Business Details
34 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Dog Training & Therapy Services in Columbia, MO
Ann Gafke's Dogschooling has been solving dog behavior problems and achieving training goals for over 50 years. Our approach combines structured obedience training with positive reinforcement techniques to build confidence in both dogs and their owners. We specialize in preparing dogs for therapy work and family companionship while maintaining state-of-the-art facilities featuring 27 acres of training grounds. Our team's expertise spans multiple dog breeds, with particular experience in German Shepherds and Border Collies.We emphasize fun-based learning that strengthens the human-canine bond while addressing common behavioral issues. Our facilities include specialized equipment for obedience, agility, and tracking training. We maintain active involvement in national dog care programs and have contributed to educational publications on canine behavior. Our training philosophy focuses on establishing clear leadership roles while making the learning process enjoyable for both dogs and their handlers.
Services
Obedience Classes
Therapy Dog Training
Aggressive Dog Training
Private Lessons
Puppy Training
Canine Freestyle
CGC Certification
Agility Training
Behavior Consultation
Service Dog Prep
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- 50+ years of proven dog training experience
- Specialized programs for aggressive behavior modification
- Therapy dog certification preparation available
- 27-acre facility with comprehensive training equipment
- Positive reinforcement-based training methodology
Associations and certifications
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
- American Temperament Testing Society (ATTS)
Services
Obedience Classes
Our obedience classes teach essential commands and behavior modification techniques. Dogs learn to respond reliably to sit, down, stay, and recall commands while developing better impulse control. The program builds confidence and strengthens the human-canine bond through positive reinforcement methods.
Therapy Dog Training
We prepare dogs for therapy work through specialized training programs that develop temperament stability and task-specific skills. Our curriculum includes public access training, stress management, and certification preparation for hospital and nursing home visitation programs.
Aggressive Dog Training
Our Sassy Dog Program addresses aggression through structured training that builds confidence and impulse control. The program focuses on identifying triggers, modifying reactive behaviors, and establishing clear leadership roles between dogs and handlers.
Private Lessons
Personalized training sessions address specific behavior issues through customized instruction plans. These sessions provide focused attention for dogs needing specialized approaches or owners seeking accelerated progress in their training goals.
Puppy Training
Early socialization and basic training program for puppies under six months. Focus areas include housebreaking, bite inhibition, and foundational commands while developing positive associations with training through play-based learning methods.
Questions
Do you work with aggressive dogs?
Yes, our Sassy Dog Program addresses aggression through obedience training, confidence building, and impulse control techniques developed over 50 years of experience.
What training methods do you use?
We use positive reinforcement and clear leadership training, focusing on teaching desired behaviors rather than correcting unwanted ones through consistent, patient instruction.
Do you offer private lessons?
Private lessons are available for members at no additional cost, with non-members charged $90/hour for personalized training sessions addressing specific behavior issues.
What facilities do you have?
Our 27-acre campus includes a 3,200 sq ft training building, 15,900 sq ft fenced yard, wooded dog park, and specialized equipment for obedience and agility training.
How long does training take?
Training duration varies by dog and owner commitment, with basic classes lasting 8 weeks and advanced training continuing as needed with unlimited enrollment in core classes.
Do you prepare dogs for therapy work?
Yes, we offer therapy dog certification preparation including Canine Good Citizen testing and specialized training for hospital and nursing home visitation programs.
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