Dog Training
Training and socializing your pet not only makes life easier, but it also helps your pet feel safe, secure and happy. We offer group or individual training year- round to assist you in all of your training needs. From puppy to canine good citizen, our certified trainers are here for you!
Do any of these statements sound like you?
You’re frustrated and embarrassed by your dog’s behavior
Your puppy is biting you, chewing everything and peeing everywhere
It doesn’t feel like your dog ever listens to you
You're happy with your dog's behavior but want to teach them new skills
You're not alone!
Pend Oreille Pet Lodge & Training can help you turn your dog's behavior around and even help you teach them some new tricks
Next Steps!
Once you have filled and submitted your client information and agreement form online, a trainer will contact you. You may also email us at: trainingteam@sandpointvets.com or call 208-263-2361
Private lessons and group classes must be paid in full at the time of scheduling to reserve your spot.
Your business is IMPORTANT to us!
We try to respond to phone messages, contact forms, and emails within 48 hours.
Our trainers are frequently away from the phone, working with dogs and clients – please be patient when you call as you will often need to leave us a message.
Private Lessons
Our private training lessons offer flexibility to your schedule and are tailored to the needs of each dog and their human. Customized private lessons are held at either the comfort of your home or at our Pend Oreille Pet Lodge training facility. Lessons are 60 minutes each.
In contrast to group classes, our focus is solely on you and your dog. We will target the skills and behaviors that are important to you. Dogs and their humans can greatly benefit from a quieter, less distracting environment, where they can fully concentrate on the task at hand. In private lessons the instructor has far more time to assess and discuss your specific concerns and achieve your goals.
Private lessons will help you take your dog to the next level, whether that be basic manners and obedience, off-leashing training, or specific behavior issues. Such as aggression, leash reactivity, excessive barking, fear, anxiety, and much more.
Our trainers will do a client needs assessment and behavior evaluation of your dog on the first visit. From there, we will develop a short and long-term training program to meet your goals. Regardless of your dog’s breed, age, personality, or history, we can create a customized dog training program that will fit your dog and lifestyle.
We are here to help you set the framework for long term success and teach you how to maintain results! Our programs are homework intensive.
Call us today to schedule a behavior consultation visit.
Pricing: $90 per session
**All lessons must be paid in full at the time of scheduling to reserve your spot**
Below is minimum number of lessons to handle certain situations.
Pet Manners-Three Lessons
Pet manners package is great for minor problem behaviors or one to two obedience behaviors. Such as barking, door manners, jumping, leash manners and more.
Basic Obedience and Behavior-Five Lessons
This package option focuses on basic skills such as sit, down, stay, come, heel, leave-it, watch me and minor behavior concerns. We will introduce distraction training and help you to understand how to achieve good behavior with your dog, in the real world.
Behavior/Aggression/Advanced Obedience-Six Lessons
In this category, we address more complex behaviors that take more time to fix. Such as chasing other animals, fear/anxiety behavior, resource guarding, leash reactivity, aggression, excessive barking and more. We can also continue basic obedience to off-leash or further distraction training.
One- hour in home private lesson: starting at $145 (plus mileage charge depending on location)
Training Supplies
Please bring these supplies to your visits: treats- soft pea sized treats, a treat pouch- to hold your treats in for easy access, a well fitted collar that your dog can not slip out of- we will discuss training collar recommendations at our lesson, a six foot leash- no retractable leashes, a 15-20 foot long line, a favorite toy and any other training tools you use.
Stay and Train
Our stay and train program offers environmental exposure, socialization with other dogs/ people, obedience training, manners and physical/ mental enrichment. Your dog will enjoy interactive play and structure in a safe and educational environment. Our programs are catered towards the needs of you and your dog.
Your dog will stay at our facility Monday through Friday. At the end of each week, you will have the option to pick your dog up with a one on one go home lesson. You will also receive updates throughout the week on how your dog is doing. This hybrid approach will help your dog to behave better for you by the end of the program. Plus, we know it’s hard to be away from your best friend for weeks on end.
Stay and train is great for those who have limited time to meet training goals and those who are on vacation and would like for their dog to get more than just a boarding stay. Our facility also offers dog playgroups and many other enrichment activities to fulfill your dog’s needs.
Consultation visit required prior to program/ $64
Foundation Training Program
Three to five weeks- depending on training goals
We will work on:
Basic obedience skills: loose leash walking, heel, place, sit stay, down stay and come when called.
