Behavior & Training
Here at Dogology our philosophy is to fulfill the “whole dog”. Just like the body needs good nutrition in order to function at its best, the mind needs stimulation in order to thrive. Training your dog is about much more than just teaching them basic commands. It is about developing a deep bond between you and your dog. One of love, trust, respect and understanding that will ultimately make you and your dog's life easier. Whether your goal is to modify or prevent unwanted behaviors, provide mental exercise, or just learn to communicate more effectively, we can help. Just like every human is unique, so is every dog. At Dogology we tailor the style and methods of training to suit you and your specific situation. The goal should not only be to make a better dog, but also, to make a better human. Check out our FAQ page, our media page, read some testimonials, or email our behavior department dogologybehavior@gmail.com for more information about classes, private sessions and multiple training offerings. If you're ready to commit, just use our easy to navigate links below to schedule now!
Follow us on social media for training advice, videos, information and updates!
Benjamin Garson with Judah, Kovu, Bill, Hatchet and Po
|
Ben has been working as a canine behavioral consultant for over ten years and specializes in the prevention and modification of unwanted canine behavioral issues. He has been featured on Dogology’s monthly NBC Segment “Ask the Dogologist,” and has been interviewed by The Hartford Courant, ABC, FOX, Nutmeg TV, Canton Life, and Valley Life. His training methods have won him numerous awards, including being voted “Best Dog Trainer” in the CTNow Readers Poll for seven straight years. Whether working with a juvenile dog to prevent unwanted behaviors before they emerge, or with a mature dog to modify existing behaviors, Ben gives people the tools to be more confident, respected dog owners. His goal is to help owners understand the modern canine mind and, in turn, bridge the communication gap between dog and owner. Ben believes in the utility of both positive reward-based methods and correction-based methods, and does not see them as mutually exclusive. He seeks to connect these two methods, to use the best of both. It's his belief that such an approach benefits dogs, the broader training community, and ultimately the satisfaction of the owners. Ben's flexible, all-encompassing, creative approach draws inspiration from a wide range of disciplines, such as Zen Buddhist philosophy, human psychology, and the social sciences. Just as some doctors and nutritionists take a "whole body" approach to treatment, Ben takes a "whole dog" approach to training. In addition to his behavioral background, Ben has worked in the veterinary field and has a broad canine medical knowledge. Ben resides in Simsbury, CT with his wife and their five dogs.
To see a few of Ben's segments on NBC, check out our Behavior & Training media page! |
Private One-on-One Training
Private Training Sessions- The most efficient way to diagnose, find solutions for and resolve unwanted behaviors is with a private one on one appointment in the location with which the behaviors are occurring. Our trainers will come to you, in the comfort of your own home, at our facility, or at a location of your choosing, and focus solely on you and your individual needs. There is no better way to prevent or resolve behavioral issues than for you to implement the strategies and tools we provide, therefore building the framework of respect yourself. For more information on choosing the best location of your first private appointment please check our FAQ page. There are no behaviors too severe for our trainers and we can help you implement strategies for safe introductions during our first appointment. Please schedule using links below or contact our training department for more information. Prices vary and discounted packages are available. Our "in radius" option is based upon a strict 25 minute driving radius from our facility, locations beyond our 25 minute driving radius please use "outside radius" appointment option to schedule. There is no cost difference for "outside radius", it just allows more time for our travel. For out of state appointments or appointments that necessitate airfare and lodging, please contact our training department to arrange.
For any private appointment within 25 minutes of Dogology or at Dogology
For any private appointment further than 25 minutes of Dogology (there is no cost difference, it just allows for our trainers travel time)
Virtual Training Session- whether there is a global pandemic, you are unable to come to us or have us come to you, or just want a follow up and feel an in person meeting isn’t necessary, we offer virtual appointments. Different platforms are available and there are a lot of behavioral issues that can be addressed in this way. Please schedule using link below or contact our training department for more information.
The Trainers Apprentice
The trainers apprentice is about helping you in any way, shape, or form that we can. Looking for the Dogology experience but can't afford the full price of training? Having difficulty finding the time to exercise your dog or work on the assignments assigned by our trainer? Need help on furthering their socialization, resolving reactivity, building a reliable recall or proofing their commands? These are just a few of the many things our apprentices can help you with. Our apprentices are versatile and adept at many kinds of training and although still learning, are able to assist you in any stage of your behavioral development. Just tell us how we can help you.
