Paws Abilities Dog Training

Paws Abilities offers a comprehensive range of training programs designed to foster a lifetime of companionship and good habits. These include various group training classes for foundational skills, private training consultations for personalized help or serious behavior issues, and intensive programs like Canine to Five and Board & Train. The latter options feature unique transfer sessions to ensure training effectiveness when the owner handles the dog. Additionally, they provide Enrichment Camp, Puppy Camp, and Professional Walks. The business also serves as a regional leader in education, offering specialized workshops, informational events, and seminars with top industry speakers and behaviorists.

Pricing Summary

Payment for classes can be submitted via check, money order, or PayPal. Spots are not reserved until payment is received. Discounts and promotions are available, including specific class discounts (e.g., 5% or 10% off), a BIPOC/BIPGM Scholarship (10% off with code BIPOC_24), and a Rescue Referral Program (10% donation back to the rescue for adopted dogs within 30 days). Only one discount can be applied per order, with the best available discount used.

Policies

Dogs are required to be current on rabies, parvovirus, and distemper vaccinations, with titers accepted. Bordetella is highly recommended, and annual fecal exams or a current deworming schedule are required. Dogs must be free of illness and parasites to attend class; owners can attend without their dog if the dog is ill or in season. Bitches in season are welcome but must wear panties. For the first class with a new dog, a New Dog Profile and veterinary records are required. Dogs do not attend the first Beginning Obedience or Beginning Reactive Dog Rehab class. Prohibited equipment includes retractible leashes, choke collars, remote (shock) collars, and prong collars. Paws Abilities Dog Training does not issue refunds for any reason. A responsible adult must attend class if the handler is under 18. Class cancellations due to bad weather result in an additional week being added to the class schedule.

Paws Abilities Dog Training, founded in 1999, was the first company to introduce clicker training techniques to southeast Minnesota. They are a collective of professional dog trainers committed to providing instruction in Rochester, Southeastern Minnesota, and the Twin Cities metro area. Their training philosophy emphasizes scientifically valid, proven, reward-based, and motivational techniques, adhering to a LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) approach for all learners, both human and animal.

They aim to help people enjoy their dogs through training and behavior modification, working with the whole family to achieve goals from a great family pet to a competition dog. Paws Abilities is recognized as a premier source for animal behavior information, regularly referred by veterinarians and veterinary behavior specialists. They also mentor new trainers through Animal Behavior College, Victoria Stilwell Academy, and the CATCH Dog Training program.

The company is disability-friendly, LGBTQ+-friendly, BIPOC-friendly, and neurodivergent-friendly, striving to provide equity for all people in their services and messages. They offer a wide range of services including various training classes, private training consultations, Canine to Five day training, Board & Train programs, Enrichment Camp, Puppy Camp, and Professional Walks. They also host specialized workshops, informational and seasonal events, and seminars with industry experts.

Accomplishments

Founded in 1999, Paws Abilities Dog Training was the first company to introduce clicker training techniques to the southeast Minnesota area. Their professional trainers are credentialed by leading independent bodies in the field, including the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA, CPDT-KSA) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (CBCC-KA, IAABC-ADT). Trainers are actively involved in research, attend and host seminars and conferences, and regularly compete with their own dogs to gain experience. The company mentors new trainers through Animal Behavior College, Victoria Stilwell Academy, and the CATCH Dog Training program, and is regularly referred by veterinarians and veterinary behavior specialists.

How to Get Started!

To begin, clients should enroll for their desired class online. Before the first class, a New Dog Profile form must be filled out, and veterinary records proving required vaccinations or titers must be provided. For Beginning Obedience or Beginning Reactive Dog Rehab classes, dogs do not attend the first session. For all other courses, dogs should attend the first class. Clients are advised to bring their dog on a flat collar, head halter, or harness, and a 4′ or 6′ leash (retractible leashes are not permitted). A clicker will be provided in Session One of Beginning Obedience or Beginning Reactive Dog Rehab, or can be purchased. A large variety of interesting treats or a favorite tug toy should also be brought.