Training at Happy Paws Unleashed
We’re here to help meet all of your training needs! We have professional dog trainers on staff ready to work with you and your dog. If you have questions about your dog’s behavior, we have solutions! Happy Paws Unleashed is happy to accomodate with evaluations, long-term training plans, short-term training, private & group classes, and our most popular program which combines daycare plus training.
Training Academy Package:
- 6-Day Pass Package (Includes Full Day Daycare coverage and Training Academy Session): $418
- Daycare Add-On: $39 per session
- Training sessions are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays only
- Limited space is available for this course. Please contact us if you are interested in signing up!
Training Academy includes such skills as Loose Leash Walking, Place, Sit, Stay/Wait, Recall, appropriate meet and greets, gate control and so much more! Each day of Training Academy includes private time to focus and grow their skills so they can develop and excel at their own individual pace. A detailed report on the day’s progress and future goals will be included each day of their pass.
Group Training
Training techniques are always positive reinforced reward based. Dogs are taught in such a way that they think it’s their idea to do the behavior; they are more likely to do what you ask reliably. The ultimate goal is to help you develop a working relationship with your dog where they understand what is expected of them and they follow through with the behaviors. Every person has different goals for their dogs. Our trainers will help you determine what yours are and help you achieve them.
Beginners Class
The beginner class is designed for dogs of all skill levels in Basic Obedience. Our trainers will show you how to communicate effectively with your dog so they will learn and understand the behaviors being taught. The behaviors are practiced in real life and distracting situations so your dog will be more likely to focus on you and ignore the distractions.
Behaviors taught are: loose leash walking, sit, down, leave it, drop it, stay, and come when called. Other problem behaviors discussed are: jumping on people, excessive barking, destructive behaviors, etc.
Price: $192
Advanced Class
The advanced class is for dogs that have reliable basic skills, such as those taught in the beginner class. In the advanced class, trainers will generalize and proof your dogs skills in a variety of ways to make the learned behaviors stronger and more reliable. The ultimate goal of this class is to earn a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title from the AKC. The curriculum is based on all ten components of the CGC test which your dog must pass in order to earn the title.
Behavioral requirements include: walking on a loose leash, accepting a friendly stranger, greeting another dog while on a walk, sit and stay, come when called, etc.
A complete list of all requirements can be found on the AKC website akc.org. If you’ve ever thought of doing therapy dog work, the CGC is a great place to start. Your CGC title is proof that you have an all around well trained and that you are a responsible dog owner.
Price: $220
Loose Leash Class
Does your pup take you for a walk? Does your pup react to other dogs or distractions? Here at HPU, walking nicely on a leash is a behavior that we teach our furry clients every day! Taking your dog for a walk is supposed to be a fun, positive experience for both you and the dog. Let us show you how to use the right tool and techniques to create confidence and control so your walks can be enjoyable and safe for all!
This is a one-time, hour-long session on a Saturday. The class will be held downstairs in our training area and consist of a limited number of clients. This class is always announced via email & social media.
Price: $40
Introduction to Agility
This beginners course introduces you and your dog to a few obstacles. All breeds and sizes can participate; they just need to love exercise and responding to instruction! This can also help them conquer fears and build confidence. We will teach you the right tools to communicate effectively and you will enjoy the benefits of a stronger relationship with your dog!
Price: $165 (4 one hour sessions on consecutive Saturdays)
Meet the Trainer Event
Our infamous Meet the Trainer seminar is a free event about our training options that we host every couple of months. This is an opportunity to meet face-to-face with the trainers working at HPU and talk about behavior, obedience, tricks, etc. We send out email and social media notifications when our next event is on the books! Group classes always start the following weekend.
Price: FREE
Private Training
The first step for private training is to start with an evaluation. This will help us get acquainted with your dog & their behaviors while establishing your goals & needs. From here we build an appropriate training plan customized just for you and your dog!
Private sessions are one hour in length and can be done at HPU or in the home (if necessary).
- Private session at HPU: $100/session
- Private session at home: $185/session
- Sign up for 2 sessions and receive $25 off!
- Evaluations – $25
Are you thinking of getting a second dog?
We are here to help you with any and all questions! Introducing a new dog into a home with an existing dog can be very exciting but can also come with some challenges. We would love to share with you our knowledge on the Do’s and Don’ts of introducing a new member and proven techniques to create a safe environment for everyone. Let us help step you through it! Give us a call or send us an email to speak with our certified dog trainer, Martin Neely. We are sure you and your family will love the benefits!
About Our Trainers
Martin Neely,
Certified Dog Trainer & Training Manager
Martin began studying dog training in 1990 as a member of the Casco Bay dog training club. While in the club, he developed an interest in competitive obedience and honed his skills. This ignited a passion which inspired a career change and he became a full time dog trainer with Pet Smart in 2001. While there, Martin became a CGC evaluator and was promoted to Area Trainer in 2007. Martin brings his 35 years of experience to HPU where he manages the training department and coaches a very talented team of young dog trainers.ds.
Ashley Martin,
Assistant Day Care Manager and Trainer
Ashley brings several years of experience with dog daycare and canine behavior to Happy Paws Unleashed. During her time working with the daycare packs, she has developed a strong interest and passion for dog training. She has spent the last few years working and learning with Martin to further her knowledge of dog training and canine ethology. She looks forward to continuing to learn, train and care for all the dogs who come into HPU. Her passion for knowledge, organization, and team-building promoted her to the role of Assistant Daycare Manager.
Sintija Cornelio,
Daycare Shift Supervisor & Dog Trainer
Sintija began her canine career in the field of animal husbandry. Through work at a local breeder, she learned how to handle dogs in a pack environment. She brings her knowledge to HPU where she continually demonstrates a passion for working with dogs and an endless desire to learn everything she can. Sintija’s work ethic and skill level have been a key element in promoting her to Shift Supervisor in the Daycare. After a successful apprenticeship in dog training with Martin, she has also been promoted to Dog Trainer; she uses the techniques she learned every day in the training program and in the daycare environment. Sintija has chosen to enhance her training experience by furthering her education at Husson University where she is working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Care and Behavior.
Cody Bernard,
Daycare Pack Leader & Dog Trainer
Cody comes to HPU with several years of dog training experience. Offering multiple training solutions from basic obedience to reactivity as well as a variety of dog sports including agility. He is always looking forward to expanding his knowledge in dog psychology and learning new training methods. He believes that each and every dog is an individual and always trainable no matter their age or experience. Cody is a key member of the daycare environment as well as the training program. With his experience and drive, he holds an important position as an accomplished agility competitor and instructor here at HPU. He continues to challenge himself by working towards achieving the IACP certification for dog training.
Brad McIntyre,
Daycare Pack Leader & Dog Trainer
Brad comes to HPU with several years of dog training experience in the southern Maine area. He has worked with dogs at an advanced level with the goal of passing their CGC test. He specializes in dogs with behavioral issues and brings with him the belief that no matter how old a dog is, it’s never too late to start training! Whether it’s a new puppy or an older aggressive dog, he will find their sweet spot and understand how to bring out the best in them. Brad is happy to work alongside Martin & team with his training techniques that are consistent with the overall HPU training program. He is working towards a training certification through APDT.
Training Form
Fill out the form below to get started with training!