How To Get Started With Us
Thank you for your interest in working with us! Below, you will find more details about the services that we offer. If you have any questions about our services, please visit the 'FAQ' page or click 'Chat With Us!'
Most of our services are offered both in-person and online. In-person sessions will occur primarily at your home unless specified by your trainer.
If you have decided that you would like to work with us, please note that we require all new potential clients to schedule a New Client Evaluation with us before being allowed to book sessions or lessons (with the exception of AKC testing and consultations). Please visit our 'FAQ' for more details on this policy.
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New Client Evaluation
Welcome to Toto Dog Training! We are excited to be able to help you with your dog problems. Help us get to know you and your dog by scheduling an evaluation with us. During this 45-minute evaluation, you'll get to meet with one of our trainers to determine your dog training goals and to help decide which one of our services is right for you. This evaluation is required for potential clients interested in private lessons or behavior modification sessions. This service is offered in-person or online. *Please note that there is a travel fee of $0.25/mile outside of the 20 mile radius from Sterling.*
Private Lessons
Whether you're just starting out with 'sit' or trying to earn an advanced trick title, our private lessons can help you reach your training goals. Private lessons occur once per week for one hour, with additional time required for assigned homework/practice. Private lessons may be right for you if: - You need help with the Four Core Behaviors (Sit, Down, Come, Stay). - You'd like to learn some fun new tricks (Touch, Wait, Spin, Shake, etc). - You need help with minor behavior issues such as jumping. - You'd like your dog to walk nicely on leash. - You'd like to learn the skills to complete any of the AKC tests. Private lessons are offered both in-person and online. In-person lessons will take place in your home unless specified by your trainer. Your trainer will determine which format is best for you. Depending on the results of your evaluation, your trainer will determine how many weeks are necessary to complete your training goals. Lessons are sold individually or in packages (3 weeks, 5 weeks, 8 weeks). *Please note that there is a travel fee of $0.25/mile outside of the 20 mile radius from Sterling.*
Evening Training Program
Are you struggling to balance everything, and you just can't find time every day to train your dog? Let us do the heavy lifting for you! Unlike a traditional private lesson, which requires more of your time and energy, our evening training program allows you to relax knowing that your dog is getting the training that they need. During the week, a Toto trainer will come to your house twice a week for 20 minute lessons with your dog to work on your dog's training goals. At the end of the week, you will receive a brief, 20 minute transition lesson to show what your dog has learned and what to practice on. This program may be right for you if: - You have a very busy schedule and struggle finding time to manage your dog's training. - You prefer to be more hands-off with your dog's training. - You have only a few, specific training goals for your dog. The Evening Training Program is only offered in-person. In-person lessons will take place in your home unless specified by your trainer. Depending on the results of your evaluation, your trainer will determine how many weeks are necessary to complete your training goals. Lessons are sold individually or in packages (3 weeks, 5 weeks, 8 weeks). *Please note that this program may be unavailable for your area and is subject to the Head Trainer's discretion. Please reach out to see if we are able to accomidate you into this program.* **Please note that there is a travel fee of $0.25/mile outside of the 20 mile radius from Sterling.**
Behavior Modification Sessions
Dogs are amazing and wonderful creatures, and they can bring joy and fulfillment to our lives. But when your dog growls whenever you approach his food bowl or lunges and barks at any dog she sees during a walk, your relationship and love for your dog can sour. Toto Dog Training recognizes and understands the struggles that dog owners face with their problem dog, and want to help you regain your peace of mind and enjoy having a dog again. Behavior Modification may be right for you if: - You can't take your dog for walks because they bark or growl at other dogs or people. - You cannot have parties or guests in your home due to your dog's fear of strangers. - Your dog growls or attempts to bite whenever you approach something that they value (their bowl, food, a toy, or the best spot on the couch). - Your dog has seperation anxiety, so you can never leave them home alone. Behavior modification sessions are offered both in-person and online. In-person lessons will take place in your home unless specified by your trainer. Your trainer will determine which format is best for you. Depending on the results of your evaluation, your trainer will determine how many weeks are necessary to complete your training goals. Sessions are sold in packages (3 weeks, 5 weeks, 8 weeks). *Please note that there is a travel fee of $0.25/mile outside of the 20 mile radius from Sterling.* **A note on behavior modification: Behaviors are complex and often emotionally-motivated. Changing behavior may require management techniques including changes in lifestyle, bloodwork done by a vet, or a visit to a veterinary behaviorist for the perscription of medications. Depending on the severity of the issue(s), you may be referred to a veterinary behaviorist.**
