Training Services
At Big House K9 Training, we provide effective, compassionate positive reinforcement dog training in Casa Grande, AZ and surrounding communities. Every dog, and every handler, learns differently, so our services are tailored to meet your family’s unique needs, goals, and lifestyle. Whether you’re starting with a new puppy, addressing behavior concerns, or seeking advanced training support, we’re here to help you and your dog succeed together.
We believe training should be clear, kind, and rooted in science. That’s why all of our programs follow force-free, science-based training principles that build confidence, trust, and real-world skills. Our approach avoids punitive tools like choke collars, prong collars, and shock collars, ensuring a safe and positive experience for dogs of all ages and temperaments.
Below is an overview of the training services we offer, each designed to help you and your dog communicate better, grow together, and enjoy a more harmonious life.
WAYS TO WORK WITH BIG HOUSE K9 TRAINING
"I cannot say enough good things about BHK9! They were there every step of the way during those pesky early puppy days and helped me troubleshoot, our specific issues. Our pup is so well-behaved and receptive to commands, making him absolutely perfect for our family. Thank you!!"
~ Nina & Gordy
Our philosophy is rooted in building strong, trusting relationships between dogs and their owners through compassionate, positive reinforcement training methods. By fostering clear communication and mutual understanding, we empower families to strengthen their connection with their dogs, creating well-mannered companions that enhance daily life and deepen the bond you share.
At Big House K9 Training, our dog training services are intentionally designed to help both you and your dog thrive. Whether you’re enrolling in puppy training, working through challenges with private in-home sessions, participating in group dog training classes, or pursuing specialty training for service or therapy dogs, every program shares a common goal: to equip you with the skills, tools, and knowledge needed to confidently address challenges and support your dog’s overall well-being.
You’ll walk away from training with a clearer understanding of how to effectively communicate with your dog, manage common behavior concerns, and build confidence across a variety of real-world environments. Through positive reinforcement and individualized training strategies, we help you not only improve your dog’s behavior, but also enrich your own life, creating a fulfilling partnership that leads to a calmer, happier, and more balanced home.
GETTING STARTED IS AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3!
01.
Schedule a Discovery Call
A Discovery Call with Big House K9 Training is an opportunity for us to get to know you and your dog, understand your training goals, and discuss any specific challenges or needs. During the call, we'll explore if our training programs are the right fit to help you and your dog succeed.
02.
Enroll & Onboard
The enrollment and onboarding process at Big House K9 Training starts with selecting the right training program for you and your dog. Once enrolled, you'll receive a welcome packet with all the details, training resources, and any forms needed. We ensure you’re fully prepared to start your training journey with us smoothly.
03.
The work & fun begins!
Next, the work—and fun—begins! Here comes the transformation as we guide you and your dog through personalized training that builds confidence, improves behavior, and strengthens your bond. You’ll start to see positive changes as your dog masters new skills, creating a lasting transformation in your everyday life together.
PUPPY SKILLS | PRIVATE | OPEN ENROLLMENT
About our puppy skills program:
There’s no need to wait for a new session to open, Open Enrollment allows you to join Puppy Skills at any time, so your puppy can begin learning and socializing right away.
Early puppy socialization plays a critical role in a dog’s long-term emotional and behavioral well-being. Research shows that puppies who lack appropriate social experiences are more likely to develop behavior challenges such as fear, anxiety, and fear-based aggression. For years, many dog owners were encouraged to keep puppies isolated at home until vaccinations were complete, creating a difficult choice: risk future behavioral issues or risk exposure to illness.
Today, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) recommends beginning structured, supervised socialization before puppies are fully vaccinated. When done thoughtfully in controlled environments, early exposure helps puppies develop confidence while minimizing health risks.
At Big House K9 Training, we recognize how important these early experiences are. Our Puppy Skills classes begin as early as eight weeks of age and require proof of age-appropriate vaccinations for enrollment. Each class is designed to gently introduce puppies to new people, sounds, surfaces, and environments in a calm, supportive setting. We use positive reinforcement training methods, rewarding desired behaviors with praise, toys, treats, and affection so puppies learn to associate new experiences with safety and success.
Choosing the right environment for socialization is essential. Public spaces like dog parks or uncontrolled outdoor areas can expose young puppies to unnecessary health and behavioral risks. Our Puppy Skills program takes place in a private, clean, indoor training facility, led by professional dog trainers. All puppies enrolled are current on vaccinations, helping ensure a safe and healthy learning space.
By starting socialization early, around eight weeks of age after initial vaccinations, you give your puppy the best foundation for becoming a confident, well-adjusted, and happy dog. There’s no need to wait, a world of positive experiences is ready for your puppy to explore.