Please sign up using link below or contact our training department for more information.
Please sign up using link below or contact our training department for more information.
For any private appointment within 25 minutes of Dogology or at Dogology
For any private appointment further than 25 minutes of Dogology (there is no cost difference, it just allows for our trainers travel time)
Intro to Agility and Confidence Building
"Overcoming mental hurdles through literal ones"
Looking for an introduction to agility and the opportunity to build your dogs confidence in an easy, fun and relaxing way? Bridge the gaps in your communication, deepen your bond, better understand your dogs learning processes, all while fulfilling your dogs mental and physical needs. Take the lessons and movements you learn here, apply them to the outside world, and watch your dog overcome not just physical obstacles, but mental ones. One hour, private session, held in our safe, 2,000 sq ft agility room. Please sign up using link below or contact our training department for more information.
Puppy Training Classes
Due to the popularity of our classes, there are no refunds 24 hrs prior
and no make ups for a missed class. If classes are full or you don't see a class that works
for you, please check back as new classes are typically added every few weeks.
Puppy Class for Young Puppies
Age grouping 10 to 24 weeks
4 weeks | Tues 5pm, Sat 9:15am | $400+tax
Everything you need to know about how to relate to your new best friend. Topics will include potty training, mouthing and jumping, commands, mental vs. physical exercise, teaching calm, socialization, problem prevention and building positive associations. This class is much more than your typical obedience based puppy class and is the foundation for a lifetime of good behavior and effective communication. One hour, small classes, over a four week period held in our safe, 2,000 sq ft training room. Please sign up using links below or contact our training department for more information.
Age grouping 10 to 24 weeks
4 weeks | Tues 5pm, Sat 9:15am | $400+tax
Everything you need to know about how to relate to your new best friend. Topics will include potty training, mouthing and jumping, commands, mental vs. physical exercise, teaching calm, socialization, problem prevention and building positive associations. This class is much more than your typical obedience based puppy class and is the foundation for a lifetime of good behavior and effective communication. One hour, small classes, over a four week period held in our safe, 2,000 sq ft training room. Please sign up using links below or contact our training department for more information.
Puppy Class for Older Puppies
Age grouping 6 months and older*
*If your dog is severely reactive to other dogs it is required you set up a private appointment prior to the start date of your class
4 weeks | Thurs 5pm, Sat 10:30am | $400+tax
Whether this is your puppy's first training class or they are continuing on from our younger class, make sure your puppy is on the path to good behavior. Topics will include leash walking, recall, potty training, mouthing, commands, mental vs. physical exercise, teaching calm, socialization, problem prevention and building positive relationships. This class is much more than your typical obedience based puppy class and is the foundation for a lifetime of good behavior and effective communication. One hour, small classes, over a four week period held in our safe, 2,000 sq ft training room. Please sign up using links below or contact our training department for more information.
Age grouping 6 months and older*
*If your dog is severely reactive to other dogs it is required you set up a private appointment prior to the start date of your class
4 weeks | Thurs 5pm, Sat 10:30am | $400+tax
Whether this is your puppy's first training class or they are continuing on from our younger class, make sure your puppy is on the path to good behavior. Topics will include leash walking, recall, potty training, mouthing, commands, mental vs. physical exercise, teaching calm, socialization, problem prevention and building positive relationships. This class is much more than your typical obedience based puppy class and is the foundation for a lifetime of good behavior and effective communication. One hour, small classes, over a four week period held in our safe, 2,000 sq ft training room. Please sign up using links below or contact our training department for more information.
Puppy Playgroup
Ages 10 to 24 weeks
Saturday | 8am-9am | $20
Puppy socialization is essential to the proper development of your dog. The more exposure your puppy has to different experiences the better socially equipped your adult dog will be later in life. One crucial area of proper socialization is their relationship to other dogs. Between the ages of 3 and 20 weeks old, your puppy will be far more accepting of new experiences. Past the period of about 20 weeks, it becomes increasingly more difficult to redefine a negative association into a positive one. Unfortunately, not all socialization is equal and placing your puppy into an unknown environment can just as easily, if not handled correctly, establish a negative relationship as it can a positive one. That’s why at Dogology we have developed puppy playgroups with experienced handlers who will monitor play so that each puppy can express their feelings and be guided through them in order to develop a positive link with all different types of canine personalities. Playgroups are held in our 2,000 sq ft training room and are limited to the appropriate number for the different sized groupings. Cost is $20/puppy, please sign up using link below or contact our training department for more information.