AKC Testing
Ready to take your CGC? Toto Dog Training offers testing and titling for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, GCG, Urban CGC, Video Home Manners, and Trick Dog tests. Unless specified, all tests occur in-person. *Please note that there is a travel fee of $0.25/mile outside of the 20 mile radius from Sterling.*
Essential Life Skills Program
When people think of training their dog, they think of teaching 'Sit' or being a part of a group class. A lot of essential skills that help dogs live happy and enriching lives are often not covered in traditional private lessons and group classes. Our Essential Life Skills program works with your dog on behaviors that will help them in places such as the vet's office or the grooming salon. The Essential Life Skills program may be right for you if: - You'd like to be able to clip your dog's nails without hassel. - You are traveling and your dog needs to learn to wear a muzzle. - Visiting the groomer is an extremely stressful experience. - You have to wrestle your dog every time they need a bath. - You'd like your dog to stand still while getting a shot or getting blood drawn. Enroll in our Essential Life Skills today! Your pet-and vet!-will thank you! These sessions are offered both in-person and online. In-person lessons will take place in your home unless specified by your trainer. Your trainer will determine which format is best for you. Depending on the results of your evaluation, your trainer will determine how many weeks are necessary to complete your training goals. Lessons are sold individually or in packages (3 weeks, 5 weeks, 8 weeks). *Please note that there is a travel fee of $0.25/mile outside of the 20 mile radius from Sterling.*
New Family Member Consultation
Congratulations on your newest family member! Transitions are hard for everyone, no matter if you've adopted or shopped. Make this shift less stressful by scheduling a New Family Member Consultation! During this one-hour session, one of our trainers will offer tips and tricks on how to manage your new puppy's socialization while they are between booster shots, or on how to housetrain your adopted shelter dog. We will also identify any potential or current behavior issues and which path(s) might be beneficial to you and your dog in the future. Consultations are offered both in-person and online. Each consultation session lasts one hour. *Please note that there is a travel fee of $0.25/mile outside of the 20 mile radius from Sterling.*
Pre-Purchase/Adoption Counseling
You've waited patiently, crunched the numbers, and have finally decided to find a new best friend. But with thousands of rescues and hundreds of breeds to choose from, how do you know if you are making a good decision? Toto can help you find the dog of your dreams and find a best friend that will match your personality and lifestyle. Need help finding an ethical breeder for your favorite breed? Let us aid you in your search! Want a professional's opinion while you meet a shelter dog? A Toto trainer can come with you to your Meet-and-Greet and help determine whether a dog is really right for you. Consultations are offered both in-person and online. In-person lessons will take place in your home unless specified by your trainer. Your trainer will determine which format is best for you. *Please note that there is a travel fee of $0.25/mile outside of the 20 mile radius from Sterling.*
Shelter/Rescue Consultation
We here at Toto Dog Training respect and appreciate all of the work, sweat,and tears that volunteers and staff put into the rescue and care of homless, abandoned, and abused pets. Unfortunatly, rescues and shelters are stretched thin in both time and money, leaving certain activities such as enrichment and behavior modification on the backburner. That's where we come in! We can help shelters develop or improve their enrichment and training programs to make their dogs happier and more adoptable. We also offer training sessions for volunteers and staff on dog behavior, body language, play groups, and simple tricks that make dogs more appealing to potential adopters. Toto will also work on a select few dogs from each shelter that have behavior problems such as resource guarding and reactivity. Consultations are offered both in-person (if the shelter/rescue has a physical facility) and online. Each consultation session lasts one hour. *Please note that there is a travel fee of $0.25/mile outside of the 20 mile radius from Sterling.*
Pet Sitting
*Only available to residents within Sterling city limits* Going on vacation but don't want to board your pet? We offer pet sitting services for dogs, cats, and exotics. Rest easy knowning that your pets are being taken care of while you are away! For clients with dogs, ask about adding a 30 minutes walk to your package! Going out of town for the weekend? We now offer weekend packages! *Spots are extremely limited. Please reach out with questions on availability.*
Dog Walking
*Only available to residents within Sterling city limits* Is your schedule getting clogged with work, basketball games and ballet lessons. On top of all that, you forgot to walk the dog! But late night games and chilly weather make this needed exercise more of a chore. Let us help! Toto Dog Training can take your dog on a walk for you, even in chilly winter weather or rainy summer mornings. Sleep in, stay out, and don't worry about getting Fido his exercise! *Spots are extremely limited. Please reach out with questions on availability.*