Training Is an Investment
Whether you have a new puppy or an adult rescue, training is one of the best investments you can make in your dog's quality of life — and yours. A well-trained dog is safer, happier, and easier to live with.
Types of Training
Puppy Classes (8–16 Weeks)
The most critical socialization window closes around 16 weeks. Puppy classes focus on:
- Basic commands — sit, down, stay, come
- Socialization — positive exposure to other puppies, people, and environments
- Bite inhibition — teaching puppies to control the force of their bite
- Handling exercises — getting puppies comfortable with being touched everywhere (essential for grooming!)
- House training fundamentals
Basic Obedience (4+ Months)
Group classes that cover the foundations:
- Reliable sit, down, stay, and come
- Loose-leash walking
- Leave it and drop it
- Polite greetings (no jumping)
- Basic impulse control
Advanced Obedience
For dogs who've mastered the basics:
- Off-leash reliability
- Distance commands
- Distraction training
- Canine Good Citizen (CGC) preparation
Behavioral Modification
For dogs with specific issues:
- Reactivity — lunging and barking at other dogs or people
- Separation anxiety — destructive behavior when left alone
- Fear-based aggression — requires a qualified behaviorist
- Resource guarding — protecting food, toys, or spaces
Training Methods
Not all training approaches are equal. Look for trainers who use:
- Positive reinforcement — rewarding desired behavior with treats, praise, or play
- Force-free methods — no shock collars, prong collars, or physical corrections
- Science-based approaches — grounded in animal behavior research
Avoid trainers who use dominance theory, alpha rolls, or punishment-based methods. These approaches create fear and can worsen behavioral problems.
What to Look for in a Trainer
- Certifications — CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, or IAABC credentials indicate education and ethical standards
- Continuing education — good trainers stay current on behavioral science
- Transparent methods — they should be happy to explain exactly what they'll do and why
- References — ask for client testimonials
- Class observation — reputable trainers let you watch a class before enrolling
Group Classes vs. Private Training
Group Classes
Best for: Socialization, basic obedience, puppies- More affordable
- Built-in socialization with other dogs
- Structured curriculum
- Fun and social for owners too
Private Training
Best for: Behavioral issues, specific goals, schedule flexibility- Customized to your dog's needs
- One-on-one attention
- Can address issues that aren't appropriate for group settings
- In-home sessions available (trainer works with your dog in your environment)
The Grooming-Training Connection
Training and grooming go hand in hand:
- Handling exercises in training make grooming easier — dogs who are trained to accept paw, ear, and mouth handling are calmer during grooming
- Impulse control helps dogs stay still on the grooming table
- Positive associations — both training and grooming should be positive experiences that build trust
Start grooming early and pair it with positive reinforcement, just like training. The dogs who are easiest to groom are the ones whose owners invested in early handling and training.
Start Early, Stay Consistent
The best time to start training is the day you bring your dog home. The second best time is today. Consistency matters more than perfection.
A well-trained dog is a well-groomed dog. Book with Gordie's Grooming — gentle, express grooming in Gilbert, AZ.