Paws in Paradise Luxury Resort and Spa offers a variety of dog training classes, both group and private. All training methods are based on positive rewards and do not include pain- or fear-based methods. Dog must be up to date on vaccinations for DHLPP (distemper), rabies, and Bordetella (kennel cough).
Private Training ($99-$149):
Private training is for dogs of any age and their owner(s) on a 1-on-1 basis with the trainer. Session can cover general dog behavior issues, issues related to dog reactivity/aggression, and sessions geared specifically toward children and dogs.
General dog behavior issues: Potty training, behavior modification (chewing, barking, counter surfing), separation anxiety, confidence building (neophobia), hierarchy issues, socialization (newborn/other dogs or new pet/life change), dogs and children, or any of the basic commands (sit; down; off/no jumping; loose leash walking (no pulling); shake; drop it; leave it; come; wait).
Issues related to dog reactivity/aggression: Behavior modification (counter conditioning, redirection), dominance, dog reactivity/aggression, fear reactivity, food/resource guarding, and reversal of hierarchy.
Training with children and dogs: Caring for a dog, how to read dog signals, how to approach a dog (family dog/strange dog), mutual respect and boundaries, games to play with dogs.
In-home training session: The dog trainer will come to your home for a 1-hour personal session to assess your dog, home surroundings, and family dynamics, to discuss and address any personal dog needs and concerns. The trainer will provide concrete solutions and techniques for the benefit of the dog as part of their family unit.
Daycare/boarding add-on sessions ($24):
The dog trainer will work with your dog for 30 minutes, working on any of the commands outlined below as requested by the parent. Consistency is key with dog training, so continual training (at home and at our facility) will turn the commands into a habit for your dog over time. Parent will receive a summary of the training session so training can be consistent and continue at home.
Commands: Sit, down, off (no jumping); loose-leash walking (no pulling), wait (at door or in car), come, drop it, leave it, shake/high five, place, games to promote self-confidence.
Board & Train ($450-$1,300 plus boarding fee):
Board and train is an addon for puppies and dogs of all levels boarding at our facility to provide a solid foundation for basic obedience commands, and comes in 1- and 2- week options. Parents will meet with the trainer upon completion of the board & train to review all commands taught and how to continue training until the commands become a habit.
2-week board & train: Commands taught include sit, down, off/no jumping, loose leash walking (no pulling)/heel, shake/high-five, drop it, leave it, come, wait, place.
3-week board & train: Commands taught include sit, down, off/no jumping, loose leash walking (no pulling)/heel, shake/high-five, drop it, leave it, come, wait, place, spin, wave, bow, fetch.
Refresher 1-week board & train: Reinforcement of previously taught basic obedience commands, including sit, down, off/no jumping, loose leash walking (no pulling)/heel, shake/high-five, drop it, leave it, come, wait, place. Trainer can focus of specific commands as needed, per the request of parents.
Group classes:
Group classes are limited to 4-6 dogs and their parents to optimize the learning environment. The kids group class is aimed at children ages 6-12 years (and their parents if they wish to attend as well).
Basic Obedience Group Class: This class meets weekly for a total of 5 weeks. The first class, owners will meet without dogs to review the curriculum and tools needed for a successful class. Curriculum: Timing/consistency/reinforcement; sit; down; off/no jumping; loose leash walking (no pulling)/heel; shake/high five; drop it; leave it; come; wait
Puppy Group Class: This class is for puppies between 11-15 weeks old at the time of the class, and meets weekly for a total of 4 weeks. Curriculum: Timing/consistency/ reinforcement; house breaking and crate training; bite inhibition; appropriately meeting and greeting dogs and people; no jumping; no pulling on leash; appropriate play; common puppy-related issues; introductory sit/down; self-confidence.
Kids Group Class: This 1-hour class meets weekly for a total of 2 weeks to help children understand how to read and interact appropriately with dogs. No dogs will join the class, except for those selected by the trainer for the safety of all students. The kids group class is aimed at children ages 6-12 years (and their parents if they wish to attend as well). Curriculum: Reading dog signals; how to approach a dog (family dog/strange dog); mutual respect/boundaries; establishing hierarchy; basic commands (touch, sit, shake).
About the trainers:
Brittany Moss (McElroy) received her Professional Dog Trainer certification from the Atlanta Dog Trainer Academy for Professional Dog Trainers, and teaches full dog obedience training based on positive rewards without pain- or fear-based training methods. She teaches anything from puppy training and basic obedience to reactivity and problem behaviors. Brittany is trained to assess dogs based on their breed, temperament, and personality, and recommends solutions for behavior modification, dominance, dog reactivity/aggression, fear reactivity, food/resource guarding, and reversal of hierarchy.
Brittany has a love for all animals and is passionate about rescue, with a special place in her heart for pitties. She is dog mama to Khaos, Rosie, BB, and Oreo, as well as a foster mom to many foster pups throughout her life.
Anne Dysinger received her Professional Dog Trainer certification from the Atlanta Dog Trainer Academy for Professional Dog Trainers, and teaches full dog obedience training based on positive rewards without pain- or fear-based training methods. Obedience commands include sit, down, come, stay, wait, leave it, drop it, loose-leash walking, and off (no jumping), in both group and private classes. She also works with puppies and their parents on potty training, behavior modification (chewing, barking, counter surfing), separation anxiety, confidence building (neophobia), and socialization (newborn/other dogs or new pet/life change).
Anne works with children to help them understand and care for a new puppy or overcome a fear of dogs by teaching how to read dog signals and approach a dog (family dog/strange dog), as well as mutual respect and boundaries.
