We never use choke chains, prong collars, shock collars or physical punishment.
Pup Scouts training classes are designed for the pet dog owner. We focus on teaching you to train your dog to behave in the real world. We show you how to use obedience commands to teach your dog to sit nicely for petting, walk on a loose leash or quietly wait while you answer the door rather than preparing dogs for competitive obedience.
Our common sense approach to dog training provides you with the knowledge to effectively handle your dog. The gentle techniques we use are effective for all dogs from the smallest toy breeds to the largest Mastiffs. Positive reinforcement is used during the learning phase to motivate and reward dogs. Canine communication techniques, which include movement, posture and eye contact, put you in control of your dog in a way that nurtures the human/dog bond and fosters respect from the dog for the owner.
We use positive reinforcement in all our training classes. During the learning phase, rewards are used to teach the proper response to commands, to motivate and to reward. Classroom exercises set the dogs up for success. As the dogs succeed, the owners do too creating an atmosphere of accomplishment and fun.
Compliance is taught through the principles of canine communication; eye contact, posture and movement. Dogs, as pack animals, respect and expect leadership. Using these principles, dogs are taught gently and effectively that you are the leader. The result is response the first time, every time.
"It's never too late to train your dog!"
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
BASIC OBEDIENCE- (8 weeks, $250 for Saturday and evening classes or $200 for Tuesday morning classes)
Classes are small, usually 3-6 dogs, and use positive reinforcement techniques through exercises developed to create success from the beginning. The classes cover attention exercises, calming, name recognition, sit, down, stay, heel and loose leash walking. For puppies and dogs 12 weeks to adult.
A note about bringing your dog to class- Please don’t feel embarrassed if your dog is imperfect. We understand that you are coming to class with your dog precisely because your dog is not trained. As such, we expect barking, lunging and other “bad” or excited behaviors. We will gladly help you work through them because that’s our job. It’s all about progress, not perfection.
MASTER CLASSES- ($10/class)
Each class will concentrate on a single command taking response time, focus and execution to higher level. Open to all dogs who have finished Basic Obedience or with the permission of the instructor. Classes are offered on a rotating schedule.
ENRICHMENT CLASSES- ($25/class)
These fun classes feature different ways to have fun with your dog. Check the schedule regularly so you don't miss out. Open to all dogs, not just dogs who have trained with Pup Scouts. Level of difficulty will be listed.
Beyond Basics- A fun grab bag of tricks, obedience, games and sports. Every session will feature different behaviors so it can be taken over and over again. Pre-requisite: Basic Obedience Rally Obedience- This class teaches the basics of Rally competition to prepare you and your dog for our RallyO league. Pre-requisite: Basic Obedience Tricks- Learn some of the basic tricks that will impress your family and friends. Pre-requisite: Basic Obedience Bridging- Learn the proper way to wean your dog off of treats. Pre-requisite: Basic Obedience Performance Group- Synchronized obedience for people and their dogs. Work on group and individual routines to be preformed at the end of the session. Pre-requisite: Some Master Classes
ACCELERATED PUPPY OBEDIENCE- (2 weeks, $1000)
Get your puppy off to a good start:
Socialization- Socialization is one of the most important aspects to raising a puppy. At Pup Scouts, your puppy will socialize with our many friendly daycare dogs, staff and visitors to help get him off to a great start.
Potty Training- A potty command is taught and reinforced throughout the day while your puppy is here. Every evening, when you pick your dog up, one of our trainers will let you know how your puppy did and exactly what you need to do that evening to reinforce good potty habits at home.
Crate Training- We'll use your puppy's time here to teach him to relax and enjoy his crate.
Beginning Obedience- Our training uses only positive training methods that are perfect for young puppies. During the two week accelerated training your puppy will learn to sit and down on command, keep a one minute sit stay and a three minute down stay, perform the four beginning heel exercises, do a distracted recall from 20” and know wait and leave it.
Behavior- We teach and reinforce good behavior at Pup Scouts. You’re puppy will learn to relax in a crate, go through a dog nicely, greet people without jumping and
S.T.A.R. Puppy- At Pup Scouts your puppy is a S.T.A.R.! Included in your puppy’s enrollment is the AKC S.T.A.R. puppy test. Once your puppy passes this test, you’ll receive a certificate from the AKC.
