Specialized Dog Training


(Soft Mouth) Retrieval

Whole Dog University, LLC (WDU) offers training for your dog in soft-mouth retrieval using fair, humane and reliable methods. Most (not all) dogs can be taught to retrieve, even if they are not known to be a retriever breed. Your dog simply learns to want to do it through a process of building a drive to retrieve in them.

While we do not train dogs for hunting at WDU, we do teach retrieving of any object with a soft mouth that will not injure or damage game or anything else you tell them to pick up. We make referrals for those who desire to take their dog’s soft mouth retrieval foundation to the next level of being a working hunting dog.

Soft-mouth retrieval can be a foundation for scent detection and service dog training assistance that we also offer.

Eligibility:

Completion on and off-leash obedience programs

Training Format:

  • Training is done in several very brief workout sessions daily with adequate time in between for mental processing for your dog.
  • This program is only done at our training facility

For more detailed information, please request a consultation.

Scent Detection / Tracking

Scent detection work capitalizes on your dog’s keen sense of smell. Dogs are able to detect scents through tracking, trailing (done with nose to the ground), air scenting (nose in the air), or a combination thereof. Scent detection activities can range from playing games with your dog by hiding something and having him / her find it around your yard or home to more serious tasks such as assisting with locating lost individuals, disaster survivors, cadaver remains, narcotics, explosives, insects and other items.

All dogs will be evaluated prior to admission to this training program as well as an interview will be conducted with the owner to determine his / her goals.

Eligibility:

  • Completion on and off-leash obedience programs
  • Completion of soft-mouth retrieval training

Training Format:

  • Residential Day-Training Program.
  • Training is done in several very brief workout sessions daily with adequate time in between for mental processing for your dog. Some dogs may take longer to train than others.

For more detailed information, please request a consultation.

Have questions about our specialized dog training course? We can help! Whole Dog University offers your first consultation free of charge. This evaluation gives you the opportunity to discuss your concerns, meet the trainer, and see if our program is right for your dog.

Request a consultation