Phenomenal Canine

Service area: Pittsburgh, PA

Phenomenal Canine offers several training programs. Group classes include “Bachelors” for basic manners (sit, down, recall, loose leash walking) for any aged dog, with an option for the AKC STAR Puppy test. The “Canine Good Citizen” course prepares dogs for the AKC CGC test, covering items like polite greetings and loose leash walking, requiring prior obedience. The “Masters” course delves deeper into basic manners, also requiring prior obedience and for dogs to be mostly non-reactive.

Private lessons are one-hour sessions providing personalized coaching for specific goals or flexible schedules. A virtual consult is required for behavioral issues before signing up for private lessons.

Service Dog Training specializes in assisting handlers to train their own service dogs for disabilities such as PTSD, autism, and POTs. This program can help with puppy selection, evaluating existing dogs, and training from start to finish, typically taking 1-3 years. Prerequisites include passing the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, being no older than 3 years, showing no aggression, being confident in various situations, and working without prong or e-collars. An internal graduation test is offered, though not legally required in the USA, to ensure Phenomenal Canine standards are met.

Pricing Summary

Service dog training can cost up to $15,000 over 2-3 years, with pricing dependent on student location and training required. Phenomenal Canine offers a sliding scale system and partners with Lending USA for small loans. Group packages are available with discounts for multiple sessions paid for at once. Clients are encouraged to inquire for specific quotes.

Phenomenal Canine is a dog training business led by a disabled dog trainer who is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and a certified Family Dog Mediator. They specialize in service dog training for disabled individuals, aiming to help clients train their own service dogs for disabilities such as PTSD, autism, and POTs. The business also offers basic and advanced obedience training for all dogs.

They provide both group classes and private lessons, catering to various needs and schedules. Their training philosophy is centered on LIMA (Least Intrusive-Minimally Aversive) principles, using rewards-based methods with food, toys, or praise, and actively avoiding punishment. They focus on effective communication between owners and their dogs, equipping clients with the knowledge to handle issues independently.

The trainer has 4 years of experience, with over 1000 hours of hands-on dog training and shelter experience. They continuously pursue further education through renowned experts like Suzanne Clothier, Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, and Grisha Stewart. Phenomenal Canine is insured through The Hartford.

Accomplishments

The trainer is a certified Family Dog Mediator and a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. They have over 1000 hours of experience training dogs, including hands-on hours at a shelter. The trainer continuously takes courses through notable experts such as Suzanne Clothier, Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, and Grisha Stewart.

How to Get Started!

To begin, clients interested in private lessons for behavioral issues should schedule a virtual consult. For service dog training, clients are advised to inquire directly for quotes and program details. General classes can be signed up for via the provided booking link.