Lower Lassen K-9 Training and Shasta Dog Training

Shasta Dog Training offers several core programs. Family Dog Obedience provides affordable, quality training for all levels, suitable for first-time owners or those with out-of-control dogs. The Schutzhund (IPO Competition) program offers top-notch dog sport training guidance, utilizing a mark/reward method and addressing all phases of trialing (Obedience, Protection, Tracking).

For owners with limited time, the Dog Board/Train Programs, or “Boot Camp,” offer an intensive environment to correct problem behaviors without home distractions, aiming to rehabilitate dogs into well-behaved family members. This is followed by owner education to continue training at home. The Service and Therapy Dog Training program is personalized, drawing on years of experience to train dogs for emotional support in institutional settings (therapy) and to assist individuals with disabilities in daily life (service).

Their training philosophy emphasizes primarily private, one-on-one classes at their facility, allowing for individualized attention. They assess each dog based on breed, temperament, drive, and personality, and also consider the owner’s temperament, strength, sensibilities, and goals. They employ proven, concrete methods that leverage a dog’s natural instincts, focusing on positive motivation rather than quick fixes. They prioritize strengthening the owner-dog bond by clearly explaining their techniques.

Additionally, the LLK-9 Club, established in 2015, provides ongoing training for advanced customers. This club meets on Saturday mornings and other pre-arranged times, supporting members in advanced exercises for trialing or fun. Membership requires successful completion of basic obedience skills, ensuring a controlled training environment. Club members also receive priority and discounts for boarding, and the club participates in Drill Team exercises.

Pricing Summary

They offer affordable training programs. Membership to the LLK-9 Club has a minimal cost and provides priority/discounts for boarding.

Shasta Dog Training, also known as Lower Lassen K-9 Training, is a premier dog training business serving Redding, Shasta County, and Northern California. It is run by professional dog trainers Debi and Guenter, who have been providing training for over 11 years. Guenter brings over 30 years of experience as an SV certified dog trainer, specializing in Schutzhund competition and working with security dogs.

They offer a range of programs including Family Dog Obedience, Schutzhund (IPO Competition), Dog Board/Train programs, and specialized Service and Therapy Dog Training. Their unique advantages include personalized training programs tailored to each dog’s personality and owner’s needs, a natural ability to “read” dogs, and a focus on rehabilitating “problem” dogs that other trainers may have given up on.

Training is primarily conducted through private, one-on-one classes at their facility in Shingletown, CA, ensuring focused attention without distractions. They accommodate client schedules for convenience. Their philosophy centers on proven, concrete methods that utilize a dog’s natural instincts, avoiding quick fixes, and identifying positive motivators. They also emphasize reinforcing the owner-dog bond by clearly explaining their methods.

In addition to training, they offer pet boarding services as part of their board/train programs and for LLK-9 Club members. Guenter also holds a breeding license.

Accomplishments

Guenter has over 30 years of experience as a professional, SV certified dog trainer. He has extensive experience in Schutzhund competition and trialing, including showing twice in the Niedersachsen Provincial Finals. He served as the Head Trainer at the German Shepherd Club in Salzgitter-Bad and as Supervisor-Head Trainer in the Security Dog Division at a large German security company, where he trained human and canine recruits for the Schutzhund Trial. Guenter has also worked with top breeders in Germany, training dogs for IPO trials required for breeding papers, and holds his own breeding license.

Debi grew up with a love of dogs, with her parents showing and breeding AKC Collies. She competed in all levels of Schutzhund (IPO) trialing, including the Specialized Tracking level (FH1), and represented her club in competitions throughout the Niedersachsen Province. Debi assisted with the training of her club’s youth group and worked for breeders in training young dogs for trials. She also assisted in the training of new security-dog handlers at Sicherheit-Nord.

Together, Debi and Guenter have provided dog training for over 11 years. Their facility is rated by clients as the premier dog training program in Northern California and was highlighted in ENJOY Magazine in 2016.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can call to inquire or observe a Saturday group class to see the training in action. For dogs perceived to be aggressive, an initial evaluation is recommended. Training sessions typically begin with the trainers demonstrating new exercises with the dog while the owner observes, providing the dog with a head start. Following this, the owner practices the new exercises under the trainers’ guidance.