Ohana Dog Training

What we offer

Do you have a perfectly well-behaved dog at home who is not so perfect in public? Does your dog “talk” to other dogs when you walk them? Do they pull on the leash? Does your dog know all the basics but could use more socialization? Let us help you gain new training skills for the real world!

Presently we’re offering advanced obedience classes that focus on refining the basic obedience skills learned in beginner classes. This class provides practical skills for you and your dog focusing where it matters most – in public. This class will be held in a different outdoor public location at each meeting. At the conclusion of the class you can take the AKC Community and Urban titles (CGCA / CGCU) evaluations. These tests are challenging because they are administered in real situations. Dogs who pass either or both tests may earn official titles on the dog's AKC record with proper documentation.

Mission Statement

Ohana Dog Training’s goals are to help you move your training to the next level by providing positive reinforcement training methods, effective communication, and novel strategies. We are called Ohana to honor one of my first dogs, Ivy Ohana, who led me to be a professional dog trainer. Also, in Hawaiian, “Ohana” means family, and that’s what our dogs are to us – family. With decades of dog training experience and national certifications, we strive to create a positive bond resulting in a well-trained family dog.

Testimonials

This is a great class!

Many thanks to Robin for designing each class to build on the previous lessons, resulting in a total course that prepares handlers and dogs to go anywhere! This is the most practical dog training course I've ever had. I highly recommend it to anyone planning to take their canine friend out and about the town, into the store, off on vacation, or even on neighborhood walks. It was great to see each dog improve every week and spread doggie goodwill to the many strangers they met.

-- Patrick R.

Ohana Dog Training NC's advanced class goes out on the town to urban and community places. Robin offers excellent positive reinforcement training that is tailored to each dog and handler. She helps each team problem-solve in a positive, fun manner that builds the relationship with your dog. The class is very well organized and builds incrementally on skills needed to take your dog with you anywhere they are allowed. My puppy is 15 months old, and even though we passed the test the first go-round, we are repeating it because it is so good and so much fun!

-- Sally H.

Prerequisites

Dogs must be Behaviorally Healthy and not have aggression issues with people. Due to the training procedures in this class, it is imperative dogs are comfortable approaching people and having people approach them.
Completion and proof of the Canine Good Citizen certificate or title is a prerequisite for the class.
Dogs must be at least 1 year of age at the start of class. No upper age limits.
All dogs must have Rabies and DHPP vaccinations. Proof of vaccinations must be submitted online during registration. Dogs without proof of vaccinations will not be able to participate.
No gentle leader (nose harness), shock collars, e-collars, prong collars or choke chains allowed in class.
Pre-registration and pre-payment is required.

About Me

I grew up with dogs and horses, taking an avid interest in training both. I have been training my own dogs since 1994; but did not move into the professional dog training world until 2012. Since then I have taught a variety of classes including but not limited to basic obedience, pre-agility, sports sampler, distraction proofing, and advanced obedience classes. I am an AKC certified evaluator and am nationally recognized and certified by the Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA). My personal dogs hold titles in obedience, tricks, agility and scentwork. Using the skills I have learned over a lifetime of training and observing dogs, I am strongly interested in getting you and your dog to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What is clicker training?

Clicker training is a type of precise tool used in positive reinforcement training that can allow you to train specific behaviors at a distance from your dog. Clicker training is very useful in the field obedience class and prepares your dog for future classes like sports.

Why are there age minimums?

The minimum age for this class is 1 year because the CGC field class stresses distraction training and builds on the level of confidence gained from the Beginner and CGC basics. This outside class involves lots of noises and movement and having other dogs nearby. For this type of training, the dog should be mature enough to handle distractions. There is also a developmental fear period in dogs at around 10 months that can cause some dogs to react oddly to common distractions, like a mechanical toy. For this reason, it is important that dog owners be aware of this stage and be willing to work through this period with their dogs.

Proof of vaccinations?

There are several diseases for which all dogs should be protected against. Rabies is a zoonotic disease (meaning it can be passed from animals to people) and can be fatal to both. Parvo virus is an extremely tough virus that can live almost anywhere in the environment for years. When contracted by a dog, it destroys the dog’s intestines, often leading to death. Since this class is outdoors in nature, there is no guarantee of virus free spaces. Yearly Bordetella vaccines and the Canine Influenza vaccine are highly recommended. Please send us a photocopy which you will upload when registering. Once you’ve sent in one copy, you only need to send us updates.

What training methods are used?

We use positive reinforcement training in this class. We start off by setting you and your dog up for success and rewarding the dog for the right behavior. The key is to define, in black and white, the exact behavior the dog should be doing and to associate that behavior with lots of rewards. The dog figures it out, the tail wags, and an understanding between the dog and the handler happens. With increased communication and humane leadership techniques, the relationship between the dog and the handler strengthens. We don’t use fear, intimidation, or inhumane physical force methods because these methods escalate aggression and cause the relationship between the dog and handler to break down. While we do use toys and treats at the beginning of this class, they are not allowed on the tests at the end of the class.

Is my dog too old to learn?

As long as your dog is in good health, there isn’t any reason an old dog can’t learn new tricks. In fact, many times the older dogs do quite well because they are more self-confident. For this reason there is no age maximum for the CGC field class.

What about females in heat?

Females in heat will get the attention of every dog in class – male and female. Generally, all dogs behave very differently around females in heat and will be extremely distracted by her. Moreover, females in heat can leave scents behind that will distract dogs for many days forward. We ask that you leave dogs in heat at home. Under these circumstances, we’d be happy to reschedule you to a future class at no additional charge.

Why the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) requirement?

We have a Canine Good Citizen test requirement for our field classes. The Canine Good Citizen test is a standardized test for dogs that is consistent across the country. Canine Good Citizens are able to demonstrate obedience basics – sit/stay, down/stay, come when called, walk on a loose leash around mild distractions, sit politely for petting, pass a neutral dog calmly.

What if I need to cancel a class?

We understand that life happens. Please review our refund policy in our waiver as stated below. Then, please fill out a cancellation request.

If I have 2 dogs, can I put them in the same class?

Experience shows that two dogs from the same “pack” do much better if enrolled in separate classes. The goal of this class is to strengthen the relationship of the handler and the dog. With the other doggie “pack-mate” present, and in the presence of other people and dogs, the two dogs are much more likely to be focused on each other and pack dynamics. You and your dog will get much more out of the class if you enroll each dog in a separate class where each dog will get 100% of your attention…which is what you want back from your dog.