Tharp and Canine

Tharp and Canine offers three board-and-train programs: Foundation Basics (2 weeks) covers loose leash walking, sit, down, and stay; Essential Skills (4 weeks) adds heel, place command, recall, and e-collar conditioning; Pro Performance (4 weeks) includes all Essential Skills plus behavior modification for reactivity, anxiety, and socialization. Private lessons are 45–60 minutes, tailored to individual goals, with a minimum of two sessions. All programs include a take-home session for owners to learn the training system. Board and Train availability resumes April 2026; private lessons are currently offered.

Pricing Summary

Board and Train packages range from $1,400 (Foundation Basics) to $3,200 (Pro Performance), with a $200 non-refundable deposit and split payments due at drop-off and pick-up. Private lessons are $100 per session, with a minimum of two sessions required. All programs require owners to provide their dog’s food. Equipment such as e-collars and raised cots are included in Essential Skills and Pro Performance packages.

Policies

Board and Train deposits are non-refundable. Payments are split: deposit, drop-off payment, and pick-up payment. No cancellation policy is stated for private lessons. Owners must provide proof of up-to-date vaccinations and health clearance before enrollment. Training is limited to a few dogs at a time to ensure individualized care.

Tharp and Canine is a certified dog training business based in Tallahassee, Florida, led by a current Law Enforcement K9 Handler with advanced certifications in canine behavior and training. They specialize in personalized obedience training through private lessons and board-and-train programs, focusing on building reliable behavior through a balanced approach that combines positive reinforcement with fair, humane corrections. Their board-and-train services include structured, one-on-one training in a climate-controlled in-home facility where dogs are treated like family, with daily schedules that include exercise, rest, and mental stimulation. They offer three tiered board-and-train packages—Foundation Basics, Essential Skills, and Pro Performance—each designed for different skill levels and behavioral needs, including reactivity and anxiety. Owners are actively involved through take-home sessions and ongoing support to ensure lasting results. They also provide private lessons for those preferring in-person, owner-led training. Equipment such as e-collars, raised cots, and training collars are included in select packages. They do not offer group classes, dog grooming, boarding for non-training dogs, or pet sitting services.

Their training philosophy emphasizes clear communication, consistency, and building confidence in dogs without altering their personality. They accept dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors, and tailor programs to individual needs, including high-drive, reactive, or anxious dogs. All dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations before enrollment.

Board and Train programs are currently unavailable until April 2026, but private lessons remain open for scheduling.

Accomplishments

Trainer holds Professional Trainer and Instructor Certifications from Southern Coast K9, a “Train the Trainer” Certification from Revolutionary Canine, and is a Gold Graduate of the NePoPo® system, recognizing advanced understanding and application of behavior-based training. He is a current Law Enforcement K9 Handler with hands-on experience in diverse environments.

How to Get Started!

Interested clients must contact via email or phone to inquire about availability. For board and train, an assessment may be required before enrollment, especially for the Pro Performance package. Private lessons require scheduling and a minimum commitment of two sessions. Owners are encouraged to join training sessions around the 2–3 week mark of board and train programs to begin learning the communication system.