Urban Dawgs

Urban Dawgs offers a 6-week Puppy Kindergarten group class focused on early socialization and foundational commands. Private training includes a 2-hour initial consultation with behavior evaluation, hands-on instruction, and a personalized training plan. Follow-up sessions are available for ongoing support. Training is tailored to individual dogs and owners, with emphasis on real-life application and behavior modification for issues like fear, aggression, and separation anxiety. All training is conducted using positive reinforcement techniques.

Pricing Summary

Full payment is required in advance to confirm appointments. Payment is accepted via VISA, MC, AMEX, and Discover. No refunds after payment. A 2-hour initial consultation includes a behavior evaluation, custom training plan, unlimited email support for 30 days, training handouts, and a DVD. Follow-up sessions are available for an additional fee. Group class fees are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Policies

Full payment is required to confirm appointments. No refunds after payment. Service and class fees are non-transferable and non-refundable. A 24-hour notice is required to reschedule private training sessions; credit is granted toward future services but expires after 3 months and is non-transferable.

Urban Dawgs is a professional dog training business based in Red Bank, New Jersey, offering science-based, positive reward-based training for dogs of all ages. Founded by Drayton Michaels, a certified dog behavior consultant trained by Jean Donaldson’s Academy for Dog Trainers, the company specializes in building trust and cooperation between dogs and their owners using modern, aversive-free methods. They provide private training sessions, a 6-week Puppy Kindergarten group class, and behavior consulting for issues like fear, aggression, separation anxiety, and reactivity. Urban Dawgs emphasizes education for owners, offering customized training plans, unlimited email support, and training handouts. Their trainers are highly credentialed and affiliated with leading animal behavior organizations. The business also operates specialized subsidiaries: Modern Dog Training, Little Dog Guru, and Pit Bull Guru, focusing on specific breeds and training needs.

Urban Dawgs does not use pain, force, shock, choke, or intimidation. Instead, they use food, play, and daily life rewards to motivate dogs. Their approach is rooted in animal learning theory and is designed to improve quality of life for both dogs and families. They serve clients in Monmouth County and surrounding areas, with sessions held by appointment at their facility or in-home.

They also offer educational resources including videos, workshops, and media appearances, and have been recognized by national media and publications for their expertise in dog behavior and breed advocacy.

Accomplishments

Drayton Michaels, founder, is certified by Jean Donaldson’s Academy for Dog Trainers (known as the “Harvard of Dog Training”) and completed Dr. Susan Friedman’s “Living & Learning with Animals” course. He has trained over 4,000 dogs since 2007, averages 400 dogs annually, and has been featured on The Today Show, WPIX, and Netflix documentaries. He was named “Best Dog Trainer” by multiple New Jersey publications and is credited in Tracy Stewart’s book “Do Unto Animals.” He produced the award-winning documentary “The Pit Bull Hoax,” which helped end breed-specific legislation in Ohio.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must submit an online contact form with details about their dog, location, and concerns. After submission, they receive a detailed email response with recommendations, pricing, and a behavior history form. Once a session date is selected, payment is made in advance by credit card to confirm the appointment.