The Balanced Approach
At Free State K9 we take a balanced approach to obedience training. The first step in training is assessing the goals of the owner and the personality of the dog and then designing a training program around the individual dog and owner(s). We use a balance of correction, motivation and praise to make learning as fun and stress free as possible. Praise from the owner can be worth more to the dog than any treat and teaching the dog to work for praise instead of a treat or toy will enforce that the dog listens even if there is not a bribe present. Similarly- giving the dog fair but effective consequences for unwanted behavior reduces the amount of confusion and makes it as simple as possible for the dog to understand what is wanted. Motivation (verbal) is given throughout the process to encourage the dog who is unsure about what is wanted or who is wavering on the fence about whether or not to listen to a given command.
The goal is not to strip the dog of a personality or create "robot dogs." The goal at Free State K9 is to give the dog the education it needs to be a valuable and polite member of the family while still being the happy dog he or she is. You may choose to only get basic on-leash training or you could decide that you want your dog trained through advanced off-leash obedience.
Board and Train
Tracking,one of the specialty training options at FSK9.
The most popular training option offered by Free State K9 is our Board and Train service. This means that your dog can be boarded on the Free State K9 premises and trained by the Free State K9 trainer. This option is perfect for those who want their dogs trained quickly but do not want to, for whatever reason, train the dogs themselves. It usually takes under 1 week for on-leash training and 2 weeks for off-leash training (the advanced off-leash package involves the use of a remote training collar). Included in the price of your board and train is 3 followup lessons to make sure that your dog transitions back to life with you easily, the first of which will happen the day you pick your dog up from Free State K9.
One of the biggest benefits of a Board and Train is that a limited guarantee is offered on the training.
Board and Train Packages:
Package 1: Leash Manners
Price: $300
If all you want to do is walk your dog on a leash there is a package for that! It's a few days long (exactly how long depends on how much of a blank slate your dog is) and costs $300. While this package is valuable these goals can often also be met quickly and easily in Individual Lessons and so often I will offer that first.
Package 2: On-Leash Basic Obedience
Price: $650
This package is my foundational training package and lasts one week. The dog will learn Heel with an Automatic Sit at the handler's left side, Down at the handler's left side and Down from the front of the handler, Implied Stay, Come and Sit in front of the handler and Placemat as well as a loose leash leisure walk. These commands will be reliable WHILE the dog is wearing a 6' leash and the training collar the dog is sent home with.
Package 3: Remote Collar Obedience
Price: $1400
This is my most comprehensive package. It lasts 2 weeks and gives the dog the foundation for advanced off-leash obedience. It includes everything in Package 2 but instead of being reliable on a 6' leash the commands will be reliable while the dog is wearing a high quality remote training collar (electronic collar). This will give the dog and owner the off-leash experience without violating the leash laws in Lawrence and without completely removing a way to physically communicate with the dog. This is our most popular package!
Time slots for Board and Trains are limited so call early if interested. It is not uncommon for Board and Trains to be booked a month or more out.
Once your dog has mastered obedience training there is a whole world of specialized training out there should you want to take your dog further. Scent Detection is not just for police dogs! Train your dog to find your keys or the TV remote. If your dog needs a job to be truly happy in life why not teach him or her to pick things up for you? Keys, credit card, even coins! Specialized training is perfect for dogs who have excelled at obedience training and the owner who has the time and dedication to help them learn.
Weekly Lessons
Price: $60 each
Weekly lessons are a rewarding and cost effective option for small projects or for owners who want the satisfaction of training their own dogs. All weekly lessons are one-on-one with the trainer and no group lessons are offered. Weekly lessons are sold one at a time with no packages, minimums, or limits. They are geared towards the individual goals and needs of dog and owner and if someone has the time, energy, and interest in training their dog themselves it can be a fantastic bonding experience and a lot of fun!
Evaluation and Demonstration- FREE
The Evaluation and Demonstration is always free and is the first step regardless of what type of training you would like to purchase. This will allow me to get some background and basic information about your dogs and we can get into the details of what your goals are and we will form a game plan together!
Prices are subject to change without notice
Hours of Operation:
Consultations and Weekly Lessons can take place BY APPOINTMENT ONLY between Monday and Friday from 9am-5pm. Please Email to set up a consultation.
Pack Therapy
Price: $60 minimum
Pack therapy is FSK9's newest service. There are times when your goals may not include formal obedience training or maybe you have finished the hands on work but suddenly a new behavior crops up and you would like some guidance. This is where Pack Therapy can come in.
Pack Therapy is conducted either over the phone or via Zoom!
Perfect examples for times that might call for Pack Therapy include:
You got a new dog and are looking for guidance on integrating the new dog to your existing pack.
You don't have a dog yet and are unsure of what kind would be best for you and your family.
Your dog's behavior has changed and you would like some insight as to what is going on.
You have moved house and suddenly your dog is being a pill.
You have a new puppy and...now what!?
To set up a Pack Therapy call please send an Email to Emily to schedule. Initial payment via Venmo or PayPal will be $60 with additional charges after the first hour. No initial consultation is required.
Dana holding a Down Stay while the children decorate her.
