Courses

Trainers

•  Marc Roth, Certified Instructor

Marc Roth, the owner, operator and co-founder of Petport Boarding Kennel, is a Certified Pet Obedience Instructor.  He received his certification from world-renowned **Triple Crown Academy in Hutto, Texas.  

Marc has over 30 years practical experience handling and training all types of dogs.  He principally teaches basic obedience and behavior modification, but has trained dogs to do everything from getting the newspaper to sneezing on command.

•  Melisande Parsons, Certified Instructor

Melisande Parsons is a training associate working with Petport.  Melisande has years of experience working for various kennels (including Petport) and has been certified by **Triple Crown Academy as a Canine Training and Behavior Specialist.  She is the proud owner of a fox terrier named Sadie and a border collie named Dee Dee.

**Triple Crown Academy is a world-renowned school for dog trainers located in Hutto, Texas.   You can visit their website at www.triplecrowndogs.com.

Training Methods

Our trainers have been taught a variety of different training techniques, however the one primarily used at Petport is a method of positive re-enforcement known as “clicker training”. 

The clicker is a device that gives a consistent sound when you depress its button.  Once a dog is conditioned to the clicker and associates it with a reward (usually a treat), the clicking sound is used to mark a particular behavior with the promise of a reward.

Because the “click” lets the dog know that whatever it was doing at that moment gets them a reward, they are more likely to repeat that behavior.

In-kennel Training

In this intensive training program, a certified Petport trainer will work with your dog a minimum of two sessions a day, seven days a week.  This will allow your dog to more quickly adapt to our training methods and learn more in a shorter period of time. 

 The in-kennel basic obedience curriculum includes: 

•  "Sit" (1-minute with distractions)
•  "Down" (3-minute with distractions)
•  "Place-stay" (5-minutes with distractions)  Place is a boundary-stay on an elevated dog bed.
•  "Wait" inside a car, so they don't bolt out
•  "Wait" in a doorway
•  Walking on a loose leash; no pulling
•  "Off" - no jumping on people
•  Recall- come when called
•  Behavioral modification (as determined by the client)

As with all Petport training, a complimentary evaluation is offered to better understand your needs and the needs of your dog before training starts.  At the conclusion of the in-kennel training, you will be given a report on the things your dog has learned and commands that were used. 

Additionally, a “Go Home” lesson for you and your dog is included in the program.  The lesson will go over what commands your dog has learned and how to reinforce the behavior once your dog is back in their environment.  If needed, a follow-up lesson is also available within 30 days of picking up your dog. 

A two-week minimum is required for the in-kennel training program.  All boarding fees, play times (3-4 minimum per day), food and clicker are included.   We feed Pro-Plan Beef & Rice, a high-end Purina product. You are welcome to bring your own food, if you like; the price is the same either way. 

Your dog must be 6 months old to be eligible for in-kennel training. 

Cost: $350 per week

1-Trick/1-Week

Using the positive reinforcement technique of clicker-training* and focusing only on one obedience problem, allows our trainers to dramatically improve your dog's behavior in a short period of time.  Your dog will get a minimum of two(2) training sessions per day for seven(7) days working on their worst obedience problem.  Whether it's not coming when called, pulling on the leash, or bolting out the door, you're sure to see the improvement when you pick your pet up. 

For the cost of $50 per day, in-kennel training includes:

•  Boarding fee of $20

•  Two training sessions per day minimum

•  One clicker

•  One private lesson to teach you how to work with your dog and your clicker properly.

Once your dog is conditioned to the clicker and you are instructed on proper use, you'll be able to reinforce positive behaviors, curb negative behaviors and teach tricks more easily. 

* Training Methods

Private Lessons

Private lessons typically last approximately 30-45 minutes and are tailored to your dogs training and behavioral needs.   With private lessons, we can work around your schedule and focus on your specific needs more effectively.

 An initial evaluation is free of charge.

 Cost:     $50 per session (25% discount for a block of 6 sessions)

Group Classes

Private Group Classes

Basic Obedience

These classes are for groups of between 3-10 people and can be held either at Petport or at a suitable location of your choosing.   A Petport trainer can come to your neighborhood, apartment complex, church, school, or home; provided the space available is adequate for the number of dogs being trained.

The basic obedience curriculum is covered over six (6) classes held once a week.   Also, you and your dog(s) will be instructed on the proper use of the clicker (included in price) to meet your training needs.  The curriculum can be altered to better meet the desires and needs of a particular group of dogs/owners.  

Times and days for classes will be tailored to meet your schedule as much as possible. 

Dogs must be a minimum of six (6) months old.

Cost:     $150 per person at Petport

(For off-site classes, mileage is charged at a rate of $0.50 per mile round trip with a $10 minimum per class.)

Puppy Workshop

A 4-week puppy workshop is also available for groups of 3-10 people.   This class is for dogs between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks and will help you and your puppy begin a successful life together.

In addition to learning training basics, topics such as housebreaking, behavioral issues and how dogs learn will be covered.   This is a great opportunity for your puppy to socialize with other dogs and people.

Cost:     $100 per person at Petport

(For off-site classes, mileage is charged at a rate of $0.50 per mile round trip with a $10 minimum per class.)

• Basic Obedience Sign Up

• Puppy Workshop Sign Up