Set Your New Years Resolution of a Well Trained Dog!

A Kabler School For Dogs training course is an investment that pays rewards every day!

The holidays are over.

The decorations come down. The house gets quieter. And for the first time in weeks, you get a clear look at what actually happened. If you’re honest, your dog didn’t suddenly “act up” because it was Christmas. The holidays just removed the buffer.

More people. More noise. Less routine. And suddenly the pulling, barking, jumping, anxiety, or reactivity was impossible to ignore. You spent days managing instead of enjoying. Redirecting. Apologizing. Separating rooms. Timing walks. Bracing every time the door opened.

And now, when things calm down again, it’s tempting to tell yourself:
“Once life goes back to normal, it’ll be fine.”

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: Normal is exactly where these problems live. They just hide better when nothing is happening. The issue was never the holiday chaos. It was that your dog doesn’t yet have clear, reliable communication that holds up when life gets real.

Most training breaks the moment distractions appear. It works in quiet spaces, with treats in hand, when nothing else competes for your dog’s attention. But real life doesn’t pause so you can train. What you actually want isn’t perfection. You want predictability.

You want to know:
• Your dog will listen even when guests arrive
• Walks won’t require planning routes around other dogs
• You don’t have to manage every interaction like a risk assessment
• You can relax without constantly watching for the next problem

That doesn’t come from “more reps” of the same things that already failed. It comes from a different approach; one built around clarity, accountability, and follow-through instead of hope and motivation. We don’t train dogs to behave only when it’s easy. We train them to respond when it matters. And we don’t hand you commands and wish you luck. We teach you how to communicate in a way your dog actually understands… and respects… under pressure.

January is a reset point. Not because it’s symbolic, but because you’ve just seen exactly what needs to change. If you don’t want next year to feel like this one did, with the same stress, the same management, the same quiet frustration…

This is the moment to fix the foundation instead of hoping it improves on its own. Not hype. Not promises of a “perfect” dog. Just a dog you can trust. Call us, we can give you the dog you have always dreamed of but didn’t think was possible.

Join our dog community! We are here to train and help! Come see what makes us different! Call (828) 337-5793 today or click here to schedule your dogs FREE evaluation!

Family Dogs Trained the Kabler Way Since 1995!

A day in the life at Kabler!

Dog training tradition is what Asheville and Columbia families consider Kabler School For Dogs to be. Dogs and their owners rely and trust the Kabler School to provide top level instruction and training for all breeds! We truly care about each dog enrolled in our school and love watching training success happen every day.

The Kabler training method has been honed for 30 years. At our school learning is fun and challenging at the same time! We give clear homework instructions that our students practice at home between training days at school. You and your dog will thrive with excellent training and motivated instruction.

At Kabler School For Dogs we raise puppies the right way and believe early exposure and puppy based training go a long way to raising the perfect adult dog. We have helped raise thousands of puppies through our Puppy Preschool course. Our puppy classes include confidence building, puppy obedience, house training and more!

One of the things we pride ourselves on is our ability to help owners solve challenging behavioral problems. Our courses will guide owners and their dogs from troubled waters to safe harbor. Owners are thrilled with the tangible progress and results we achieve!

Our team invites you to come and see us for a free evaluation and campus visit! Come and see what 30 years of training dogs looks like.

You are not alone! Join our dog training family. Call (828) 337-5793 today for more info or click here to schedule your dogs FREE evaluation!

 

Storm Kabler Wins Gold at Competition!

David & Storm have been having an amazing year of competition!

2025 has been a year of successful trialing at club and National events. Storm took 7th at Nationals and multiple podium finishes. The team wrapped up an amazing year at Fire Pines Ringsports Mondioring comepetition in October. David and Storm entered into the Mondio Ring 1 level for 2 days of trialing and the field was creatively dressed in a ‘board game’ theme. The team had been practicing diligently and, as luck would have it, had a strong showing with 2 first place wins! David has been training Storm since a puppy to compete in the sport of Mondio and this past year has been amazing for demonstrating Storms skills on the field in front of the judges watchful and critical eyes. To find out more about Mondio visit: The United States Mondio Ring Association Website.

Storm jumping the hurdle under his David’s watchful eye.

