Dog Training

Private Dog Training

Whether your issue is big or small….

Happy Paws Unleashed is here to help with professional dog training consultations, long-term training packages, shot-term training, and distance-based learning options. Consultations can be conducted in person or online, and are 2-hours in length. Our staff trainer will work with you to develop a comprehensive training plan in real time; practice, coaching, demonstrations, and your customized training plan are all included. It is strongly encouraged that all members of your household be part of the training process.

Training packages are tailored to the challenges you are facing with your dog, as well as their temperament. Training packages include your preliminary consultation with our staff trainer as well as multiple one-on-one training sessions.

Short-term, single-issue, and distance-based learning are by-the-hour services, and will require an in-person consultation prior to beginning training.

Training Walks

One-on-one training walks with our staff trainer allow your dog to work on trouble spots, keep loose leash skills high or work on new skills in a real-world setting. Owners are welcome to observe and/or join the walk. A quick recap of your dog’s progress or trouble areas is reviewed in person or via email/text at the conclusion of each walk.

Preppy Puppy Training Package:

  • 8-Day Pass Package (Includes Full Day Daycare coverage and Preppy Puppy Training Session): $380
  • Daycare Add-On: $26 per session

Preppy Puppy Training at our Doggy Daycare covers basic obedience and behavior modification for dogs of all ages. While newly enrolled puppies are the perfect candidates for this program, we always encourage growth and development for our adult dogs as well! Our Animal Handler Trainers are happy to work and focus on all different abilities and needs.

Our Animal Handler Trainers will give periods of undivided attention to your dog during their scheduled training sessions, and work on their targeted training needs. Each dog enrolled in the Preppy Puppy Training program is guaranteed to receive quality one-on-one time at different points during the day, as well as a solo walk where the focus is put on reviewing the training that was previously covered that day. It may sound like a lot of work for a puppy brain, but have no fear; there is plenty of time to play and have fun with friends between training sessions!
Preppy Puppy Training 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 Preppy Puppy Training 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 days progress and future goals will be included each day of their pass. Limited space for this course is available daily so advance reservations are requested.

If you think your furry, four-legged friend is a great candidate for our Doggy Daycare, please fill out the New Orientation Request Form on this page and one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members will be in touch to schedule your Daycare Orientation!

About Our Trainers


Denise Garner, CTC

Denise GarnerDenise Garner, our On-Staff Trainer, is a Maine native. Born in Brunswick, Denise grew up in Topsham and graduated from Mt Ararat High School in 1992, after which she attended SUNY Oswego for a Biology/Psychology double major. Upon matriculation, Denise began working professionally in the Information Technology (IT) field just outside of Washington, D.C.

During her successful tenure at AOL, Inc. she volunteered for the Humane Society of the United States in Washington, DC. When the dot com bubble burst, Denise left the IT field and traveled, eventually finding herself in San Francisco where she continued volunteering, but this time for the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SF/SPCA). By 2008 Denise had graduated from the prestigious SF/SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers under the direct tutelage of Jean Donaldson (“The Culture Clash”) and Janis Bradley (“Dogs Bite: But Balloons and Slippers are More Dangerous”). She received her Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC) and has been working with shelters, grassroots dog businesses and private clients from California to Maine ever since! Denise specializes in anxiety and fear-based behaviors in dogs as well as canine communication (dog-dog and dog-human). Denise is currently working on Themes in Dog-Dog Aggression, Shy Dogs, Fluid Social Structures in Dog Groups, Puppy Development & Social Cues, Play & Learning, Endocrinology & Neurochemistry in Dogs, Touch Therapy for Dogs, and the dynamic impact of positive reinforcement training.

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 months working and learning with Martin to further her knowledge of dog training and ethology. She looks forward to continuing to learn, train and care for all the dogs who come into HPU.

Martin Neely, AKC Certified Dog Trainer for CGC

Martin began studying dog training as a member of the Casco Bay dog training club throughout the 90’s. From there he went on to start a career with Petsmart as a dog training instructor. In 2007 he was promoted to the position of Area Trainer where he was responsible for training and certifying all dog trainers in the district he was assigned to. During his time as Area Trainer Martin certified with The AKC as a CGC evaluator, and is qualified to train students and administer the CGC certification test. Martin has now brought his 25+ years of experience to HPU where he looks forward to helping you with all of your training needs.

 

Training Form

Fill out the form below to get started with traing!