Engagement/ confidence skills: fit paws/ agility, tricks, fetch or structured tug/ flirt pole.
Basic manners: polite greetings, no jumping/ barking/ mouthing, thresholds, wait and leave-it/ drop-it.
Problem behaviors: such as leash reactivity towards other dogs/ humans or fear issues.
Program includes: Information packet and weekly homework plan. Two- follow up lesson at the Pet Lodge to transition your dog’s new skills to you in order to maintain these new behaviors at home. We do recommend a house visit for a follow up lesson, to make sure the training sticks in your location. Additional fees apply for house visits.
Customized Training Program:
A one week program for dogs approved by trainer. This program is customized for dogs with specific training goals. Graduates of our Foundation Training Stay and Train program can choose this option to refresh training, advance to off leash obedience or work on specific behaviors. This program is a great option for when you go on vacation to give your furry family member mental enrichment and physical exercise.
We will work on:
Obedience skills or problem behaviors that you would like us to focus on.
Engagement/ confidence skills.
Basic manners.
Call for pricing! Price does not include food, treats, training equipment, additional boarding, playgroup fees or additional enrichment options offered by the Pet Lodge.
Puppy Basics Class
Next Class Sessions Start: March 13th @ 4:00 pm, April 23rd @ 5:30 pm
This class is for puppies 14 weeks to 6 months
Get your puppy started off on the right paw with our puppy classes! Puppy class is essential to ensuring that your dog is properly socialized at a young age and is a great way to set your newest family member on the right path to appropriate behaviors within your family environment. Classes are taught in a safe, fun and positive environment with time for supervised play, socialization and real-life situation training. This class is for puppies 14 weeks – 6 months old.
Class covers:
Developmental stages and fear periods- how to raise a confident puppy
Learning Theory- how dogs learn
Socialization- how dogs communicate with each other and us
Trust exercises- preparing for vet exams/ nail trims
Basic obedience and manners
Cost: $208
Length: Six, One hour lessons meeting once a week
Class Size: Up to six dogs
Supplies Needed for Class: Standard six-foot leash (no retractable leashes) and a well-fitting collar that your dog cannot slip out of. A long line that is 15-20 foot. Soft, small, bite sized training treats for your dog. Treat bag, something to carry treats for easy access. This bag should attach to your belt so you can have two free hands. We will discuss training tools/ equipment further in class
Homework: You get written lesson plans along with an online portal to lesson videos!
To register for a group class:
Email trainingteam@sandpointvets.com to verify that there is space available in the class.
Fill out our Client Information and Service Agreement online form
Once your form has been received, make a prepayment to fully reserve your spot in class.
Email vaccination records to trainingteam@sandpointvets.com (our vaccine policy).
Puppy Power Hour
Thursdays @ 10am
Want to start them out right? We offer trainer supervised playgroups for puppies that are 14 weeks to 6 months of age. This is a great way to help your puppy learn important socialization skills and burn off some of that puppy energy! We are excited to have you and your puppy join our playgroup! PPH is held Thursdays at 10:00am, drop-ins welcome! Owners to be present at the first playgroup; but may drop-off for additional playgroups. Please see our Puppy Power Hour Rules below.
Cost: $10.00 per session or $35.00 for four sessions
The following rules are to ensure safety for all puppy attendees.
Companion Dog Obedience Class
Next Class Starts: April 22nd @ 4:00 pm
This class is for dogs 6 months and older
This class is for dogs six months and up or have completed our Puppy Class. Group class training is a great way to train your dog around people, dogs and other distractions. We keep our classes small for your comfort and to maximize learning. These classes are fun for the whole family! In this class you will learn how to deal with everyday behavioral issues and how to build a solid foundation in obedience. We can help teach creative and practical ways to deal with the most common training issues, even with a busy life schedule.
Class covers:
Learning Theory- how dogs learn
What marker training is and why its useful
Problem solving for common issues
How to strengthen useful obedience behaviors
Trust exercises- preparing for vet exams/ nail trims
Impulse control and manners - respecting thresholds
Cost: $208.00
Length: Six – One hour lessons, meeting once a week
Class Size: Up to six dogs
Supplies Needed for Class: Standard six-foot leash (no retractable leashes) and a well-fitting collar that your dog cannot slip out of. A long line that is 15-20 foot. Soft, small, bite sized training treats for your dog. Treat bag, something to carry treats for easy access. This bag should attach to your belt so you can have two free hands. Dog cot, an elevated bed used for the place command. We will provide place cots for in class practice. We will discuss training tools/ equipment further in class
Homework: You get written lesson plans along with an online portal to class lesson videos!
