Gungho Dog Training

Gungho Dog Training offers two main programs: 1) Online video courses (“The Desired Puppy” and “The Desired Dog”) with lifetime access for self-paced learning; and 2) In-person 6-week Day Train programs where dogs train one day per week at the facility while owners attend weekly 1-on-1 coaching sessions. The Day Train program includes basic obedience commands (come, heel, sit, down, kennel, leave it, quiet, focus), socialization, and homework from the online courses. A free transformation session is required before enrollment. Board and train options are also available for longer-term intensive training.

Pricing Summary

Online courses range from $497 for “The Desired Puppy” to $900 for lifetime access. The 6-week Day Train program includes weekly training sessions and access to online courses; pricing is not publicly listed but requires a free consultation. Gift certificates and training tools are available for purchase in their shop.

Policies

Behavior cannot be guaranteed as dogs are not robots; long-term success depends on owner consistency and practice. Gungho Dog Training commits to working with clients until problems are solved without price gouging. Clients are encouraged to maintain communication and update progress. No specific cancellation or rescheduling policy is stated.

Gungho Dog Training is a family-owned business based in Ellensburg, Washington, founded by Cody Axthelm in 2018. They specialize in obedience training for dogs of all ages, offering both online video courses and in-person training programs. Their signature services include a 6-week Day Train program where dogs receive professional training one day per week while owners attend weekly 1-on-1 sessions to learn how to reinforce behaviors at home. They also offer specialized online programs: “The Desired Puppy” for dogs under 6 months (including potty training) and “The Desired Dog” for dogs 6 months and older. Cody uses a balanced approach combining positive reinforcement with corrections when necessary, tailored to each dog’s age, breed, and history. Their goal is to develop obedience for obedience’s sake, eventually weaning dogs off tools like treats, leashes, and collars. They emphasize building trust between owner and dog and provide unlimited communication during training. Additional services include a free 3-step obedience mini-course, daily training tip videos, and a shop selling training tools and gift certificates.

Cody holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has trained over 500 board-and-train clients since 2018. He comes from a family with decades of experience breeding AKC Labrador Retrievers for temperament and health, which informs his focus on creating loyal, well-behaved family companions. Gungho Dog Training also maintains active social media channels on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to share training content and client success stories.

Accomplishments

Cody Axthelm, owner and head trainer, has trained over 500 board-and-train clients since founding Gungho Dog Training in 2018. He holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has been breeding AKC Labrador Retrievers since 1985 through his family’s business. He has trained his own dogs to high levels of obedience and hunting, and integrates psychology, faith, and hands-on experience into his training philosophy.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must complete a form on the website to schedule a free Transformation Session. This session helps determine the best training program (online, day train, or board and train) based on the dog’s needs and owner goals. An online assessment is available for those outside the local area, but in-person evaluation is preferred.