We look to enrich the lives of both human and dog by teaching owners how to develop a long lasting relationship with their dogs built on mutual understanding and respect. We don’t sell ‘quick-fix’ solutions. Instead, we work to help owners understand the fundamentals of dog psychology so they can learn to successfully communicate with their dogs. Providing this basic understanding helps us maximize your training experiences with us.
Our Training Techniques:
Our aim is to motivate people to base their human/canine relationships on positive reinforcement by teaching and shaping wanted behaviors instead of punishing unwanted ones.
Positive reinforcement dog training uses praise and positive actions or rewards, rather than punishment or correctional actions, to teach your dog right from wrong. The key with this type of training is to determine what it is that motivates your dog, and use that motivator as a reward upon correct performance. In positive reinforcement dog training you can use treats, toys, physical affection, verbal praise or a combination of any of those, to reward your dog for correct behavior.
Our Trainers:
Head Trainer
& Happy Hounds Co-Owner - Olivia Neill
I have had the pleasure of working directly with dogs and their owners for over 7 years now. Aside from being a lifelong animal lover and earning degrees in Biology and Communications, I decided to make dog training my career and earned my certification through the Animal Behavior College. This led to a very rewarding and educational volunteer job at the Philadelphia ASPCA. At the ASPCA I saw how positive reinforcement training methods can help even the most abused and mistreated dogs, as this particular shelter received many dogs rescued from illegal fighting rings throughout the city of Philadelphia.
I have also been an active volunteer and former Educational Director with the Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue of the United States, giving me a chance to help protect and rescue the breed we love so much (we are currently owned by three Ridgebacks).
TRAINING PROGRAMS
PUPPY SOCIALIZATION - $10 (One Hour Session)
While a full day of daycare may be too much for your new puppy, an hour of monitored play designed to reinforce positive puppy play skills in a safe and controlled environment is just what a growing puppy needs! The goal is for your puppy to have fun while developing basic social skills. One of our staff trainers will be present to monitor the play groups.
Who Should Attend? Puppies that are ten weeks to six months of age may attend (current on vaccinations).
Your puppy will learn:
- To create positive associations with other people as well as other puppies and adult dogs.
- To respect boundaries
- Bite inhibition
- How to play with a variety of 'puppy-appropriate' toys
PUPPY KINDERGARTEN - $25 (One Hour Session)
Much like children, a puppy’s successful development largely depends on exposure to certain sights and sounds during their first six months of life. Without proper training and interaction during this crucial socialization period, puppies can develop severe behavioral consequences down the road. A group class allows puppies to properly develop their social skills as well as to learn basic obedience commands in a fun atmosphere.
Who Should Attend? Puppies that are ten weeks to six months of age may attend (current on vaccinations).
Your Dog Will Learn:
- Appropriate behaviors around other dogs and people
- Basic commands, like Sit, Stay, and Come
- How to walk on a leash
- Healthy ways to release puppy-level energy
Dog Owners Will Learn:
- Answers to common puppy questions (like housebreaking)
- How to curb nipping, chewing and jumping
- Basic training techniques to practice with your new dog
- The importance and value of puppy social interaction
- Relationship-building – Creating a bond that lasts a lifetime
Puppy Kindergarten Schedule:
Will be offered again March 2012. Private lessons for puppies will be available throughout the Fall of 2011 as well as socialization sessions.
These sessions are by reservation only. Please contact us ahead of time to schedule a session.
BASIC SKILLS - $150 (Six- One hour Sessions)
The perfect class for your new dog or one who you've been meaning to train for years! This 6 week class will give you the foundation needed for a lifetime of fulfillment with your dog! This is an introduction to basic obedience geared towards dogs over the age of six months. Classes are limited to 7 dogs!
Your Dog Will Learn:
- How to behave in a class environment
- Basic commands like:
Focus
Sit
Stay
Down
Come
Leave it
Heel
And many more!
