River Run Dog Training

Programs include 4-week group classes in Basic Obedience, AKC Rally, CGC, Agility, and Therapy Dog preparation. Rally classes are offered in 4-week sessions over 8 weeks, with options for Novice to Advanced levels. Private sessions are available for behavior modification and personalized training. Therapy Dog workshops are 2 hours for practice and 90 minutes for skill refinement. All classes require pre-registration and have limited spots. Basic Obedience graduates may retake the class free for one year.

Pricing Summary

Group classes cost $120 for a 4-week session. Private one-on-one sessions are $120 per hour, with 4-session packages available at a discount. Therapy Dog testing is $10, and workshop fees range from $50–$95. A $20 no-show fee applies for cancellations under 48 hours or failure to attend registered classes.

Policies

A 48-hour cancellation policy is enforced; cancellations within 48 hours of the first class incur a $20 fee. No-shows result in a $20 fee and possible refusal of future services. Registration is not guaranteed until paperwork is completed. Dogs must be under control during class; owners must clean up after their dogs. No food before class; bring a 4–6 foot leash and small soft treats.

River Run Dog Training is a professional dog training facility located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, offering group classes and private sessions led by Paula Thomason, a nationally certified trainer with over 25 years of experience. They provide a wide range of training programs including Basic Obedience, AKC Rally Obedience, Agility, Therapy Dog preparation, CGC testing, and Behavior Modification. Training occurs both indoors in a climate-controlled facility and outdoors in a fully fenced arena. Their approach emphasizes positive reinforcement and practical skills for everyday life, with a strong focus on building strong owner-dog relationships. They also host charity events like Tug Toy Workshops and offer specialized seminars for Rally competitors. Owners can retake Basic Obedience for free within one year, and classes are kept small with multiple instructors present. The business is deeply involved in the local dog community and supports therapy dog programs through testing and workshops.

They offer private one-on-one training sessions at $120 per hour, with discounted packages of four sessions available. Their programs are designed for dogs of all ages and sizes, with prerequisites such as completed Basic Obedience for advanced classes. River Run Dog Training also provides Therapy Dog testing through TDI certification and hosts workshops to prepare teams for real-world visits.

The facility is conveniently located just 10 minutes from downtown Fayetteville and serves the surrounding communities. They encourage early registration as classes fill quickly and enforce a 48-hour cancellation policy with a $20 no-show fee.

River Run Dog Training is not a boarding, grooming, or daycare provider, but focuses exclusively on training and behavioral development with a commitment to ethical, effective methods.

Accomplishments

Paula Thomason is a nationally certified CPDT-KA and CPDT-KS trainer with over 25 years of experience. River Run Dog Training has produced multiple AKC Rally Champions, including Ashton the GSD, and has had dozens of High in Trials and championship wins in 2022. Their students consistently qualify for competitions and earn AKC titles.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients should email RiverRunDog@aol.com to inquire about availability, receive registration forms, and sign up for classes. Due to high demand, early contact is recommended. Private sessions require direct email inquiry. No walk-ins accepted; all registrations must be processed via email or online forms.