Paws-Itively Obedient #2

Paws-Itively Obedient offers a range of training programs tailored to different needs and ages. The Day Training program is a drop-off service available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, where dogs receive one-on-one training, socialization, and play. This program includes personalized videos, email updates, and private sessions with the owner after every four sessions, covering skills like basic cues, polite greetings, leash walking, and impulse control. A trial day is required to ensure suitability.

Group Classes include Puppy Kindergarten for puppies 8-16 weeks, focusing on basic skills, puppy topics like biting and house training, and crucial socialization. Good Manners Level I introduces basic obedience for all ages, covering attention, leash walking, recall, and stay. Curbing Adolescence is designed for “teenage” dogs (6 months-3 years), addressing excitement and short attention spans through engagement games and relaxation exercises. Good Manners Level II is an advanced class building on Level I skills, focusing on fluency with distractions, leash walking, and polite greetings.

Specialized group classes include AKC Trick Classes for learning various tricks, Canine Good Citizen Prep and Community Canine classes for preparing for AKC certifications, K9 Nose Work for developing scenting abilities, and Movement and Obstacles classes for coordination and confidence building through obstacle work.

Private Dog Training offers an individualized approach for general manners or specific issues, starting with a 30-minute consultation. Sessions can be held at their training facility or in the client’s home, with packages available for 4, 8, or 12 sessions. They also have a dedicated Reactive Rover program for dogs exhibiting reactivity.

Pricing Summary

AKC Trick Classes, Canine Good Citizen Prep, and Community Canine classes cost $225 for 5 weeks. Introduction to K9 Nose Work is $225 for 6 weeks. Movement & Obstacles classes are $180 for 4 weeks per level.

Day Training offers full-day packages: 4 sessions for $619, 8 for $1159, 12 for $1679, and 16 for $2089. A 2-hour drop-off option is available: 4 sessions for $559, 8 for $1079, 12 for $1589, and 16 for $2079. Additional private sessions can be added for $145/hr. Each full-day package includes a complimentary 30-minute mini-private session per 4 sessions.

Group classes include Good Manners Level I at $315 for 7 weeks, and Curbing Adolescence and Good Manners Level II at $250 for 6 weeks each. Puppy Kindergarten is $250 for 6 weeks.

Private Training sessions at their location cost $629 for 4 sessions, $1199 for 8, and $1729 for 12. In-home private training costs $699 for 4 sessions, $1299 for 8, and $1899 for 12. All processed refunds incur a 10% processing fee, but clients can opt for a full credit on their account instead.

Policies

Paws-Itively Obedient has strict policies regarding health, safety, and class attendance. For canine respiratory illness, they require yearly Bordetella vaccination, recommend canine influenza, and mandate sick dogs stay home. Social distancing of 6 feet between dogs is required.

Vaccination policies require puppies (8-18 weeks) to have at least one distemper/parvo and Bordetella vaccination 7 days prior to starting, along with a fecal test. Rabies proof is submitted upon completion. Dogs over 18 weeks require proof of distemper/parvo, rabies, Bordetella (7 days prior), and a fecal test within the last year. COVID-19 safety protocols include mask consideration for at-risk individuals, maintaining 6 feet distance, and practicing hand hygiene.

Group class policies state that classes observe specific holidays, and weather-related cancellations are made up to two hours before class. Missed classes by clients are not credited, but instructors will help catch up, and clients can attend without their dog or inquire about dropping into another class. No refunds are given for group classes cancelled within 5 days of the start date or after week 1.

For private and day training, a 24-hour notice is required for private session cancellations (less than 24 hours incurs a $50 fee or 30-minute time loss), and 72-hour notice for day training rescheduling (less than 72 hours results in loss of session). No refunds are provided after the start of training services. All refunds are subject to a 10% processing fee, with the option for a full account credit instead.

Paws-Itively Obedient aims to strengthen the human-animal bond through reward-based training. They empower owners with education, personal attention, and hands-on instruction to create well-mannered family companions.

The business offers a variety of services including Day Training, Group Classes, and Private Dog Training. Their Group Classes cover Puppy Kindergarten, Good Manners, AKC Title Classes, K9 Nose Work, Movement and Obstacles, and Reactive Rover Training.

Unique advantages include personalized video updates and email education after day training sessions, along with private sessions after every four day training sessions. They provide essential training supplies like treat pouches, clickers, leashes, harnesses, and training manuals. The training philosophy emphasizes positive reinforcement, a fear-free approach, and building confidence and resiliency in dogs.

Accomplishments

The team at Paws-Itively Obedient holds various certifications and boasts extensive experience. Karen Lanoue-Lambrecht, the owner, is a CPDT-KA and ACDBC, a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) since 1993, and an AKC Canine Good Citizen, STAR Puppy, and Tricks Evaluator. She has a background as a veterinary technician and bases her philosophy on Dr. Ian Dunbar’s positive reinforcement techniques.

Janice Gifford, Head Trainer, is a CPDT-KA, Fear Free Certified Professional, and an AKC Evaluator, with a degree in Psychology focusing on animal behavior and experience in marine mammal training. Jackie Kelleher, a trainer, is a CPDT-KA, CVT, CCRP, and Fear Free Certified Professional with over 20 years of experience in veterinary and behavior settings. Victoria Montgomery, also a CPDT-KA and AKC Evaluator, has nearly 10 years of experience in dog care and training.

Maureen Dwyer is a KPA-CTP and Certified K9 Nose Work® Instructor (CNWI), also an APDT member and AKC Evaluator, with her own dogs achieving high-level Nose Work titles. Palestina Baronas is a VSA-DTC certified trainer with a diverse animal background, including veterinary technician and sheltering. Althea Chasse is a CATCH Academy Certified Dog Trainer and AKC Fit Dog Instructor. Emily Ballard holds a Certification in Applied Animal Behavior from the University of Washington.

How to Get Started!

To begin Day Training, clients must first schedule a Trial Day to ensure the program is a good fit for their dog’s comfort and learning ability. After a successful trial, clients are invited to choose a training package.

For Private Dog Training, the process starts with a 30-minute consultation at one of their training locations. During this consultation, a trainer will meet the dog and owner, discuss positive reinforcement principles, and begin working on basic skills. Online consultation bookings are tentative and confirmed via email within 24 hours by a PAWS team member.

For group classes like Good Manners Level I, if a dog overreacts to other dogs or people on leash, a training consultation is recommended prior to joining to ensure proper class placement and provide initial guidance. Similarly, for Curbing Adolescence, clients must either be current clients or have completed a training consultation. For K9 Nose Work, if a dog has prior experience elsewhere, clients should email to be placed in the appropriate level. Reactive dogs interested in Movement & Obstacles classes require a prior relationship with the business and instructor approval.

General inquiries can be made via email at hello@pawsitivelyobedient.com or by phone at 781-837-1510.