06/04/2026
I hear people say, "I'll train my dog at home or by myself", or "class is a waste of money, I can find free info online".
"Dog Training is so expensive"
Sure you could do those things... but let me give you some different perspectives:
-You could train your dog at home, but wouldn't you like to learn the right way, from the right help, the first time instead of just winging it? Most group classes are reasonably priced. When we get compounded behavior problems it gets more expensive because of the detailed work now required to heal these practiced behaviors.
- Dog Training isn't just about training the dog, it's about training the Owner to be the best trainer/owner for the dog in front of them. What worked with your past dog, will probably not work completely for your next dog.
**Oh if I had a dollar every time a client said something like this I wouldn't be posting here, I would be at the beach lol**
Most problems with dogs start with the owners being a part of the problem. From lack of correct information to poor communication skills and trust between dog and owner. Dog's speak a different language and we always think every one needs to speak English lol
-Videos online are a NOT one size fits all. That's like saying a single therapy video will help every person! That's not the case because we all have different personalities, emotions, likes, and dislikes, and so does your dog!!
-Any one can give dog training advice because the industry is not regulated. YIKES!!!
So they can use any method and call it training. Some very common methods we think are acceptable, are very LAST resort options for qualified Certified Trainers. They are only used after exhausting all proper methods and referring out to a Veterinarian Behaviorist prior.
These last resort options being used first and not correctly, can and does cause emotional harm to our dogs, which leads to behavior problems later down the road long after training was finished. The behavior has been suppressed from fear used in training, and are not fully healed, then explodes later on and often in ways unexpected.
Dogs are only emotionally mature as an adult to the equivalent of a 2yr old child, while having problem solving skills of a 5-7 yr old at maturity. So there is a big difference in the logic of a 2 yr old and an adult human. We give them more credit for emotional maturity than we should and that's where the divide starts in our thinking.
Behavior problems start at an early age without being noticed and can continue on for years before you see a problem that "seems out of no where".
-Only Qualified Certified Trainers from a handful of Certifying bodies like: Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, Inc., Karen Pryor Academy, IAABC Foundation ,just to name of few of the industry leaders, have the qualifications to train your dog. These trainers have been tested and have required continuing education requirements to continue to hold their certifications.
So if you want to get started the right way with your dog, the best advice I can give you is to learn the right ways first, dog training isn't about obedience or control. No relationship based on control will be a happy or lasting one. But one build on love, trust, understanding and patience will last.
Training is mental health for your dog, don't trust your dog's mental health to just anyone. Do your research, be committed, and get them into class before bad behaviors start.
Our June classes will help you and your dog, whether you have trained your dogs before, or you are a new pet owner just getting started. There is always something you can learn about the pet's you love.
Upcoming classes:
-PupBeginner class - 7 weeks - class is 50 min/once a week.
Saturday's at 9 AM
6/20/26 at Eastgate Park - Dothan
$175 per dog/handler
Limit 4 dogs per class
-PupBeginner class - 7 weeks - class is 50 min/once a week.
Tuesday's at 7 PM
6/20/26 at James Oats Park - Dothan
$175 per dog/handler
Limit 4 dogs per class
Sign ups are on our website at:
https://www.laurietuttledogtraining.com
Call with questions:
219-776-7312