We focus on:
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Socialization
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Basic Obedience Skills
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Body Handling
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Confidence Course
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Potty Training
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Crate Training
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Manners-nipping, jumping, impulsivity, leash skills
What's included:
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Choose your start date
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Orientation
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(1) Puppy Temperament Evaluation (1-hour)
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(6) 1-hour weekly private lessons, in-person at BHK9
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BHK9 Training Log
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Socialization checklist
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Homework handouts
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Phone and messaging support
Who this program is for:
Puppy Skills is designed for puppies aged eight weeks to six months who are ready to explore the world and build essential social skills. This program is perfect for first-time puppy owners and those looking to address common puppy challenges, ensuring a solid foundation for a well-adjusted and confident adult dog.
Price:
$500.00
Who this program is for:
Beginner Skills is perfect for dogs 6mo+ who are ready to learn basic obedience, refine their manners, and improve their behavior in new environments. It's ideal for pet families looking to build a strong foundation and create a more well-behaved, confident companion.
Price:
$200.00
BEGINNER SKILLS
About the program:
Beginner Skills at Big House K9 Training builds on Puppy Skills foundational training by introducing more advanced cues while reinforcing good manners across a variety of real-world environments. In this Beginner dog training class, you and your dog will work on essential obedience skills such as Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Take It, Leave It, Drop It, and loose-leash walking, all taught using positive reinforcement methods.
In addition to core obedience, we place a strong emphasis on behavior modification and appropriate socialization, helping address unwanted behaviors while building confidence and focus. Our goal is to support dogs in becoming calm, responsive, and well-mannered in different settings, both at home and out in the community.
This class plays a key role in shaping reliable behavior and improving communication between you and your dog. By strengthening these foundational skills, you’ll reduce daily stress, improve responsiveness, and deepen your bond. Before booking a call, know that our Beginner Skills training program is designed to meet your dog’s individual needs, setting both of you up for long-term success and a more harmonious life together.
We focus on:
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Sit & Down: Building focus and control by teaching the dog to sit and lie down on command.
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Wait at the Door: Teaching patience and preventing door-dashing.
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Come & Leashing-Up Manners: Polishing recall and leash manners.
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Loose-Leash Walking & Attention: Enhancing walking skills without pulling, with a focus on attentiveness.
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Meet & Greet: Polite introductions to humans and dogs.
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Leave It: Mastering impulse control around distractions.
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Wait for the Food Bowl: Fostering patience during meal times.
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Stay: Reinforcing the stay command with added challenges.
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Settle: Encouraging calm behavior in any situation.
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Give & Take: Promoting polite exchanges of objects.
What's included:
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6 weekly 1-hour lessons, in-person
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BHK9 Training Log
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Orientation packet
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Homework handouts
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Phone and messaging support
INTERMEDIATE SKILLS
About the program:
Intermediate Skills at Big House K9 Training builds on the strong foundation established in our Beginner level, raising the bar with more advanced cues and refined behaviors. This Intermediate dog training class focuses on strengthening obedience in environments with increased distractions, helping your dog become more reliable and responsive in real-world settings.
During this course, you’ll work on more nuanced skills such as extended Stay, improved leash manners, and advanced recall, all taught using positive reinforcement methods. These exercises are designed to help your dog maintain focus and follow cues even when faced with everyday challenges.
This class is ideal for families who want to solidify their dog’s obedience while improving focus, self-control, and responsiveness. By the end of Intermediate Skills, you and your dog will enjoy clearer communication, greater confidence, and smoother outings in a variety of environments, making daily life together more enjoyable and less stressful.
We focus on:
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Dog to Dog Neutrality: Fostering polite behavior around other dogs.
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Wait at the Door with Distraction: Enhancing door manners with added challenges.
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Come & Leashing-Up Manners with Distraction: Strengthening recall and leash manners under distraction.
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Sit, Down & Stand: Perfecting basic commands with precision.
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Body Handling: Continuing to build comfort with handling under more challenging conditions.
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Loose-Leash Walking & Leave It (Figure 8 Configuration): Advanced walking skills in complex scenarios.
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Stay with Distraction & Distance: Strengthening the stay command with added elements.
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Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Building independence and confidence.
What's included:
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6 weekly 1-hour lessons, in-person
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BHK9 Training Log
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Orientation packet
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Homework handouts
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Phone and messaging support
Who this program is for:
Intermediate Skills is designed for dogs who have a solid foundation in basic skills but need to improve their focus and obedience in more distracting environments. It’s perfect for pet families looking to enhance their dog's self-control and reliability in real-world situations, building confidence and trust.
Price:
$200.00
Who this program is for:
The Advanced Skills class is perfect for dogs who have mastered basic and intermediate skills and are ready to achieve the highest level of obedience and manners. It’s ideal for pet families wanting their dog to excel in public settings, earning their Canine Good Citizen certification and becoming the ultimate well-behaved companion.
Price:
$200.00 + tax
ADVANCED SKILLS
About the program:
Advanced Skills at Big House K9 Training represents the highest level of our obedience training program, designed to prepare your dog to navigate real-world situations with confidence, calmness, and reliability. This Advanced dog training class focuses on polishing advanced obedience and public-manner behaviors that support success in a wide range of environments.
