dogs in training
Obedience Dog Training2025-12-18T10:03:26-05:00

Our Approach To Obedience Training

Obedience training is the process through which a dog learns to perform a specific action in response to a particular cue (i.e., verbal command and/or hand sign). To better understand our obedience program, and the process through which a dog in training acquires new skills, we break it down into the following three parts:

Beginner

Teaching Phase

The dog learns to associate the action with the cue, and perform it consistently in an environment devoid of distractions.

Advanced

Proofing Phase

The dog learns to follow commands dependably, in increasingly complicated situations and settings, while ignoring external distractions.

Expert

Maintenance Phase

The commands are regularly practiced by incorporating them into everyday activities in order to maintain reliability.

Interestingly, this process mirrors human learning. Initially, we grasp a concept (teaching phase). Next, we experiment with it in diverse situations to deepen our understanding (proofing phase). Finally, we consistently and effortlessly apply that concept in our profession, becoming proficient (maintenance phase).

We teach all obedience commands using positive reinforcement, and we proof the commands using clear communication. We then help the dog’s parents put into practice everything we have taught their dog, and integrate those commands into daily routines.

Consider This

Rethink obedience training

Many new dog parents harbor the misconception that training their dog once will solve all their present and future problems, but that’s seldom the case. Dogs are living creatures with complex brains and dynamic wants and needs, that continuously adapt to an ever-changing environment by altering their behavior… sometimes in undesirable ways.

Consequently, parents must either acquire some basic training skills or perpetually rely on professional trainers. Many dog parents often resort to isolating their dogs as a way to avoid issues, but that’s a strategy that invariably has adverse effects on a dog’s behavior.

This doesn’t mean parents need to become dog training experts. Rather, they simply have to become proficient at understanding and managing the unique personality of their individual dog. It’s not a quick and easy process, but with the right guidance from a skilled dog trainer, mastering this should be straightforward.

dog with ball

Board Training

Dogs in board-training stay with Ovidiu and his family for 14 days and are treated as honorary family members during their visit. This training package also includes two private sessions and one Zoom consultation with the dog’s parent.

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Private Sessions &

Zoom Consultations

Dogs respond most effectively to training when it’s conducted by individuals with whom they share a friendly, trust-based connection.

Since Ovidiu won’t have the opportunity to establish this type of connection with the dogs that are not in board-training, his primary emphasis will be on instructing the dog’s parent in the appropriate methods and techniques.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What requirement must my dog meet in order to be able to board with you?2023-09-09T17:57:34-04:00

All the dogs that come to stay with us must be very friendly with all dogs and people (especially with little kids), show no signs of anxiety, be up to date on their vaccinations, and not suffer from any serious medical conditions. That’s it!

For more details, contact us and we will get back to you shortly.

Private sessions, Zoom consultations, or board-training… what is the better choice for me?2023-09-03T11:09:33-04:00

Private sessions and Zoom consultations are fundamentally different from board-training. The first two are all about teaching the dog’s parent, while our board-training program is mainly about teaching the dog.

For more details, contact us and we will get back to you shortly.

Do you use positive reinforcement when training dogs?2024-02-07T11:12:14-05:00

Our approach to training involves only using positive reinforcement for teaching a dog new behaviors. However, when it comes to addressing unwanted behaviors, we may employ all four quadrants of Operant Conditioning—positive reinforcement (R+), negative reinforcement (R-), positive punishment (P+), and negative punishment (P-)—tailoring our methods to the severity of the behavior in question. It’s important to note that our foremost concerns are the dog’s well-being and the effectiveness of our training strategies, in that precise order. Should we conclude that training may not be the most effective approach, our strategy will pivot towards providing the dog’s parent with advice and support on managing the dog’s behavior more effectively.

During puppy training and the teaching phase of obedience training, we introduce the dog to new skills and commands using a positive, game-based approach. To incentivize the dog, we use food, toys, and affection.

Obedience commands are proofed, and boundaries are set with clear communication using voice, body language, and/or leash.

Read our book and the articles on our Urban Dog Wellness blog to learn more about our dog training philosophy and to understand the “why?” behind everything we do.

We’d also suggest reading  our Substack article: “Beyond Treats and Praise: The Harmful Results of All-Positive Dog Training.”

For more details, contact us and we will get back to you shortly.

