Instinct Canine Holistic Behavioral Training

Ranked #5 in Peoria and #70 in Arizona

4.7 Stars,35 Reviews
9171 W Melinda Ln, Peoria, AZ 85382

Service area: Instinct Canine serves clients in multiple locations including Peoria, Surprise, Vistancia, and throughout Maricopa County in Arizona. In Connecticut, they serve Wilton, Norwalk, Stamford, New Canaan, Darien, and all of Fairfield County.

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

  • Family Dog
  • Service Dog
  • Working Dog
  • Behavior Modification

Specialty Focus Areas

  • Basic Obedience
  • Puppy Training
  • Leash Pulling
  • Reactivity / Aggression
  • Jumping on People
  • Barking Excessively
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Biting / Nipping
  • Potty Training
  • Resource Guarding
  • Fearfulness
  • Recall

Training Formats Offered

  • Day Training
  • In-Home
  • Private Facility
  • Group Classes

Program Formats

  • One-Time Consultation
  • Sessions Package
  • Ongoing Weekly
  • Intensive Program

Types of Dogs

  • Working
  • Hounds
  • Terriers
  • Brachycephalic

Age of Dogs Trained

  • Puppy (<1 year)
  • Adolescent (1-2 years)
  • Adult (2-8 years)
  • Senior (8+ years)

Dog Training Methodology

Methods: 

  • Balanced Training

Equipment: 

  • Food Rewards
  • E-Collars
  • Pinch Collars
  • Obstacle Courses

Instinct Canine teaches owners how to eliminate problematic behaviors such as leash pulling, aggression, resource guarding, excessive barking, anxiety, and other unwanted behaviors. Their programs cover basic obedience commands like Sit, Down, Place, Heel, Come, and NO, with the goal of achieving off-leash obedience under distraction. They also offer obedience, service, and protection dog training.

Their primary training model is day training, where dogs are picked up from home Monday-Friday for training and enrichment with a small pack. This includes structured walks, socialization, exposure, impulse control, confidence building, and rehabilitation. At the end of each day, owners receive coaching on the protocols to ensure new behaviors transfer effectively to the home environment. The aim is to empower owners to become their dog’s trainer.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

Exercise & Weight Loss programs are $45 for 1 hour, $30 for 1/2 hour, or $125 for 5 consecutive days. Raw Diet Plans require a call for more information. An Initial Dog Training Session (1-2 hours) is $150. A 5-day dog training package is $625, which includes an in-home behavior assessment, prognosis, and protocol.

Puppy Training & Socialization is $100 for an initial session and $200 for 5 weekly sessions in CT, or $500 for 5 sessions in AZ. Prices may vary depending on the severity of the case. Additional costs for pick-up and drop-offs apply for dogs in Avondale, Goodyear, Gilbert, Phoenix, and Scottsdale, AZ. Unlimited classes are available for $100 per month after completing their 3-week day training program.

Testimonials

“I am writing this letter on behalf of Ben Gagne, of Shepard’s of Hounds. I have known Ben both professionally and personally for many years now. I sent my dog to him for 6 weeks of training and continual training for 3 years. I have been to his place of business multiple times and have seen many of his dogs. They are all well taken care of and happy to be there. She loves going with him and I know she is safe and having a great time when she is there. Professionally, I have sent many clients to him for training as he is one of the best dog trainers I have ever worked with in my entire 20 year career as a veterinarian. I have only ever gotten positive feedback from my clients. They are happy with the training and only have great things to say about Ben. Ben has dedicated his life to rescuing and rehabilitating dogs. For that, I commend him.”
– Dr. Kathleen Meenan, Senior Associate Veterinarian, Rippowam Animal Hospital

About the Trainer

Instinct Canine Holistic Behavioral Training focuses on teaching owners how to eliminate problematic behaviors in their dogs. They offer a holistic approach to canine behavioral modification, emphasizing structure, exercise regimens, and communication to satiate a dog’s inner instincts. The business specializes in working with difficult cases, including dogs deemed “untouchable,” and aims to turn dog owners into trainers.

They do not offer traditional board and train programs, preferring a day training model where owners are involved daily. This approach is designed to reduce stress on dogs and provide personalized training regimens, ensuring better results and mental soundness for both the dog and owner. They also provide services like exercise and weight loss programs, and raw diet plans.

Accomplishments

Ben Gagne, the founder and head trainer, is a Certified Canine Training and Behavior Specialist (CCTBS) with over 10 years of hands-on dog training experience. He is veterinarian recommended, with Dr. Kathleen Meenan, Senior Associate Veterinarian at Rippowam Animal Hospital, endorsing his work. His methods and philosophy are loosely based on the teachings published in Behaviorist Jean Donaldson’s book, “Culture Clash.”

How to Get Started!

To begin, clients can call, text, or email to set up an in-home holistic behavioral consultation for their dog.

Instinct Canine Holistic Behavioral Training featured image for this Dog Trainer
  • 10 Years Experience

  • Insured

  • Free Consultation

Availability

  • Weekdays

Certifications

  • Credentialed

Associations

  • AKC
  • wheelchair accessible parking

Other Services Offered

  • Dog walker
  • Pet trainer

Location

9171 W Melinda Ln, Peoria, AZ 85382