Mondioring, or World Ring, is an international sport that includes high level obedience, obstacles and jumps, and police K9 exercises that are designed to challenge the dog and handler under a variety of distractions and circumstances. Established in the late 1980s, it combines elements from different European dog sports to create a single sport. Each Mondio trial has a theme with scenarios and distractions on the field to ensure that trials provide a unique experience. 
Core components and elements of Mondio include:
  • Obedience: Challenging exercises like heeling, positions, and retrieving while under pressure and with distractions, such as food scattered on the ground.
  • Jumps: This includes jumps over obstacles like a hurdle, a palisade wall jump, and a long jump.
  • Protection: The dog demonstrates its ability to protect the handler through exercises such as a face attack, a flee attack, area search, and guarding an object.
  • International competition: It was designed to allow competitors from different national dog sports to compete against each other on a level playing field.
  • Unpredictable scenarios: Each trial has a unique theme and the setup is created by the judge, meaning the order of exercises and the specific distractions will change every time.
  • High difficulty: The sport is known for its complexity, requiring a strong, stable, and highly trained dog with excellent mental stability and impulse control.
  • Levels: Mondioring has three levels, with a progression of increasing difficulty in the number and complexity of the exercises.
  • No tools: Dogs compete without any training tools, not even a flat collar, emphasizing the foundation of trust and clarity built between the handler and dog.

We are excited about what 2026 will bring David and Storm and the entire Kabler School For Dogs training family! If you are interested in David’s unique approach to training please schedule a free consultation so we can meet you and your dog!

You are not alone – We are here to train and help! Come see what makes us different! Call (828) 337-5793 today or click here to schedule your dogs FREE evaluation!

Storm guarding the decoy at Fire Pines Ringsport competition.

Do’s & Dont’s of Early Puppy Exposure

Early Exposure to people, places, and things is on our checklist at Kabler’s Puppy Preschool!

Raising a puppy is a commitment. New owners are always excited about providing an amazing home for their new best friends. Getting on a schedule, house training and early obedience are on most new owners checklists. One thing I have noticed is that early environmental exposure is missing from owners puppy checklists. Especially since Covid, many new dog owners are taking an overly cautious approach to puppy raising and isolating their pups until after full vaccination. 16 weeks is the age when a puppies critical socialization is wrapping up. And unfortunately, the fast lane to raising a fearful and anxious dog is to avoid early exposure to the world. Giving your new puppy safe experiences, at these early very important developmental stages, allows your pup to grow with mental confidence.

I have always recommended new pups meet 100 new people by the time they are 16 weeks old. This includes delivery people, friends, family, and… strangers. I like to sit somewhere in public like a coffee shop patio and allow folks who would like to say hi to my pup to meet them and deliver a steady stream of treats. I encourage them to touch my pups ears, paws, tail, and tummy.

I also believe puppies need early environmental exposure to buisy streets, slick floors like in a gymnasium, loud trucks, elevators, stairs; basically anything they will see in their lifetime. I will attempt to expose them to people, places, and things between 8 to 16 weeks of age. I will continue this socialization in earnest until 6 months of age.

Do begin socialization early. Although we enroll pups up to 6 months in Puppy Preschool the optimal age to join class is 10 weeks of age.

Do take your puppy to friends and family homes for visits. Allow your puppy to explore their home and meet new people. Show them their back yard and allow them to meet their dogs and see cats with a steady stream of treat rewards.

Do take your puppy to public places where not a lot of other dogs go to meet people and see the world. I like dog friendly coffee shops, outdoor shopping malls, hardware stores, and downtown areas.

Do skip breakfast on days when you have socialization plans with your pup that day. Feed them their meal while exposing them to the world. Providing this feeding while seeing things for the first time ensures very positive experiences in my young pups mind.

Do keep these early exposure experiences to no more than 20-30 minutes at first.

Do attend our Puppy Preschool starting at 10 weeks. We will teach you how to provide early exposure to environments in a safe and easy way. Our Puppy Preschool runs at 45 to 60 minutes and provides a structured and safe early exposure environment.

Don’t take your pup to pet stores, dog parks, or anywhere where lots of dogs frequent. Do not allow your puppy to sniff grass areas outside of a veterinary clinic.

Don’t overload your puppy with extreme environments like outdoor concerts, ball games, and very crowded areas. Start in small doses at first and slowly build your pups confidence to handle m,ore and more. Sure signs of an overwhelmed pup are not taking treats and falling asleep in a loud or stimulating environment.

Don’t allow your puppy to become frightened by loud noises or thunder storms. Provide a safe place during storms and fireworks with a tv playing or sound machine. I will bring my puppy out for treats so they can hear fireworks in the distance while they are preoccupied with the treats and then put them back in the safe room. Think short 5-10 minute intervals.

