K-9 Manners of Texas

K-9 Manners of Texas offers personalized obedience and retrieval training, including on-leash, off-leash, and puppy manners. Basic obedience begins with positive reinforcement in low-distraction environments, fostering mutual trust and respect between the trainer and dog. As the dog progresses, verbal and leash corrections using slip or pinch collars are introduced, gradually moving towards real-world distractions such as barking dogs, strange people, and people with dogs. Treats are used sparingly, primarily for very young dogs or those requiring extra motivation.

Upon establishing basic obedience, at least two private sessions are scheduled with the owner and family members. These sessions focus on teaching hand signals and verbal commands, and instructing the owner on how to effectively reinforce their pet’s training. Advanced obedience targets off-leash control, starting with a 15-30 ft. line. An E-collar, used with the owner’s permission, is then introduced as an “invisible leash,” providing complete control. The transition to E-collar corrections from leash corrections is done gently and gradually to ensure the dog understands what is being asked without experiencing trauma.

“Graduation day” involves a “Rule on Proving a Dog in Real-World Situations” exercise, incorporating five distractions: children, other dogs, people with dogs, barking dogs, and moving vehicles. Retrieval training for gun dogs is also conducted with an E-collar, following basic obedience training and an assessment of retrieval aptitude. Dogs are generally force-fetched, with the necessity determined during evaluation. Training is considered complete only when the owner is comfortable handling the dog and understands how and when to use corrections to reinforce and enhance the dog’s ability to perform trained commands.

Pricing Summary

Basic On-Leash Training is priced at $1000 for a 2-3 week program. Advanced Off-Leash Training costs $2000 for a 4-6 week program. The exact duration for off-leash training is determined during an evaluation, depending on the dog’s breed, temperament, and specific training needs. K-9 Manners of Texas offers a 15% discount on training for any adopted “rescue” dog. All training programs include two private sessions with the owner and family members at the end of the training period. Free boarding is provided for dogs during their training.

K-9 Manners of Texas offers personalized obedience and retrieval training for dogs, led by professional dog trainer Mike Jeter. With over 20 years of experience, Mike has trained for reputable kennels and private clients, earning stellar recommendations. The business emphasizes that dogs are cherished family members, and good “K-9 manners” are crucial for the family’s enjoyment, the dog’s quality of life, and its safety.

Mike provides training for both puppies and adult dogs, focusing on a personalized approach to meet individual needs. His background includes experience as a kennel technician, assistant trainer, and veterinarian tech, which gives him insight into how a dog’s physical health might affect its training. He specializes in on-leash, off-leash, and retrieval training, particularly for hunting dogs. K-9 Manners of Texas has successfully trained thousands of dogs locally and is often recommended by veterinarians when other training attempts have not succeeded.

A unique advantage is the provision of free boarding during training at an upscale local kennel, ensuring professional and loving care for your dog. Mike also has experience in behavior modification and schutzhund-style training. Additionally, he breeds top-notch field labs known for their excellent household pet temperaments. His own children sometimes participate in training sessions, serving as “distractions” in real-world settings, and at graduation, the entire family is taught their role in maintaining the dog’s successful behavior within the family and community.

Accomplishments

Mike Jeter has over 20 years of extensive experience in dog training, having successfully trained thousands of dogs locally. He has been the exclusive trainer for three local, long-standing, reputable kennels, all of whom provide stellar recommendations. K-9 Manners of Texas is a “go-to” referral from veterinarians when other training attempts have failed. Mike’s background also includes experience as a kennel technician, assistant trainer, and veterinarian technician, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of canine behavior and health.

How to Get Started!

To begin the training process, prospective clients are encouraged to call Mike to discuss their puppy or adult dog and their specific training goals. For off-leash training, an evaluation is conducted to determine the exact length of time required based on the dog’s breed, temperament, and the amount of training needed to meet expectations.