Green Valley Canine

Training programs include in-home private sessions and group classes for basic and advanced obedience, puppy training, and rattlesnake avoidance. Rattlesnake training is conducted in the dog’s own environment using live snakes and e-collar corrections paired with positive reinforcement. Canine Good Citizen testing and preparation are offered as standalone or bundled services. Behavior modification is customized for issues like leash reactivity, barking, separation anxiety, and resource guarding. Training is structured in multiple sessions with ongoing reinforcement guidance for owners.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is available upon request via phone. Rattlesnake avoidance training is offered at individual and group rates. The Green Valley Animal League subsidizes half the cost for dogs adopted from their organization.

Green Valley Canine is a locally owned and operated dog training business led by Roger Nelson, a certified dog trainer and member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. Roger and his wife, Helaine, are both AKC certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluators. They offer private and group training sessions focused on the four pillars of dog-owner relationships: exercise, leadership, obedience training, and socialization. Their approach combines dog psychology with positive reinforcement to build willing, well-behaved dogs. They specialize in rattlesnake avoidance training using live Western Diamondback rattlesnakes in real-world environments, helping dogs learn to detect and avoid snakes by sight, sound, and scent. In addition to obedience training, they provide puppy training, behavior modification, Canine Good Citizen testing and preparation, dog walking, and pet sitting services. They also work with dogs of all ages and abilities, including paraplegic and rescue dogs, helping them pass therapy dog evaluations. Green Valley Canine partners with the Green Valley Animal League to offer discounted training for adopted dogs.

Their rattlesnake avoidance training is conducted in-home, using live snakes under strict safety protocols, and has successfully trained over 1,000 dogs since 2013. Clients report life-saving results, with dogs actively avoiding snakes and alerting owners to their presence. Training is available from early spring through fall, aligning with rattlesnake activity in Arizona.

Roger and Helaine also provide personalized training plans tailored to each dog’s needs, including specialized sessions for dogs with unique challenges such as leash frustration, stubbornness, or mobility issues. They emphasize consistency, owner education, and real-life application to ensure long-term success.

Accomplishments

Over 1,000 dogs trained in rattlesnake avoidance since 2013. Successfully trained Lulis, a paraplegic rescue dog, to pass the Canine Good Citizen test and become a therapy dog. Co-author of the book “Dogs & Snakes: Avoiding the Bite.” AKC Certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluators. Trained hunting dogs and dogs with severe behavioral challenges with high success rates.

How to Get Started!

Call (520) 399-1132 to schedule an in-home consultation or rattlesnake avoidance appointment. A detailed interview is conducted to assess the dog’s behavior, the owner’s goals, and the home environment before creating a customized training plan.