Laura’s Dog Training

Group classes are structured in multi-week sessions with a focus on positive reinforcement and real-world problem solving. Puppy classes begin at 12 weeks with vaccinations; Basic and Advanced Obedience lead to CGC certification; Agility introduces jumps, tunnels, and weave poles; Therapy Dog training includes field trips and evaluation; Pet CPR uses a canine mannequin. Private training is customized to home needs. Board & Train involves daily sessions at partner kennels. Pre-Puppy Coaching guides new owners from decision to class enrollment. All programs include optional certification testing at no extra cost.

Pricing Summary

Group classes are $150 for 5–6 sessions; Therapy Dog Class is $90 for 3 classes; Pet CPR & First Aid is $90 for 6 classes; Private Home Training is $45 per session plus travel; Board & Train is $20 per session; Pre-Puppy Coaching is $20 per session. Therapy dog evaluations and CGC/S.T.A.R. Puppy tests are offered free of charge.

Policies

Enrollment requires calling or emailing to secure a spot. Graduates are encouraged to contact Laura for ongoing support. No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policy is stated, but clients are advised to contact Laura directly for scheduling inquiries.

Laura’s Dog Training is a locally owned and operated dog training business founded by Laura Pintane, CPDT-KA, in Salida, Colorado. With over 30 years of professional dog training experience and more than 1,000 dogs trained locally, Laura offers affordable, customized, and fun training programs using positive reinforcement and the LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) approach. She specializes in group classes including Puppy Socialization & Obedience, Basic and Advanced Obedience, Beginning Agility, Therapy Dog Training, and Pet CPR & First Aid, as well as private in-home training and board-and-train options. Laura is deeply involved in the community as a co-founder of Therapy Dogs of Chaffee County, the Salida Dog Club, and Loyal Duke’s Dog Park. She provides free evaluations for Canine Good Citizen, S.T.A.R. Puppy, Trick Dog, and Alliance of Therapy Dogs certifications. Laura also hosts free practice sessions for agility, rally, nose work, and off-leash hikes, and offers Pre-Puppy Class Coaching for future dog owners.

Her training philosophy centers on building trust, problem-solving, and strengthening the human-dog bond. She maintains a scrapbook of graduates and encourages ongoing support after class completion. Laura holds a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and a California Veterinary Technician Certification, and has trained for Canine Companions for Independence, a service dog organization.

In addition to training, Laura offers free therapy dog visitations, organized canine playgroups, and sells training gear. She is a certified evaluator for multiple dog titles and actively supports local pet-related initiatives, including the Paws to Read Bookclub and Chaffee County Dog Services.

Accomplishments

Laura Pintane has over 30 years of professional dog training experience, trained over 1,000 dogs, and worked with Canine Companions for Independence. She holds a B.S. in Zoology and California Veterinary Technician Certification. She co-founded Therapy Dogs of Chaffee County, Salida Dog Club, Loyal Duke’s Dog Park, and Paw Prints 4H Dog Club. She is a certified evaluator for CGC, S.T.A.R. Puppy, Trick Dog, and Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Laura co-authors a local dog column and hosts free community playgroups and training sessions.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients should contact Laura by phone or email to enroll in classes, discuss private training needs, or schedule a Pre-Puppy Coaching session. Free evaluations are available for CGC, S.T.A.R. Puppy, and Therapy Dog certifications. No formal intake form is mentioned; initial contact is the first step.