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The Monthly Wag: February 2025 -New Training Space and Classes!
Ready Set...Train! Monthly Newsletter
ReadySetTrainDogs
February 02, 2025
Hello Fellow Dog Lovers!
Thank you for subscribing to our monthly newsletter! We’re thrilled to have you be a part of our ever growing community of dog lovers and training enthusiasts. Each month, you can look forward to receiving valuable training tips, behavior insights, and updates on our upcoming events and classes. We're excited to share this journey with you and your furry friend(s)! This month our newsletter is a little longer than usual. We are excited to announce our new training space and collaboration! (see full story below)
Help us grow this newsletter by sharing it with your family and friends!
Table of Contents
Our New Training Space and Collaboration!
Exciting News: Our New Training Space!
We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our training services! Thanks to an exciting collaboration with Canine Karma, we now have the opportunity to offer group training classes at a brand-new training center. This spacious and well-equipped facility allows us to host our very own group classes for the first time!
We’re excited to introduce a variety of classes, ranging from Puppy Socialization and Beginner Good Manners to specialty courses like Out and About, Rally, Agility, and Canine Good Citizen.
Building a Stronger Training Community
Through our partnership with Canine Karma, we are dedicated to growing the positive reinforcement, force-free training community. Together, Ready Set…Train! and Canine Karma will provide valuable educational opportunities, including dog training seminars, workshops, and specialty classes.
We also encourage you to check out some of Canine Karma’s unique offerings, like Get Fit with Fido, AKC STAR Puppy, and Therapy Dog Training! Check out Canine Karma’s website and upcoming classes here: https://www.caninekarma.org/
We will still be partnering with Toledo’s PET Bull Project on all their educational services and low cost training mission. If you know someone that could not normally afford training please have them sign up for one of the PET Bull Projects classes or go to one of the free park training events. https://toledospetbullproject.com/
Classes Begin March 1st!
We are officially launching this joint venture on March 1st! If you’ve been thinking about getting your dog into training, now is the perfect time.
✨ Why join our classes?
✔️ Small class sizes (max 7 dogs) for personalized attention
✔️ Experienced trainers using science-based, force-free methods
✔️ A welcoming and supportive training community
Check out the class descriptions below and sign up today! We’d love for you to spread the word and help us make this new training space a success.
Class Descriptions & Pricing
Beginner Good Manners ($180 – 5 Weeks)
Our Intro to Good Manners I Course covers essential skills to help you and your dog navigate real-life situations with confidence. We’ll focus on:
✅ Sit/Down
✅ Come When Called
✅ Loose Leash Walking
✅ Polite Greetings
✅ Stay & Watch
Register Here: https://www.readysettraindogs.com/book-online?category=b7edb5b7-db72-4d08-ab4b-c42e613d4d7d
Advanced Good Manners ($180 – 4 Weeks)
Building on the foundation of our Beginner Course, this class strengthens your dog’s focus and responsiveness around higher distractions. You’ll also learn:
✅ Heel
✅ Place
✅ Settle
✅ Leave-It & Drop-It
Register Here: https://www.readysettraindogs.com/book-online?category=b7edb5b7-db72-4d08-ab4b-c42e613d4d7d
Out and About ($180 – 5 Weeks)
This unique class prepares your dog for public outings! The first two sessions focus on foundational skills at the training center, while the final three sessions take place at dog-friendly locations such as parks, greenhouses, or stores. Your dog will learn to stay calm and well-mannered in public settings.
Register Here: https://www.readysettraindogs.com/book-online?category=422b3e53-8446-41e1-b153-eeb77d1e8407
Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep & Test ($200 – 5 Weeks)
This course helps dogs master the 10 essential skills required to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, which we administer during the final week!
Canine Agility ($200– 6 Weeks)
Introduce your dog to the exciting world of agility training! This class covers foundational agility skills and obstacles while helping to burn energy and strengthen your bond with your pup.
Register Here: https://www.readysettraindogs.com/book-online?category=ff0fab6e-d92d-4019-bf63-0fb001b51763
📅 Sign Up Today!
We can’t wait to see you in class! Secure your spot and start your dog’s training journey with us. https://www.readysettraindogs.com/group-training-classes
Monthly Training Video: Our New Training Space and Collaboration
Dog of the Month: Rory
Name: Rory O’Shea
Age: Almost 2 years old (birthday is February 8th)
Breed: English Cream Golden Retriever
Favorite activity: His two walks a day. He gets stressed if it’s too cold to go (too cold for Mom & Dad, never too cold for Rory)
Favorite food/snack: Milk Bones
Best personality trait: He loves everyone!