Don’t forget your pups well stocked treat pouch, a must have for all puppy outings. Stock it with kibble and high value rewards like beef liver too!

By following these Do’s & Dont’s you will raise a very confident puppy. Remember start slow with short 10 minute early exposure outings. Let us know if we at Kabler School For Dogs can help! I have helped raise thousands of pups over the past 30 years and my trainers are here to teach you and your pup optimal ways of learning and growing with your new best friend.   – David

Join our puppy community! We are here to train and help! Come see what makes us different! Call (828) 337-5793 today or click here to schedule your dogs FREE evaluation!

11 week old Belgian Malinois Fury accepting treats while experiencing early exposure with an excited group of children.

Elite National Level Training in Asheville and Columbia!

Kabler School For Dogs Training Courses Will Transform You and Your Dogs Relationship!

David and Storm Kabler have been training for the sport of Mondioring since Storm was a puppy. This sport emphasizes the handlers connection with their dog through challenges that include obedience, scentwork, jumps, and police K9 exercises. We are so excited to announce that Storm successfully competed at the 2025 United States Mondioring Association National Championships!

Kabler School For Dogs brings a high level of training experience to Asheville and Columbia dog owners. Our team provides top level instruction to all of our canine clientele. We specialize in coaching both humans and their dogs to achieve training success. A Kabler School For Dogs training course will bring harmony and balance to you and your best friends relationship!

Make You and Your Dog a Winning Team by Contacting Us Today To Schedule Your Free Evaluation!

You Are Not Alone. Our Team Is Here To Help.

Enroll in a Kabler training course and join our dog training community!

Whether you are experiencing behavioral challenges with an adult dog or raising a headstrong pup we want you to know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE! It can feel very lonely when you are trying your best but not seeing the results hoped for. We have worked with thousands of dog owners over the years and helped them find a successful training path. Our training team is skilled and here to help. Kabler dog training courses are a gateway to our community of dog owners who have graduated from our courses. Group classes are always included for graduates to keep our canine students (and humans!) involved in continuing education– this ensures lifelong training success!

Many local dog owners have found themselves in the exact same situation you are experiencing with your dog. Do not worry! You have found the training school that has helped thousands of dog owners just like you over the years.  You’ve found the training community you have been looking for! Our courses always begin with a thorough evaluation before enrollment. By meeting you and your dog 1 on 1 we can gain a better understanding of who your dog is and what your training goals are. We discuss enrollment in a course that is custom tailored to your dogs personality and training needs.

Find connection and community at our group walks and classes!

Our trainers are true canine coaches and will give you clear and easy to understand training exercises and homework assignments. Our courses train both the dog and the human! We have courses for dogs of all breeds and temperaments, including private lesson day training courses as well as Board & Train options. All of our courses include access to our advanced group training classes and dog training community. Contact us today for information on enrollment at our Asheville, NC and Columbia, SC training campuses.

You are not alone! Call (828) 337-5793 today or click here to schedule your dogs FREE evaluation!

Kabler Monthly Column in Stroll Magazine!

David’s monthly article will be featured in Stroll magazine!

David Kabler, Jr’s advice about dogs is highly sought after and now we are excited to announce that he will be writing a monthly informative article in Stroll Magazine. Each month David will share tips and information on topics like socializing puppies, protecting dogs during Summer heat, training and more! Stroll is Biltmore Forest and The Ramble’s local source for information, news, and topics of interest.

Find out more about our unique perspective on dogs at a Free Training Evaluation at our Columbia, SC or our Asheville, NC training campuses!

Visit the Kabler School Campus With Your Dog!

Happiness is a Kabler trained dog!

The Kabler School For Dogs team is here to help raise your new pup and  accomplish your dogs professional training.

In today’s world, choosing a trainer is like choosing a school for your child. You would want to visit first before choosing to enroll your child as a student there. Our Free Evaluation gives you the opportunity to do just that! Come check out our training campus, K9 Pro-Shop, and meet our trainers. We look forward to meeting you and your dog in person!

Sign up today for a Free Training Evaluation at either our Columbia, SC or our Asheville, NC training campuses!

Our school was founded in 1995 and we have trained thousands of four footed best friends over the years. We can help you with your dog! We have a unique approach that is fun for both dog and human. We provide tangible training results that will stun your family and friends!

Kabler School For Dogs welcomes you to our world of training!

Our Free Evaluation gives us a chance to evaluate your dogs temperament and training needs. Our trainers will work with your dog and give you training advice and tips. We will also recommend a course of training and will provide you with all the information you need, all with no obligation to enroll. We listen to your questions and provide you with valuable insights. We want it to feel right and be good fit for both you and your dog!

CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR DOGS FREE EVALUATION!

Stand Out From The Pack!

Our Puppy and adult training courses are unique and customized to your dog!

If you and your family are considering professional dog training in Asheville, NC or Columbia, SC, Kabler School For Dogs is here to help! There has never been more training schools to choose from and we understand that you want the very best for your dog. We know that your decision in choosing the right school for your pup is very important. There is a reason Kabler School For Dogs has been training since 1995. Our courses consistently get 5 star ratings from our graduates. At Kabler School our courses are based on years of success in training dogs of all breeds.

Sign up today for a Free Training Evaluation at either our Columbia, SC or our Asheville, NC training campuses!

Our training philosophy is rooted in how dogs learn and communicate. We approach each dog and handler team as individuals and tailor our approach to adjust to different temperaments and learning styles. It is important to build a strong foundation of skills using a positive reward based approach. We will be teaching voice commands, hand signals, and leash commands that allow for silent communication between you and your best friend. As your dogs abilities increase we will spice up the training sessions by increasing the difficulty. Yes, training takes tons of patience and focus, but the results of a Kabler Training Course will give you and your dog the gift of freedom!

Practicing the Go Place command during training practice!

The first step of choosing the right school should always begin with a free evaluation and campus visit. At Kabler School For Dogs we want to meet both you and your dog so we can evaluate your training goals and needs. It is important for your pup to have a positive experience and visit the school before training starts! When clients come to us for their initial school visit we like to evaluate your dogs train-ability, current skills, behavioral concerns and temperament. We are interested in who your dog is and what motivates them.

Clients are very interested in all of our different courses that we offer. We have an excellent Puppy Preschool course for pups 10 weeks-6 months old. Early training and socialization is what creates a well adjusted adult dog. For dogs 6 months and older we offer Private/Day Train or Residency Board & Train courses. We will help you choose the right course for your dog. Training is an investment that will be there for you and your dog in the years to come. Yes, our courses are an investment, but they provide rock solid tangible results that are well worth the energy put in!

Sign up today for a Free Training Evaluation at either our Columbia, SC or our Asheville, NC training campuses!

Our school was founded in 1995 and we have trained thousands of canine best friends over the years. We can help you with your dog! We have a unique approach that is fun for both dog and human. We provide tangible training results that will stun your family and friends!

 

Training the Unique Canine Personality

 

Lovingly teaching your dog is what we do best at Kabler!

Raising a spirited dog with maximum personality and high level obedience is possible through the Kabler School For Dogs training courses. We believe in age appropriate training that increases in reliability and performance as your dog grows older. Kabler Puppy Preschool and Dog Training Courses introduce concepts and skills when your dog is mentally ready. Our age based courses allow us to train alongside your dogs natural drives, inclinations, and developmental stages creating optimal results!

Play is an important part of each dogs training day at Kabler!

Our Puppy Preschool will help you raise your pup from 10 weeks to 5 months of age. This course covers puppy obedience skills, developmental training exercises, socialization (to environment, people, and other dogs), how to steer your pup away from problem behaviors, puppy tricks and games like retrieve and tug. Puppy confidence building is very important to develop and we will show you how! Our Puppy Preschool includes both private and group classes.

At 6 months and older we begin our Primary Obedience and Advanced Primary Obedience Courses. Our goal is to solidify all the puppy training skills that we’ve been practicing. We work up to proper heeling and loose leash heeling around tough distractions, a 1 hour down and stay, off leash recalls from distraction, a 2 hour go place command, and lots more! By waiting to do this adult level training until 6-8 months we allow the pups developing brain to catch up with their growing body!

All of our courses are a hybrid between private lesson training and group class work. We use optimal and age appropriate training techniques that allow your dog to have fun and that actually enhance your dogs ability to express their natural personality and unique character! We work on all the skills like off leash recall, heeling, down stay at a distance, go place at a distance and more! You and your best friend will conquer all manner of distractions and environments achieving an ultra high level of reliability and performance!

Sign up today for a Free Training Consultation at either our Columbia, SC or our Asheville, NC training campuses!

Our school was founded in 1995 and we have trained thousands of canine best friends over the years. We can help you with your dog! We have a unique approach that is fun for both dog and human. We provide tangible training results that will stun your family and friends!

Storm Kabler Wins 1st Place at Mondio K9 Competition!

Storm jumping the Mondio 1 hurdle at the Fire Pines Club trial.

