Boarding
For boarding services, please reach out at 210-418-1440 or [email protected].
We offer a private home exclusively for Arfordable Dog Training clients dedicated to your pup focused on socialization and relaxation. Playcare is an add-on service for boarding clients that would benefit AND enjoy it!
Your dog(s) will stay at the Casa de Pup Pup at night and safely commute to the Arfin’ Academy daily.
If no Playcare, we will still pair them up with similar playstyle. If your dog prefers one-on-one attention, we offer individual play and enrichment. We always have classical music, Adaptil diffusing, and mental stimulation opportunities!
Our Owner and Canine Behavioral Consultant (Jessica) lives on the property and can assist with ensuring a positive association because that is our number 1 focus and she is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Behaviorist through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, Inc. and Pet CPR/First Aid Instructor through Pet Tech, Inc. First Aid & Care for Your Pets.
We’re bonded, insured, and focused on individual attention for your pup during their stay.
Boarding Rate: $45.00
Holiday Rate: $55.00
Behavioral Rate: $60.00
Basic Obedience
Training is one of the most important activities you can do with your dog. Basic obedience training doesn’t have to be intense but it must be fun. The important thing to remember is it’s all about the relationship that you build with them. That relationship should be built on trust, respect, and understanding. Arfordable Dog Training can assist with jump starting your training and setting up your dog for success.
6 Week Basic Obedience Class
Basic Obedience Class will be 1 hour once a week for 6 weeks and will go over Mental Stimulation, Dog Related Topics, and Obedience skills such as Sit, Down, Watch-Me, Sit-Stay, Down- Stay, Loose Leash Walking, Come, Leave-it, and so much more.
Prerequisites
- Ages: 4+months
- Current on all Vaccinations: Rabies, Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, Bordetella and Proof of a Negative Fecal
- No previous training required
- Dogs must be friendly with people and other dogs.
6 Week Intermediate Obedience Class
You’ll build on the already solid foundation of basic obedience by incorporating distractions and longer distances. In Intermediate, you’ll begin to Fade the Lure with basic commands and refine responsiveness with your hand signals and voice commands.
The training will focus on advanced behaviors such as Place, Sit-Stay and Down-Stay with distractions, Recall, Wait, Hand Targeting, and behaviors needed to get you and your pup ready for the AKC Canine Good Citizen course. These are great impulse control behaviors and will challenge your pup in a distraction-driven environment.
Prerequisites
- Ages: 6+months
- Current on all Vaccinations: Rabies, Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, Bordetella and Proof of a Negative Fecal
- Basic Obedience Class or ADT Trainer approval
- Dogs must be friendly with people and other dogs.
AKC Canine Good Citizen
AKC’s Canine Good Citizen is a program that promotes responsible dog ownership and basic good manners for any dog. This 6 week class will be 1 hour once a week and will go over the 10 CGC test items including:
- Accepting a friendly stranger
- Sitting Politely for Petting
- Appearance and Grooming
- Out for a Walk (walking on a loose lead)
- Walking Through a Crowd
- Sit and Down on Command and Staying in Place
- Coming When Called
- Reaction to Another Dog
- Reaction to Distraction
- Supervised Separation
At the end of the class, each human/dog team will have the opportunity to test for the CGC certificate.
Prerequisites
- Ages: 6+months
- Current on all Vaccinations: Rabies, Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, Bordetella and Proof of a Negative Fecal
- Basic and Intermediate Obedience Class, AKC S.T.A.R., or ADT Trainer evaluation
- Dogs must be friendly with people and other dogs.
For additional information, feel free to visit http://www.akc.org.
AKC On the Road
AKC Urban and AKC Community
AKC on the Road is a class focused on the advanced levels of the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Program. AKC Community CGC and AKC Urban CGC require that the dog demonstrates CGC skills and beyond the classroom and in a natural setting.
As with Canine Good Citizen, AKC Community and AKC Urban CGC have a 10-step test of skills that dogs must pass to earn the official AKC title. This is a title that appears on the dog’s title record at AKC.
Location: To Be Determined
Prerequisites
- Ages: 6+ months
- Current on all Vaccinations: Rabies, Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, Bordetella and Proof of a Negative Fecal
- Completion of Basic and Intermediate Obedience Class or ADT Trainer evaluation
- Already have a Canine Good Citizen title on record
- Dogs must be friendly with people and other dogs.
