Our Training Programs
Strengthening the bond between canines and their owners through Balance and Respect.
Our philosophy is to train the dog in front of us. By working through real world scenarios and using all methods we achieve proven results.
Behavior Modification Program
This program dives deep into dog psychology where we figure out the Why behind what is going on and help the dog work through that situation.
Every dog is unique and every training program is customized to that dog’s needs and the family’s lifestyle.
This unique approach builds a very strong foundation over the course of 4 days and a minimum of 20 hours of training.
Building layer upon layer of training changes the dogs mindset and begins the process of making new connections in the brain to help the dog learn quicker and commit those changes to memory.
The following are examples of how Neuroplasticity works in dogs and why my program begins this process.
Through multiple training sessions throughout the day and over several days, new connections in the brain can develop due to a process called Neuroplasticity, which allows the brain to reorganize itself and form new neural pathways in response to repeated experiences and learning activities; essentially, the more you practice something, the stronger the connections between relevant neurons become.
Neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt and change in response to new experiences. This process allows dogs to learn new behaviors, change existing behaviors, and form new emotional connections.
How does neuroplasticity occur in dogs?
• Dogs can generate new neurons and neural connections throughout adulthood.
• Neuroplasticity is important for learning and memory.
• Dogs can learn and maintain new motor skills, like balancing.
• Dogs can overcome fears and phobias.
• Dogs can recover from brain damage.
How can neuroplasticity be used to help dogs?
• Training and socialization can help dogs learn new skills and behaviors.
• Behavior modification can help dogs learn new behavioral responses and change existing behavior patterns.
• Treatment protocols can help dogs overcome fears and build their confidence level.
• In some cases Medication may help the dog calm down enough to be able to implement the protocol.
-
These games help the dog think through a situation and engage.
Nose work is the number one confidence builder in any hunting breed but especially a Griffon. You have to understand this breed is Nose first. They are versatile hunting dogs but I think many who are highly eye driven are the ones I see with behavioral problems.
Working all play by Ending on a search game will help this tremendously. So if you play ball or “soccer” end that game by having him find something.
The following is a kit I don’t want you to purchase this kit instead it’s just a guide to what they use.
I personally cannot stand the smell of the V word or myurr. I use exclusively Birch oil or Anise.
The kit you will see a little tin can these can be purchased inexpensively on Amazon for like 30 for $8. You will have to punch holes in the top. Then get Qtips and those get a drop or two of the oil and are placed in the tin then hidden.
You can present the tin to him let him SNIFF IT. And be sure you hear an audible sniff then reward at the source. This means you turn the back of your hand over the tin and give a food reward like that. Do this maulybe 5-10 times. Each time after you reward place the tin behind your back and present it again to get that sniff.
You can get a small magnet so it will stick to metal and make things a bit challenging.
Once you have done the lead up. Now hide the tin. Put him on his place bed. Hide the tin out of sight but in an easy area the first time or two. Then walk back to the bed and say your word. I say Search.
Let him get off and you stand away from the area and watch. The second he gets to the tin you place your back of your hand on the tin and give a high value reward. Then you just build on the distance and difficulty of the “find”.
Leerburg UKC Nosework Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ELJ24AU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DFAJZ41K4W99DGYVQZM2 -
Agility is a fantastic confidence builder. Going through tunnels and over jumps helps dogs think through what you want and execute it. This helps build a free thinker and a dog who can learn how to make good choices on his own.
Check out this site and look up YouTube videos on DIY agility equipment. Maybe if you know someone handy they could make a couple or just purchase a tunnel and a couple jumps. Or see if there are any classes offering agility!!
https://www.k9ofmine.com/diy-dog-agility-courses/ -
Barn Hunt is an exciting and rapidly growing dog sport that taps into your dog's natural instincts to search and locate hidden rats. It's designed to be fun, mentally stimulating, and accessible for dogs of all breeds and ages.
Why It's Great for Dogs
Barn Hunt offers numerous benefits:Mental stimulation: Engages your dogs, natural instincts, and their ability to analyze the situation and find the scent.
Physical Exercise: Born hunts are a mashup between agility obstacles, and nose work games. The dog will go through tunnels and up and over hay bales to find the scent of the rat.
Behavior improvement: Barn hunts provide an outlet for your dogs, natural instincts to shine and provides an opportunity for the dog to use their problem-solving skills. All wrapped up in a structured event will improve your dogs behavior, reduce anxiety, and build impulse control.
Bonding: Barn hunts will provide an opportunity for you to strengthen the bond with your dog through teamwork and communication.
This sport especially benefits hunting dogs by improving their search for the scent. All dogs can enjoy and benefit from the sport. -
Both Nina Ottosson puzzles by Outward Hound and snuffle mats are fantastic tools for enriching your dog's life. They provide mental stimulation, help alleviate boredom, and can even reduce anxiety.
Nina Ottosson Puzzles by Outward Hound
Nina Ottosson puzzles are designed to challenge your dog's mind and encourage problem-solving skills. They come in various difficulty levels, catering to dogs of all intelligence levels.
Snuffle Mats: A Natural Foraging Experience
Snuffle mats mimic the natural foraging behavior of dogs, encouraging them to use their sense of smell to find hidden treats. They're excellent for slowing down fast eaters, providing mental stimulation, and reducing anxiety.