The sport of Mondio Ring is widely regarded as one of the most challenging tests for any trainer and their dog. Mondio is a worldwide sport for trainers and their dogs. The sport includes high level obedience, scent work, jumps, and protection. David has been training Storm for Mondio since he was a puppy and was excited to compete. The Mondio Ring website states:

“The obedience in Mondioring is based on functionality with the emphasis being on control in spite of distraction. The jumps in Mondioring test the structure and willingness of the dog. The protection phase of the competition requires that the dog demonstrate tremendous control.

A Mondioring dog competes at each level without collar or leash throughout the trial, thus testing the control of the animal from the very beginning. The complexity of the trial field, combined with the demands of extreme control combine to require that the dog be clear-headed with excellent character.

Storm competed his way to the top with a high score of 195!

Each trial competition is based in a theme – much like a theater set up on a field. Props, scenarios, distractions are placed at strategic points on the trial field. While the exercises remain the same from trial to trial, the order and the setup will change with each judge’s own creativity. No two trials are ever alike, thus preventing the possibility of preparing the dog ‘by rote.’”

After years of practice, many challenging setbacks, David and Storm finally trialed at the Fire Pines Mondio Ring Club. This trials theme was ‘OSHA Violations’ and the field was full of hard hats, caution tape, and emergencies. Storms performance was spectacular and earned a score of 195 on day 1 and 184 on day 3 earning 1st and 2nd place respectively! Storm also earned his coveted MR1 title!

Now this dynamic duo will be competing at the USMRA National competition in Jefferson, OH May 16th-18th! We are revved up that Kabler School For Dogs is excelling in Club and National Competitions!

David Kabler and his best friend Storm celebrate their win!

Columbia’s Professional Dog Training School

Loose leash Heeling even while passing other dogs!

Dog Training With Guaranteed Results! Offering Puppy Preschool, Obedience Courses, and Problem Behavior Solutions.

Welcome to good behavior!

Kabler School For Dogs offers dog training courses that provide training results that will amaze your friends and family! We offer Puppy Preschool courses, Obedience Training Courses for dogs of any age or breed, and courses that guide owners in solving problem behaviors. Our courses are recommended by veterinarians and taught conveniently at our climate controlled training campus or in your home by national competitor and seasoned Master Trainer Tony Mooney. Unlike many who are new to the field, Columbia trainer Tony Mooney is a skilled and accomplished trainer with many years of experience. He is nationally recognized and has won many competitions with his dogs over the years. His knowledge and experience truly make him a standout in the world of dog training. Tony has a large toolbox of training skills that make every session with him positive, successful, and fun for both owner and dog. When choosing a trainer, experience counts!

Call Your Friendly Columbia, SC Dog Trainer Today! (864) 704-5981

All Kabler School For Dogs training courses begin with a free consultation. We get to know each dogs temperament and personality before enrolling in our school. We are interested in finding out more about your dog! Call Tony today at (864) 704-5981 and find out more information on our unique approach to training. We love talking about your dogs training needs!

Columbia’s accomplished dog trainer!

Visit our training campus so we can evaluate your dogs behavior and training goals or have our trainer come to your home. We will answer your questions, work with your dog, give you training advice, and provide information about our training courses.

CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION!

Each of your dogs training sessions will be full of hands on skills, information, and play. Owners are given clear step by step guidance with plenty of practice with your best friend. Each lesson builds upon the success of the previous lesson. Tony will give you clear written homework that is very specific so you avoid the guesswork so common in the field.

The Kabler School For Dogs Columbia training campus is located at:

3041 North Main St. Columbia, SC 29201

Learn how to raise the perfect puppy and avoid problems before they begin by enrolling in Tony’s Puppy Preschool training course. This course is designed for pups 10 weeks to 6 months of age. Tony will guide you and your pup along what we call the training path and give you new skills to work on every week. Lessons are held in our climate controlled facility and in your home.

CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR DOGS FREE CONSULTATION!

Kabler trainer Tony Mooney is Columbias premiere dog trainer and behaviorist.

Tony will teach you the Kabler School For Dogs approach to raising the perfect puppy and share with you his unique insights into training and socializing your new pup!

For dogs 6 months and older we offer obedience courses in On and Off Leash Obedience that will leave your friends and family in awe of your dog’s training. The focus is on building aligned energy with your dog through techniques that create rock solid obedience training skills. In addition, Tony is accomplished in solving stubborn unwanted behaviors including pulling on the leash, running away, reactivity towards other dogs and people, and other stubborn behavioral issues.