For additional information, feel free to visit http://www.akc.org.
Therapy Dog Workshops
Arfordable Dog Training is now offering a Therapy Dog Training Track for those clients interested therapy dog training such as Canines 4 Christ and other partnering organizations. Therapy dogs are often summoned to assist with those that have gone through a tragedy to allow them to deal with their emotions and relieve their stress or simply to bring joy to the community. We are often looking at sociability, temperament, and learned skills to ensure your dog is the right fit for the job. Let us help get you started on the right track with this new program.
This 4-hour class is designed to give real world exposure to hospital settings, equipment, training tips and tricks, and various other topics. This class is open to current therapy dogs and those interested in therapy dog training.
Prerequisites
- Ages: 6+ months
- Current on all Vaccinations: Rabies, Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, Bordetella and Proof of a Negative Fecal
- ADT Trainer evaluation
- Dogs must be friendly with people and other dogs.
Reactive Rovers
Reactive Rovers classes are designed for dogs that need help feeling comfortable on a leash around dogs and new environments. With an introductory seminar and two course levels, you and your dog will learn new skills and gain confidence around other dogs.
Reactive Rover I
This 6 week class is designed for dogs that bark, snarl, lunge, or growl at other dogs while on leash. You will learn important defensive walking skills to prevent your dog’s reaction, how to anticipate when your dog will react, and how to interrupt and calm a reaction. This class focuses on how to manage your dog’s current reactivity. Once you’ve completed Reactive Rovers I, you will have the tools necessary to begin behavior modification in Reactive Rovers II.
Prerequisites
- Ages: 6+ months
- Current on all Vaccinations: Rabies, Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, Bordetella and Proof of a Negative Fecal
- Completion of Questionnaire, Zoom Consultation and Evaluation with Jessica Davis, BS, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA or Jenny Ochoa, CPDT-KA
Reactive Rover II
This 6 week class is designed to build on the skills you learned in Reactive Rovers I. We will use counter-conditioning to teach your dog positive associations with other dogs and to pay attention to you in choreographed real-life scenarios. This class focuses on how to change your dog’s emotional response to other dogs and decrease reactivity.
Prerequisites
- Ages: 6+ months
- Current on all Vaccinations: Rabies, Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, Bordetella and Proof of a Negative Fecal
- Completion of Reactive Rovers I
Puppy 101
Puppy 101 will cover Crate Training, Potty Training, Socialization, Mental Stimulation, and Basic Obedience including Sit, Down, Watch-Me, Leave-It, Drop-it and Loose Leash Walking. This fun class will also allow for puppy play in a safe environment, discuss body language, appropriate play and redirection.
Prerequisites
- Ages: 10-16 wks
- Current on all Vaccinations: Rabies, Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, Bordetella and Proof of a Negative Fecal
- No previous training required
- Dogs must be friendly with people and other dogs.
Courteous Canines – Private Playgroup
Courteous Canines is a 2 hour playgroup that will go over topics such as Body Language, Play Styles, Appropriate Social Behaviors, Socialization and Safety Skills for our playful pups in the Best in Show membership. This playgroup is hosted by a trained Canine Behaviorist for safety.
Prerequisites
- Ages: 4+months
- Current on all Vaccinations: Rabies, Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, Bordetella and Proof of a Negative Fecal
- No previous training required
- Dogs must be friendly with people and other dogs.
Let us help you learn more about your pups, their play styles, and safety while at Casa de Pup Pup Play Yard!
Patio Pups
What’s the best part of summer? Patio season! Schertz/Cibolo has many bars and restaurants that allow dogs. This class will help teach your dog how to relax next to you while you enjoy a bite to eat or drink. We’ll also work on walking nicely on a leash and ignoring high value distractions like other people, dogs, and even food!
Prerequisites
- Ages: 6+months
- Current on all Vaccinations: Rabies, Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, Bordetella and Proof of a Negative Fecal
- Completion of Basic Obedience Class, Intermediate Obedience Class, and AKC’s Canine Good Citizen or ADT Trainer approval
- Dogs must be friendly with people and other dogs.
Outdoor Adventures
Want to take your dog out in public more but worried about how (s)he would behave? Look no further! This class is designed for people who want to take their dog out to parks, hiking trails, picnics, etc. and have them behave appropriately. We’ll work on walking nicely on a leash with other dogs and people around, relaxing on a mat, stays around distractions and so much more!
