Dog training programs and pricing
I'm Jeff Tawater, a force-free, positive reinforcement dog trainer serving Shelby County and the greater Memphis area from Arlington, Tennessee.
I've trained dogs full-time since 2013. My background includes a certification in Canine Emotion & Cognition from Duke University, along with years of hands-on experience helping puppies, family dogs, rescue dogs, service dogs, and dogs with behavior challenges.
My training is based on modern research into how dogs think, learn, and behave. I do not use shock collars, prong collars, leash corrections, intimidation, fear, pain, or dominance-based handling.
Main program
Your dog stays with me for the full training period and receives daily positive, force-free training in a structured home environment.
This program is designed for families who want practical, real-life skills taught in a humane way. The exact plan may be adjusted based on your dog's age, temperament, and needs.
Practical skills
Core skills focus on communication, manners, focus, safety, and useful behavior for daily life.
Training games build focus, confidence, problem-solving, engagement, and calmer behavior. They help dogs learn how to think, recover, and work with their people.
When appropriate, cooperative handling and husbandry foundations help dogs become more comfortable with everyday care without forcing them through it.
Puppy foundations
The puppy program includes the core board and train skills, plus additional puppy-specific work and multiple socialization outings before the formal training week.
These outings help your puppy experience people, places, sounds, surfaces, handling, and normal life in a safe, thoughtful, positive way without overwhelming them.
Tools and follow-through
Your dog goes home with tools, private follow-up lessons, and support to help you practice and maintain the training.
Training does not end the day your dog comes home. You will need to practice and maintain the skills your dog learned. If a problem comes up with the training I provided, I will help you work through it at no additional charge. This support assumes owner follow-through and applies to the training provided during the program.
Custom programs
I also train service dogs and therapy dogs. These programs are custom-built because every client's needs are different. Pricing depends on the dog, required skills, client goals, and scope of the training plan. Start with the inquiry form and describe what you need your dog to do.
Board and train may not be the right first step for dogs with serious aggression, severe separation anxiety, intense fear, or complex behavior concerns that require a different safety or behavior modification plan. In those cases, we can discuss the safest starting point before deciding whether the program is appropriate.
Start with an inquiry
I'll review the information and help determine whether board and train, the puppy program, service dog training, therapy dog training, or another first step is the best fit.
Complete the dog training inquiry