What’s Up Dog? – Santa Rosa Beach

Training includes private sessions, group classes (limited size), and intensive board-and-train programs. Group classes run in 3-week cycles with scheduled start dates throughout the year. The “Out with Tanner” program is a 3-week intensive group training. First session is a 2-hour classroom session for owners only, followed by weekly 1-hour sessions with dogs. Training focuses on behavior modification using a net-positive method: combining praise, interruption of drives, and balanced corrections. Service dog and behavior modification training available. Clients use a portal app for scheduling and updates.

Pricing Summary

Group classes cost $239 for standard sessions and $339 for “Out with Tanner” intensive programs. First class is 2 hours (no dogs allowed); subsequent classes are 1 hour. Board and train programs are offered but specific pricing not listed. Retail pet supplies and grooming services priced separately.

Policies

Group classes require dogs to be fully vaccinated, leashed, and collar-wearing. No aggressive dogs allowed. First class is no-dog; subsequent classes allow one adult handler per dog. No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policy stated. Registration and payment handled via client portal.

What’s Up Dog? is a full-service dog training and care facility located in Santa Rosa Beach and Miramar Beach, Florida, serving the entire Emerald Coast region including 30A, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and surrounding areas. They offer professional dog training through private sessions, group classes, and board-and-train programs, with a focus on a net-positive training method that combines science, psychology, and common sense. Their approach emphasizes building trust and respect between dogs and owners, using praise as a primary reward while incorporating balanced corrections when necessary. They do not rely solely on treats or aversive tools like e-collars as a single method. Training addresses common issues like leash pulling, barking, jumping, separation anxiety, reactivity, and more. The facility also provides dog daycare, boarding, grooming, and a large retail pet supply store offering holistic nutrition products. Their training programs include an “Out with Tanner” intensive group class and standard group classes, with the first session being a no-dog classroom session for owners. Staff are experienced animal care specialists with over 13 years in business.

They serve clients with puppies, adolescents, adults, and senior dogs across all sizes and breeds, including doodles, herding, sporting, and working breeds. Their training philosophy centers on understanding canine drives and teaching impulse control through enrichment and leadership, not human-like expectations. They also offer specialized training for service dogs and behavior modification.

The business is award-winning and recognized as the best local pet supply store in 2023–2024. They provide digital tools like a client portal app for scheduling, progress tracking, and photo updates during daycare and boarding.

Note: One customer reported a serious incident involving a boarded dog with unaddressed injuries and lack of communication, indicating potential concerns in boarding operations despite strong training reviews.

Accomplishments

Award-winning business named Best Local Pet Supply 2023–2024. Operating since 2011 (13+ years). Featured podcast and blog on dog behavior. Active in community service through Pay It Forward Campaign for service dogs.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can register for group classes via the Client Portal. First step is enrolling in a scheduled group class or contacting the business to inquire about private or board-and-train options. The first group class is a 2-hour owner-only session to learn training principles before bringing the dog.