Throughout the course, your dog will learn to accept friendly strangers, sit politely for petting, and perform advanced Heel and Stay behaviors, all while maintaining focus and responsiveness. These skills are taught using positive reinforcement methods and are essential for helping dogs remain composed, well-mannered, and attentive even in challenging or distracting settings.
Graduating from the Advanced Skills class means your dog is prepared to take their training into the real world. At the conclusion of the course, dogs are eligible to test for the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification (testing is offered separately). This level of training is ideal for families who want a dog that is not only well-trained, but a confident, reliable companion capable of handling diverse environments with ease.
We focus on:
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Advanced Loose-Leash Walking: Mastering walking skills in the most challenging environments.
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Back Up: Teaching your dog to move backward on command, useful for maneuvering in tight spaces.
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Advanced Stay: Elevating the stay command to the highest level of difficulty.
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Advanced Come & Leashing-Up Manners: Perfecting recall and leash manners amidst major distractions.
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Meet & Greet with Body Handling: Combining polite greetings with tolerance for handling.
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Attention During High Distraction: Maintaining focus in highly distracting environments.
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Do You Really Know Sit?: Testing the reliability of basic commands under extreme conditions.
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and much more!
What's included:
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6 weekly 1-hour lessons, in-person
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BHK9 Training Log
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Orientation packet
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Homework handouts
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Phone and messaging support
IN-HOME PRIVATE TRAINING
About the program:
In-Home Private Training at Big House K9 Training offers personalized in-home dog training lessons designed for families who want hands-on support in the comfort of their own home. Training in your dog’s everyday environment allows us to address real-life behaviors where they happen most, creating meaningful and lasting results.
Your first lesson is an in-depth 90-minute private session, where we take the time to assess your dog’s specific behaviors, understand your goals, and create a customized training plan. After this initial session, you may choose to continue with a package of private lessons or schedule sessions individually, giving you the flexibility to fit training into your lifestyle.
Each follow-up lesson is one hour long and focuses on up to three specific behavior goals at a time. Whether you’re working through unwanted behaviors, improving household manners, or pursuing more advanced training goals, our individualized approach ensures both you and your dog receive focused, thoughtful guidance.
We offer in-home dog training appointments on weekdays, evenings, and select Saturdays, making it easier to find a time that works for your schedule. Let us help you build confidence, communication, and better behavior, all from the comfort of your own home.
In-Home Private Lesson Pricing:
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Initial Appointment (1.5 hours): $175
This session includes a comprehensive evaluation of your dog’s behavior and training needs, plus personalized guidance to set you on the right path. -
Local Follow-Up Appointment (1 hour): $130
For clients in Coolidge or Casa Grande, these follow-up sessions are designed to continue working towards your goals and address specific issues. -
Neighbors Follow-Up Appointment (1 hour): $150
For clients outside Coolidge or Casa Grande, we offer follow-up sessions with the same focused approach, available at a slightly higher rate to account for travel.
These rates allow you to pay per session, with the flexibility to schedule as needed based on your dog’s progress!
In-Home Private Dog Training Package Pricing:
By booking as a package, you’ll benefit from discounted rates compared to individual sessions, making it easier to stay on track with your dog’s progress.
Daytime (Monday–Friday before 4 pm)
Local (Coolidge/Casa Grande):
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3 Session Package: $375
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4 Session Package: $490
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6 Session Package: $720
Neighbors (Outside Coolidge/Casa Grande):
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3 Session Package: $435
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4 Session Package: $570
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6 Session Package: $840
Evening/Saturday
Local (Coolidge/Casa Grande):
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3 Session Package: $400
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4 Session Package: $520
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6 Session Package: $765
Neighbors (Outside Coolidge/Casa Grande):
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3 Session Package: $460
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4 Session Package: $600
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6 Session Package: $885
Who this program is for:
Private in-home training is perfect for dogs who need focused, one-on-one attention to address specific behavioral challenges or improve obedience in the comfort of their own environment. It’s ideal for pet families looking to work on tailored solutions that fit their dog’s unique needs and daily routines.
What's included:
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Customized training plans tailored to your dog's specific needs and behavior challenges
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BHK9 Training Log
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Homework handouts
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Phone and messaging support
We focus on:
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Basic obedience training (Sit, Stay, Come, etc.)
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Behavior modification for issues such as reactivity, aggression, or anxiety
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Leash training and addressing pulling or lunging
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Socialization and proper manners in various environments
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Confidence building and trust between dog and owner
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Addressing specific problems like excessive barking, jumping, or fear-based behaviors
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Tools and techniques for consistent training at home
Who this program is for:
Private training at our Coolidge/Casa Grande training studio is ideal for dogs who need to improve their behavior or obedience in a more controlled environment, away from home distractions. It’s perfect for pet families looking for focused, one-on-one training to tackle specific challenges or advance their dog’s skills in a dedicated space.
PRIVATE TRAINING AT OUR TRAINING STUDIO
About the program:
Private Training at Our Training Studio at Big House K9 Training offers focused, one-on-one private dog training sessions at our Coolidge / Casa Grande training studio. These sessions are designed to provide a structured, distraction-controlled environment where you and your dog can work together with individualized guidance and support.