Prerequisites
- Ages: 6+months
- Current on all Vaccinations: Rabies, Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, Bordetella and Proof of a Negative Fecal
- Completion of Basic Obedience Class, Intermediate Obedience Class, and AKC’s Canine Good Citizen or ADT Trainer approval
- Dogs must be friendly with people and other dogs.
Loose Leash Walking
This class is designed to help dogs learn to walk nicely on leash around town. We’ll discuss proper walking equipment and leash handling skills. We’ll also work on teaching your dog to focus more on you and ignore distractions around them.
Prerequisites
- Ages: 4+months
- Current on all Vaccinations: Rabies, Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, Bordetella and Proof of a Negative Fecal
- Completion of Puppy 101 Class or AKC’s S.T.A.R. or Basic Obedience Class or ADT approval
- Dogs must be friendly with people and other dogs.
Recall
This class is designed to help dogs learn to come when called – no matter what! We’ll work on Come inside, outside, and around distractions. We’ll also work on an emergency recall command to get your dog coming back no matter what they may be chasing after!
Prerequisites
- Ages: 4+months
- Current on all Vaccinations: Rabies, Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, Bordetella and Proof of a Negative Fecal
- Completion of Puppy 101 Class or AKC’s S.T.A.R. or Basic Obedience Class or ADT Trainer approval
- Dogs must be friendly with people and other dogs.
Rescues on the Right Paw
This 75 minute class will go over Transitioning into the Home, Mental Stimulation, Socialization, and Basic Obedience skills such as Sit, Polite Greetings, and intro to Loose Leash Walking.
Prerequisites
- Ages: 4+months
- Current on all Vaccinations: Rabies, Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, Bordetella and Proof of a Negative Fecal
- No previous training required
- Dogs must be friendly with people and other dogs.
- Must take class within 3 months of adoption from an approved rescue or shelter. Proof of adoption required.
Day Training
L.E.A.P. Academy/Day Training
“Learning, Enrichment, Activity, Playcare – Jump Right In!”
At Arfordable Dog Training, we understand that life is busy and training dogs is hard. Let us take the leash and lead the way to better communication and a better relationship between you and your dog.
Interested in Board and Training, but worried that you’ll miss your pup too much?
How about Day Training? We follow the same schedule as the Board and Train dogs, but your pup goes home tired and happy at the end of each day!
With Day Training, your dog will train 2 days a week ($275) or 4 days a week ($550) and you’ll pick them up at the end of the day. You will choose Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday or all 4 if you think your dog needs extra help. (Minimum of 4 weeks are required to give your dog a chance to pick up the skills. You’ll have written homework, and a group class at the end of the week with the other day training dogs in your dog’s class.
A Day in the Life of Day Training
You’ll drop your dog off at our Arfin Academy between 8 am and 10 am on your designated days. Upon arrival your pup will have his own cozy space to hang out and eat a snack while all of the day training friends are checking in. From 9 am to 10 am, we take everyone potty, then those who enjoy off leash play with dogs will be divided into trainer supervised play groups to romp and have some fun. If your dog requires solo play, he will get to hang out and play with one of our trainers! After everyone has burned off some energy, your pup will spend an hour one on one with a trainer working on obedience, socialization, and any requested skills, before getting to settle into their kennel with a snuffle mat of Lunch or a stuffed KONG. At Noon, we get another potty break, then it’s time to play some more! Another hour of play and fun, then it’s time to train again! To ensure an easier transition when we’re transferring cues, a 2nd trainer will work your dog in the afternoon, building reliability and consistency. After the individual sessions are complete, it’s time for another potty break then group training! Group sessions build consistency despite the distractions of the other dogs and humans on site. Then it’s another rest time (and at this point, it’s almost always a nap because they’re exhausted!) then they’re ready for pick up between 4 pm and 6 pm. On Friday, you’ll come back to the academy with your dog for a group training class so you can spend time with the trainers who are working with your dog daily, ask any questions, and allow them to walk you through the actually skills we have taught you dog, so you can see how it all works, and we can ensure that you dog will listen to YOU when you give the cues.
