Our Dog Training Philosophy

All dogs can be well-trained and obedient with the right balance of motivation, correction and positive reinforcement. Because the ultimate goal of obedience training is to inhibit the dog from acting on her more primal instincts (roaming free, hunting, and testing her strength against other dogs), an effective trainer will be able to motivate the dog to perform by redirecting her energy, incentivizing different behavior, and capitalizing on her eagerness to please.

Ovidiu’s training method combines aspects of both positive enforcement techniques and traditional dog training. Positive reinforcement training motivates the dog through the use of pleasant stimuli. The handler rewards the dog with a piece of food or a toy when the dog performs a correct “Down Stay” and withholds praise, food or play for an inadequate “Come Sit”. Traditional dog training asks the trainer to use unpleasant stimuli to correct bad behavior. For example, if the trained dog breaks a “Heel” command, he is corrected with a firm voice and maybe a snap of the leash.

Both dog training methods are used at different stages in the dog’s development and also at different stages in the teaching of any given exercise. Positive reinforcement dog training methods are used to introduce dogs to new skills and concepts. They are used, above all, in training puppies and dealing with sensitive adults. Traditional dog training methods (and the introduction of negative stimuli) are used when the dog has attained a precise understanding of the skill expected of him. They are used to polish the dog’s performance and make him absolutely reliable.

Obedience Training

Ovidiu’s obedience training lessons consist of 3 phases:

Dog Training

Teaching Phase

During the teaching phase the dog learns and understands what we are asking of him. All training is done through positive reinforcement and great effort is put into creating a pleasant, playful and stimulating environment so that the dog enjoys his work. The dog will learn the standard obedience commands (come, sit, down, stay, heel) and a few tricks (give paw, play dead, roll over, touch).

The teaching phase consists of 14 days of board-training and 1 lesson with the owner. For questions regarding the training location, please contact us.

Dog Training

Proofing Phase

During the proofing phase we increase the strength of the dog’s habit by asking him to perform in unusual, difficult circumstances. The dog learns to generalize the lessons he has learned, applying them to other situations. He learns to respond off-leash, to voice commands or hand signals, from short and long distances. We also work on improving reaction time and reliability of execution.

The proofing phase consists of 7 days of board-training and 1 lesson with the owner. For questions regarding the training location, please contact us.

Dog Training

Maintenance Phase

During the maintenance phase commands are reinforced and practiced over time, in more and more complex situations, until the owner is confident in her own ability to undertake regular training exercises.

Every dog requires regular practice in order to maintain optimal obedience, and we encourage clients to view training as a lifelong process.
We recommend weekly maintenance sessions with one of our trainers for at least one to three months after completion of the proofing phase.

Puppy

Puppy Training

During the first 16 weeks of a puppy’s life, socialization, exposure to the environment, teaching games, and housetraining are the most important aspects of puppy training.

Using fun, play, and positively reinforced techniques we can help establish the foundation for formal obedience training and raise a happy, balanced, well-behaved doggie.

Dog Training Rates

Obedience
training
$250per 1 hr session
    Teaching Phase
    package
    $3500per 14 days
      Proofing Phase
      package
      $1750per 7 days
        Maintenance
        session
        $100per 1 hr session

          Dog Training FAQ

          Ovidiu’s dog training career started in 1997 when he joined the private practice of a former police dog trainer. Ovidiu has trained dogs for Schutzhund competitions, dog shows and for private clients. He has specialized in obedience, tracking, protection and behavioral dog training.

          Ovidiu only provides individual dog training lessons. The dog and his owner will get Ovidiu’s full attention and a personalized approach.

          A puppy’s training lessons should start as soon as the puppy is welcomed into his new home. However, full obedience classes will start after the pup is 6 months old.

          The dog will learn the typical obedience commands: “come”, “sit-stay”, “down-stay”, ”heel”, a few tricks: “play dead”, “paw” and “touch” and the interdiction command “Phooey”.

          We have a long list of references! In our initial meeting we will discuss all details regarding our dog training service and we will gladly provide and encourage you to contact our dog training clients.

          The first step is to fill out the form found on the “Contact Us” page.  We will get back to you shortly and answer all your questions and set up a time to meet.
          After our meet and greet, we’ll be ready to start when you are.

          Getting Started with NYC Doggies

          1. Email Us

          Let us know how we can help.

          2. Meet With Us

          We’ll meet in person, or on a Zoom call, to discuss all aspects of the services you are interested in.

          3. Register

          Create your account with NYC Doggies. We’ll send you the link where you can do that.

          4. The Fun Begins

          We’ll be ready to provide services at your earliest convenience.