Pups Dog Obedience Training

PUPS offers an 8-week Basic Group Obedience Course as a cornerstone program, with options for Advanced Obedience, Rally Obedience, IPO/Schutzhund, and Puppy Sessions. Private lessons and Individual Modification Programs target specific behaviors like reactivity or leash pulling. Board and Train programs include “Jump Start” for new clients needing intensive intervention and Standard Overnight with optional behavior modifications. All programs emphasize individual assessment, owner education, and consistent reinforcement. Clients may attend multiple weekly sessions and repeat courses for free within a year. Virtual sessions are available for remote clients.

Pricing Summary

Basic group obedience classes are offered with free repeat access within a year. Private lessons and assessments are available. Board and train “Jump Start” program is $130/day (5–14 days minimum). Standard overnight boarding is $70/day. Day/Stay/Play is $50/day. Day/Stay/Train is $90/day. Additional fees apply for late cancellations and schedule changes. Food must be provided by owner. IPO/Schutzhund training pricing is custom upon request.

Policies

First-time boarders must pay in full at reservation; cancellations more than 30 days out receive 50% refund, cancellations within 30 days receive no refund. Regular boarders receive 50% refund if canceled at least 21 days in advance. Late cancellations and schedule changes incur penalties. Drop-off and pick-up times must be pre-arranged with Kristin; changes may incur a $20 fee. Medications: only oral pills are accepted with pill pockets; no topical treatments administered.

PUPS Dog Obedience Training is a dog training business based in Columbia, MD, founded years ago with a progressive 8-week group obedience course that remains a cornerstone of their services. They offer a range of training options including group classes, private lessons, board and train programs, puppy sessions, advanced obedience, rally obedience, IPO/Schutzhund training, and behavior modification. Their philosophy emphasizes individual assessment of each dog and owner, understanding breed traits, building trust and respect between dog and owner, and using obedience as a tool to improve the dog’s confidence and temperament. They use corrections alongside positive methods, including prong collars and e-collars, and focus on making obedience a way of life. They also provide overnight boarding with optional training, day stay/play, and facility rental. Virtual sessions are available for remote clients. Their team, led by Karen Decker and Kristin, has been helping clients for over 20 years.

They specialize in addressing leash pulling, reactivity, jumping, door charging, recall issues, and aggression, and offer tailored programs for high-energy, powerful, or difficult-to-manage dogs. Their boarding facility includes indoor training space, wooded path walks, and treadmill use, with photo updates provided during stays. They do not administer topical medications like ear or eye drops.

PUPS encourages owner involvement and allows clients to repeat group courses for free within a year. They assess each dog individually before starting any program and provide ongoing support via email or text.

They serve clients in Columbia, MD and surrounding areas, with virtual options available nationwide.

Accomplishments

PUPS Dog Obedience has been training dogs for over 20 years under the leadership of Karen Decker and Kristin. They have helped hundreds of clients with dogs of all breeds and temperaments, including high-energy and aggressive dogs. Their clients report long-term success, improved recall, and better behavior even years after training. They are recognized for their detailed, thoughtful boarding services with photo updates and individualized care.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to contact PUPS via phone or email to schedule an individual assessment with Karen Decker. This evaluation helps determine the best training approach for the dog and owner. After the assessment, clients can enroll in group classes, private lessons, or board and train programs. Virtual consultations are available for those not located nearby.