To register for a group class:
Email trainingteam@sandpointvets.com to verify that there is space available in the class.
Fill out our Client Information and Service Agreement online form
Once your form has been received, make a prepayment to fully reserve your spot in class.
Email vaccination records to trainingteam@sandpointvets.com (our vaccine policy)
Companion Dog Level 2 Class
Next Class Starts: April 22nd @ 5:30 pm
This class is a continuation of our Companion Dog Class.
Haven’t taken any of our classes? Call to set up a required evaluation with our trainer.
This class covers the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program. It is the gold standard of behavior for dogs in our communities. This class will prepare your dog for everyday situations and proper etiquette in the home as well as in public. This course is focused on enhancing the dog/handler team and creating a dog that is in control and confident in any environment. Dogs with solid obedience preparation are more fun to live with and better behaved around people and other dogs. The Canine Good Citizen certification can also be helpful when renting an apartment or condo and may even save you some money on your homeowner’s insurance.
Class covers:
There will be a Canine Good Citizen test at the end of this course. Check out what to expect at https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/canine-good-citizen-test-items/
How to build and proof obedience behaviors
Breaking away from treats as rewards
Recognizing and advocating behavior in real world situations
Enhance overall obedience and responsiveness of dog
Cost: $208.00
Length: Six- One hour lessons, meeting once a week
Class Size: Up to six dogs
Supplies Needed for Class: Standard six-foot leash (no retractable leashes) and a well-fitting collar that your dog cannot slip out of. A long line that is 15-20 foot. Soft, small, bite sized training treats for your dog. Treat bag, something to carry treats for easy access. This bag should attach to your belt so you can have two free hands. Dog cot, an elevated bed used for the place command. We will provide place cots for in class practice. We will discuss training tools/ equipment further in class
To register for a group class:
Email trainingteam@sandpointvets.com to verify that there is space available in the class.
Fill out our Client Information and Service Agreement online form
Once your form has been received, make a prepayment to fully reserve your spot in class.
Email vaccination records to trainingteam@sandpointvets.com (our vaccine policy).
Scent Work Class
Next Class Starts: April 24th @ 5:30 pm
Scent Class is a great opportunity for dogs to have fun, build confidence, develop focus and use mental and physical energy! The sport of scent work is a rewarding game that uses your dog’s natural ability while strengthening the bond between you and your dog. This sport is based on the work of professional detection dogs such as drug dogs. In AKC Scent Work, dogs search for cotton swabs saturated with the essential oils of Birch, Anise, Clove and Cypress. Teamwork is necessary! When the dog finds the scent, they have to communicate the find to the handler.
Dogs have a sense of smell that’s between 10,000 and 100,000 times more acute than ours! We have about 6 million olfactory receptors, dogs have 300 million. They can discern individual odors making up what we call “scent.” It’s incredible what they can do with their nose!
Benefits of Scent Work
Burn lots of mental and physical energy doing searches
Provides much needed mental enrichment for any dog
Human learns to observe and understand their dog’s body language
Great for dogs of any breed, size or age (from puppy to seniors)
Prevent or resolve other behavior problems through mental enrichment
Shy, fearful or anxious dogs build confidence
Overactive dogs put excess energy into searches
Searches can be done anywhere you take your dog
Great activity for bad weather days to relieve boredom
Minimal cost, no expensive equipment necessary
Strengthened relationship and teamwork with your dog
Supplies needed for class
High Value Rewards - rewards the dog finds highly motivating, even in what might be a distracting situation. Example, a dog might be very excited about steak rewards (high value), while they would not always be interested in a piece of kibble (lower value). Reward should be a plentiful amount of small pea sized treats (cooked chicken, hot dogs, cheese, liver treats)
Treat bag - something to carry treats for easy access. This bag should attach to your belt so you can have two free hands
6- 15 ft leash
Non correctional body harness or a Flat collar - this harness or collar will go on the dog only when performing exercises with the odor. So, it does need to be different than what you have used for other activities
Three or more cardboard boxes, similar in size - for your homework practice. Do not bring these boxes to class
One larger box - to cut 2 adjacent holes in. We will discuss at first class
We supply your scent work kit for class that contains: the odor, metal tin, gloves and containers
Session details
Dogs six months and older
Dogs must have good food drive for class!
Cost: $230
Length: Six, One hour lessons meeting once a week
Class Size: Up to five dogs.