Memberships
Best in Show – $300
- Free PetTech CPR/First Aid (annually)** – ($125 value)
- 1 Hour of private lessons per month* – ($100 value)
- 4 Days of Playcare per month* – ($140 value)
- 2 Days of day training per month – ($275 value)
- Open invitation to the Day Training Group Class – ($175 value)
- Text and video feedback support
- Includes Premier and Novice levels*
Premier – $150
- Doggone Main Special 10% Discount
- 1 Hour of lessons per month* – ($100 value)
- VIP Access to private events
- 3 Days of Playcare per month* – ($105 value)
- Text and video feedback support
- Includes Novice level*
Novice – $75
- Priority Enrollment in Group Classes, Training Programs, and Events
- Special 15% off Group Classes
- 2 Days of Playcare per month* – ($70 value)
- VIP Access to private events
- Private FaceBook group
- Trick of the Month/Newsletter
*Lessons cannot be combined with any other level. Only 1 hour for Premier or 2 hours for Best in Show.
**Free PetTech CPR/First Aid is available after the first year of membership and annually based on membership.
Membership services including sessions must be used by the end of the current month and is based on availability. Services do not roll over to the next month.
Playcare
Does your dog get bored during the day? Is he super energetic when you get done with work? Playcare at the Arfin’ Academy will provide socialization and playtime while instilling polite manners and helping your dog be the best that they can be. Your dog will get structured, small group playtime with dogs with similar play styles, supervised and run by certified dog trainers and behaviorists! When not in play, your dog will be rotated outside to potty, receive enrichment activities (KONGs, Snuffle Mats, and puzzle toys) a rest break when they’re tired, as well as structured group training activities in the afternoon!
Pricing
Transparency is so important in dog training. This applies to training methods, policies, and most importantly pricing.
10% for Active Duty, Veterans, First Responders, and Current/Recent Rescues*
Day Training
Pricing: $275 – 2 Days per week*
Pricing: $550 – 4 Days per week
*4 Week Minimum
Playcare
Pricing: $35.00 – Full Day
$20.00 – Half Day
Buy 10 full day passes, get 1 Free!
6 Week Puppy 101, Basic, or Intermediate Obedience One-on-One Session
On Location
Pricing: $450+ $150.00 for each additional puppy
6 Week Puppy 101 Class, Basic Obedience or Intermediate Obedience Class
Pricing: $175.00
Service Dog Training
Basic Obedience, Intermediate Obedience, and/or AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Training
Pricing: $75.00 per session
Service Dog Selection – Adoption Behavioral Consultation
Pricing: $175.00 per 90 minute session
From Adoption To Acclimation (Adoption Behavioral Consultation Only)
Pricing: $100.00 per session
AKC Canine Good Citizen
On Location
Pricing: $450.00 + $150.00 for each additional dog
Single Session & Presentation
On Location
Pricing: $75.00 per hour
Behavior Modification/Socialization
On Location
Pricing: $100.00 per session
Virtual Training via Zoom
Pricing: $40.00 for 30 minutes or $60.00 for 60 minutes
Travel Charge
There is a $25.00 surcharge for any session:
– Outside of Loop 337*
– North of US-281 and Evans Rd**
– West of W Loop 1604 and US-281**
– South of 37 and Cesar Chavez Blvd **
– East of IH 10 and E Loop 1604**
– South of IH 10 and N Highway 123 Bypass***
– East of N Highway 123 Bypass***
– Within FM725***
New Braunfels*
San Antonio**
Seguin***
A 2 hour minimum may be applied with a travel fee of $50 may be applied during peak times and location outside of current travel area.
Board and Train
$2,500.00 – 2 Week Dog Board and Train
$2,900.00 – 2 Week Puppy Board and Train
$3,200.00 – 3 Week CGC Prep Board and Train
(CGC Oriented or Proofing Behaviors – Outings Included)
$3,700.00 – 4 Week Advanced Obedience Board and Train
(Suitable for Therapy Dogs and Service Dogs)
$4,500.00 – 3 Week Behavioral Modification Board and Train***
Affirm is available for these exceptional training packages offering you a flexible and convenient payment option.
***Board and Train for behavioral cases to included but not limited to extreme fearfulness, aggression, dog reactivity, and human reactivity.
Consultation and Questionnaire is Required for Each Dog.
