System of a Dog

System of a Dog offers various training programs designed to train the owner to be their dog’s trainer. Their in-home training includes an initial evaluation and lesson to assess needs and create a training plan, followed by optional 4-week lesson packages for general obedience or puppy basics. These lessons cover fundamentals like markers, loose lead walking, obedience commands, recall, potty training, crate training, and addressing issues like chewing/biting.

Board and Train programs are available for both adult dogs (over 6 months) and puppies (up to 6 months), with limited availability for 1-2 dogs at a time. These programs focus on developing or eliminating behaviors for adults, and building foundations for puppies including potty training, crate training, attention, obedience, leash walking, and socialization. A free lesson and free access to monthly group classes are included with Board and Train stays.

Group classes include “S.O.A.D. Obedience Classes” (4 weeks), “AKC S.T.A.R. PUPPY CLASS” (6 weeks with official test), and “AKC Canine Good Citizen” (coming soon). They also offer “Free Client Group Classes” for current and past clients to practice handling skills and ask questions. Additionally, “Mountain Bound Hounds” provides a mobile pick-up and drop-off service for group pack hikes and in-town training, focusing on socialization, loose lead walking, and obedience, requiring prior in-home training with them.

Pricing Summary

Pricing for services includes:
Adult Dog Board and Train (over 6 months): $615 for 1 week, $1170 for 2 weeks, $2225 for 1 month, with a 5% discount for each additional month.
Puppy Board and Train (up to 6 months): $485 for 1 week, $920 for 2 weeks, $1800 for 1 month, with a 5% discount for each additional month.

Initial In-Home Evaluation + Lesson: $220 (up to 2-2.5 hours).
Evaluation Only: $100 (1 hour).
In-Home 4 Week Lesson Package: $650 (up to 2 hours per lesson), with a 10% discount if repeated.
In-Home 4 Week Lesson Puppy Package (under 6 months): $500.

1 hour Video Call Training: $50.
Follow-Up Lesson: $170 (up to 2 hours).
“Mountain Bound Hounds” mobile pick up and drop off service: $280/month for one day per week.
Free monthly group classes are available for current and past clients who have had at least one lesson.

System of a Dog is a mobile dog training service founded by Jason Tonkin, who has over 25 years of experience, and Kellie Tonkin, with over 18 years of experience. They emphasize training the owner (“We Train YOU!”) to be their dog’s trainer, focusing on one-on-one coaching sessions and daily homework practice.

Their approach, called “System of a Dog,” is designed to provide a solid foundation for various training challenges, promising undeniable progress with consistency. They work with dogs of any breed, age, and address problems including reactivity and aggression.

They utilize food as a primary motivator for training and encourage owners to prepare their dogs to be hungry for sessions. Beyond training, they offer “Mountain Bound Hounds” for socialization, training, and exposure through group pack hikes and in-town training, which includes loose lead walking and obedience.

Accomplishments

Jason Tonkin, the founder and head trainer, has over 25 years of experience training dogs and people. He previously founded and led Paw and Hand K9 until 2018 when he established System of a Dog. His ability to connect with both dogs and humans has led to the successful rehabilitation of hundreds of dogs and people. Kellie Tonkin brings over 18 years of experience working and training with dogs and their people, having learned various approaches and gaining insight into reading dogs and helping owners achieve their goals.

How to Get Started!

To get started, clients can call or text Jason and Kellie at 503-936-5170, which is noted as the fastest response method. They can also send a message via the website’s contact form to schedule an appointment or ask questions. For in-home training, the process typically begins with an initial in-home evaluation and lesson, where trainers assess the dog’s needs and create a tailored training plan.