Group Classes

Classes take place at Southpaws Playschool at 2324 B South Lamar. Our group classes are small, friendly and supportive; our goal is to see that every student gets the attention they need to be successful.

Puppy Hour: This ongoing class is especially for puppies between the ages of eight and sixteen weeks. We will discuss puppy issues like potty training, leadership, aggression prevention, play-biting and proper socialization, and gently expose our puppies to a variety of new experiences to help them grow up into behaviorally healthy, well-adjusted dogs! Supervised playtime is included in every class. Cost: Free with purchase of group class or private lessons.

Currently full - please call to be placed on our waiting list

Manners and Obedience I: You and your dog will learn skills that will make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Topics include manners, sit, down, stay, walking on a loose leash and coming when called. We will also cover issues like jumping, barking and destructive behavior. This class is a great foundation for owners who would like to pursue more advanced work such as agility or off-leash obedience, or just want to build a great relationship with their pet. Prerequisite: Dogs must be four months of age or older and not show aggression toward dogs or people. Cost: $200 per six-week session..

Next sessions begin:
Wednesdays at 7 pm starting March 18
Sundays at 12:30 pm starting April 5

Manners and Obedience II: Now that your dog has mastered basic obedience skills, it's time to have some fun and move on to the next level. Topics in this class include tricks, extended sit and down stays, leash-walking, off-leash work and preparation for the Canine Good Citizen test. Prerequisite: Manners and Obedience I or instructor permission.Cost: $150 per six-week session.

Next session begins:
Sundays at 11 am starting March 15

Recall Intensive: This four-week class could save your dog's life! Learn how to make your dog come to you every time you call. We will be working with a number of distractions to make your dog reliable off-leash. Recall class is fun, positive and appropriate for dogs of all breeds, ages and temperaments! If you're willing to put the work in, Recall Intensive is one of the most satisfying classes you will ever take. Cost: $100 per four-week session.

Thursdays at 7 pm starting April 2

Leash-walking Makeover: If you want to enjoy your walks with your dog more, this class is for you. We'll cover basic loose-leash walking and more formal heeling patterns. Cost: $100 per four-week session.

Thursdays at 8:15 pm starting April 2.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are the best way to address behavior issues such as destructiveness, separation anxiety, biting or fighting. They're also a good choice for busy owners who can't fit a six-week class into their schedule. You will receive as much personal guidance and attention as you need. Because dogs learn best in familiar settings, our initial lesson will take place in your home. As your dog becomes more adept at handling distractions, we may meet at other locations. Each lesson lasts approximately one hour.

Cost: $250 per four-lesson package
$65 per individual lesson

Accelerated Learning Day School

Get a jump start on your dog's education with in-home lessons. Over two weeks, your dog will receive ten private training sessions with Kim, and you will receive four private lessons. Unlike a traditional in-kennel board and train program, your dog will stay at home the whole time he's learning, so you'll get to see him improve day by day! Kim will come to your house for each training session and train your dog in area parks, cafes and around your neighborhood - exactly the kind of real-world environments you'd like to share with your dog!

Cost: $800 (two weeks training and four lessons), $400 per additional dog.

Doggy Day Trips

The day trips program is currently full, but we are accepting names for our wait list.
A tired dog is a well-behaved, happy dog! We will pick up your dog and take him or her with us on a nature hike. Day Trips are ideal for:

- Agility dogs who need long conditioning hikes to stay in shape and prevent injury
- Busy professionals who don't have time during the week to exercise their dogs
- Chubby dogs who need to drop a few pounds
- Dogs who love to swim
- Adolescent dogs with endless reserves of energy

Your dog will come home towelled off, happy and ready for a long nap after burning more energy than most dogs do all day at a traditional doggy daycare. Most Doggy Day Trip clients find that two outings per week are enough to keep their intelligent, high-energy dogs happy. Because of the small size of each day-trip group, dogs quickly get to know each other and form strong bonds that last for years.

Cost: $20 per outing

Adoption Counselling

Are you interested in adding a new puppy or dog to your family? We will be happy to help you find the perfect companion. Whether you're just starting out and want to know what kind of dog will be the best match for you, or need an expert opinion on a dog you're thinking about adopting, we can help. We have a close relationship with several area rescue groups, and just might have the inside scoop on the perfect dog for you! If you choose to purchase a purebred puppy, we can counsel you on how to find a reputable breeder.

Cost: Free!

About Kim

Kim has cared for and trained hundreds of dogs of all breeds, temperaments and sizes. Her approach to training is simple, compassionate and effective. She learned her craft through close study with some of the world's preeminent trainers and behaviorists. She continues to keep abreast of new developments in her field by attending seminars and conferences whenever her schedule permits.

In her spare time, Kim competes in agility, rally and obedience with her two rescue dogs, Darren CGC, PDI, NAC, NGC, NJC and Calvin CGC.

Contact Kim
(512) 796-5783
kimthedogtrainer@gmail.com