$10.00 – Pick-up or Drop-off (B&T ONLY – Inside of Training Area per trip)
$25.00 – Pick-up or Drop-off (B&T ONLY – Outside of Training Area per trip)
$40.00 per night – Behavioral Foster**
*Recent means within the prior 3 months of scheduling
**Short term Behavioral Foster is available for local shelters/rescues
Lifetime Membership
$4,000.00
Private Training
Puppy 101
When setting your puppy up for behavioral wellness, obedience is not always the first thing a pet parent should focus on. Obedience does set up the puppy for success but socialization is vital to ensure a resilient and confident adult that can adapt to the human world. Let us help get your newest family on the right track.
6 Week Puppy 101 One-on-One Sessions or Class
Puppy 101 will go over Crate Training, Potty Training, Socialization, Mental Stimulation, and Basic Obedience including Sit, Down, Watch-Me, Leave-It, Drop-it and Loose Leash Walking.
Behavior Modification
Through the power of positive reinforcement, private sessions are available for behavioral modification for pups showing aggressive or fearful behavior, separation anxiety, or need socialization.
For more information, view our Contact page to reach out to our trainer today.
Rescues and Shelters Resources
Training Philosophy:
Arfordable Dog Training’s philosophy is to focus on positive reinforcement to train both your dog and you. Utilizing positive training methods, it will allow your relationship to flourish and ensure well-behaved dogs will always be a part of the family. Through affordable dog training, behavioral modification and education, families can keep their pets in the home and hopefully, impact the overpopulation of dogs in San Antonio and surrounding suburbs.
Due to this Training Philosophy, it only makes sense to focus on shelters and rescues in the area. Arfordable Dog Training offers 10% off current or recent* rescues.
Arfordable Dog Training offers other services that benefit the local shelters and rescues. For more information, view our Contact page to reach out to our trainer today.
Rescue and Shelter Assistance
Playgroup Implementation and Training
Based on the principles of traditional playgroup organizations but personalized to your shelter or rescue, implementing playgroups can help with socialization with dogs of all levels, identify more accurate evaluations, and improve the overall quality of life for dogs in your care.
Evaluation and Labeling Assistance
Along with utilizing playgroups, additional evaluations are available to learn more about the dogs in your care. Evaluations may include learning to be objective to describe behavior, basic play assessments, and training opportunities.
Access to Discounted Products
- PetSafe
- 2 Hounds Including Freedom Harness
Editable Handouts for Adopters on the Following Topics:
- Principles of Positive Reinforcement
- Puppy Socialization
- Crate Training
- Potty Training
- Mental Stimulation
- Reactivity
- Separation Anxiety
- Handling Exercises
- Nail Trimming
- Muzzle Training
- Vet Visits
- Grooming
- Bringing Home an Undersocialized Dog
- Helping a Shelter Dog Adjust to a New Home
- Holiday Specific (New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Summer, Independence Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and/or Christmas)
Social Impact
Arfordable Dog Training offers a free 6 Week Basic Obedience slot available for an eligible resident of the following zip codes: 78218, 78219, 78244, 78109, and 78233. For more information, please see our Social Impact page.
Free Class for Adopters
Intro to Basic Obedience – New Adopters
This 75-minute class will go over Transitioning into the Home, Mental Stimulation, Socialization, and Basic Obedience skills such as Sit, Polite Greetings, and intro to Loose Leash Walking. Must adopt from qualifying shelter or rescue.
Refer to our Services Page for Class details.
Other Important Resources
Kong Products
Kong offers discounted slightly imperfect KONG toys! They are lower priced and perfect for some of those crazy crazies. Check it out.
Annually – Arfordable’s Woof and Wag Dog Walk
Show off your foster and socialize with the public. Check out our Facebook page for upcoming dates.
*Within the past 3 months
**Minus Trainer’s Discounted Hourly Fee
***Inside Class Only
Shelter and Staff Development
Available Online and Hands-on Classes:
- Puppy Handling
- Dog Training 101
- Loose Leash Walking
- Watch Me Sit: The Basics
- Dog Body Language
- Equipment and Muzzle Training
- Kennel Work and Click to Calm
- Mental Stimulation and Enrichment Activities
- Reactivity
- Evaluations
Basic Obedience Class Fundraisers – 6 Week Program
Proceeds benefit hosting rescue or shelter.**
Classes will be 1 hour once a week and will go over Mental Stimulation, Dog Related Topics, and Basic Obedience skills such as Sit, Down, Watch-Me, Sit-Stay, Down- Stay and Loose Leash Walking. Max of 6 participants per class.