Fun fact about Rory: Rory has figured out how to turn the water faucet on in the back yard (with his mouth). He likes to play in the water/mud! Rory’s parents had to turn off the water to the outside faucet to stop him from turning it on!
Rory loves watching sports on T.V.
Rory began training with us to address his separation anxiety. When we first started working with him, his parents, Ann and Jack, couldn’t leave the house without making special arrangements. They had to take shifts going out or have friends stay with Rory to prevent anxiety attacks. He also refused to go anywhere near his crate.
Through daily dedication and consistent training, Ann and Jack worked tirelessly on Rory’s isolation and crate training. Thanks to their efforts, Rory can now be left alone and will even enter his crate with occasional coaxing. He has even started sleeping in his crate for short periods at night all on his own—a huge milestone!
Now, Rory is progressing with his basic obedience training. He is steadily improving his loose leash walking, recall, and "leave it" behaviors. One of his biggest achievements is his polite greetings—though he loves welcoming guests at the door, he quickly calms down and relaxes on his own.
We absolutely love working with Rory and his family! He is a true social butterfly who adores both people and other animals. Ann and Jack have put in an incredible amount of effort over the past year, and Rory’s progress has been remarkable. We can’t wait to see him continue to grow on his training journey!
The night Ann and Jack took Rory home.
How You Train Matters! How to Pick a Dog Trainer
The training methods you choose have an impact on your dogs behavior and emotional well being.
How to Choose a Dog Trainer
Selecting the right trainer for your dog is an important decision—one that can greatly impact your dog’s behavior and your relationship with them. However, did you know that dog training is an unregulated industry? Anyone can call themselves a dog trainer, regardless of their education, experience, or methods. Unfortunately, this lack of oversight means some trainers may use harmful techniques that can worsen behavior problems rather than solve them.
This guide will help you identify key qualities to look for in a well-qualified dog trainer.
Training Philosophy
A reputable trainer should clearly explain their training philosophy and methods. If a trainer avoids answering questions about their approach or lacks transparency, it’s a red flag. You should feel comfortable with the techniques they use and confident they align with your values.
We recommend trainers who use positive reinforcement methods. These trainers focus on teaching dogs the behaviors they should do, rather than punishing undesirable behaviors. Positive reinforcement avoids the use of fear or pain and instead relies on proven, science-based techniques that not only improve behavior but also strengthen the bond between you and your dog. These methods encourage trust, confidence, and a love of learning in dogs.
Certifications, Credentials, and Education
Ask potential trainers about their education, certifications, and experience. Ideally, a qualified trainer should be certified through a respected organization, such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).
Certified trainers have been tested on their knowledge of modern, science-based training methods and animal learning theory. They must also earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to maintain their certification. This ensures they stay up-to-date with the latest research and training techniques.
Class Size and Format
For group classes, size matters! Smaller classes allow for more personalized attention and ensure a safe, structured environment. Look for trainers who limit class size to 5–7 dogs per instructor, as this provides better learning opportunities and reduces the risk of overstimulation or reactive behaviors. Overcrowded classes can lead to stress, reactivity, and even aggression. Good trainers should require that all dogs are fully vaccinated before coming to class, and the facility should be cleaned with veterinary grade cleaner between class sessions.
Many trainers also offer private lessons if you prefer one-on-one instruction or need customized training plans for specific challenges. Private lessons can be especially beneficial for reactive dogs or those with unique training needs.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right dog trainer can make all the difference in building a positive, trusting relationship with your dog. Be sure to ask questions, observe a class if possible, and look for trainers who prioritize education, safety, and proven techniques. Investing in a skilled, certified trainer is an investment in your dog’s future as a happy, well-adjusted companion.
Upcoming Classes/Events
2/6: 4-6 pm- Hound Haven Nail trim event: This event offers low cost nail trims to everyone that shows up. We will be walking around offering training tips/advice. We will also have lots of interactive toys/puzzles for dogs to try.
3/2: 1:00 pm- Out and About Class | First Class
3/9: 11:30 am- Beginner Good Manners I | First Class
3/16: 3:00 pm- Rally Novice | First Class
3/19: 6:30 pm- Advanced Good Manners I First Class
3/23: 3 pm- Rally Novice |First Class
All of our upcoming class still have several spots available. Sign up today! https://www.readysettraindogs.com/group-training-classes