During private studio sessions, we tailor each training plan to your dog’s specific needs and your personal goals, helping you make meaningful progress efficiently and effectively. This setting is ideal for dogs who benefit from a consistent training space while still preparing for real-world success.
Our private training sessions are well-suited for addressing a wide range of goals, including behavior modification, obedience training, and advanced skills development. Whether you’re working through specific challenges or refining existing skills, these one-on-one sessions allow for focused attention and customized instruction.
We offer flexible scheduling, including daytime, evening, and select weekend availability. Each private session is one hour long, and once you’re an established client, you’re always welcome to reach out for follow-up support between sessions. Our goal is to ensure you feel supported throughout your training journey, every step of the way.
What's included:
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Customized training plans tailored to your dog's specific needs and behavior challenges
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BHK9 Training Log
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Homework handouts
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Phone and messaging support
We focus on:
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Basic obedience training (Sit, Stay, Come, etc.)
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Behavior modification for issues such as reactivity, aggression, or anxiety
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Leash training and addressing pulling or lunging
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Socialization and proper manners in various environments
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Confidence building and trust between dog and owner
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Addressing specific problems like excessive barking, jumping, or fear-based behaviors
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Tools and techniques for consistent training at home
Private Lesson Pricing Our Location:
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Initial Appointment (1.5 hours): $150
This session includes a comprehensive evaluation of your dog’s behavior and training needs, plus personalized guidance to set you on the right path. -
Follow-Up Appointment (1 hour): $100
These follow-up sessions are designed to continue working towards your goals and address specific issues.
These rates allow you to pay per session, with the flexibility to schedule as needed based on your dog’s progress!
Big House K9 Training Clinics, Workshops & Bootcamps
Fast-Track Your Dog’s Training
Looking to sharpen your dog’s skills or tackle a specific training challenge? Our Clinics, Workshops, and Bootcamps offer targeted, efficient training solutions tailored to your needs! Clinics (mini classes) and Workshops (one-time, one-hour sessions) focus on a single behavior—perfect for refining basic manners or addressing areas that need extra attention.
For a more intensive experience, our Bootcamps (two-hour sessions) provide a deep dive into multiple key behaviors, such as loose-leash walking, recall, polite greetings, and impulse control. Whether your dog needs a refresher or structured learning, these sessions provide expert guidance to help them succeed!
Beginner Bootcamp
About the program:
Need a quick and effective way to boost your dog’s manners and obedience? Our Beginner Bootcamp is a two-hour intensive training session designed to cover essential obedience skills in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. This workshop is perfect for owners looking to improve their dog’s behavior quickly, reinforce previous training, or address common challenges such as jumping on guests, pulling on the leash, poor impulse control, and lack of focus. Ideal for dogs over 12 months old, this class helps sharpen obedience and real-world manners while strengthening communication between you and your dog.
We focus on:
We’ll focus on practical skills like Wait at the Door to prevent door-dashing, Come & Leashing-Up Manners for better recall and leash handling, and Loose-Leash Walking & Attention to improve focus and stop pulling. We’ll also work on Meet & Greet to promote polite interactions with people and dogs, Leave It to build impulse control, and Stay & Settle to reinforce calm behavior in various settings. Additionally, we’ll cover Give & Take to encourage cooperative play and proper object exchanges. This workshop provides a great opportunity to fine-tune obedience skills, strengthen your bond, and build confidence in both you and your dog.
Who this program is for:
This class is ideal for dog owners looking to refresh obedience skills or quickly improve manners. Perfect for dogs over 12 months old who struggle with leash pulling, jumping, ignoring commands, or impulse control, this fast-paced session provides hands-on training using positive reinforcement. Great for social, non-reactive dogs comfortable in a group setting!
Pricing:
$75.00
Big House K9 Training's Specialty Programs are designed for individuals seeking Service, Therapy, or Facility dogs, focusing on creating life-changing partnerships through positive, science-based training methods. Our goal is to empower both dogs and handlers with the skills and confidence needed to foster independence, emotional support, and meaningful connections.
At Big House K9 Training, we offer the solution to creating these life-changing partnerships by providing tailored training services that equip dogs and handlers with the skills necessary to achieve independence, emotional support, and strong bonds. Our specialized programs are designed to transform lives through positive, science-based methods.
At Big House K9 Training, we take great pride in the high standards and thoughtful structure behind all of our specialized dog training programs. Each program is intentionally designed to meet rigorous training benchmarks and requires commitment from both the handler and their dog. This ensures that every team is supported in developing the skills, confidence, and reliability needed for real-world success.
For example, our service dog training programs require a minimum of 120 logged training hours, with at least 30 hours dedicated exclusively to Public Access training. This level of preparation helps ensure service dogs are capable of navigating a wide variety of public environments with calmness, focus, and confidence.
