Whole Dog Institute

Whole Dog Institute offers a variety of training programs including puppy classes, general obedience (Relationship Building Fundamentals), advanced obedience, tricks, agility, K9 Nose Work, and specialized classes for reactive dogs. Classes typically run for six weeks, one hour per week, with small class sizes of 5-6 dogs.

They also provide private lessons, both at their facility and in-home, and a Board and Train program where dogs stay with a trainer for 2-4 weeks for personalized training. The first session of some classes may be a Zoom call without dogs to discuss common issues. Many outdoor classes require students to bring a crate for their dog.

Pricing Summary

Group classes generally cost $175-225 for six weeks, with specialty classes varying. Puppy Play & Train is $75 per 90-minute session. Behavior classes are $200. Private lessons are $100 per hour, with an initial behavior consult at $200 for 90 minutes including a written report. A travel fee of $20-25 applies for in-home private lessons.

Ring rental fees are $15 for 30 minutes for the first person and $8 for each additional person. A monthly Ring Pass is available for $50 for currently enrolled students.

Policies

If Whole Dog Institute cancels a class, students receive a full refund. For student withdrawals, a written request must be provided at least one week before the class start for a full refund minus a $20 administrative fee. No refunds are given within one week of the class start or after the class has begun, though credit may be issued for verified medical/hardships, valid for one year.

No refunds are provided if a student/dog is asked to withdraw due to the dog’s behavior, but a free evaluation is offered prior to registration to assess suitability for the classroom environment. Make-up lessons for missed classes are offered at the instructor’s discretion at 50% the cost of a private lesson. Outdoor classes are held in all weather except unsafe conditions (e.g., thunder/lightning), and indoor classes are held unless road conditions are dangerous. Cancellations due to weather result in a scheduled make-up class during the two-week break between sessions.

Whole Dog Institute helps people and their dogs build meaningful, lifelong relationships based on mutual trust and understanding. They serve as human coaches and dog trainers, aiming to help owners train calm, well-behaved family pets. They offer private lessons at their facility or in the client’s home, along with fun and upbeat group classes.

Their unique approach focuses on educating the owner so they can continue training their dog after classes. They emphasize effective communication to strengthen the bond between dogs and their people. The institute also provides specialized services like chiropractic care and canine massage, and offers ring rentals for agility practice.

Accomplishments

The owners, Beth Grooms and Liz Turpin, are Certified Professional Dog Trainers Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and Pat Miller Certified Trainers (PMCT-2). Beth also holds a Diploma of Canine Behavior Science and Technology (DipCBST), is a Certified Canine Fitness Trainer (CCFT), a Certified K9 Nose Work Instructor (CNWI), and a Dog Detection Specialist (DDS). Liz is also a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA).

Their instructors also have extensive experience, with Susan Bankauf being an AKC and UKI agility judge with over 20 years of experience, and Tina Hamlin holding CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, and PMCT Level 3 certifications. Robin Kirk is a Certified Canine Trainer and Behavior Specialist who graduated from Triple Crown Dog Academy in 2004.

How to Get Started!

To get started, potential clients can sign up for classes directly through their registration site. For some classes, like Reactive Dog Class or Relationship Building Fundamentals, a no-charge evaluation or assessment questionnaire may be required prior to registration to ensure the dog’s suitability for the classroom environment. For Board and Train, clients are urged to contact the institute for an in-depth discussion to determine if it’s a good fit. Questions can be directed via email to info@wholedoginstitute.com or by phone.