All Columbia, SC Board & Train clients will be sent to the Asheville Training Campus where our team will transform your dog’s training and behavior. Courses vary in length and are customized to fit your dogs personality and training goals. Tony will give your dog the ultimate follow-up training experience and transfer the training over to you and your family through private lessons and group classes.

At Kabler School For Dogs we believe teaching your dog is dynamic and fun. Your dog will learn by practicing exercises and training skills during each private session. You and your dog will accomplish a high level of skill and communication. Sessions are fun, and you will be assigned clear and manageable homework to practice in-between sessions.

Call (864) 704-5981 For More Info

CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION!

Columbia’s friendly dog trainer!

Kabler School For Dogs Columbia coach Tony Mooney is an award winning trainer, both in the world of Mondioring and family obedience. Mondioring is widely regarded as one of the most difficult dog sports that produces the worlds best trainers. A true seasoned pro- Tony has been training professionally for 15 years. In 2017 he and his dog Kodi won the Mondioring championships and was invited on to the world team to represent the USA. Tony is very passionate about dogs and their owners and always goes above and beyond to make sure the training is successful. He is known for his patience and skill in raising puppies- and guiding owners all the way to off leash trained adults. Tony is especially talented in advanced obedience and problem behavior solutions. He has completed many training seminars under some of America’s top trainers. As owner of the Columbia location, he is excited to be on the Kabler School For Dogs training team.

 

“I can now take my 90 pound German Shepherd for a walk anywhere and know that he will never pull on the leash or be distracted by our surroundings. In fact, my 8 year old daughter can walk him easily and it’s a pleasure to have people approach me and ask who trained my dog!”    -Micque and Baer

Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION or call (864) 704-5981 to find out more about our exciting courses in the Columbia area.

We will help you raise the perfect puppy and family dog! Our school has an excellent track record in helping your family raise your dog right and is veterinarian recommended! Clients tell us our sessions are the highlight of their dog’s week!

K-9 Scent Work Seminar

Learn the art of K-9 scent detection with Buddy Lawson!

Kabler School For Dogs is excited to announce the return of our K-9 Scent Work seminar. Spend the day working on your dogs nose work capabilities with instructor Buddy Lawson who has been training dogs for scent detection for over 25 years. He is skilled at teaching different breeds and temperaments and is known for his patient guidance of handlers. Buddy specializes in K-9 Search and Rescue, Police scent detection,  Schutzhund tracking, and competitive nose work.

You will learn the foundations of teaching your dog to use their nose. Advanced handlers and K-9 teams will also find Buddy’s ability to troubleshoot and problem solve will guide them to a higher level of training and performance.

Kabler School will build confidence in your dogs nose work training.

The seminar is being held at Kabler School For Dogs July 28th (9am-6pm Sunday). There are 10 working spots for participants who want to train with their own dog. These spots are $175. We also have audit slots available for participants who do not have a dog but want to learn about K-9 nose work. Audit spots are $75.

For more info email david@kablerschoolfordogs.com

Please click here to reserve your spot!

Our Puppy Preschool Starts Your Pup Out Right

Not only is Puppy Preschool fun but it prevents problems before they become bad habits!

Raising a puppy right is where it all begins. Our trainers are fond of saying that new puppy owners have one chance to do it right. Properly structuring the first 4 months with your new puppy is critical to forming the puppies mental state and social skills. The time will fly by so every day counts!

House training, obedience, and socialization are super important from 8-16 weeks. Critical socialization wraps up around 4 months of age so don’t let your pup miss out on this very important developmental stage. The Kabler School for Dogs training campus in Asheville and Columbias in home training service provides a safe environment to focus on your new pups socialization skills!

At Kabler School For Dogs we offer an excellent Puppy Preschool Course that is designed to assist you in puppy obedience, socialization, tricks, games, house training, and more! We will focus on puppy manners and address any behavioral problems that may arise. You will learn how to properly handle your new pup and practice obedience routines that are fun and create excellent communication.

Call us today or click here to sign up for a free consultation and evaluation!

Asheville Location: (828) 337-5792

Columbia Location: (864) 704-5981

Puppycraft: The Craft of Raising a Puppy

Socialization to other dogs is best done in a supervised setting.

The craft of raising a puppy into a well trained and socialized adult is the heart of what our program is all about! The truth is that it takes time to raise a fully trained dog. At Kabler School For Dogs we will guide you along on this journey of raising your puppy into a highly trained adult dog. Our Puppy Preschool course includes a mix of private lessons and group puppy socials.