To register for a group class:
Email trainingteam@sandpointvets.com to verify that there is space available in the class.
Fill out our Client Information and Service Agreement online form
Once your form has been received, make a prepayment to fully reserve your spot in class.
Email vaccination records to trainingteam@sandpointvets.com (our vaccine policy).
Meet Your Dog Trainer
MY NAME IS MONICA AND I AM A CERTIFIED DOG TRAINER AND LEAD TRAINER AT THE PET LODGE
My career as a professional dog trainer began in 2005 after graduating from Tom Rose School for Dog Trainers. This opportunity gave me well rounded knowledge in how to train for competition obedience, search and rescue, protection, agility, schutzhund, narcotic search and much more! After this, I moved back to North Idaho and started my own dog training business, while working at veterinary hospitals, shelters and volunteering for search and rescue. I started working at Pend Oreille Veterinary Service in 2010 and as of 2019 had decided to become our full- time dog trainer here at the Pend Oreille Pet Lodge.
I specialize in puppy training, obedience, problem solving, fear and aggression, therapy dog training, scent work and competition obedience. I can help you through private lessons, stay and train programs and group classes. My goal is to help you have a healthy and cohesive relationship with your dog… on both ends of the leash.
The most exciting aspect of being a dog trainer is the continuous learning journey. I strive to expand my education in current training methods and animal behavior. Along with being an AKC CGC tester and the Tom Rose School certification, I am also a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals, one of the largest dog-professional organizations.
When I’m not training dogs, I love…
Spending time with my husband, Dale, our four dogs Josie, Logan, Ander and Willy
Mountain biking, hiking, running and exploring in nature
Pyrography and mixed media art
Fly fishing
Daydreaming of my next adventure!
New to dog training?
Please read our Vaccine and Cancellation policies.
Our Training Philosophy
Training enhances the relationship you share with your dog and builds a mutual bond.
Our philosophy is a well-behaved dog requires a solid foundation, clear communication and daily structure in the home, in order to maintain good behavior in any environment and around any distraction. Our training focuses on achieving an obedient dog through trust and respect. If we want our dog to listen, we must first listen to our dog.
If we want our dog to respect us, we must first show our dog respect. We believe it is just as much about training the owner as it is about training the dog. Just as humans do not learn the same way, dogs also require different training approaches.
This is why our canine training team utilizes a variety of training techniques and tools to meet your dog’s individual needs. We believe that training must be balanced by first using motivation methods to teach and strengthen behaviors. We show you how to clearly communicate using verbal markers (Yes! Good! Nope! No! Free or Okay!).
A strong foundation using food rewards creates a positive experience for your dog that keeps them looking forward to the next training session. Eventually your dog will be in an environment where the distractions are more interesting than your high value reward. To prepare for these situations, we utilize training tools such as: slip leash, halti, prong collar, remote e-collar, as needed to ensure reliability in the real world. We introduce training tools in a low stress, thoughtful way taking into account many factors, so that we can offer fair communication.
How you live life with your dog is crucial to solving many common behavioral problems. The communication between you and your dog is the most important factor to a balanced relationship. We are here to help you set the framework for long term success and maintain results!
Pet Lodge, Grooming, and Training Services Vaccine Protocol
What vaccines do we require?
All vaccines must be administered by a licensed veterinarian.
For dogs: Rabies, Distemper/Parvo Virus, and Bordetella (upper respiratory) vaccines. We also do require that the Bordetella be given every SIX months.
For cats: Rabies, Feline Leukemia, and Feline Distemper vaccines.
If your pet is not able to get vaccinated due to a medical condition, we ask that you provide a note from the doctor stating the aforementioned.
Thank you for your understanding. Your pet’s health and safety are extremely important to us. Any other questions about our policy, you can talk to our friendly staff at the Pet Lodge at 208-255-7687. Records can be emailed to petlodge@sandpointvets.com or faxed to 208-265-5004.
Vaccination Policy
In an effort to provide the best possible care for your companions we are improving our policy regarding vaccinations. All guests arriving at the lodge for boarding, training or grooming will need to be current on their vaccinations before check in. Vaccination must have been administered by a veterinarian. We will need the appropriate documentation PRIOR TO ARRIVAL. We require Bordatella given every six months, DHPP and Rabies vaccines.
Please email, petlodge@sandpointvets.com or fax 208-265-5004 ATTN: Pet lodge. Need assistance? Call us at 208-255-7687 we are happy to help.