It’s important to note that our programs are designed to empower handlers to train their own dogs. We do not offer board-and-train services. Instead, we work directly with you and your dog through hands-on, one-on-one coaching, providing personalized guidance and ongoing support throughout your training journey. Our professional trainers bring extensive experience in canine behavior, learning theory, and science-based training methodologies.
All training is conducted using positive reinforcement techniques, strengthening communication and building a trusting relationship between handler and dog. This collaborative approach allows us to tailor training plans to your individual needs while ensuring each dog develops the skills and behaviors required for their role.
Our commitment to excellence extends to task training, which is always conducted one-on-one. This individualized format allows us to customize each task to the specific abilities, goals, and needs of the handler-dog team. Whether teaching a service dog to retrieve items or helping a dog provide grounding or comfort during distressing moments, our trainers work closely with you to ensure tasks are learned with precision and confidence.
By focusing on personalized instruction, we’re able to address challenges as they arise, celebrate progress, and foster a strong, reliable partnership between you and your dog. With Big House K9 Training, your journey is guided by experienced professionals who are dedicated to supporting you and your canine partner every step of the way.
SERVICE DOG TRAINING
Service Dog Certification & ADA
What You Need To Know:
Certification is NOT required by the ADA for service dogs. Be very cautious of websites selling service dog vests and IDs without proper verification, as there's no national service dog registry or official certifying organization under federal law. These sites are businesses selling gear, not legitimate organizations. The ADA does not recognize online certification or registration documents as proof of a service animal.
While the ADA doesn't mandate certification, having it can help prove your dog is a service dog. Big House K9 Training can provide certification, but your dog must meet our training standards and complete the outlined process below.
What is a Service Dog?
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is specifically a dog trained to perform tasks or do work for a person with a disability. These tasks must be directly linked to the individual’s disability, and the dog must be trained to execute a specific action to aid the person with their disability. It's important to note that a service dog is distinct from a pet.
Who this program is for:
Service dog training is designed for dogs who are being prepared to assist individuals with specific needs, such as mobility support, PTSD, or medical alerts. It’s ideal for those seeking to train a reliable, well-mannered companion that can provide life-changing support and independence through specialized tasks and behaviors.
Customized Service Dog Training Designed To Meet Your Specific Needs
Big House K9 Training provides in-person training for individuals seeking the support of a service dog to alleviate the impact of a medical disability. We specialize in training dogs to perform a variety of tasks, including but not limited to PTSD, light mobility support (excluding weight-bearing tasks), medical response, assistance for individuals with autism, and support for psychiatric conditions.
The duration of training a service dog varies significantly based on several factors, such as the dog’s age, willingness to learn, the complexity of tasks, the training environment, and the frequency of practice sessions. Typically, the training process can span anywhere from one to two years, depending on these variables.
Following the standards set by the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP), training a service dog involves at least 120 hours over a minimum of six months, contingent on the dog and the tasks it needs to learn. During this period, it's also required for the dog to spend at least 30 hours in public settings to enhance their adaptability and ensure they behave appropriately in various social situations.
For those without a dog, we can help you find the ideal dog to meet your needs, whether it’s from a reputable breeder committed to ethical practices, a shelter, or a rescue organization.
If you already own a dog and are considering them for service work, we offer evaluations to determine their suitability for service tasks. Our goal is to maximize the likelihood of your dog successfully fulfilling the role you require. Please be aware that the evaluation does not include any training sessions it is strictly an evaluation.
Certification Requirements:
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Assessment and Enrollment: Embarking on the path to training your service dog with Big House K9 Training starts with a detailed evaluation by our seasoned trainers. This initial step allows us to fully grasp your specific needs while assessing your dog’s temperament to confirm they're a good fit for service dog work. We offer a variety of training programs, including Private and Group Training, all customized to meet your unique situation. This in-person assessment ensures that your training journey is aligned with your objectives and preferences, laying the foundation for a fruitful relationship with your service dog.
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Enroll in one of our Service Dog training programs: Choose from Private Training, or Group Training options. To qualify for certification with Big House K9 Training, you'll need to provide:
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Proof of disability.
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Minimum 6 months of coaching with Big House K9 Training.
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Demonstration of three trained tasks directly related to your disability.
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You must have a journal with the hours of training and locations (a minimum of 120 hours of schooling over a period of Six Months or more. At least thirty (30) hours should be devoted to outings that will prepare the dog to work obediently and unobtrusively in public places). The 120 hours of schooling includes the time invested in homework training sessions between obedience classes as well as lessons from an experienced dog trainer.
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In-Person Public Access Test (PAT): Once you're prepared and your dog is at least 18 months old, you'll need to meet us in person for the PAT. The initial PAT includes a Big House K9 Training official service dog patch, an ID, a certification letter confirming your service dog team status, meeting ADA requirements, and follow-up communication with our trainers (at least once a month for the first year). The cost for the initial PAT is $350.*Follow-up and yearly recertification are required to maintain certification. Subsequent PATs are $130.