AKC’s S.T.A.R Puppy – 6 Week Program***
Proceeds benefit hosting rescue or shelter.**
AKC’s S.T.A.R. Puppy is a program that promotes Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsibility and basic good manners for any puppy. A nationally recognized program that focuses on positive reinforcement. Max of 6 participants per class.
AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) – 6 Week Program
Proceeds benefit hosting rescue or shelter.**
AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) is a program that promotes responsible dog ownership and basic good manners for any dog. A nationally recognized program that focuses on positive reinforcement. Max of 6 participants per class.
Intro to Basic Obedience Class
This free 75 minute class for newly adopted rescues will go over Transitioning into the Home, Mental Stimulation, Socialization, and Basic Obedience skills such as Sit, Polite Greetings, and intro to Loose Leash Walking.
Location: Arfordable Dog Training – 9010 FM 1976, Suite 210, Converse, Texas 78109
Prerequisites
- Ages: 4+months
- Current on all Vaccinations: Rabies, Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, Bordetella and Proof of a Negative Fecal
- No previous training required
- Dogs must be friendly with people and other dogs.
- Must take class within 3 months of adoption at an approved rescue or shelter**.
- 3 Spots Available Per Class
To sign up, visit our Contact page.
Local* attendees qualify for 10% off any future private training services.
*Within training area.
**501(C) Non-Profit Organizations or Municipal Shelter or Animal Control
For more information, view our Contact page to reach out to our trainer today.
Featured Foster
Interested in having Arfordable Dog Training feature your foster? Contact us to be showcased.
Adoption to Acclimation
Interested in adopting but not sure where to start? This service offers a 90 minute Adoption Behavioral Consultation at a local shelter* to assist with selecting a dog and understanding how to get them acclimated to your home. This service continues with 6 basic obedience sessions to assist with building your relationship with your new furry family member and to help during the adjustment period.
*This service is not available for adoptions through San Antonio Humane Society.
Educational Presentations
Arfordable Dog Training offers presentations for the public, law enforcement, and Rescues/Shelters. Available presentations include:
- Puppy 101
- Mental Stimulation
- Responsible Pet Ownership
- Canine Encounters for Law Enforcement
For Rescues
Available Classes Available to the Public:
Puppy 101 – 1 Hour Presentation
This free seminar is tailored to new puppy owners or those thinking about adopting a puppy. Topics include: selecting a puppy, socialization, tips for Potty, Crate, and Leash Training, the importance of obedience training, and puppy survival tools. To ensure considerate learning for all, this presentation is for humans only.
Mental Stimulation – 1 Hour Presentation
This free seminar will discuss exercising the dog’s mind and body. Boredom and excess energy are two of the most common reasons for behavioral problems with dogs. Let me help improve the dog’s life through enrichment and stimulating activities. To ensure considerate learning for all, this presentation is for humans only.
Responsible Pet Ownership – 1 Hour Presentation
This free seminar is focuses on topics such the overall commitment, proper pet care, training, socialization, spay/neuter, and more! It can be taught to children/young adult groups, families, and adopters.
This is Mia. This is her before and after adoption pictures.
Responsible Pet Ownership
This class encourages responsible pet ownership for families considering or currently have a pet. The topics discussed include the overall commitment, proper pet care, training, socialization, spay/neuter, and so much more!
This is a great class to educate the entire family! It is available as a one-on-one or group presentation.
Certification of Completion available for each participant.
Mental Stimulation
Arfordable Dog Training offers a presentation on Mental Stimulation. Boredom and excess energy are two of the most common reasons for behavioral problems with dogs. Let us help you exercise their mind!
Puppy 101
Looking to get a puppy? Already have one but need help getting through the potty training, crate training and the dreaded teething stage with your sanity? Let Arfordable Dog Training set you and your puppy up for success.
We will go over:
- Selecting a Puppy: Adoption or Breeder
- Socialization
- Tips for Potty, Crate, and Leash Training
- Importance of Obedience Training
- Puppy Survival Tools
Canine Encounters
Canine Encounters is a 2-hour presentation focused on canine body language, safety around unfamiliar canines, aggression, and surviving an attack.
