Serenity Dog Training

Training generally takes place in the client’s home, except for the Canine Good Citizen program which is held in a designated public location, and Intermediate Training which includes proofing in public spaces. The trainer, Todd, demonstrates behaviors and coaches clients using positive reinforcement.

Obedience Training offers a “Focus Session” for dogs one year and older with unwanted behaviors like jumping, leash pulling, ignoring commands, counter surfing, and bolting. The “Obedience Peace Pack” is a 3-session program for dogs one year and older with little to no prior training, focusing on basic manners, impulse control, and mindful leadership, including commands like Touch, Focus, Sit, Leash Walking Manners, Leave It, and Come When Called.

Puppy Training Development includes “Puppy Development 101” for first-time puppy parents, covering potty training techniques, developmental and social engagement assessment, and wellness information. The “Puppy Focus Session” is for puppies 10 weeks to 11 months old addressing unwanted behaviors such as jumping, leash pulling, ignoring commands, counter surfing, and bolting. The “Puppy Peace Pack” is a 3-session program for puppies under 12 months, teaching basic manners, impulse control, mindful leadership, and counter conditioning.

Family Dog Training provides a “Family Focus Session” suitable for all ages, addressing common unwanted behaviors like jumping, leash pulling, ignoring commands, counter surfing, and bolting. The “Family Peace Pack” is a 3-session program for all ages, designed to strengthen family pack dynamics through effective canine communication, positive reinforcement, and mindful leadership, covering commands like Touch, Focus, Sit, Leash Walking Manners, Leave It, and Come When Called.

Intermediate Dog Training is a 3-week program recommended for dogs with a solid foundation of basic obedience skills. It focuses on “proofing” established behaviors in public settings with distractions, duration, diversity, and distance (the 4Ds). New learning includes Settle, Stay, Place, and Heel Walking.

Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Training is a 3-week program for dogs with established beginner and intermediate obedience skills, conducted in a public location. It prepares dogs for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, emphasizing public manners.

Rescue Dog Special Needs Training offers a “Rescue/Special Needs” single session for rescued or rehomed dogs that may require behavior modification due to neglect or trauma. This session focuses on building trust, pack adaptation, positive reinforcement, and counter conditioning. The “Rescue Peace Pack” is a 3-session program for long-term bond strengthening and behavior modification, addressing fear and fear aggression, and teaching basic commands like Touch, Focus, Sit, Leash Walking Manners, Leave It, and Come When Called.

Public Space Leash Training offers custom sessions for dogs with reasonable leash skills, designed to help them and their owners confidently navigate various public environments such as trail hikes, art fairs, musical festivals, community park events, farmer’s markets, breweries/cafes, charity walks, sporting events, dog meet-up events, camping, and water adventures. These sessions focus on proper leash handling, environmental awareness, and clear communication.

Pricing Summary

Training rates vary by program. Single sessions range from $100 to $150, while 3-week consecutive session packages range from $300 to $450. For the Canine Good Citizen program, no rescheduling or cancellations are permitted.

Policies

For the Canine Good Citizen program, no rescheduling or cancellations are permitted.

Serenity Dog Training is a business led by Todd Hastings, who focuses on training both dogs and their human companions to become ‘Mindful Canine Leaders’. The training philosophy emphasizes respect over fear, utilizing positive reinforcement techniques. Todd teaches pet parents how to communicate effectively with their dogs through consistency, patience, playfulness, and compassion.

Training sessions primarily take place in the client’s home, which is considered the natural environment for pack dynamics. This in-home approach aims to provide convenience and a familiar setting for the dog. Serenity Dog Training offers a range of services including obedience, puppy development, family dog training, and specialized training for rescue dogs with special needs.

They also provide custom public spaces training for dogs and owners who wish to confidently navigate various outdoor environments like trail hikes, art fairs, and farmer’s markets. Todd also offers guidance on canine behavior, nutrition, and dog/human bonding, as highlighted in customer testimonials.

Accomplishments

Todd Hastings is described by clients as highly knowledgeable in canine behavior, nutrition, and dog-human bonding. He possesses a deep understanding of canine nature. One of his trained dogs has become a volunteer comfort and care team member at a senior citizen activity center.

How to Get Started!

Clients begin by filling out a submission form online. Following this, a phone conversation with Todd is scheduled to discuss the dog’s needs and goals, allowing Todd to determine the best training approach.