The trainers at Dawgs in Motion are balanced method LIMA (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) trainers that use primarily positive reinforcement training (+R). Our trainers are all professionally certified and have all attended training college to earn their certification in training and have mentored under established trainers prior to training on their own. The trainers will work with you and your dog based on their training knowledge and experience and will select the best method for your team based on the needs of you and your dog and on the learning process that works best for both of you.

We do not have a one size fits all because every dog/handler team is different. While some dogs need a softer form of direction, others that are more stubborn may need more assistance. Training is variant based on these needs and our trainers will adjust their styles to fit your team. As our trainers are balanced we will always strive to use +R training first but are not opposed to using other corrective tools. The decision to incorporate a tool in your training will always be discussed with the owner/handler beforehand to ensure proper sizing, use, and efficiency.

Dawgs in Motion does not work with aggression cases at the facility. We do however offer in-home and off-site training for dogs with aggression cases depending on the severity of the behavior. Please contact our training team today to see if your dog is eligible for this program option.  

How to schedule your dog for a class:

Step 1. Log into your customer portal and submit proof of vaccinations for Distemper and Bordetella and for dogs 16 weeks or older the Rabies vaccine.

 Step 2: Schedule your session through your customer portal at www.dawgsinmotion.propetware.com | Your login is your email address that you listed with Dawgs in Motion. If you have never used the portal before please contact us to set up your account and issue a temporary password or set up your account at the portal log in page. Payment is due upon the approval of your class request. You can upload a card to your account and pay immediately.

 Step 3: Once your session is booked you will need to sign the customer policy if you have not already done so. This can be done through the customer portal.

 Step 4: Sign the training agreement associated with your class through the customer portal.

  What if I can’t make it to class?

Attending each class is vitally important to ensure the success of your team. If you are not able to make class you will need to do a make up class with your trainer privately—this is an additional cost! We do this to ensure your team is successful and are getting the most out of the course. When a class is missed it can push training back as dogs require consistency and skills are often built upon as the class progresses. We do understand that there may be circumstances that may prevent you from making every session and if you are unable to find someone to bring your dog to class we will do our best to ensure you are able to get the material for the class.

Dogs must attend all classes and must be present for the last class when examination takes place. If you cannot attend, you will need to schedule a make-up session with one of our certified trainers. This will be a 30-minute owner present private session and will be charged at the rate of a private lesson. If you choose not to make-up the session you will still receive your instructional and homework handout but unfortunately your dog will not be able to graduate from the course as attendance to each session is required.

If your team misses the last class they will not receive their certificate.

Pricing for In-Home Beginner Obedience Class Package: $1,080.00

** THIS COURSE IS SCHEDULED WITH THE FRONT DESK AND THE IN-HOME TRAINERS **

The in-home beginner obedience course In-Home | Beginner Obedience Package | 6 Sessions

This package include 6 hour long in-home training sessions. The package is good for 6 months. The sessions will cover the standard beginner obedience class but it will be done privately in the owners home.

CLASS AGENDA

Week 1: Marker Charging, Engagement & Focus cue, & Recalls

Week 2: Leash pressure skills for loose leash walking & Sit cue

Week 3: Touch & Target training, Fading lures, & Down cue

Week 4: Place cue with Settle & Wait cue

Week 5: Handling Skills, Socializing*, & Leave-It

Week 6: Review and Examination

*Proper socializing of dogs does not mean play interactions between dogs. For proper socialization your dog must learn to acclimate and stay neutral to situations including presence of other dogs, people, objects, sounds, etc. We will not be doing group interactions in this class. For dog-to-dog interactions and playtime please look into our daycamp group play option or private day training.   

CLASS AGENDA

Week 1: Marker Charging, Engagement & Focus cue, & Recalls

Week 2: Leash pressure skills for loose leash walking & Sit cue

Week 3: Touch & Target training, Fading lures, & Down cue

Week 4: Place cue with Settle & Wait cue

Week 5: Handling Skills, Socializing*, & Leave-It

Week 6: Review and Examination

*Proper socializing of dogs does not mean play interactions between dogs. For proper socialization your dog must learn to acclimate and stay neutral to situations including presence of other dogs, people, objects, sounds, etc. We will not be doing group interactions in this class. For dog-to-dog interactions and playtime please look into our daycamp group play option or private day training.   