Steps To Train Your Own Service Dog with Big House K9 Training
Our aim is to boost your dog's confidence and willingness to work in various public settings. We provide both group and private lessons for you and your service dog or service dog in training, either at home or in public spaces. These lessons are most suitable for dogs aged at least 6 months. We cover a range of topics, from basic to advanced skills, socialization, task work, and public access skills. To begin our Service Dog Training Program, ALL potential clients must complete our Service Dog Evaluation in a public setting.
Service Dog Training Program
Block 1 : Obedience
Investment: $810.00
Time: 18 weeks
Before beginning service training, dogs must have a solid foundation in obedience. This block focuses on building reliable manners and control in various environments.
✔️ Service Dog Evaluation (1.5 hour)
✔️ Beginner Obedience (6 Weeks) – Foundational skills such as sit, stay, leash walking, and basic commands.
✔️ Intermediate Obedience (6 Weeks) – Strengthening obedience with distance, duration, and mild distractions.
✔️ Advanced Obedience (6 Weeks) – Mastering off-leash control, impulse control, and complex behaviors.
✔️ Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Exam – Testing essential manners and obedience skills for therapy work.
🌟 Already CGC Certified? You may be eligible to start directly with Block 2!
Block 2: Service Training
Investment: $3855.00
Time: 31 Weeks
Once obedience foundations are in place, teams move into therapy-specific training to prepare for real-world scenarios.
✔️ Service Dog 101 (online) – Introduction to service work, while mastering ADA, FHA, and ACAA rights, public access etiquette, and how to confidently advocate for yourself as a service dog handler.
✔️ Task Training (16 weeks) - Consists of four, 4-week sessions that cover teaching two to three tasks in the home, and then proofing those tasks around different distractions, in multiple environments and in many different situations.
✔️ Public Access Training – 15-week program with 30 one-hour sessions, meeting twice weekly in public locations to refine manners, tasks, and distraction training. Sessions help proof skills in real-world settings like stores, airports, and restaurants, building confidence in entering and exiting spaces with control.
✔️ In Service Dog Certification – Once your dog is at least 18 months old, you'll meet us at a testing location in Arizona for the Public Access Test. Upon passing, you'll receive a certificate, test records, a BHK9 Service Dog Velcro Patch, a laminated photo ID signed by the trainer, and monthly follow-ups for the first year.
Annual Re-Certification
Investment: $175.00
Time: 1 Hours
In-Person Public Access Test (PAT) yearly re-certification are required to maintain certification. Subsequent PATs upon completion will get a certificate showing that you and your dog met and passed our Public Access Test, meeting ADA requirements, a copy of your test for your records, and a laminated photo ID card that is signed and dated by the certifying trainer, as well as continued follow-up communications with our trainers.
Who this program is for:
Our Therapy Dog Training is ideal for:
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Dogs who are calm, friendly, and comfortable around people of all ages.
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Handlers who want to volunteer with their dogs in schools, hospitals, or other facilities.
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Teams preparing for animal-assisted therapy (AAT) evaluations.
If your dog isn’t quite ready for therapy work, we’ll help with foundational training to prepare them for this rewarding role.
Pricing:
$1360.00
How our program works:
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Initial Consultation: Every dog and handler pair is unique! We’ll assess your current skill level and tailor a training plan to your needs.
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Step-by-Step Training: Our structured curriculum guides you through foundational and advanced skills to prepare for therapy work.
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Mock Evaluations: Practice makes perfect! You’ll participate in mock evaluations to build confidence and refine your skills.
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Certification Prep: At the end of our program, you’ll be fully prepared to take an official therapy dog evaluation.
Pawsitive Purpose Therapy Dog Program
About the program:
Unlock the power of companionship and service with our Pawsitive Purpose Therapy Dog Training Program, specially designed for handlers and their dogs to make a difference in schools, healthcare facilities, crisis response and beyond. Whether you're dreaming of sharing your dog’s loving personality with others or aiming to meet specific certification requirements, Big House K9 provides the expert training you need to succeed.
What is a Therapy Dog?
A therapy dog is more than a well-behaved companion. These incredible canines provide emotional support, comfort, and joy to people in need. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs don’t have access rights in public spaces, but they play a vital role in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and other settings, where their presence can bring healing and happiness.
Why train your dog as a Therapy Dog?
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Make a Difference: Help children, patients, and others experience the therapeutic benefits of interacting with a calm, friendly dog.
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Strengthen Your Bond: Build an unshakable connection with your dog through positive, science-backed training methods.
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Meet Certification Requirements: Our program prepares you and your dog for recognized therapy dog evaluations.
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Open New Opportunities: From school classrooms to hospitals, certified therapy dog teams are in high demand.
What we cover in our training program:
Our comprehensive program ensures that you and your dog are ready for therapy work. Here’s what we’ll focus on:
Essential Skills
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Accepting friendly strangers.
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Sitting politely for petting.
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Appearance and grooming desensitization.
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Loose-leash walking with directional changes, halts, and controlled speed.
