The Hill Country Dog Trainer

The Hill Country Dog Trainer offers several distinct programs:

**We Train For You (Board & Train)**: This intensive program involves the dog staying with the trainer for 2, 4, or 6 weeks. The focus is on achieving the “Big 5 of Obedience” (Sit, Stay, Recall, Down, Leave it). The 4 and 6-week programs also include behavior modification, with the 6-week option providing a lifetime of group program access. Dogs are socialized in real-world environments like stores, restaurants, parks, and around schools. Owners receive video updates and follow-up lessons upon their dog’s return.

**We Train With You**: This program offers concierge and full-service dog training tailored to the individual needs of both the owner and their dog. It includes personalized sessions, available in packages of 2, 4, or 6 lessons, covering fundamental commands, behavior shaping, obedience, and behavior refinement. Owners can track their dog’s progress through the business’s Facebook page and video clips, and continued support is provided for the lifetime of the dog.

**Do It Yourself**: This program is designed for owners who prefer to be more hands-on. It operates on a monthly subscription basis, granting access to once-a-month group training sessions and a private Facebook group. The goal is to help owners cultivate a well-mannered pet that seamlessly integrates into their household.

**Puppy Training**: This program emphasizes starting training early to shape good habits and prevent future problems. Key priorities include housebreaking, social behavior, tolerance to touch, addressing puppy biting, and destructive behavior. While basic “Big 5” commands (Sit, Down, Here, Heel) are introduced, the primary focus is on building a confident, social, pleasant, and relaxed puppy, free from issues like excessive vocalization, destructiveness, nipping, fearfulness, or inappropriate elimination.

**Travel Boarding**: Exclusively for dogs that have completed the Resident/In-Home Board and Train program, this service offers refresher courses and follow-up stays. It provides a comfortable and familiar environment for dogs while their owners are away, allowing for continued training, advanced skill development, or addressing specific issues.

Policies

The business provides continued support for as long as the client owns their dog, specifically for the “We Train With You” and “We Train For You” programs. No other cancellation or rescheduling policies are mentioned.

The Hill Country Dog Trainer is a dog training business led by Matt Elledge, a veteran and dog owner. Matt’s passion for dog training stemmed from his own experience with his GSD, Knight, who was transformed into a well-behaved companion by his trainer, James Hamm. Matt aims to help other busy dog owners achieve similar results, integrating well-behaved dogs into their lifestyles.

The business offers a variety of programs designed to build confidence in dogs and teach the “Big 5 of Obedience”: Sit, Stay, Recall, Down, and Leave it. They also address behavior modification and provide ongoing support to clients.

In addition to training, The Hill Country Dog Trainer offers travel boarding for program graduates and sells dog training-related products and self-training courses through their online shop.

Accomplishments

Matt Elledge, the lead trainer, is a veteran. He was personally trained by James Hamm, who successfully trained Matt’s own German Shepherd, Knight, to be a “perfect gentleman” and stable in various situations. Matt states he was “trained by the BEST.”

How to Get Started!

To begin, clients are encouraged to book a consultation. For those interested in the “We Train For You” program, they can call Matt directly with any questions. The “Do It Yourself” program offers a “START TODAY” option, which leads to the shop.