This course is available for law enforcement when paired with an authorized instructor to satisfy the TCOLE Canine Encounters legislative required.
Service Dog Training
A service dog is a highly skilled working dog that is to be used by the client to mitigate their owner’s disabilities by offering assistance in some way.
Training Philosophy
Arfordable Dog Training’s philosophy is to focus on positive reinforcement to train both your dog and you. Utilizing positive training methods, it will allow your relationship to flourish and ensure well-behaved dogs will always be a part of the family. Through affordable dog training, behavioral modification and education, families can keep their pets in the home and hopefully, impact the overpopulation of dogs in San Antonio and surrounding suburbs.
Mission Statement
Arfordable Dog Training’s Mission Statement is Arfordable Dog Training is focused on simplified knowledge, affordable pricing, and practical training for families and their beloved pups; all while providing an exceptional level of customer service.
With keeping in line with our Training Philosophy and Mission Statement, it only makes sense that we work with families to train their own evaluated pets to become a service animal for a fraction of the price of most trainers. With the growing need and well-documented benefits of service animals, we would love the opportunity to work with your current pet or assist with saving lives through assessing rescue or shelter animals for potential service work.
Therapy, Service, and Emotional Support Dogs
People often confuse a service dog with a therapy dog or emotional support animal. According to Federal Law, a service animal is not a pet but a tool used to mitigate their owner’s disabilities by offering assistance in some way. A therapy dog is trained to provide comfort and affection to people in places like hospitals, libraries, schools, etc. They do not have rights under the law. Therapy dogs are often summoned to assist with those that have gone through a tragedy to allow them to deal with their emotions and relieve their stress. Emotional support dogs provide their owners therapeutic benefits through companionship. There are other species that can be considered emotional support animals. There are 2 legal protections for emotional support dogs (1) they can fly with a person who has an emotional or psychological disability and (2) they qualify for no-pet housing.
What to Expect
Service Dog Selection – Rescues and Animal Shelters
Interested in adopting and saving a life? This service offers a 90-minute Adoption Behavioral Consultation at a local shelter to assist with selecting a dog and understanding how to get them acclimated to your home. This service continues with the Service Dog training and will assist with building your relationship with your new furry family member and to help during the adjustment period. Pricing: $175.00 per Adoption Behavioral Consultation
Temperament Evaluation of the Potential Service Dog
The dogs are assessed based on guidelines established by related experts in the service dog training field.
What to Expect
Consultation
The free phone consultation will be conducted and will go over the training plan for the service dog team along with policies and training tools. At this time, additional questions and training topics may be addressed.
Evaluation
If you would like to work with your own dog, the trainer will conduct or schedule a time to evaluate and determine if the dog is well-suited for service work. If you do not already have a dog, the trainer will discuss your needs and options available, including the Adoption Behavioral Consultation service. The goal of the evaluation is to:
- Understand the dog’s temperament
- Determine the dog’s current training level
- Measure how comfortable (s)he is in the human world
Note: Not every dog is destined to be a service dog. Depending on the sociability and temperament of your dog, it will determine how difficult the training will be and if the dog can handle such an important job.
Training
Temperament, training, socialization, and desensitization are essential in a successful service dog. Arfordable Dog Training cannot make any guarantee regarding the outcome of any training/counseling program. The owner assumes full responsibility for the dog’s behavior during and after the training/counseling program. It is vital to work with the dog between training sessions. The expectation is daily training on the homework provided by the trainer to ensure consistency.
Basic Obedience
Subject to change, depending on the dog’s current training level. The training will go over skills such as:
- Sit
- Down
- Sit-for-Greetings**
- Watch-Me
- Sit-Stay
- Down- Stay
- Leave-it
- Off
- Heel
- Urinating and defecating only on command
- Off Duty
Each of these will be taught with verbal and hand signals as commands/cues. Each team will be required to pass AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program.
**The goal is to teach the dog not to greet other people but to greet appropriately when allowed. Service dogs must be focused only on the handler.