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Neutral behavior in crowded spaces.
Advanced Skills
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20-foot stay with distractions and handler movement.
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Reliable recalls with automatic sits.
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Calm reactions to other dogs and people.
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Navigating distractions, noises, and surprises.
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Doorway exercises and facility etiquette.
Specialized Training
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Exposure to equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, IV poles, and playgrounds.
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Handling judgment: Managing your dog in real-world scenarios with confidence.
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“Leave It” mastery to prevent jumping or taking dropped items.
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Building resilience to rough petting, restraining holds, and surprise bumps.
What You’ll Gain from This Program
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Confidence in your dog’s ability to perform reliably in therapy settings.
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Advanced skills to pass therapy dog evaluations with flying colors.
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Joy and fulfillment knowing you and your dog are bringing happiness to others.
Therapy Dog Training Program
Block 1
Investment: $660.00
Time: 18 weeks
Before beginning therapy training, dogs must have a solid foundation in obedience. This block focuses on building reliable manners and control in various environments.
✔️ Beginner Obedience (6 Weeks) – Foundational skills such as sit, stay, leash walking, and basic commands.
✔️ Intermediate Obedience (6 Weeks) – Strengthening obedience with distance, duration, and mild distractions.
✔️ Advanced Obedience (6 Weeks) – Mastering off-leash control, impulse control, and complex behaviors.
✔️ Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Exam – Testing essential manners and obedience skills for therapy work.
🌟 Already CGC Certified? You may be eligible to start directly with Block 2!
Block 2
Investment: $700.00
Time: 14 Weeks
Once obedience foundations are in place, teams move into therapy-specific training to prepare for real-world scenarios.
✔️ Therapy Dog 101 (online) – Introduction to therapy work, temperament screening, and handler preparation.
✔️ Paws Around Town Public Access (6 Weeks) – Training in real-world environments such as stores, medical facilities, and schools.
✔️ Therapy Dog Training (8-Week Course) – In-depth training covering all therapy dog evaluation criteria with a final mock evaluation.
Third Party Certification
Upon successful completion of the full program, you will be prepared to take a third-party therapy dog certification to officially qualify as a therapy dog team.
✔️ Private, third-party evaluations ensure that every dog meets the highest standards.
✔️ Certification allows teams to visit schools, hospitals, and community organizations confidently.
Canine Good Citizen
At Big House K9 Training, we are proud to offer Canine Good Citizen (CGC) testing for dog owners committed to fostering well-behaved, polite canine companions. The AKC's CGC program sets the gold standard for dog behavior, focusing on the ten essential skills every well-mannered dog should master.
Why earn the CGC Title?
The CGC certification is more than just a title—it's a testament to your dog's exceptional behavior and your dedication as a responsible pet owner. Passing the CGC test shows that your dog is reliable in public, comfortable around people and other dogs, and capable of handling everyday distractions with confidence and grace.
Many organizations and facilities, including rental properties, therapy dog programs, and training clubs, recognize the CGC certification as a mark of a well-trained dog.
What does the CGC Test Include?
Our CGC testing evaluates your dog's ability to complete these 10 key behaviors:
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Accepting a friendly stranger
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Sitting politely for petting
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Appearance and grooming
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Walking on a loose leash
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Walking through a crowd
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Sit and down on cue and staying in place
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Coming when called
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Reaction to another dog
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Reaction to distractions
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Supervised separation
How we help you prepare
At Big House K9 Training, we offer group training classes designed to build a solid foundation in the ten essential behaviors required for CGC certification.
Our classes provide:
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Structured lessons focusing on real-world scenarios.
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Opportunities to practice around distractions in a group setting.
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Expert guidance from experienced trainers to help refine your dog’s skills.
For those needing more tailored support, we also offer private lessons to address specific challenges and ensure your dog is test-ready.
Testing details
At Big House K9 Training, we are proud to offer open CGC testing on the second Saturday of every month. Our CGC testing sessions are designed to provide a supportive and structured environment for dogs and their handlers to demonstrate their skills.
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Cost: $35 per dog
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Time: Testing sessions begin promptly at 3:30 PM and last approximately 1.5 hours.
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Location: Tests are conducted at our Coolidge/Casa Grande, AZ, facility in a distraction-controlled setting.
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Prerequisites: Preregistration is encouraged to secure your spot. Walk-ins will only be accommodated if space allows.
What to expect on testing day
Our CGC testing session includes:
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Warm-Up (3:30–4:00 PM): The first 30 minutes are dedicated to warm-ups, allowing dogs to acclimate to the environment. During this time, you may practice commands and help your dog focus. Please note that some class participants may not be undergoing the test and may continue using treats during the warm-up and testing period.
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Testing (4:00–5:00 PM): Testing officially begins at 4:00 PM. Each dog will be evaluated on the 10 essential CGC behaviors:
Who this program is for:
The CGC certification is perfect for:
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Pet Owners: Build a foundation for well-mannered behavior at home and in the community.
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Therapy Dog Teams: Many organizations require CGC certification for therapy work.
