Talk Dog Toledo Dog Training

Talk Dog Toledo offers comprehensive training programs tailored to individual dog and owner needs. Their Board and Train programs provide a jump start to training, with dogs living with trainer Cheryl and her family 24/7 in an intimate setting. Programs range from 1 to 2 weeks, covering home manners, door manners, appropriate people manners, and obedience commands like sit, down, place, loose lead walking, stand, recall, and stay. All board and train options include follow-up lessons and lifetime phone and email support. These programs are not suitable for aggressive or extremely hyperactive dogs, and dogs over 6 months must be fully housetrained.

Private Training is customized to address specific behavioral and manners issues, not just obedience. These one-on-one sessions can take place at their indoor facility, in the client’s home, or in public spaces, teaching owners to be fair and trustworthy leaders. Programs include “Let’s Get Started” for foundational skills, “Good Dog Program” for flexibility between home and facility, and “Great Dog Program” for in-home or public training. Specialized “Behavioral Help” is available for issues like aggression, separation anxiety, and resource guarding, focusing on the root cause of problems.

Group Classes follow the C.L.A.S.S. (Canine Life and Social Skills) format, encouraging active participation from students and their dogs. Classes are small to allow for personalized attention. Offerings include Puppy Kindergarden for young puppies, Adult 101 Basic Obedience, Canine Good Citizen for advanced manners, Trick Dog Class for fun skills, Community Canine Class for real-world distractions, and Therapy Dog Class to prepare teams for therapy work. Dogs with barking issues or aggression towards humans or other dogs are not permitted in group classes and are recommended for private training instead.

Pricing Summary

Talk Dog Toledo offers various pricing structures for their programs. Board and Train programs are priced per dog, with a non-refundable deposit of $306 required to reserve dates. The remaining program cost is due on drop-off day. Credit card payments incur a 2% convenience fee, which can be avoided by paying with a check in person.

Private training packages include: “Let’s Get Started” at $445 for 3 lessons at their facility; “Good Dog Program” at $645 for 4 lessons split between home/public and facility; and “Great Dog Program” at $775 for 4 lessons conducted entirely at home or in public. Behavioral help training is $875 for 4 private classes. Hourly rates are available: $80/hour at their facility (1-hour minimum), $110/hour for in-home private sessions (2-hour minimum), and $125/hour for behavioral help (2-hour minimum), with additional time billed in 15-minute increments.

Group classes are generally $175 for 6-week courses, including Puppy Kindergarden, Adult 101 Basic Obedience, Trick Dog Class, and Community Canine Class. The Canine Good Citizen class and Therapy Dog class are $200 for 7 weeks.

Policies

Talk Dog Toledo requires a non-refundable deposit for Board and Train programs, with the remainder due on drop-off day. A 2% convenience fee applies to credit card payments. Aggressive dogs are not accepted into the Board and Train program, and dogs over 6 months must be fully housetrained.

For private training, a travel fee may apply if the location is further than one hour from their facility. They do not accept extremely aggressive dogs that pose a danger to themselves or others, and they state they do not claim to “fix” aggression.

Group classes require a minimum number of participants to run. Dogs that are excessively barking or aggressive towards humans or other dogs are deemed unsuitable for group classes and are advised to pursue private training instead. Participation in a class does not guarantee passing associated certification tests. For the Therapy Dog class, a background check is required (additional charge), and class completion does not guarantee acceptance into a therapy dog program. Specific insurance policies for therapy dog visits are outlined, noting that ATD insurance may not cover visits during paid work hours.

Talk Dog Toledo is a locally owned dog training company that offers a variety of services including private training, group classes, and board and train programs. They also provide dog grooming, doggie daycare, and boarding services.

The company focuses on teaching owners how to communicate with their dogs using body language and voice commands, aiming for behavioral modification rather than just obedience. Their approach helps dogs learn to make appropriate choices and fosters a respectful relationship between dog and owner.

Training can be customized to individual dog needs and is available at their 2,880 square foot indoor facility in Woodville, OH, in clients’ homes, or in public spaces. Trainer Cheryl Kubista, with over 19 years of experience, emphasizes teaching owners to be fair and trustworthy leaders.

Accomplishments

Cheryl Kubista, the primary trainer at Talk Dog Toledo, has over 19 years of experience and has trained more than 3,500 dogs. She is a Professional Member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and a Premium Professional Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.

Cheryl is a certified Service Dog Trainer through Animal Behavioral College. She is also a certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI) and Canine Conditioning Fitness Coach (CCFC) through Do More With Your Dog. Additionally, she holds a C.E.L.E.T. (Canine Encounters Law Enforcement Training) certification.

Her credentials include being an evaluator for AKC Star Puppy, AKC Canine Good Citizen, AKC Community Canine, and trick training. She is also a tester/evaluator for Alliance of Therapy Dogs and Pets Unlimited. Cheryl has completed advanced courses such as “The Aggression in Dogs Master Course” with Michael Shikashio CDBC. She actively volunteers in the community, serving as a therapy dog tester/observer for 10 years and volunteering with her own therapy dogs for 18 years. She has also held board member, volunteer, and evaluator roles for organizations like Operation Saves, Wood County Humane Society, Planned Pethood, and Sandusky County Humane Society.

How to Get Started!

To begin services with Talk Dog Toledo, clients are encouraged to call or email the business. For boarding and daycare, a temperament test with staff is required. For board and train programs, clients should contact them to assess which program best suits their dog’s needs and to schedule training dates. The first consultation or pick-up day for board and train includes a discussion of expectations and exercises to be covered. Clients can also sign up for group classes directly through their website’s shop section.