For young puppies or dogs who need the skills to face lifestyle changes with confidence
Essential Foundations
Introduction to basic life skills and socialization
Whether you have a wise old dog or a playful young pup, life brings all sorts of new adventures for everyone—including your beloved furry family members! Some puppies are just starting to discover the world, some dogs are happily settling into a loving new home after time in a shelter, and others might be meeting a new baby or getting used to grandparents moving in. No matter what changes come your way, we’re here to help make transitions as smooth and joyful as possible for both you and your dog.
Our Essential Foundations programs are lovingly created for puppies and under-socialized dogs who are 10 weeks and older! We use a gentle, “no-force” training approach inspired by the A.K.C. STAR Puppy program, making learning fun through playful games that help your dog grow more confident and relaxed as they explore the world by your side.
Throughout our programs, we gently introduce your dog to new sights, sounds, textures, and tastes in a fun and supportive way—making every new experience a positive one. Some Essential Foundations programs offer even more, giving your dog the chance to meet new friends (both people and animals!) and try out activities like cooperative care and gentle handling, just like they might experience at the vet or grooming salon.
If your dog missed out on these important early experiences, don’t worry—we’re here to help! Our gentle training methods can help your dog catch up and feel their best. Whether your dog is starting something new or meeting new people, our Essential Foundations programs are here to support you both every step of the way.
BASIC Essential Foundations Program
The BASIC Essential Foundations Program is designed for pet owners on a budget who wish to handle most of the dog training themselves, but require the guidance and support of a trainer for a few lessons to kick-start their journey.
This program is typically completed in 3 lessons and includes:
- Saving you time by coming directly to you
- Private 1-1 training sessions working in your home for faster results
- One lesson per week
- Training for up to two behaviors the owner wants to focus on
- Handouts to help you further train on your own
But it doesn’t stop there!
You’ll also enjoy 3 months of friendly phone or email support after the program ends. If you have any questions or run into anything related to what we covered, we’re here and happy to help!
PREMIER Essential Foundations Program
With our results-based PREMIER Essential Foundations Program, we do more of the training with your dog, and then help you learn how to use the cues your dog has learned from us. This way, your dog enjoys a well-rounded education and quicker progress, while you both have fun along the way.
This program is typically completed in 7 lessons and includes:
- Saving you time by coming directly to you
- Private 1-1 training sessions with you and your dog for faster results
- Up to two lessons per week
- Up to four behaviors the owner wants to focus on
- Handouts to help you understand dog body language and your dog’s specific genetics for better dog management
But it doesn’t stop there!
- Saturday appointments are open for you, so you have more scheduling options to start training as soon as possible!
- You’ll also enjoy 6 months of friendly phone or email support after the program ends. If you have any questions or run into anything related to what we covered, we’re here and happy to help!
ELITE Essential Foundations Program
The ELITE Essential Foundations Program is a wonderful choice for pet owners who want a caring trainer to spend extra one-on-one time with their dog and help jump-start the training process and achieve faster results. We offer simple, easy-to-follow guidance and warm, friendly support so you can keep working with your dog confidently, even after the lessons are finished. Our results-based program means we do most of the work for you, so your dog enjoys more complete training in less time! Afterward, we’ll happily show you how to use all the new cues your dog has learned, making the whole experience fun, well-rounded, and quick-moving for both you and your furry friend.
This program is typically completed in 12 lessons and includes:
- Saving you time by coming directly to you
- Private 1-1 training sessions with you and your dog for faster results
- Up to two Accelerate Training sessions, where the trainer will work 1:1 with your dog to escalate their progress
- Up to three lessons per week
- Up to six behaviors the owner wants to focus on, or fewer behaviors, but some with off-leash reliability
- Handouts to help you understand dog body language and your dog’s specific genetics for better dog management
- Up to (2) video recordings of you training with your dog (if requested)
But it doesn’t stop there!
- Saturday and Sunday appointments are open just for you, so you can have more scheduling options to start training as soon as possible!
- For older dogs, lessons can be expanded to off-site locations so we can practice your dog’s training in places you and your dog may visit in the future.
- You’ll also enjoy 12 months of friendly phone or email support after the program ends. If you have any questions or run into anything related to what we covered, we’re here and happy to help!
Looking for a Different Program?
Let us help you change those frustrating behaviors and restart your dog on the right path!
Call us: 678-809-DOGS (3647)
or
Currently serving Pickens, Gilmer, and Cherokee Counties, including the communities of Blaine, Hinton, Jasper, Marble Hill, Nelson, Tate, Talking Rock, Ellijay, Ball Ground, Canton, Holly Springs, Waleska, and Woodstock
