We offer the effective alternative
   —to unreliable bribing with treats
    —to bullying your dog into compliance
    —to the constant battle of wills.

Download a copy of our Training Brochure.

SCHOOLING WITH DRIVE

• Modern methods of applied animal behavioral science
• Learn to use your dog's inborn talent
• No prolonged battle of wills
• Reliable control off-leash
• Fun for owner and dog

• PUPPY PLAYSCHOOL (from 8 weeks to 6 months of age)
  Individual training to lay a strong foundation for obedience. The first few months are crucial to the proper development of your dog.
  more details
  Fee: $540 for 5 private sessions
  (first lesson=90 minutes, subsequent lessons=45 minutes)
  
  
• PRIVATE OBEDIENCE COURSE
  Conducted in an informal, relaxed atmosphere on a beautiful, large, green, fenced training field. This course teaches control of your dog in everyday situations, with off-leash control the long-term goal.
  more details
  Fee: $960 for 7 private lessons
  (first lesson=90 minutes, subsequent lessons=45 minutes)
  Refresher Training for graduates of our Puppy Playschool: $90
  (45 minutes per session)
  
  
• BEHAVIORAL CONSULTATION
  For some behavioral problems, a single session may suffice to allow the owner to work on solutions at home.
  Fee: $240 (90 minutes)
  
  
• Board-and-Train (dogs between ages of 6 and 18 months only)
  ON-LEASH TRAINING (prior evaluation required)
  Dogs learn to come, sit, lie down, stay and heel on command. For this they need to stay at Atherton Acres for 3-4 weeks so they can learn at their individual speed. There will be two transfer sessions with the owner at the end of the training period.
  Fee: $3,500 for 3-4 weeks boarding and training (as individually needed) and two transfer sessions
  
  
• OFF-LEASH TRAINING
  Only for dogs who have completed Atherton Acres On-Leash Training and whose owners have maintained the training successfully. The dogs will learn to come immediately when called, even under heavy distraction. Likewise, they will learn to lie down on command instantly, at a distance and under heavy distraction. Unconditional obedience to these two commands gives the owner absolute control over his or her dog. Dogs stay at Atherton Acres between 3 and 4 weeks to allow them time for individualized learning. There will be two transfer sessions at the end of the training period.
  Fee: $3,500 for 3-4 weeks of boarding and training (as individually needed) and two transfer sessions
  
  
• SERVICE (ASSISTANCE) DOG TRAINING
  Service dogs provide a wide variety of functions for slightly-disabled persons. They can provide balance, give speed by pulling a person along or upstairs, help somebody up from a low sitting position,carry light burdens, retrieve various items, or alert hearing-impaired persons to certain sounds and situations. Dogs have to be able to perform some or all of these tasks in public, around traffic and loud noises and under stress as well as to remain impartial with strangers and animals. The dogs' appropriate genetic predisposition for these tasks is therefore of the essence.
  
  We evaluate your own dog if he or she is up to the task of being schooled as your service dog or help you find the right candidate and train him or her to make life easier for you.
  Fee: Depending on service.

521 Atherton Avenue
Novato, California 94945
Tel: (415) 897-7311
Fax: (415) 897-4008

Business Hours:
Monday-Saturday
9 am-12 noon; 2 pm-6 pm
Sunday 2 pm-6 pm