Public Access Test (PAT)
Dog training is not currently a regulated field. Because of this unregulated access, dogs trained as service dogs are not considered “certified”. There is not a universal certification or national registry of trained service dogs however, there are standards. Arfordable Dog Training trains based on the Foundation for Service Dog Support, Inc. standards. Each service dog team will be required to pass the Public Access Test (PAT). The test includes basic and advanced commands including those specifically related to each client’s individual disability.**
At this time, Arfordable Dog Training will work with Mobility Service Dogs** but wish to expand in the future. Due to the limited availability, the disability-related service dog training for Mobility Service Dogs will focus on tasks such retrieving dropped items, turning lights on and off, carrying items in a dog backpack, getting help if someone falls, helping people get up from seated positions or into seated positions (depending on dog’s size), opening and shutting doors, etc. Arfordable Dog Training can assist in preparation to specialized disability-related service dog training.
** May be referred to a more specialized trainer, if applicable.
Service Animals and Your Rights
According to the American Disabilities Act, a “service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.” In recent years, there have been some controversy regarding individuals falsely claiming a pet as a service animal to allow them into restaurants, hotels, etc. Not only is presenting a pet dog as a service dog is unethical, it is a federal crime. When a dog in a service dog vest misbehaves in public and is not properly trained, the public’s perception of a real service dog may change. Due to the increased number of service dog fraud, those genuine individuals that have highly trained service dogs, are prevented from going into certain establishments and questioned as to the purpose of the animal. The American Disabilities Act states, “When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform. Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.”
Service dogs are allowed access to any public place and any airline as long as they behave in accordance with their Service Dog Policy including no excessive barking, housetrained, and no aggressive behavior. Please note, there are some places that are legally allowed to deny entrance to a service dog including places of worship and sterile environments such as operating rooms. During training, the service dog may where a “Service Dog In Training” Patch. According to Texas Law, “An assistance animal in training shall not be denied admittance to any public facility when accompanied by an approved trainer who is an agent of an organization generally recognized by agencies.”
Social Impact
Basic Obedience Training Assistance Program
Arfordable Dog Training offers a free 6 Week Basic Obedience slot that will be available for an eligible resident of the following zip codes: 78218, 78219, 78244, 78109, and 78233. To initially apply for this free training assistance, applicants must submit the following information by the 15th of the month prior to training for consideration:
- Pet Owner’s Name
- Name of Pet
- A short history/bio of the pet.
- Explain why training your dog is important to you.
- The desired outcome of the training.
- 2 Qualities about your dog that you love and why.
Upon acceptance of the training assistance program, the following must be provided by the 20th of the month prior to training to schedule the free sessions:
- Waiver and Enrollment Form
- Questionnaire
- Photo ID
- Proof that the Dog is Spayed or Neutered
- Proof of Vaccinations
- Proof that they participate in one of the following programs:
- Major VA Disability
- Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Free Lunch Program (Public Schools)
- Social Security Disability (SSD)
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- HUD Section 8 Housing
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Formerly AFDC
- San Antonio AIDS Foundation
If the required documents are not returned by the 20th, the spot will go to the next considered applicant.
Therapy Dog
Arfordable Dog Training is now offering a Therapy Dog Training Track for those clients interested therapy dog training such as Canines 4 Christ and introductory service dog training. Therapy dogs are often summoned to assist with those that have gone through a tragedy to allow them to deal with their emotions and relieve their stress or simply to bring joy to the community. We are often looking at sociability, temperament, and learned skills to ensure your dog is the right fit for the job. Let us help get you started on the right track with this new program.
Classes
AKC Canine Good Citizen
AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program started to promote responsible dog ownership to acknowledge and encourage good manners for dogs in the home and the community. Over the years, it has grown to be a nationally recognized program that focuses on positive reinforcement and has become the basis for many therapy organizations.
At the end of the class, each human/dog team will have the opportunity to test for the CGC certificate.
Therapy Dog Seminar
This 4-hour class is designed to give real world exposures to hospital settings, equipment, training tips and tricks, and various other topics. This class is open to current therapy dogs and those interested in therapy dog training.
Pricing
AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Class
$175.00
Please visit our Client Portal to sign up today!
Virtual Training
With many pet parents still working from home, this may be a great opportunity to quaran-train your dog! We are offering behavior modification consultations, puppy 101, and obedience training sessions.
Let us assist with various topics such as potty training, fearful/reactive dogs, and guidance on safe puppy socialization to name a few. With our virtual training option, we can help you work through these issues safely within your home while respecting social distance.
We are offering 30 or 60 minute sessions. We’d be happy to help work through specific behavior problems, talk about training options, or demonstrate training behaviors with our own dogs.
