Pups with a Purpose

Pups with a Purpose offers a variety of training programs tailored to different needs and ages. Training Consultations serve as an initial informational session to discuss training philosophies, define goals, and determine the best program fit for dogs over 7 months.

The Day Training Program is an intensive “school for your dog,” running Tuesday through Thursday for a minimum of 4 weeks. Dogs work on custom training plans covering skills like socialization, leash walking, recall, and place, with daily instructional videos and up to 3 private sessions for owners. Programs include Puppy Day Training (under 6 months) focusing on kennel training and common issues, Level 1 Day Training (6+ months) for basic obedience, and Level 2 Day Training (6+ months) for behavioral issues like reactivity and anxiety.

Puppy Training Programs cater to young dogs with Puppy Head Start (8-20 weeks) for socialization and confidence building, Puppy Socials (under 6 months) for supervised play and body language understanding, and Puppy Essentials Skills (6-12 months) for foundational obedience like sit, down, and loose leash walking. These group classes aim to prevent behavioral issues and build a strong foundation.

Customized Private Training offers one-on-one sessions with Head Trainers to create personalized plans for specific needs, including Therapy Dog Readiness, Service Dog Training, behavior modification, and puppy training. Sessions are 60-90 minutes and can take place at their studio, client homes, or community locations.

Therapy Dog Training includes group classes like Pre-Therapy Dog Training (dogs 10+ months) for basic and advanced skills needed for therapy dog tests, and Therapy Dog Readiness (dogs 1+ year) which builds on these skills with confidence exercises and realistic visit scenarios. Private Therapy Dog Training Programs are customized for specific working roles such as Classroom Dogs or Crisis Response Dogs, providing training, certification guidance, and ongoing support.

Structured Daycare provides supervised playgroups with dogs of similar size and play style, while also maintaining training skills like impulse control and appropriate play, offering a structured environment to promote positive social skills.

Pricing Summary

A Training Consultation costs $100 plus taxes and fees. Day Training Programs include Puppy Day Training at $1,250+ taxes for 6 weeks, Level 1 Day Training at $1,650+ taxes for 4 weeks, and Level 2 Day Training starting at $1,850 for 5-7 weeks.

Puppy Training Programs include Puppy Head Start at $169 for 4 classes, Puppy Socials drop-in classes at $12 per class, and Puppy Essentials Skills at $329 for a 6-week class. Private Session Programs are priced at $530 for 4 sessions, $755 for 6 sessions, and $980 for 8 sessions, with pricing for 10+ sessions available upon request. An additional dog in private sessions costs $100.

Therapy Dog Training Group Classes include Pre-Therapy Dog Training at $260 and Therapy Dog Readiness at $245. Private Therapy Dog Training Programs range from $705 to $1,200. All programs include training equipment, a personalized training plan, and access to ongoing support like a private Facebook group and client pack walks. Taxes and processing fees are added upon purchase.

Policies

All enrolled pups must be up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations, and clients must provide proof of a clear fecal sample within 72 hours of the initial class or program. Failure to do so may result in cancellation or rescheduling without a refund. Female dogs actively in heat are not permitted in group classes but can make up missed sessions later.

Group classes may not be suitable for clients with physical limitations due to their fast-paced and interactive nature; clients are encouraged to discuss accessibility concerns before enrolling. A maximum of two handlers per puppy is allowed in group classes due to space limitations. Littermates must attend classes separately to foster independent socialization.

For Puppy Essentials & Advanced Puppy Skills classes, no make-ups are accommodated for missed classes due to limited size and waitlists, though notes and videos are provided if notified within 24 hours. Attendance at the first class is crucial and cannot be missed; rescheduling requires one week’s notice to avoid forfeiting the booking fee, and only one reschedule is permitted. For Puppy Head Start & Puppy Socials, no make-ups are provided, but illness-related absences require 24-48 hour notification. Unused classes are forfeited if age limits (20 weeks for Head Start, 6 months for Socials) are exceeded.

For group classes, a refund or credit for dis-enrollment requires one week’s notice prior to the first class. For Day Training and Private Training Sessions, cancellations must be made within 48 hours of the scheduled time; late cancellations or no-shows result in forfeiture of the session. Children’s involvement in training is primarily recommended at home, with an adult family member leading initial class sessions. A minimum of three attendees is required for group classes to be held; if not met, participants can reschedule or receive a full refund. Classes, daycare, and training sessions may be canceled due to inclement weather, with timely notifications and make-up dates provided. Dogs exhibiting aggressive or highly reactive behavior are not suited for group classes but may be assisted through the Day Training Program or referred to behavior modification programs.

Pups with a Purpose is a relationship-centered, balanced dog training company dedicated to helping dogs and their owners work as a team to make an impact in their community. They focus on elevating behavior expectations and guiding clients to navigate the world with calm and confidence.

The business specializes in Therapy Dog Training, offering various programs designed to teach skills for pet therapy, facilities dog work, and classroom settings. They also provide customized private training, comprehensive puppy classes, and structured daycare services. Pups with a Purpose works with dogs of all ages and breeds, aiming to unlock each pup’s unique purpose.

Their training approach goes beyond basic obedience, equipping owners with the tools and knowledge to achieve incredible things with their dogs, from stress-free daily walks to community service. They are noted as one of the only Omaha dog training companies specializing in Therapy Dog Training, with trainers who are active members and evaluators for a national therapy dog organization.

Accomplishments

Jessica, the Owner & Head Trainer, holds a BA in Psychology with an emphasis in School Psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, focusing on motivation, learning, and cognitive development. She is an active member of Alliance of Therapy Dogs since February 2019 and became a Tester/Observer in July 2019. Jessica is also an active member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) since 2019, serving on their first Therapy Dog Committee. She continuously pursues education in psychology, learning theory, and dog training.

Taylor, a Head Trainer, worked as a professional groomer for over 5 years, gaining expertise in dog body language. She is an active member and Tester/Observer for Alliance of Therapy Dogs since March 2020. Taylor has studied under various dog trainers across the country since 2019, bringing a wide range of skills to her sessions.

Gina, a Head Trainer & Puppy Specialist, volunteered and served as a Board Member at Helping Hands for Animals from 2013-2015. Her professional dog training career began in 2014 through mentorship, and she worked as a Head Trainer for a Midwest-based company until 2021, handling various breeds, ages, and behavioral issues. She has been an Alliance of Therapy Dogs Member since March 2022 and is a lifelong learner, continuously studying under esteemed dog trainers.

Bethany, a Puppy Specialist, has been involved in dog training since 2016, gaining experience through apprenticeships and assisting with classes and private sessions. She joined Pups with a Purpose in 2021 to help build the Purposeful Puppy Classes.

How to Get Started!

To begin your dog’s training journey with Pups with a Purpose, the first step for most tailored training programs is to schedule a Training Consultation. This informational session allows you to learn about their training philosophies and programs, define your training goals, and meet the trainers in person to ensure a good fit.

For specific programs like Day Training, you can click a button for more information. For Puppy Head Start, you schedule your first class session, fill out a welcome form, and complete payment. For Private Therapy Dog Training Programs, a Training Consultation is also the initial step. Jessica is not currently taking new private training clients but maintains a waitlist for 2024.