Ruff to Wags Dog Training

Ruff to Wags offers both private training and group classes. Private training provides one-on-one sessions at their Watkins facility or in the client’s home, addressing specific behavior issues or training goals like basic manners, potty and crate training, excessive barking, chewing, rushing doors, and jumping.

Group classes are held on their secured 2-acre property in Watkins, which includes various training areas and an indoor barn for inclement weather. Group class offerings include Puppy Basic Training (6 sessions for puppies 6 months and younger, covering basic manners, confidence, and social play), Basic Obedient Training (7 sessions for dogs 6 months or older, focusing on basic manners), and Recall Training (3 sessions for building reliable recall). Dog Reactive classes are also offered seasonally.

Pricing Summary

Private training at the Watkins facility is $75 per hour, or a package of 5 lessons for $300. Private training at your home is $85 per hour, or a package of 5 lessons for $375. Puppy Basic Group Training Class is $210 for six 1-hour sessions. Basic Obedient Training Class is $210 for seven 1-hour sessions. Recall Training Course is $60 for three 1-hour sessions. A $25 nonrefundable deposit is required to schedule the first appointment, which is applied towards the balance upon completion.

Policies

Clients must provide current shot records and submit all requested paperwork before training can be officially scheduled. A $25 nonrefundable deposit is required to hold the first appointment, which is applied to the balance upon completion. Failure to provide 48 hours’ notice for rescheduling or cancellation will result in forfeiture of the deposit. The business strictly prohibits the use of choke collars, shock or e-collars, and flexi/zip leads.

Ruff to Wags Dog Training is a family-run business owned and operated by Carrie, a Professional Certified Dog Trainer. The business aims to build a community of positive and responsible dog owners, providing excellent customer service and a positive learning environment to help dogs transition from feeling “ruff” to “wagging.”

Ruff to Wags offers a wide range of training courses, including private and group sessions, and assists with service animal training. A key advantage is Carrie’s commitment to scientifically backed, positive reinforcement techniques, ensuring up-to-date and effective training methods.

Carrie pursued her formal dog training education in 2019, attending CATCH Academy, an accredited Positive Reinforcement school. She holds a CPDT-KA certification, having completed over 300 hours of private training, and is currently pursuing her Behavior Consultant Canine Knowledge Assessment certification. Additionally, Carrie is a certified evaluator for the American Kennel Club’s Good Canine Citizen program and is certified in Pet CPR and First Aid. She has completed advanced courses in aggression, behavior adjustment training (BAT 2.0), canine body confidence, and separation anxiety, and is experienced in AKC Scent work.

Accomplishments

Carrie, the owner and trainer, is a Professional Certified Dog Trainer who began her formal education in 2019. She is CPDT-KA certified, having logged over 300 hours of private dog training, and completed a mentorship with Sue Brown in 2021. She is currently pursuing certification for Behavior Consultant Canine Knowledge Assessment.

Carrie is also a certified evaluator for the American Kennel Club’s Good Canine Citizen program and is certified in Pet CPR and First Aid. Her extensive continuing education includes the Aggression in Dogs Master Course by Michael Shikashio, Grisha Stewart’s BAT 2.0 training, and courses on canine body confidence, common behavior challenges, group class instruction for aggression, and separation anxiety. She has experience in AKC Scent work and is a member of the Colorado Dog Trainers Network.

How to Get Started!

To get started, clients are encouraged to call or contact Ruff to Wags to schedule an appointment. Before booking, clients must first download and complete two forms: “Initial Consultation and Training Questions” and “TRAINING SERVICES AGREEMENT.” These completed forms should then be uploaded to a cloud service, and the link submitted via the contact form on the website. This initial conversation ensures a good fit for the client and their dog.