Here at East Tennessee K9 we realize that each dog is an individual with different abilities and temperaments.  We pride ourselves in developing a custom training program for each individual dog.  After discussing your goals with you and evaluating your dog, we design a training program based on both your desires and your dog's abilities.

Every dog matures and learns at a different speed, but from our experience, the following is a good general guideline as to training time:

Basic Obedience:  (4-6 Weeks) 

Does your dog need obedience??? Sure it does. Without obedience your companion can be a nuisance. Imagine a nice walk in the park with your dog walking with you instead of dragging you. You stop to talk to a friend, you tell your dog to sit while you visit, and he actually sits and stays until you tell him otherwise. You tell your dog to lay down, and… that’s right, it happens, he lays down. How nice would that be? Try this one… call your dog to you, “Here” and he comes running. NICE!!!!  Yes, this can be a reality, and you can really enjoy spending quality time with your dog. We call this “Basic Obedience” 

 

“Basic Obedience”

 

Heeling – Walk beside you

Sit / Stay – Dog doesn’t get up until you give him/her further instructions.

Down – Dog lays down until you give him/her further instructions.

Here – Dog comes when you call him/her to you. 

Basic Protection Training:  (2-3 Months) 

Starting with you (the handler) with his/her dog sitting by your side. The "bad guy" will walk up and shake your hand as a stranger would in the real world. Your dog will remain calm and stay in the sit position. Then bad guy will walk away and return in a direct approach to a point approximately 1-2 yards from the dog. The bad guy will then walk back and forth in a fairly brisk pace displaying a nonaggressive manner. After pacing back and forth one complete time you will give the dog the command for defending against a threat. The dog will go to the end of the leash barking and wanting to engage the bad guy. The bad guy will turn and challenge the dog with threatening gestures. Then the bad guy will cease the direct threats and run away. You will call the dog back to the heel position. Then the bad guy will first threaten the dog by yelling and making quick threatening gestures, while at the same time moving toward the dog. After the initial threat, the bad guy will make a direct approach at the dog in a threatening manner. He will yell and threaten with a stick during the approach and will present an arm for the dog to engage. Once the dog engages he will then challenge the dog with threats and resistance while driving the dog.  Once the attack by the bad guy ceases, the dog should release the grip; you will use a verbal release command. You will finish with the dog by your side and the bad guy will come back to shake your hand while your dog sits and remains calm. 

Advanced Protection Training: 

You will receive a monthly evaluation (either by email or phone) describing your dog's progress, as well as his strengths and weaknesses. 

Please call to discuss your individual needs.