With graduation a few tests away, this review is overdue…read more
Summary (Pre-A1 K9 Training):
- 5.5 months old at the time of our consultation with Marth
- 1.5 months of training with a positive reinforcement trainer
- Knew basic commands (sit, stay, down, come), but Mochi had no desire to do them unless you dangled treats in his face (50-50 success rate, depending on whether he was hungry for a snack)
- Potty training in the house was 50-50 on whether he would aim well
- Not a fan of walking, ever
- Also not a fan of curbs--he would shake in fear when he got close to them
- Zero recall
- Considering dog parks and doggie day care, based on the suggestions of others
- Ridiculously great at puzzles
- Crate-trained
Summary (Post-A1 K9 Training):
- 1 year old at graduation
- 6.5 months of balanced training with Marth
- Basic commands on cue with hand signals (sit, stay, down, come)
- Tricks on command with hand signals
- Can actually visit his nana's house, since he's potty trained
- Can cross streets and enjoys walking
- Can jump off/on curbs (beds and stairs too)
- Off-leash hikes
- Definitely no dog parks and doggie day care, based on the rewards of working/playing with Mochi ourselves
- Still great at puzzles
- Upgraded from a crate to a cactus in his crate
- AKC Canine Good Citizen
- AKC Novice Trick Dog
Background:
Mochi and I started working with a positive reinforcement trainer when he was 2.5 months old. After 6 weeks at $100 a session (this was the cash discount too), I was ready to throw in the towel. He still peed off the pad at home, had no desire to walk, wouldn't obey commands unless he was in the mood, and I was now the proud owner of two wooden cooking spoons and a ton of peanut butter that should have taught him how to heel.
After hours of Yelp research, I stumbled across A1 K9 Training.
Consultation:
When I first scheduled the consultation with Marth, I was blown away by how detailed and thorough his email was--my favorite part was the map for the park with the area he would meet us at circled.
Marth asked me to run Moch through basic commands, and he asked what other issues we were struggling with. He reviewed his expectations with us--1 video a week of training, 1 video a week of play, no dog parks, no doggie daycare, and attend our classes within the given timeframe.
Pricing/Contract:
We signed up for the A1 K9 Package after Marth decided we were committed enough to join the A1 K9 pack. The price includes 20 private sessions and 1 WHOLE YEAR of social class. If you count the 2-3 social classes/month, it works out to 24-36 additional training opportunities. 20 private classes + a minimum of 24 social classes = 44 classes. $3,200/44 classes = $72.73/class. That's $27.27 cheaper than our prior trainer AND you'll actually build a relationship with your dog that isn't dependent on them being hungry.
Training:
I learned Moch values play more than any treat, and you can use play to train.
After mastering the basics, Moch gave a full demonstration of walking on his terms--a full sploot of terror in the middle of the street with paws grappling for traction on the pavement. We couldn't even make it all the way across the street, no matter how much I cajoled him. After an hour of teaching me how to build Moch's confidence and how to be a better cheerleader, we were actually walking!
Marth encouraged us to start attending social classes, but I wasn't sure Moch would be ready for it. Big. Mistake. Start taking your pup to social class as soon as possible. Moch is obsessed with making friends--he whines when you don't let him greet other dogs and extend the invitation to play. Social class taught him only certain dogs want to play with him, and it gave me a chance to work on being the most exciting playmate he has.
One of the other benefits is the community Marth has built. Everyone was so supportive, even when Moch decided to boycott walking halfway through social class (to my great embarrassment).
Last week, Mochi took his AKC CGC test and PASSED. Moch also got his AKC Novice Trick Dog Title, and we have begun preparations to take the AKC CGC Community test this upcoming week.
Training with Marth was worth the hard work and 2-hour round trip on Fridays (in traffic). Moch and I get to truly enjoy our time together now, and we finally get to go off-leash hiking!
Thanks a million, Marth!