IN-HOME CLASSES- (6 weeks, $500 for the 1st dog, $100 for all other dogs in the household.)
In home classes are perfect for those people who have busy schedules, need help with a specific training area or have a dog that may need a little extra attention. Classes are held once a week so that dog and owner have the opportunity to work on each command before new ones are added. Behaviroal issues can also be addressed within the context of training. All members of the family are encouraged to participate.
The first in-home obedience class is always free so that you may see how we work with you and your dog. To schedule an appointment, call (713)468-7877 or email trainmydog@pup-scouts.com.
"It's easier to teach good habits now
than break old habits later."
ESPECIALLY FOR PUPPIES
PUPPY PLAYSCHOOL- (Always FREE- No obligation!)
More than just socialization! This class teaches puppies appropriate play with other dogs and puppies, how to meet new people and become comfortable in new environments. Owners learn the basics of puppy care, how to handle common puppy issues such as house breaking and chewing, and practice pre-training exercises. Puppies also gain confidence and build skills on our Puppy Playground. For puppies 10- 20 weeks or older with approval of instructor. Shot records and reservations required.
Off leash playtime at Puppy Playschool
PERFECT PUPPY PLAN- ($150)
For puppies 8- 20 weeks. This 3-week private class teaches you how to housebreak right where the puppy needs to learn. Also learn how to handle puppy issues such as chewing, jumping and biting, walking on a loose leash, basic grooming and prepare the puppy for obedience classes. For puppies 8 weeks and older.
PUPPY POTTY CAMP- ($500 for two weeks)
For puppies and dogs 10 weeks and older. Your puppy can't hold it all day while you're at work. At our Potty Camp your puppy will spend the day with us and be taken out frequently for potty breaks. Successful potty trips will be reward with a healthy, tasty treat and playtime with our daycare dogs and super fun trainers. In the evenings and on weekends, puppy goes home with you and you'll learn how to continue the process at home so that your puppy will learn to potty on command. Two week minimum- some dogs may require longer stays.
We can also combine Fast Track Obedience with Potty Camp for a total of $1,000. That's a savings of $250!
"Training is fun!"
SPORTS LEAGUES
All of our Sports Leagues are geared toward fun and open to any dog that is physically able to compete. The Leagues are 8 weeks long with awards at the end of the session.
RallyO- This simple yet fun obedience race is perfect just about any dog who has finished basic obedience. There is no running and jumping is only included in the more advance levels. Like chess, it's easy to learn but harder to master giving you and your dog years of RallyO fun.
TRAINING EQUIPMENT
The equipment we recommend is simple, inexpensive and available at Pup Scouts. Here’s the list of what you’ll need for classes-
LEASH/COLLAR
A 6’ British slip lead is recommended. They are easy to put on, safe and secure and comfortable for both handler and dog. The six-foot length is needed for various exercises.
We will also allow Martingale style collars or nylon slip collars with comfortable leashes. Round or leather leashes are much more comfortable than flat nylon leashes which can cut into the hand. Leashes should be strong enough for the dog.
We never allow choke chains, prong collars, retractable leashes or e-collars (shock collars).
TREATS
It’s important to have treats of high value. They need to be semi-soft, smell good and easy to cut into small pieces. Regular kibble doesn’t get and a keep a dog’s attention once they are around other dogs in a distracting environment.
We recommend Natural Balance dog food rolls or an equivalent. These rolls, which look like summer sausage and are very healthy, can be cut into tiny chunks and are almost irresistible to dogs. Other options include cooked chicken, jerky, hot dogs and freeze dried liver or various treats developed just for training.
If you have any questions about which treat to use, please ask a trainer before you come to class.
APRON OR TREAT HOLDER
It’s difficult to dig through pockets to grab a treat and it’s important to reward dogs immediately. A treat holder or a handler’s apron makes it easer to reach treats and keep your hands free. We sell a Pup Scouts apron but a simple carpenter’s apron from a hardware store works well. There are also specially made treat holders available.
