South Paw Obedience Training
Service area: Serves Arab, Guntersville, Boaz, Cullman, and surrounding areas in Marshall and Blount Counties, Alabama, within a 20-mile radius.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Competition / Agility
- Family Dog
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Recall
- Leash Pulling
Training Formats Offered
- Group Classes
- Private Facility
- Private Lessons
Program Formats
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
Types of Dogs
- Sporting
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
- Senior (8+ years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive with Some Corrections
- ✓ Balanced Training
Equipment:
- ✓ Pinch Collars
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Obstacle Courses
Group classes are offered weekly in Basic Obedience, Advanced Obedience, and Rally. Classes run for 1 hour per week, with Basic Obedience lasting 5 weeks. Show and Go events are held monthly to simulate AKC trials. Saturday classes are subject to change based on trial schedules. Private lessons are available upon request.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Basic Obedience Class: $125 for 5 weekly 1-hour sessions, with a $50 non-refundable deposit required at registration. Private lessons available by calling for pricing. Products such as prong collars ($24), treats (Elk Antlers $7–$19, Buffalo Bites $7–$12), and crate mats are sold separately.
Policies
Registration for classes requires a $50 non-refundable deposit. Classes are limited to 12 dogs per session. Private lesson scheduling is by appointment only. Show and Go events require email inquiry for registration forms.
Testimonials
Best dog trainers around. Miss Kitty and Jim really know their stuff. They have taken me from being ruled by my dogs to now being the alpha of my 8 dog pack. Kitty is a top notch rally and obedience coach and makes sure you’re ready to step into the show ring without making a bone head of yourself. I can’t say enough good things about her.
– Murphy
Murphy, my German shepherd dog and I love this place. As soon as we get there she is excited and ready to (play). Go to work. They make all the learning for human and dog fun. I have other very good instructors. These people really know how to get the best out of a dog. My plan is to show conformation, obedience, and rally.
– Murphy
Excellent trainer and facility. I can’t say enough good things about this place. I drive over an hour to go here and it is totally worth it.
– Client
About the Trainer
South Paw Obedience Training, run by Jim and Kitty Thompson, has been training and showing Labrador Retrievers since 1991, with over 30 titles earned in Obedience and Rally. They offer group obedience and rally classes at their facility, ranging from basic obedience to competitive AKC-level training. They also host Show and Go events to help handlers prepare for AKC trials. The business sells dog training equipment including prong collars, treats, crate mats, and training boxes—all Lab-tested and approved. Private lessons are available by appointment. Their facility is located in Arab, Alabama, and they serve clients from nearby towns including Guntersville, Boaz, and Cullman.
Kitty has extensive experience teaching obedience to children through 4-H clubs and has led seminars for judges and exhibitors on AKC regulations. The trainers emphasize a hands-on, supportive approach, helping owners become confident leaders while making training fun for both dogs and humans.
They do not offer boarding, grooming, walking, or in-home training services, but provide a list of recommended local veterinarians and groomers for client convenience.
Accomplishments
Jim and Kitty have earned 30 titles on their Labrador Retrievers in Obedience and Rally. Kitty has taught obedience to children through 4-H clubs in Florida, leading a state-winning club. She has conducted seminars for AKC judges and exhibitors on obedience and rally regulations.
How to Get Started!
Prospective clients must pre-register for group classes with a $50 deposit. Registration can be completed by phone, mail, or by downloading and submitting a PDF or Word form. Private lessons require a phone call to schedule.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Evening
- Morning
- Afternoon
Associations
- AKC
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible entrance
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Pet supply store
Location
784 Baldwin Dr, Arab, AL 35016Listing Tools for Trainers
For South Paw Obedience Training Only
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