The smart new dog owner often seeks out training before problems begin. It is important to not waste any time starting your new pups domestication, socialization and early training. The critical phases of your pups socialization wrap up at the 16 week milestone. It is an overlooked period of time that is important in your pups development. Our puppy training course allows you to prevent problems before they become rooted as bad habits.

Puppy Preschool introduces your pup to situations that build character and confidence.

At Kabler School For Dogs we offer courses that guide you and your dog from a young new puppy through the developmental stages — there is never a time when you are not involved in training — our sessions are spread out throughout your pups development. Our programs revolve around your dogs age and our courses are drawn out over a longer period of time than the average dog training course. There are no shortcuts to excellent training! This allows our trainers to guide you through the different life stages from puppy to yearling and to adult. This is a life stages approach to raising your dog right!

Puppy Preschool builds confidence in your new pup!

David Kabler has been training dogs since he was a boy and has been a Certified Master Trainer since 1995. David and his team are available for lessons in Asheville, NC and Columbia, SC! Call today or click on Scheduling to book you and your dogs free consultation. Our trainers will evaluate your dogs personality and training needs. (828) 337-5792

Kabler School For Dogs Featured in Outside Magazine!

Outside Magazine contributor and author Brad Stulberg has been raising his German Shepherd puppy Ananda the Kabler way and has noticed the similarities between coaching humans and training dogs. He was so taken by these similarities that he delved into them in his latest article for Outside Magazine titled, “These 7 Dog-Training Principles Work for Humans, Too”. The article features training insights from Master Trainer David Kabler and makes some amazing points!

Please take a few minutes and check out this new article at:

Dock Diving & Swim Center is Open!

Kabler School For Dogs is proud to announce the opening of our new K9 Dock Diving and Swim Center! Are you interested in teaching your puppy to swim from a young age? Are you wanting to teach your dog to water retrieve? How about swim lessons for adult dogs? Have you seen the exciting sport of dog dock diving? Are you excited about giving your dog this amazing outlet for all that energy? If you answered yes to any of these questions then the Kabler School For Dogs swim and dock diving courses may be just the K9 activity you’ve been looking for.

Golden Retriever Pearl taking the leap!

We live in an an area with so much swift moving water and lakes that it is imperative for every dog to learn to swim proficiently. This will keep your dog safe as you go on hiking trips, SUP journeys, and swimming adventures with your four legged best friend. The optimal time to teach your dog to swim is as a puppy but older dogs can learn to swim and build water confidence too. Swimming and retrieve combined together make for an amazingly fun activity for you and your dog.

Fury warming up on the ramp.

Our Dock Diving and Swim training courses are an excellent path forward to advancing your dog to that next level of water confidence. Please go to scheduling to book your dogs Swim or Dock Diving training course! For experienced dogs and handlers we also offer Independent hourly dock rental so you can practice with your dog.

Frankie is a natural water retriever!

The Kabler School For Dogs Swim and Dock Diving Center includes a 29’x17′ foot pool with a 20′ practice dock and ramp. Our facility is classified as a ‘short dock’ for competition– excellent for teaching dogs this exciting activity and for experienced jumpers up to the 25′ range.

Please call the school today for more info!

(828) 337-5793

Barley building some water confidence.

Holiday Safety Tips

Residency guests Cody and Trek practice go place in the Kabler School For Dogs Pro-Shop!

Christmas Season is upon us! We want to share a few helpful tips to get you and your dog safely through this holiday season! The holidays may be a scary time for some pups. Christmas revelry can cause anxiety and fearfulness for dogs who haven’t experienced it. The following tips may help you avoid an emergency visit to the vet office over the holiday season.

If you have a dog that is fearful of people or small children and you plan on having a big gathering it may be best not to force your puppy or dog into a situation that makes them uncomfortable. Instead, before your guests arrive exercise your dog and make them comfy in their crate with a yummy Kong or marrow bone to keep them occupied. Turn on some sounds like music or a TV to drown out all the noise. If you have a dog that loves being around groups of people and small children, still be mindful to keep your eye on them to assure they do not get into something harmful. Maybe consider having them come out and visit with everyone then go have some crate time with their Kong.

Some holiday plants are Actually poisonous and can cause a medical issue here are some of the most common:

• Christmas tree pine needles can produce oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, trembling and posterior weakness.

Holly, commonly found during the Christmas season, can cause intense vomiting, diarrhea.

