Training
Training that has stood the test of time.
Having trained well over 50,000 dogs and their owners since 1975, we have developed a method that is owner-friendly and delivers excellent, lasting results, helping your dog become a true member of the family.
Our philosophy
Consistency and structure, in a fair and kind fashion.
We find the motivator that works for each dog, then teach every exercise in repeated steps with plenty of praise. There is no substitute for hard work and consistency when teaching your dog, and we teach you how to keep it going at home.
Our method is compatible with those of respected colleagues including the late Capt. Arthur Haggerty, Matthew Margolis and Brian Kilcommons. Our staff never stops learning, and we welcome a large number of repeat clients every year.
Programs
Find the right program for you and your dog.
Day School Training
Three weeks of real-world training in the heart of Old Town.
- Heeling with an automatic sit
- Sit-stay, down-stay and down at a distance
- Coming when called
- Calm around dogs, traffic, squirrels and joggers
- Work on 6-foot and 15-foot leashes
- Help with barking, jumping, digging and chewing
Drop-off from 7:30am, pick-up until 7:00pm. Graduates earn a diploma and an “honor student” bumper sticker.
Private Lessons
One dog, one owner, one dedicated instructor.
- The same exercises taught in Day School
- A new exercise each week, plus review
- Training tailored to your dog’s learning style
- Homework to practice between lessons
Ideal for owners who have the time and want to train their dog themselves.
Puppy Head Start
Set your puppy up for success before basic training.
- Housebreaking and getting through teething
- Using food to teach vocabulary
- Walking on a leash
- Socialization to sights and sounds
- Coming when called with a whistle
- Grooming for your puppy’s coat
Lays the groundwork for Day School or Private Lessons.
Off Leash
Reliable control, with no leash at all.
- Every basic exercise, off leash
- Drop in motion
- Drop on recall
- Coming when called around park distractions
Dogs are accepted into Off Leash after completing basic training.
For graduates
Keep the training going.
Refresher Training
Brush up on everything your dog learned.
For dogs who have completed Day School, Private Lessons or Off Leash. Come in for a set number of one-on-one lessons with an instructor to sharpen the skills your dog already has.
Monthly Pack Walk
A group outing for Olde Towne graduates.
Join fellow graduates for a 90-minute group lesson on a pack walk through the neighborhood, practicing good manners together around real-world distractions. Pack walks are typically held on the last Saturday of each month.
Competition Training
Prepare for the AKC obedience and rally ring, and the conformation ring.
For graduates ready for the next challenge. Our instructors help you and your dog train for competitive obedience and rally, with the precision and teamwork judges look for in AKC competition. We also help prepare dogs for AKC conformation, getting them ready to show at their best.
Your trainer is just a call or email away. Every training student has access to their trainer by phone or email for questions along the way. If you need more hands-on help, that’s what Refresher Training is for.
Lifetime student discount. Every Olde Towne School for Dogs training client, past or present, saves on retail purchases in our store for life (excludes food and services).
Program details are from the current site. [Updated, approved program copy — awaiting from client]
AKC Canine Good Citizen testing
Train for it. Test for it. Right here.
Most of our training prepares dogs to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, and several of our trainers are certified AKC CGC evaluators. When your dog is ready, just ask and we’ll schedule testing at the school.
AKC Canine Good Citizen
The classic 10-step test of good manners at home and in the community.
AKC Community Canine
The advanced level, testing good behavior out in real community settings.
AKC Urban CGC
Good manners in a busy city setting: traffic, crowds, sidewalks and noise.
See the curriculum
What three weeks at the Olde Towne School for Dogs looks like.
Results you can see
Before and after: training demonstrations.
Watch real Olde Towne dogs on day one and on graduation day.
Your instructors
Taught by instructors trained here.
Every Olde Towne instructor completes an apprenticeship with the school, built on the course Sandy Mejias developed.
Start with an evaluation.
Tell us a little about your dog and we’ll be in touch. Day School books well in advance, so we recommend reaching out early.