Instinct and Intelligence Canine Training

Programs include 8-week group classes for puppies, family dogs, and reactivity (Big Feelings Anonymous), 6-week courses for CGC prep and rally, and short courses in tricks, scentwork, and parkour. Intro to Sports is an 8-week course covering multiple disciplines weekly. Private training is available with customized plans. Drop-in options are offered for rally, scentwork, and tricks. Workshops and run-throughs are available for advanced teams. All programs emphasize positive reinforcement and individualized goals.

Pricing Summary

Consultation: $25; Basic Training: $100/hour; Behavior Modification: $130/hour; Additional mileage fee for appointments over 20 miles from facility. Group classes range from $180–$225 for 6–8 week courses; drop-in sessions cost $15–$20. No refunds after class begins, but credits may be applied to other services.

Policies

No refunds after a course begins, but credits can be applied to other services. One missed class can be made up with a 30-minute private session. Dogs in season are allowed with protective covering. Clients must notify instructors of absences in advance. Facility rules emphasize respect, inclusivity, and a culture of encouragement.

Instinct and Intelligence Canine Training is a positive reinforcement-based dog training business located in Roanoke, VA, offering private training, group classes, and specialized sport programs. Their team consists entirely of certified trainers who use science-backed methods from ethology, behavioral sciences, and learning theory to help dog owners build strong, communicative relationships with their pets. They provide services for puppies, adolescents, adults, and seniors, with programs ranging from basic obedience and puppy preschool to advanced dog sports like agility, rally, scentwork, barn hunt, and parkour. They emphasize inclusivity, offering accommodations for dogs and owners with special needs, and maintain a safe, spacious facility open daily. Their approach is fun, humane, and focused on results without long-term package locks, and they also offer short courses for those unable to commit to full 8-week programs.

They offer private lessons, group classes, and workshops, with trainers specializing in reactivity, fearfulness, confidence building, breed-specific outlets, and household integration. Their facility includes space rentals and hosts puppy socials, drop-in trick sessions, and sport run-throughs. They also assist clients in selecting dogs from breeders or shelters.

The business is led by certified trainers including CPDT-KA holders and experienced competitors in multiple dog sports, with a strong focus on continuing education and ethical training practices. They do not use corrections, pinch collars, or e-collars, and prioritize positive reinforcement exclusively.

Accomplishments

Trainers include CPDT-KA certified professionals, owners of Flyball and Barn Hunt clubs, and competitors in agility, rally, nosework, and conformation. Trainers hold degrees in Companion Animal Science and have over 15 years of combined experience in dog sports and behavior modification. They are founding members of Jam-Min’ Dog Sports Barn Hunt club and previously owned Fido Fitness.

How to Get Started!

Begin with a $25 consultation to discuss goals. Trainers will create a customized plan. Clients can then schedule in-person sessions at the facility. Facility tours and meet-and-greets are available for dogs with concerns about group class suitability.