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Future Service Dog Handlers: Establish core skills for advanced service dog training.
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Mixed-Breed and Purebred Dog Owners: The CGC test is open to all dogs, regardless of breed or mix!
Reserve your spot for the next CGC testing session at Big House K9 Training! Our AKC-approved evaluators are ready to help you and your dog achieve this valuable certification.
Price:
$35.00
Who can participate?
The CGC test is open to ALL dogs, regardless of breed or age:
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No Age Limit: Dogs of all ages can participate. Puppies under 1 year old may consider the AKC’s S.T.A.R. Puppy program as an excellent preparation step.
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All Breeds and Mixes: Purebred and mixed-breed dogs are equally welcome. Did you know that mixed-breed dogs can also compete in AKC performance events like agility, rally, and obedience? It’s true!
ONLINE TRAINING PROGRAMS
About our online training programs:
Our online training programs at Big House K9 Training are designed to bring expert guidance straight to your home, offering flexibility and convenience.
You’ll receive video lessons, step-by-step instructions, and personalized support to work through at your own pace. Some courses include live virtual check-ins with a trainer, allowing you to ask questions, troubleshoot challenges, and receive tailored feedback.
Whether you're working on basic obedience, behavior modification, or preparing for service dog tasks, our online programs offer an interactive, effective way to train your dog with professional support every step of the way.
Who this program is for:
Our online courses are designed for dog owners who want expert guidance in training their dogs from the comfort of home. Whether you’re raising a puppy, preparing a service dog, or addressing behavioral challenges, our courses provide step-by-step instruction using positive reinforcement methods to help you and your dog succeed.
Pawsitively Prepared
$25
Who it's for:
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New puppy owners seeking guidance on essential preparations before bringing their puppy home.
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Families who want to create a safe and welcoming environment for their new puppy.
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Individuals interested in learning effective techniques for early puppy training, socialization, and care.
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Anyone looking to reduce stress and set a solid foundation for their puppy's transition into their new home.
Virtual Puppy Skills
$200
Who it's for:
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New puppy owners seeking foundational training and socialization.
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Puppies aged 8-16 weeks needing early confidence-building and social skills.
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Owners wanting guidance in crate training, potty training, and basic obedience.
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Families looking to address typical puppy behaviors like nipping and jumping.
Intro To Service Dog 101
$75
Who it's for:
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Individuals interested in learning about the basics of service dog training and selection.
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Those considering training their own dog for service work.
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Future service dog handlers seeking foundational knowledge.
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Anyone curious about the role and requirements of service dogs.
Temperament Evaluations
Puppy & Adult Dogs
At Big House K9 Training, we offer in-depth temperament evaluations for breeders, rescues, and prospective owners looking to ensure the best fit between a puppy or dog and their future home.
We’ve trained in multiple evaluation methods, including Badass Breeder (BAB) Evaluations, AKC Temperament Testing, and Avidog, and have developed our own approach that assesses 33 key temperament traits. Unlike outdated Volhard testing, our evaluations focus on real-world compatibility, confidence, and resilience.
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Price
$60.00 per dog
Who this program is for:
Our evaluations are for breeders, rescues, and prospective dog owners who want expert insight into a puppy or dog's temperament before placement. Whether you're a breeder looking to match puppies with ideal homes, a rescue assessing adoptability, or a family seeking the right fit, our evaluations provide valuable guidance for informed decisions.
What does the Temperament Evaluation Include?
Includes: A full temperament and behavior assessment, a breakdown of key traits, and a personalized training plan to set the dog and owner up for long-term success.
What makes our Temperament Evaluation Different?
At Big House K9 Training, our temperament evaluations go beyond just labeling a dog’s personality—we provide prescriptive insights on what each puppy or dog will need for success in their new home. With over 350 dogs evaluated, we specialize in making the right match for both the family and the dog, ensuring a lifelong fit.
Unlike many trainers or breeders who focus only on placement, our evaluations include a detailed training plan tailored to each dog's strengths and areas for improvement. Our motto? "We don't match a bulldog with a marathon runner, just like we don't match a Belgian Malinois with a couch potato." We take the guesswork out of choosing the right companion, setting both dog and owner up for a thriving partnership.
Puppy & Litter Evaluations
Whether you're a breeder wanting insight on your litter or a family searching for the perfect puppy, we provide thorough evaluations to guide placement decisions. Testing is done in a neutral area of the breeder’s home, using sanitized equipment for safety. We go over results in detail and provide written documentation for each puppy.
Why Early Evaluations Matter:
The first 12 weeks of a puppy’s life are critical for shaping temperament. While genetics play a role, early socialization, environment, and training have a profound impact on how a puppy develops into adulthood.
Adult Dog & Rescue Evaluations
Bringing a new dog into your home? Considering adoption? We provide on-site temperament and behavior assessments—whether in your home, a shelter, or the dog’s current placement. Our evaluations help you understand the dog’s strengths, areas for improvement, and compatibility with your household.