-
This is exposing the dog to specific stimuli that would normally trigger them and working them through the process of letting that trigger go.
This is NOT flooding.
This is a process we do where we build the dog up to a point that when brought to an area where the trigger is the greatest the dog has already had enough exposures at a lower level that they have built in some new habits and are fully ready for that last step. This training is powerful and truly builds a strong association and lets the dog fully let go of its trigger.Take your dog to as many new places as possible. Exposing to new sights, sounds and Smells helps open their mind and helps them gain confidence.
Why It's Important
Builds confidence – The more experiences your dog successfully navigates, the more self-assured they become.
Reduces fear-based behaviors – Dogs afraid of the unknown are more likely to bark, lunge, or shut down. Exposure helps normalize the world.
Improves adaptability – Dogs that experience a variety of environments handle change (travel, moving, vet visits) better.
Strengthens the human-animal bond – Exploring together builds trust and connection.
Tips for Safe and Positive Exposure
• When allowing your pup or dog to greet people allow your dog to choose to engage—never force!
• Pair new experiences with high-value treats, a game or tug, or their favorite toy/game.
• Keep sessions short and fun. Always end on a positive note.
• Watch for signs of stress: lip licking, yawning, full body shake off, wide whale eyes. In order for the dog to be experiencing stress they would have to show at least 2 or more signs.
• Praise calm, curious behavior. And always allow the pup or dog to explore things that they may be uncomfortable with but are showing curiosity. Don’t talk just let their curiosity expand.
We help fearful dogs gain confidence and learn how to deal with stress.
We help reactive dogs learn they can look to their owners for guidance and let go of any underlining fear forcing their reactivity.
We help identify the triggers that cause a dog to become reactive or aggressive and help the dog work through those triggers and learn skills to stop that reactivity.
Let’s dive into the Why behind what is going on and together we can help you and your dog work through those situations.
Mind Your Manners-Puppy Training Program
Start your puppy off right with
Mind Your Manners. This program is built around the specific developmental phases the dogs go through in their first year. This program helps build a solid foundation, confidence, and helps pups grow into well balanced adult dogs.
This program deep dives into the different developmental phases and how to work the pup through each phase. Whether it is a testing phase, a fear phase, a ranking phase or any combination this program uses obedience commands and confidence techniques such as puzzles, flirt poles, scent work, and agility work to help the pup experience mental challenges that in turn help the pup feel satisfied and content.
What Makes This Kind of Program Special
Science-backed: It aligns with canine behavioral development research. Emotionally intelligent: Respects the dog’s needs at every stage. Customized: Takes breed traits, household, and individual temperament into account. Real-world ready: Teaches life skills, not just tricks.
Why a Developmental-Based Program Works
Puppies don’t just “grow”—they develop in predictable stages, and each one brings specific behavioral, emotional, and neurological needs. A program designed around these stages can support your pup exactly when they’re most impressionable.
This program helps pups learn to deal with stress and learn how to make good choices. It builds what I call a free thinker, a dog who can analyze a situation and make the appropriate decisions in the moment.
Build a Rock-Solid Foundation
Through structure, routine, basic commands, leash manners, and calm behavior.
Develop Confidence
Via exposure therapy, novel experiences, positive social interactions, and problem-solving games.
Prevent Future Behavior Issues
By proactively addressing potential problems before they take root—like fear, reactivity, or resource guarding.
Let’s get started creating the foundation with your new puppy that will shape your positive relationship together.
Stay and Train Program
If your dog has completed one of my training programs and you’re heading out of town, I’ll stay at your home and:
Maintain consistency with your dog’s existing routines.
During this program dogs will receive dedicated training to reinforce known commands.
Continue working on the training goals we established.
Updates via text/video so you stay informed.
Detailed handoff and next-step plan when you return.
New Puppy Owners
Once your puppy has gone through the Jump Start Program or the Mind Your Manners Program they will be eligible to do the Stay and Train Program. During this program puppies will receive structured training sessions to reinforce known commands.
What's Included:
Daily enrichment, play, and structured training sessions.
Consistent reinforcement of house rules and training cues.
Updates via text/video so you stay informed.
Detailed handoff and next-step plan when you return.
This program is a service I offer with trust in mind—exclusively for existing clients who’ve already laid the groundwork with me.
Similar to a board and train, the Stay and Train Program provides daily dedicated training sessions, done in your own home.
Let’s build on what we’ve started.
The perfect beginning for your puppy’s lifelong success.
Our Jump Start Program is designed especially for new puppy owners and provides a solid foundation during your pup’s most formative stage. Tailored for puppies 10 to 16 weeks old, this two-week program helps establish essential routines and behaviors, setting your puppy—and your household—up for success.
Jump Start Program
Over the course of two weeks, we will work on:
Potty Training Routines – Consistent schedules and habits for fewer accidents and smoother days.
Crate and Sleep Conditioning – Comfort with crate time and healthy sleep habits.
Name Recognition & Basic Obedience – Foundational cues like sit, down, come, and loose-leash walking.
Socialization & Confidence Building – Exposure to new sights, sounds, and environments to promote calm, curious behavior.
Household Boundaries – Discouraging unwanted behaviors like furniture chewing, jumping, and more.
Whether it’s your first puppy or your fifth, the Jump Start Program assists in giving your pup the best start possible.