Owners Will Learn:
- The basic principles of dog psychology
- Leadership skills
- Relationship-building exercises–Creating a bond that lasts a lifetime
- Basic behavior modification & training techniques
Basic Skills Class Fall Schedule:
Thursdays 6:45 PM Beginning September 29, 2011 (9/29, 10/6*, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10) If necessary, a make up class will be offered 11/17 at 6:45 PM
Saturdays 10:00 AM Beginning October 1, 2011 ( 10/1, 10/8*,10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12) If necessary, a make up class will be offered 11/19 at 10:00 AM
*Due to the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) Annual Conference we are scheduled to attend 10/11 thru 10/17, no training classes will be held on Thursday, 10/13 & Saturday, 10/15.
Click Here For Our Group Training Enrollment Packet
INTERMEDIATE SKILLS I - $125 (Five- One hour Sessions)
This class will strengthen the bond between you and your dog for a lifetime of companionship. The group obedience classes will add to the existing obedience commands that your dog has learned in their basic group obedience classes. In this class we will start adding in higher and higher distraction, adding in more distance away from your dog in obedience commands and add in more duration in the commands. Classes are small and individualized. Limited to 5 dogs! A solid foundation of basic obedience skills are required of each dog entering this class.
Intermediate Skills I Class Fall Schedule:
Thursdays 8:00 PM Beginning October 6, 2011 (10/6*, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10) If necessary, a make up class will be offered 11/17 at 8:00 PM
Saturdays- 8:00 AM Beginning October 8, 2011 (10/8*,10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12) If necessary, a make up class will be offered 11/19 at 8:00 AM
*Due to the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) Annual Conference we are scheduled to attend 10/11 thru 10/17, no training classes will be held on Thursday, 10/13 & Saturday, 10/15.
Click Here For Our Group Training Enrollment Packet
Contact Us Now. Limited Spaces Available!
PRIVATE TRAINING
Does your dog have a specific behavioral issue that you'd like to address? Then private dog training is for you!
Happy Hounds offers private training where you can meet face to face with an experienced trainer to discuss your needs. We can work in your own home or at our facility. Typically private lessons are best for someone who's looking for help with a specific issue that can be resolved in one or two lessons. It's also great if your dog already has been thru some formal training, or training at home, and you wish to work on a few additional cues or behaviors. Package deals are available.Our positive-reinforcement method of dog training has successfully cured dozens and dozens of dogs with the following behaviors:
* Jumping
* Biting
* Excessive barking
* Aggression
* Destruction
* House training
* Fearfulness
* Marking
* Fighting
* Chewing
* Separation anxiety
* Leash reactivity
* Socialization
* Submissive urination
Obedience training can be done on a private basis as well.
Initial Consultation & Session (2 hours) - $110
One Hour Private Session - $70
(available after initial consultation)
Private Session Package - $310
Includes Initial Consultation & Lesson (2 hrs)
And 3-One Hour Private Lessons
(Purchase of this package immediately qualifies you for our Continuing Education Discount of 15% off future group classes & private lessons, see below)
TREADMILL TRAINING AND PLAY & TRAIN PROGRAMS
Please contact Olivia Neill (co-owner & Head Trainer) for information and pricing on these programs.
CONTINUING EDUCATION DISCOUNT!
Students will receive the Continuing Education Discount if they have previously used our training services as follows:
SILVER LEVEL
Once a student has spent $150, they will receive 10% off on any future Group Classes.
GOLD LEVEL
Once a student has spent $300, they will receive 15% off on any future Group Classes & Private Sessions.
PLATINUM LEVEL
Once a student has spent $500, they will receive 25% off on any future Group/Specialty Classes, or Private Sessions.
REFERRALS PROGRAM:
$15 in training credits for each client referred who uses our training services.
Note: Happy Hounds does not do "Boot Camp" style training. Most dogs that attend these camps will not come back and respond to whomever gives them a command. The owner will still have to put forth as much effort in training as is needed in a traditional obedience class.
