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Whether you own a loveable American Pit Bull Terrier with socialization issues, or a sweet rescue shepherd mix riddled with separation anxiety, finding just the “right” solution for your dog training needs is an overwhelming deed, especially with all the options Houston has to offer. Our trainers at Meadowlake Pet Resort make it simple: we focus on your dog’s specific needs with positive reinforcement.

“From puppy basics to advanced off-leash obedience, our trainers utilize positive reinforcement training techniques to teach all of your dog’s primary obedience behaviors,” Meadowlake’s Training manager, Aaliyah Williams says.

“We incorporate balanced training methods to ensure that your dog’s response to your cues is reliable in a wide variety of environments and around different levels of distractions.”

In general, dog training is offered in a few ways: there are classes in a setting like at Petco or a PetSmart ; there are Training-only academies focused on training your dog and nothing else; and lastly, the popular resort-style Stay-and-Train which Meadowlake offers, includes a luxurious stay and other amenities with their daily training sessions.

So, what sets Meadowlake Pet Resort’s dog training program apart from the others?

1. We offer dog boarding with training

Unlike many Houston-area trainers who offer often overwhelming classes with 20+ dogs, pups choosing a Stay-and-Train at Meadowlake are welcomed to all the state-of-the-art, full-service amenities we have to offer. Instead of staying in a kennel all day and night, each training student is given one of our spacious suites where they stay and relax when they are not learning new skills. We also ensure to have individualized playtimes throughout the day with each training pup for a break from their hard work.

2. Our dog training is for all ages, puppy to senior

We get asked often if their dog is too old to be trained by us. No! We do not discriminate – young and wriggling with energy, old and moving a little slow; 8 weeks old or 10 years old, we will work with your dog and their exact needs. We are eager to help puppies with potty training and get those babies used to staying in their safe place like the crate. As for seniors, Williams says no dog is too old, and the “biggest key to success” when working with the older pups is to, “one, have patience, and two, be fun and motivating!”

3. We train all dog breeds

Like ages, there is no breed we do not train. Out of our hundreds of training graduates over the 15 years we have been in Houston, we’ve had plenty of Dobermann Pinschers, Golden Retrievers, all types of Doodles, and any random mix of breeds you could think of. No matter what they look or act like, we are dedicated to the training needs of each individual dog who trains at Meadowlake.

4. We help you pick the training tools for success

Dog training is not one size fits all. That even comes down to things like the type of collar you chose to use. Williams says choosing the best tool for your dog depends on factors like their personality, learning style, and what the owner can use successfully.

“Some dogs may come to us nervous and lacking confidence,” Williams says. “These types of dogs will likely work on a slip lead or martingale style collar combined with lots of positive reinforcement to ensure we give the gentlest communication and build a dog that’s confident and eager to work with us.”

As for the more “rambunctious” pups, there are tool options that offer much more structure and leash control for dogs that can “power through” a traditional buckle collar, according to Williams.

Methods like crate training, tools like clickers, and collar types are all decisions our trainers make with the owner.

If you are ready to start the dog training journey with your baby at Meadowlake Pet Resort, give us a call at 713-413-1633 or email info@meadowlakepetresort.com!