The Southern Dog – In Home Obedience Training

Training programs are structured as intensive board-and-train options lasting 1 to 6 weeks, conducted at their facility. Each includes daily training, potty and kennel conditioning, leash manners, and behavior correction. Clients receive two 1-hour in-home sessions to learn how to continue training. Free refresher days (up to 6) and free group puppy classes are included. A 1-time home assessment is available for self-guided training. Long-distance clients receive 6 video sessions. Service dog training is custom-tailored to owner needs. Puppy programs progress from basic manners to advanced socialization and commands like “Leave It,” “With Me,” and “Threshold.”

Pricing Summary

Training packages range from $900 for 1-week puppy training to $5,000 for 6-week extreme puppy training. Additional dogs cost $700 per week. A 1-time assessment costs $60–$200. Long-distance video training is $180. “Learn and Burn” day training is $30. Kenneling is $40–$60 per night. Military and shelter adoption clients receive 10% discount. Service dog training and dog transport are quote-based.

Policies

Training slots are booked well in advance (e.g., January 2026). No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated. Discounts require proof (military ID or adoption papers). Kenneling is only available for previously trained dogs and subject to availability. All programs require advance booking.

The Southern Dog is a veteran-owned, in-home dog training business with over 36 years of experience serving pet families in Yuma County, Phoenix, and San Diego. They specialize in board-and-train programs where dogs stay at their facility for 1 to 6 weeks, receiving intensive obedience training including potty, kennel, leash, and behavior correction. They also offer private one-on-one in-home sessions, video chat training for long-distance clients, and a free 1-time assessment to tailor a training plan. Their programs are designed for puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs, with a strong focus on herding and working breeds, service dog training, and behavior modification for issues like reactivity, biting, and separation anxiety. They provide free refresher days after training, free group socialization classes, and offer military and shelter adoption discounts. Their facility includes a “luxury pup palace” with live webcam access for owners during boarding, and they also offer limited kenneling for previously trained dogs.

They breed and train Australian Shepherd puppies for service dog roles, with next litter available in November 2024. Clients can access daily training updates, and trainers provide ongoing Zoom support. Their approach combines hands-on training with owner education to ensure long-term success.

Additional services include dog transport, day training (“Learn and Burn”), and specialized service dog training tailored to individual needs. They are committed to compassionate, personalized care and have received glowing reviews for transforming anxious, untrained, or aggressive dogs into well-behaved companions.

Trainers Jeff and Trina are deeply involved in every step, and their clients often describe them as trustworthy, responsive, and family-oriented.

They also offer a 30-minute “Learn and Burn” day program for current clients to reinforce training and socialize with other dogs.

They are not a grooming, walking, or pet store service provider, but do offer kenneling and boarding for trained dogs.

They do not offer dog walking, pet sitting, or pet grooming services.

They are not a pet supply store or dog park operator.

They are a direct dog training service provider with a strong emphasis on in-home and facility-based intensive programs.

Accomplishments

Over 36 years of experience training dogs. Successfully trained service dogs for veterans and individuals with special needs. Puppies trained as service dogs have been placed with clients. Clients report successful airplane travel, workplace integration, and behavioral transformation in previously aggressive or fearful dogs.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can contact via phone or email to inquire about availability. A complimentary behavior evaluation is offered. For board-and-train programs, clients are guided to select a program based on their dog’s needs and age. Service dog inquiries require direct consultation. Video training and assessments can be scheduled immediately.