Upcoming Class Sessions and Trainers:

Trainer:

*COURSE

Class Dates and Times:

Trainer:

*COURSE

Class Dates and Times:

CLASS AGENDA

Week 1: Introduction to Heel/Backwards Following

Week 2: Sit-Stay & Down-Stay

Week 3: Calmly Approaching People/Dogs/Items

Week 4: Loose Leash Walking & Grooming Skills

Week 5: Desensitization to Medical Equipment & Group Stay

Week 6: Review and Examination

Upcoming Class Sessions and Trainers:

Trainer: 

Class Dates and Times:

Upcoming Class Sessions and Trainers:

Trainer: Laura

Class Dates and Times:

LEASH SKILLS

Trainer: Sydney

Class Dates and Times:

LEASH SKILLS

Trainer: Sydney

Class Dates and Times:

LEASH SKILLS

Trainer: Sydney

Class Dates and Times:

The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program focuses on all the things every puppy and owner need to have a great start together. STAR stands for Socialization, Training, Activity and a Responsible owner and in six weeks of STAR puppy classes, puppies and dogs learn the following behaviors and skills:

 

 OWNER BEHAVIORS:

1. Maintains puppy’s health (vaccines, exams, appears healthy)
2. Owner receives Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge
3. Owner describes adequate daily play and exercise plan
4. Owner and puppy attend at least 6 classes by an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator
5. Owner brings bags to classes for cleaning up after puppy
6. Owner has obtained some form of ID for puppy-collar tag, etc.

 

PUPPY BEHAVIORS:
7. Free of aggression toward people during at least 6 weeks of class
8. Free of aggression toward other puppies in class
9. Tolerates collar or body harness of owner’s choice
10. Owner can hug or hold puppy (depending on size)
11. Puppy allows owner to take away a treat or toy

 

PRE-CANINE GOOD CITIZEN® TEST BEHAVIORS:
12. Allows (in any position) petting by a person other than the owner
13. Grooming-Allows owner handling and brief exam (ears, feet)
14. Walks on a Leash-Follows owner on lead in a straight line (15 steps)
15. Walks by other people-Walks on leash past other people 5-ft away
16. Sits on command-Owner may use a food lure17. Down on command-Owner may use a food lure
18. Comes to owner from 5-ft when name is called
19. Reaction to Distractions-distractions are presented 15-ft away
20. Stay on leash with another person (owner walks 10 steps and returns)

The AKC Canine Good Citizen™ (CGC) program provides a perfect framework for training your dog to become a polite member of society.

 

Test Items:

1: Accepting a friendly stranger
2: Sitting politely for petting
3: Appearance and grooming
4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
5: Walking through a crowd
6: Sit and down on command and staying in place
7: Coming when called
8: Reaction to another dog
9: Reaction to distraction
10: Supervised separation

AKC Urban CGC requires that the dog demonstrate CGC skills and beyond in an urban setting. As with Canine Good Citizen, AKC Urban CGC has a 10-step test of skills that dogs must pass to earn the official AKC Urban CGC title. This is a title that appears on the dog’s title record at AKC.

 

Test Items:

1. Exit/enter doorway with no pulling in dog-friendly buildings.
2. Walk through a crowd on a busy urban sidewalk.
3. Appropriate reaction to city distractions.
4. Crossing the street: Stop at corner, stand or sit to wait and cross with no pulling.
5. Ignore food on sidewalk. (Dropped food, or cups, bags, cans, in which food was wrapped).
6. Person walks up and pets the dog. May be carrying a bag that they don’t put down.
7. Public Building: Walks under control in building & down stays (3 min) in lobby or outdoor area.
8. Stairs, steps, or elevator under control.
9. Housetrained for apartment, condo, city living. Owner may verify this item.
10. Transportation. Owner’s choice depending on transportation needs.

AKC Community Canine℠ is the advanced level of the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Program. Dogs who pass the AKC Community Canine test earn the official AKC Community Canine title that is designated by the letters “CGCA” (Advanced CGC) on the dog’s title record.

 

Test Items:

1. Dog stands, sits or lies down and waits under control while the owner:
2. Walks on a loose leash in a natural situation (not in a ring) — does not pull.
3. Walks on loose leash through a crowd:
4. Dog walks past distraction dogs present; does not pull.
*This item may be tested along with #3 if there are dogs in the crowd, etc.
5. Sit-stay in small group (two other people with dogs, total of 3 people, 3 dogs in group).
6. Dog allows person who is carrying something (backpack, computer bag, etc.) to approach and pet it when the bag is set down.
7. Dog walks by food and leaves it alone.
8. Down or sit stay while owner retrieves an item from 20 feet away.
9. Recall with distractions present from 20 feet.
10. Dog will sit or stand stay while owner enters/exits a doorway or narrow passageway. Owner calls dog through door when ready.

Do you and your dog love to be the life of the party by showing off his arsenal of tricks? Then he might be perfectly primed to earn AKC Trick Dog titles!

