Classes >> Canine to Five

Introducing Paws Abilities' Canine to Five program!

Canine to Five is a specialized program that accepts only one or two applicants at a time. A Certified Professional Dog Trainer will visit your house while you are at work.

Why have a certified trainer come to your house?

• Convenience: you don't have to make time in your busy schedule to get to class, or worry about driving your dog across town each week
• Companionship: home-alone dogs will appreciate the chance to break up their long day with play and training
• Mental stimulation: training helps prevents boredom-related behavior problems, such as chewing up your stuff or barking
• Reliability: Unlike send-away or “boot camp” style training programs, your dog will learn what he needs to do in your own home and neighborhood, which makes his behavior more consistent and reliable
• You Learn Too: Our special “owner update” sessions show you how to get your dog to do what he’s been trained to do, and how to maintain his new behavior so that he will always listen to you when and where it matters most
• Proven Methods: our methods are scientifically sound and dog friendly. Your dog will look forward to his training sessions with us and have fun learning new skills
• Speed: By learning from a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, your dog will pick up on training much more quickly compared to a six-week obedience class
• Safety: Our Certified Professional Dog Trainers have years of experience dealing with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages. We are members of professional organizations such as the APDT and are insured through the Business Insurers of the Carolinas.

We offer several different programs for all levels of obedience training and behavior modification:

• Just the Basics: basic obedience
• Beyond Basics: advanced obedience
• Super Puppies: obedience and socialization
• Wallflowers Only: shy/fearful dogs
• Behavior Mod: aggression, anxiety, and any other problem behaviors

Ready to get started? Email Sara at sara@paws4u.com for an application or to learn more!

Just the Basics: This two week program covers the same skills learned in a six-week-long beginning obedience class and is great for dogs and owners who are just starting out. Your dog will learn to pay attention and listen to you at home and in your neighborhood. We will cover basic obedience behaviors such as coming when you call and lying down on command. More importantly though, we’ll teach your dog the skills she needs to be a polite companion such as not jumping on you or your guests, settling down when she gets excited, and a “leave it” command so that you can stop her from eating icky stuff she finds on walks or get her to be quiet when she’s barking at the neighbor dog. Program includes six one-hour daytime training sessions with a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and two half-hour “owner update” sessions. $420 contingent on acceptance of application, or bundle with a Beginning Obedience class for $480 (a $30 savings).

Beyond Basics: For dogs who already know some obedience, but need to brush up on skills or spot-train commands that need work. Oftentimes dogs in this program will start training at home, but quickly progress to Field Trips. Field Trips allow us to train your dog in your neighborhood, at various pet stores or shopping centers in the area, at local parks, or anywhere else your dog needs extra help behaving. Working in more distracting environments helps us teach your dog to always listen to you, no matter what else is going on. We can also work on special at-home challenges, such as teaching your dog to stay out of the kitchen or baby’s bedroom, or to lie on her dog bed while you eat dinner so that she’s not begging from you. This program typically includes a pre-screening appointment to evaluate your dog’s current response to obedience skills and determine what skills she needs to master. Once your application has been approved, your dog will get five one-hour daytime training sessions and two half-hour “owner update” sessions. $420 contingent on acceptance of application.

Super Puppies: Especially for puppies! Bringing a puppy home is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming. We can help! This special program is only for puppies sixteen weeks of age or younger. During this critical time period, your puppy needs to be socialized to a wide variety of people, places, sounds, and other animals. Using special Puppy Field Trips, we will introduce your new pup to all sorts of new experiences while also working on manners such as greeting people politely (no jumping), controlling puppy nipping (no biting), and walking nicely on leash (no pulling). This package also helps with potty training by giving your pup a potty break in the middle of the day so she doesn’t have to “hold it” so long. Included are six one-hour Puppy Field Trips and one one-hour “owner update” session. Owners are encouraged to attend Field Trips with their new puppy if their schedules allow. $420, or bundle with a Puppy Kindergarten class for $480 (a $30 savings).

Wallflowers Only: Especially for shy dogs. Maybe your puppy didn’t get as much socialization as she needed, or you have an adult dog who came from a less-than-ideal situation. Maybe your dog had something traumatic happen to her or is a breed that tends to be shy. Whatever the case, we can help! The Wallflowers program is customized for each dog. We will work with your dog to help her gain confidence by rewarding her for brave behavior and gradually exposing her to things that previously made her afraid. This program typically includes a pre-screening appointment to evaluate your dog’s specific needs and devise a game plan to help her overcome her fears. Whether your goal is to have a dog you can take with you to the park or just a dog who doesn’t hide from visitors, we will help you have a more enjoyable canine companion. Because every dog is different, the number of sessions and the amount of time spent in your home versus out on field trips will vary for each dog. Packages start at $420, call (507)624-0190 or email sara@paws4u.com for more details.

Behavior Mod: This program is especially for those dogs who exhibit “problem” behaviors. Does your dog growl or snap when you get too close to his food bowl or toys? Is it impossible to brush him, trim his toenails, or look in his ears? Does he lunge and bark at other dogs or people when you take him on a walk? Many problem behaviors like these can be frustrating and embarrassing to deal with, but we can help. The Behavior Mod program is customized for each dog. It typically includes a pre-screening appointment to evaluate the severity of your dog’s behavior problem and devise a game plan for dealing with it. Please note that very severe problems may be referred to a veterinary behaviorist who specializes in dealing with very severe aggression or anxiety issues. Because every dog is different, the number of sessions and the amount of time spent in your home versus out on field trips will vary for each dog. Packages start at $420, call (507)624-0190 or email sara@paws4u.com for more details.