Santa Fe Dog, LLC

Santa Fe Dog offers a variety of training programs. The “Ask the Trainer” series provides free expert dog training advice in a human-only Q&A format, held monthly at the studio.

Studio Classes include “Canine Life & Social Skills” at Beginner (for puppies 6 months and up, covering basic obedience like sit, down, recall, and off-leash heel) and Basic levels (for dogs 12 months and up, focusing on loose-leash walking, wait, stay, and meet & greet). Both levels require an initial orientation without dogs and proof of vaccinations.

Sport Classes include “Novice Rally-O” for leash handling and intro to Rally Obedience games, and “Advanced Rally-O” which alternates between intermediate Rally-O and agility handling. Private training is available via phone, Zoom, or at the studio to address a wide range of unwanted behaviors, including aggression, fear, destructiveness, and house training issues. The Santa Fe Dog Sports Field is available for private training and dog-to-dog introductions, offering activities like recall games, agility, Rally obedience, and Disc Dog.

Pricing Summary

All studio classes are $285 including tax. Agility classes at the sports field are $144 including tax for 4 sessions.

Policies

Clients are encouraged to read class guidelines before registering. Session dates are subject to change, especially on holiday weekends, with updates sent via email. In-home private training is generally suspended due to the pandemic, only offered if a dog cannot attend studio sessions.

The trainer, Deborah Tolar, operates as a one-person business and is often booked 10-14 days in advance. Clients are seen Saturday through Tuesday. It can occasionally be difficult to reach her by phone, especially on days she is working with dogs, and clients are encouraged to use the online contact form for inquiries and scheduling.

Santa Fe Dog, LLC is a dog training business operated by Deborah Tolar, a one-person operation based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They offer personalized and efficient dog training services through private sessions, group classes, and free monthly Q&A sessions. Training takes place at their 1,900 sq ft studio, via phone, or Zoom.

While in-home training is generally suspended, it may be arranged for dogs with specific age or behavioral needs. Santa Fe Dog also provides access to a double-fenced sports field designed for dog enjoyment, socialization, and various activities, though group classes at the field are currently on hold.

Deborah Tolar is described as having an incredible touch with animals, a genuine gift as a dog trainer, and an intuitive understanding of dog behavior. She focuses on helping owners understand and manage their dogs’ behavior, aiming to build confidence and strengthen the bond between dogs and handlers.

Accomplishments

Deborah Tolar is the primary trainer at Santa Fe Dog, LLC. Clients describe her as having an “incredible, wonderful touch with animals” and being “amazing and intuitive.” She is noted for her ability to understand dogs’ needs and effectively communicate with owners.

Reviews highlight her success in modifying challenging behaviors, including aggression and fearfulness, and her dedication to helping dogs and their owners achieve a better relationship. She is recognized for her “genuine gift as a dog trainer” and her commitment to helping clients, even offering referrals to other trainers if her services are not the best fit.

How to Get Started!

To get started, clients can register for the free “Ask the Trainer” sessions online. For studio classes, registration is done through an online request form. If a desired class is full, clients can fill out the “Contact Us” form and request to be added to a waitlist.

For private training or general inquiries, clients are advised to complete the online contact form, providing as much detail as possible about their dog’s issues and their phone number. While phone calls are accepted, using the online form is preferred as it often leads to faster scheduling.