 

There are five AKC Trick Titles you and your dog can earn:

 

AKC Novice Trick Dog (TKN)– Your dog performs 10 skills from the Novice list. If a dog has a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate or title on record at AKC, it can do 5 Novice tricks (CGC + 5) to earn the Novice title.

 

AKC Intermediate Trick Dog (TKI) – Your dog must have the Novice title, plus perform 10 Intermediate tricks. See the list of tricks here.

 

AKC Advanced Trick Dog (TKA) – Your dog must have the Intermediate title, plus perform 10 tricks from the Advanced list.

 

AKC Trick Dog Performer (TKP) – In this title, handlers perform a short routine with at least 10 tricks with at least 3 tricks using props.

 

 AKC Trick Dog Elite Performer (TKE) – In the highest level of Trick Dog, the Elite Performers perform a routine that has a story/script. At least 5 props are used.

 

Puppy Prep Academy

Puppy Prep Academy Cost: $125.00 a day plus add-ons

Care package, photos and videos, and take home packs are included!

Puppy Prep is a board and train option that we offer in partnership with breeders and for our clients. Owners who have selected a puppy can choose to have their puppy boarded for a minimum of two weeks with our training team. While your pup stays with us they are worked with several times a day on basic obedience skills including but not limited to:

• Name Recognition
• Recall
• Sit
• Loose Leash Walking
• Leave-It
• Wait
• Focus
• Handling Skills

Puppies are also socialized daily in specially created groups that are supervised by our daycamp managers and training team members! In addition to all of this we also expose the pups to special activities to boost their confidence and aid in socializing including:

* Assisted Swimming Lessons in the in-ground pool

* Grooming with our certified grooming team

​Owners are scheduled to meet with the lead trainer for a minimum of 1 hour long consultation session where they are presented with their pups customized training journal, care package, and go over the training procedures used with their individual puppy.

In-Home Training

60 minute In-Home Private Lesson Cost: $200.00

30 minute In-Home Extension Cost: $65.00

Dawgs in Motion offers private in-home training as well. In-Home training is 1 hour long and can work on a range of behaviors including obedience, housebreaking, and problem behaviors including but not limited to: counter-surfing, digging, barking, chewing, etc.

Dawgs in Motion can work with dogs experiencing issues with reactivity or aggression on a limited basis. We do not accept cases of direct dog-human aggression or dog-dog aggression and focus primarily on leash and territory reactivity. 

We would be happy to connect you to a trainer that works with these issues in greater detail should you experiance any of these issues.

Meet Our Trainers & Instructors

Amanda Zavadil (Mandie)

Lead for Training, Massage, Swim Instructions & Hydrotherapy

Mandie is the lead trainer at Dawgs in Motion and is also a mentor trainer for Animal Behavior College. She is certified in many areas including canine communication, nutrition, canine psychology, hydrotherapy, canine massage therapy, dog training, mentor training for future trainers, grooming, Pet CPR, and handling of working dogs.

She is also certified with the American Kennel club for instructing and evaluating: S.T.A.R. Puppy, CGC, CGCU, CGCA, All levels of Trick Dog, and Fit Dog.

Mandie has also taken continuing education courses in: pharmacological interventions, separation anxiety, dog-human aggression, dog-dog aggression,shelter dog training, and additional obedience training courses.

She teaches all training courses and swimming instruction. She specializes in obedience training/problem solving and training Therapy, ESA, and Service dogs with our sister company Dawgs at Work.

Sydney Depies

ABCDT, CPMT, CPRC

Dog Trainer & Swim Instructor

Sydney graduated from Animal Behavior Collage with a certification in dog training and Pet CPR.

She teaches group obedience classes at our facility and also teaches private lessons for obedience and problem behavior solving as well as swim instruction

Sydney is also taking continuing education courses in pet nutrition!

*Available for group, private, & in-home classes

Laura Zack

DCDT, CPRC

Dog Trainer & Swim Instructor

Laura is one of our on-site trainers. She specializes in swim instruction for dogs of all ages. Laura trained directly under our lead trainer/mentor trainer Amanda Zavadil.

Laura teaches swim classes in our hydrotherapy pool as well as our “camp lessons” for dogs taking part in our daytime or overnight boarding services. She focuses primarily on basic problem behaviors such as jumping or fear based behaviors and basic obedience skills.

*Available for camp lessons & swim instruction.

Nicky Zane

CPRC

Swim Instructor

Nicky is one of our on-site swim instructors. She specializes in swim instruction for dogs of all ages and has been working in the pool setting for over 11 years!

*Available for swim instruction