Time 4 Obedience

Time 4 Obedience offers a structured 10-week Novice Obedience Course that teaches owners how to train their dog to heel off-leash, along with sit, down, stand-stay, and recall. This group course is held in a public setting to incorporate distractions, and requires approximately one hour of daily homework.

For new puppies, private lessons are available to help owners start training correctly from the beginning, focusing on encouraging desired behaviors. Advanced Novice Training is an 8-week course designed to refine heeling and handling, introduce a drop on recall, and strengthen stays with increased distractions, including out-of-sight stays.

Evaluation lessons are offered for dogs experiencing difficulties, which may lead to an individualized training plan or private lessons before joining a group course. Private lessons are available both in-home and on-site to help achieve various training goals, from competition obedience to basic manners.

Additional training courses, open to Novice course graduates, include Rally, Canine Good Citizen Prep, Advanced Novice, and Open Obedience, which adds jumping and retrieving. These courses aim to build new skills, improve handling, and strengthen the dog-owner bond. Monthly “Tune-ups” are also offered for graduates at different locations, incorporating varied practices and distractions. Time 4 Obedience also provides in-home and family consultations to help with new dog integration, puppy-proofing, and establishing household rules.

Pricing Summary

The 10-week Novice Course costs $450 plus equipment. The 6-week Canine Good Citizen Prep Course and the 8-week Advanced Novice Course each cost $320. A service fee is added for PayPal and credit card payments for these courses.

Puppy private lessons and evaluation lessons are charged at hourly rates that vary by location, with a $5 service fee for PayPal or credit card payments. AKC Canine Good Citizen Certification tests cost $25 per dog. All training fees are non-refundable, but a one-time trainer-approved transfer is valid for 6 months from the date of approval. Cancellations made within 24 hours of a private appointment are subject to a 50% cancellation fee.

Policies

All fees related to dog training are non-refundable. A one-time trainer-approved transfer is valid for 6 months from the date of approval. For private lessons and evaluation lessons, cancellations made within 24 hours of the appointment are subject to a 50% cancellation fee.

Proof of current vaccinations (DA2PP, Bordetella – nasal or oral, and Rabies) is required for all group course participants. If a dog becomes ill or develops a new medical condition, veterinary clearance is required before training or exposure to other dogs. Time 4 Obedience trainers reserve the right to dismiss a dog and handler from the program without refund if the dog demonstrates aggressive or reactive behavior, or if safety recommendations are not followed. No video recording is allowed during class, and cell phones should only be used in emergencies.

Time 4 Obedience offers dog owner training programs in Simi Valley, California, serving Ventura County and beyond. They provide group classes, private lessons, advanced classes, puppy lessons, in-home training, and “tune-ups.” Their mission is to teach students how to train their dogs to be well-mannered and respectful.

The business utilizes the Bill Koehler training method, which focuses on behavior modification using physical and verbal praise rather than food rewards. This method aims to instill reliability in dogs, teaching them to obey on the first command, and is effective for all dog types, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes.

The instructors, Jennifer de la Torre, Cindy Brevik, and Daphne Green, have extensive experience, having trained with renowned AKC judge and trainer Dany Canino. They emphasize the importance of off-leash reliability and helping owners create lifelong partnerships with their canines.

Time 4 Obedience also offers guidance for prospective dog owners on choosing the right breed and preparing their home. They highlight the importance of early socialization and training for a well-adjusted dog. Additionally, they encourage and prepare dogs for therapy work, visiting libraries, hospitals, and veterans’ homes.

Accomplishments

Time 4 Obedience utilizes the Bill Koehler training method, developed by Mr. Koehler, who served as the head trainer for Walt Disney Studios for over 25 years, training over 11,500 dogs between 1946 and 1960.

Instructor Jennifer de la Torre began training with Dany Canino in 2002, apprenticing for several years before co-founding Time 4 Obedience in January 2012. Cindy Brevik started training in the early 1980s with Dany Canino, an AKC judge and professional handler, and assisted her classes from 1999, teaching Graduate Novice classes since 2001. Cindy’s own dogs have earned AKC Obedience and Rally titles, worked with sheep, participated in agility, and are certified for therapy work. Daphne Green also trained with Dany Canino in the early to mid-1980s, assisting with private training, classes, and judging graduations. She reconnected with Cindy and Jennifer around 2018 and helps with classes. Her current dogs hold titles in AKC obedience, rally, tricks, and scent work.

How to Get Started!

To get started, clients can register for a course by selecting their desired program on the registration page and agreeing to the Release of Liability. For puppy private lessons, evaluation lessons, or AKC Canine Good Citizen Certification tests, clients are asked to contact Time 4 Obedience to schedule an individual appointment. After registering, clients should expect to receive a confirmation within 48-72 hours. If no confirmation is received, clients are advised to check their junk mail or spam folder, or call (805) 217-0850 or email jennifer@time4obedience.com.