Do you teach clicker training?2023-09-03T11:04:41-04:00

Clicks are very consistent markers for behaviors the trainer wants to encourage during the teaching phase. However, the same result can be achieved with one’s voice, and a voice cannot be left at home. We do not teach clicker training because there is no reason to replace what can be done with one’s voice – it’s a fully integrated, incredibly effective technology that we are born with! Our approach to raising and training dogs is to avoid recommending that parents buy or rely on products when they aren’t necessary.

For more details, contact us and we will get back to you shortly.

How is your obedience board-training program structured?2023-09-03T11:08:22-04:00

Our puppy program graduates will begin obedience training with the teaching phase and then advance to the proofing phase. The dogs will learn to respond reliably, both on and off the leash, in diverse settings. These include natural landscapes and bustling urban environments filled with distractions like dog runs.

For newcomers, we begin by teaching them “clear communication” and proper manners and then move on to the teaching phase. Depending on the dog’s pace of learning, we may also begin to proof the commands in an urban environment.

During the two subsequent private sessions and one Zoom consultation, we will focus on teaching you how to continue practicing with your dog and implement the maintenance phase. The first private session will immediately follow the board-train program and will take place at a park in Ovidiu’s neighborhood. The remaining private session will be scheduled for the following weeks and will take place in the client’s neighborhood. The Zoom consultation will be scheduled at a date that best suits the client.

For more details, contact us and we will get back to you shortly.

Where will my dog stay while boarding with you?2023-09-09T00:44:29-04:00

We offer boarding and training at Ovidiu’s suburban home in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

The home environment allows us to build a loving and attuned relationship with dogs who join us in our daily activities and adventures.

For more details, contact us and we will get back to you shortly.

Will my dog be crated while boarding with you?2024-02-07T11:19:37-05:00

We do not crate the dogs that stay with us. While crates serve specific useful purposes for travel, healthcare, and managing the environment of dogs with severe behavioral issues, in everyday use,  the harmful side effects from crating puppies/dogs far outweigh any perceived benefits.

Dogs boarding and training with us have almost unrestricted access to our house, and can sleep wherever they feel most comfortable: a sofa, a dog bed, or the cool floor.

We’d recommend reading our Substack article “Every Puppy Needs a Crate? Think Again.”

For more details, contact us and we will get back to you shortly.

My dog is not always friendly. Can she still board-train with you?2023-09-03T11:08:58-04:00

All the dogs that come to board and train with us must be very friendly with all dogs and people (especially kids).

For dogs that are not always friendly, or dogs who have anxiety issues, we offer guidance either through one-on-one training sessions or via Zoom consultations.

For more details, contact us and we will get back to you shortly.

Can I visit my dog while she’s boarding with you?2023-09-09T00:39:34-04:00

Clients are always free to visit their dogs while they stay with us. We’ll even offer you a snack and a chat:)

For more details, contact us and we will get back to you shortly.

Will I get any updates while my dog is boarding with you?2023-09-09T00:40:00-04:00

All dogs that stay with us in boarding and training will have their own private online album where we regularly post photos and videos of their adventures with us.

We are also always available to respond to questions and concerns via email or phone.

For more details, contact us and we will get back to you shortly.

What should I pack for my dog’s stay with you?2023-09-09T16:32:20-04:00

We’ll need the following:

  • Collar with the dog’s up-to-date registration & rabies vaccine tags;
  • Leash;
  • Your dog’s food, provided you don’t want us to feed her our homemade dinners, which are an add-on service;
  • Your dog’s shampoo if she has sensitive skin;
  • The medications your dog is on;
  • An email from you with your specific care instructions ;

We don’t need the following:

  • A harness… we won’t use it;
  • Food bowls… we have plenty;
  • Dog beds… we have plenty;
  • Crates… we don’t use them;
  • Toys… we have plenty, and they’ll just get destroyed;

For more details, contact us and we will get back to you shortly.

How do I get started?2023-09-05T23:28:17-04:00

Please fill out our Contact form, and we’ll get back to you shortly with answers to all your questions.

Obedience Training Rates

Zoom Consultation
session
$150per 1 hr session
    Private Session
    session
    $300per 1 hr session
      Board & Train
      package
      $4000per 14 days of board training + 2 private sessions + 1 Zoom consultation
        Proofing Board & Train
        package
        $2000per 7 days board training + 1 hr private session
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