Puppy Playgroup Requirements:
Puppies aged 10 to 24 weeks
Up to date on age appropriate core vaccines
Healthy, friendly, and social puppy
It is very important that proper socialization not be limited to simply our puppy playgroup
and our experienced staff will be happy to discuss with you other ways in which to build on their development.
Puppy Playgroup Requirements:
Puppies aged 10 to 24 weeks
Up to date on age appropriate core vaccines
Healthy, friendly, and social puppy
It is very important that proper socialization not be limited to simply our puppy playgroup
and our experienced staff will be happy to discuss with you other ways in which to build on their development.
Leash Reactivity Class
***ONLY FOR CLIENTS WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY WORKED WITH OUR TRAINERS ON LEASH WORK***
A class for reactive dogs and their owners. This class is open to all reactivity levels and is designed to help owners achieve a loose lead, non reactive, enjoyable walk for them and their dog. For the safety of all dogs and humans, there will be specific rules laid out at the beginning of each class that must be adhered to at all times. This class is only open to owners who have previously worked with one of our trainers and has a recommenced tool that you are using to achieve a structured walking position. If you sign up and have not previously worked with one of our trainers on leash work, you will be asked to leave. This class is designed to resolve reactivity and build more confident dogs and handlers in a non judgmental, fun and inclusive format. Cost is $60/dog, please schedule using link below or contact our training department for more information.
Pack Walk
***ONLY FOR CLIENTS WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY WORKED WITH OUR TRAINERS ON LEASH WORK***
A group walk, much like our "Reactivity Class", but on the move and out in the real world. This walk is open to all reactivity levels and is designed to help owners achieve a loose lead, non reactive, enjoyable walk for them and their dog. For the safety of all dogs and humans, there will be specific rules laid out at the beginning of each walk that must be adhered to at all times. This walk is only open to owners who have previously worked with one of our trainers and has a recommenced tool that you are using to achieve a structured walking position. If you sign up and have not previously worked with one of our trainers on leash work, you will be asked to leave. This class is designed to resolve reactivity and build more confident dogs and handlers in a non judgmental, fun and inclusive format. Cost is $60/dog, please schedule using link below or contact our training department for more information.
Pre-Dog Ownership Consultation
Thinking about getting a new dog? Bringing a new dog into the home can be an exciting time but it can also come with a lot of questions, even for previous dog owners. The relationship you build with your dog begins the minute you first meet them and even in a matter of days, behavioral patterns can be established. Whether you are considering a new puppy or an adult dog, be confident you have the tools to make the right choice for your home. Please schedule using link below or contact our training department for more information.
Corporate Seminars
Every year companies have to account for their employees to sustain dog related injuries even though the companies function has little or nothing to do with dogs. Postal workers, utility workers, or any job that requires an employee to enter a clients property or home will put their employees at risk of a dog bite. These preventable injuries can cause a company productivity loss, monetary loss, and legal issues. At Dogology we offer companies a unique way to minimize these incidents by educating your employees on the proper way to handle the most common dog and human interactions. Our one hour seminar will cover body language cues, appropriate reactions to aggression and fear, a basic explanation of dog psychology and will dispel some of the common misconceptions we hear often from those working in the field. Although it is difficult to eliminate these incidents altogether, companies who have participated in our seminars have seen drastic reductions in the number of incidents per year. For scheduling or more information please email our training department.
Pet Industry Seminars
Understanding some basic behavior prevention and modification concepts is not just useful to the general public but also to any occupation that deals with the treatment and handling of dogs or education of their owners. For this reason we offer veterinary clinics, dog daycares, boarding facilities, or any dog related businesses the opportunity to have one of our trainers come to your facility and educate your staff. Our goal is to enhance your client experience by improving your staffs ability to handle canine interactions and speak more eloquently on the subject of training. In doing so it is our belief that we are doing a service to educate and improve the overall dog community. For scheduling or more information please email our training department.