

For private training, clients may cancel one session with no fees if greater than 48 hours’ notice is given. Multiple cancellations or cancellations without 48 hours’ notice will incur fees for missed sessions. A $25 fee is charged for returned checks.

Dogs that are noisy or distracted are welcome in beginner classes, but owners must be able to physically control their dog. Dogs with a bite history (resulting in medical/veterinary attention) must be disclosed during registration and remain on leash in beginner/intermediate classes. In advanced classes, off-leash training for such dogs may be permitted with instructor permission and handler’s ability to control. Children attending class must be supervised by an adult, stay in the designated training area, and not approach dogs without permission. The business expects all attendees to treat dogs and humans with kindness and respect.

Good Dog Rising Training & Behavior offers professional dog training and behavior services in Carlisle, PA, and surrounding areas. They aim to help dog owners enjoy their dogs more by providing obedience, manners, K9 sports, and behavior consultation.

The business emphasizes modern, positive reinforcement methods, grounded in behavioral science, and adheres to Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) strategies. They focus on building strong positive behaviors without the use of physical corrections, force, or harsh verbal corrections.

Their facility features two climate-controlled training rooms, one 4000 sq ft and another 1500 sq ft, both fully matted with True Blue Agility Mats. They offer plenty of off-street parking and grassy areas for potty breaks.

Good Dog Rising provides a core curriculum including Puppy Socialization & Manners and Basic Manners & Obedience, followed by advanced and graduate-level classes. They also offer private training for individualized attention and specific problem-solving.

Accomplishments

The instructor team at Good Dog Rising brings extensive experience and maintains professional certifications and memberships. Ann Bonney (Withun), the owner, holds a BS from the United States Military Academy, is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (ACDBC), and a Fear Free Certified Animal Trainer. She has been training professionally since 2006, with over 1000 hours of client experience, and has trained her own dogs to competition level in various sports. She has authored articles for APDT Chronicle of the Dog and contributed to APDT’s Top Tips from Top Trainers.

Carleen Vorisek is a CPDT-KA, Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI), AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and AKC STAR Puppy Evaluator, with a BS in Agriculture and Extension Education from Penn State. Elena Prince is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CT). Lisa Basial competes at the Elite level in NACSW Nosework and has trained multiple dogs to competition level in various sports, including USBCHA sheep herding. Kathleen Mack is a member of APDT and a supporting member of IAABC, with titles in Flyball and Rally Obedience. Janell Oldack is an AKC Canine Good Citizen certified evaluator. The team regularly attends major professional conferences like APDT Annual Conferences, Clicker Expos, IAABC Annual Conference, and Fenzi Dog Sports Academy Conferences.

How to Get Started!

To get started, new clients can choose a class based on their dog’s age: Puppy Socialization & Manners for pups 8 weeks to 4 months old, or Basic Manners & Obedience for dogs over 4 months old. These foundational classes have rolling enrollment, allowing clients to choose their start date online.

Clients can view the schedule and register online. For those unsure which service is right, an optional 20-minute Initial Consultation is available for $25 to observe the dog and discuss goals. Alternatively, clients can email info@GoodDogRising.com for advice or to arrange to observe a class before committing. Prepayment is required for new clients to hold their spot.