Mistletoe, another Christmas plant, can cause significant vomiting and diarrhea, difficulty breathing, collapse, erratic behavior, hallucinations and death when ingested.

Poinsettia contrary to popular belief, is not deadly; however, it can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach and sometimes vomiting.

With the holiday season come all kinds of yummy treats and food. Be sure to avoid giving your dog food scraps from the table or your plate. If you must share your holiday dinner consider just a small amount given in the dogs bowl to avoid any unwanted behavior or upset tummies.

Here are a few foods and treats to avoid:

Fat trimmings and bones are dangerous for pets. Fat trimmed from meat, both cooked and uncooked, may cause pancreatitis. And, although it seems natural to give a dog a bone, cooked bone are dangerous, these can also splinter and cause an obstruction or lacerations of your dog’s digestive system.

Chocolate can be dangerous and contains various levels of fat, caffeine, the darker and richer the chocolate (baker’s chocolate), the higher the risk of toxicity. Depending on the type and amount of chocolate ingested, dogs might experience vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity

• Many cookies and candies have certain nuts and should not be given to pets. Almonds, non-moldy walnuts and pistachios can cause an upset stomach or an obstruction of your dog’s throat and/or intestinal tract. Macadamia nuts and moldy walnuts can be toxic, causing seizures or neurological signs. Lethargy, vomiting and loss of muscle control are among the effects of nut ingestion.

Holiday tinsel and ornaments can also be hazardous:

Tinsel, while not toxic, is very attractive to pets, particularly cats but dogs love it too. The shiny, dangling decoration reflects light and can move in the slightest draft — appearing to come alive to watchful critters. The problem with tinsel is that once it’s consumed, it can cause serious injury to your pet. If not caught in time, this foreign body ingestion could actually be fatal as it twists and bunches inside your pet’s intestines. Immediate veterinary care is required.

Vet offices see a increase in emergency visits during the holiday due to dogs getting into trouble from ingesting items that are harmful or toxic causing it be a not so festive time. Be sure not to risk your dogs health by waiting. If your dog needs emergency care take them quickly to your local emergency clinic.

MedVet: 667 Brevard Road, Asheville NC 28806 • Phone • 828-665-4399

Merry Christmas and a joyous Holiday season to you and yours from all of us here at Kabler School For Dogs!

– Candy Breisacher

Den Instincts

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Teaching Charlie to love his crate using treat rewards.

There are many reasons to use a crate to help raise your best friend. Todays modern dogs are descended from wild canids, wolves, a creature that lives in a den for the first year of their life. The den experience provides our dogs wild relatives with safety from the elements and other predators. It gives the young puppies a place to stay while the older wolves go hunt and forage for food. Today, we use a crate to replicate the den experience for our domesticated canines.

Replicating this ancient instinct for our dog provides a safe place for them to stay when we are away from home. Properly using a crate for your dog can help prevent problem behaviors from occurring.  If you ever have the need to fly your dog with you on a trip, then using a crate in their daily lives will keep them prepared, should they ever need to travel with you on a plane. The crate can also travel with your dog if they ever go to stay with a relative or a friend of the family.

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Daisy enjoys her crate time and thinks of this place as her den.

The crate can also be a tool for helping to relieve separation anxiety in our canine companions. When a dog looks at their crate as a safe warm place to be this provides them with a sense of security and safety. This alleviates anxiety in general and can be a tool to help our anxious companions.

For the crate experience to be a good one it is important that it be introduced positively. The crate is never to be used as a punishment and doing so can ruin your dogs crate training experience. Follow my simple steps and your dog will be positively crate trained in no time. The following steps can be condensed into a weekend for younger dogs who have never had a bad experience with crate training, but may take longer to re-socialize an insecure dog to their crate.

1) Make sure that the crate you choose is size appropriate for your dog. Older dogs who are house trained can have a larger crate, but if you are using your crate for house training it is important to follow the “bed size… not bedroom size” rule. I personally recommend the airline style plastic crates, I like the sense of security my dog gets from the enclosure, but the wire crates work just as good. Either style will work.

2) Take your time getting your best friend used to the crate. Toss a treat inside the crate and encourage your dog to enter inside. I like to use the request “In Your House” as I do this. Immediately praise reward and encourage your dog to come back out. Repeat this 5-7 times in a row every 20-30 minutes until your dog is going in and out comfortably then move on to step 3.

3) Now begin to close the door of the crate behind your dog after they enter and say “In Your House”. Still toss a treat inside and now give an additional treat through the crate door. Immediately let them out and give plenty of praise for a job well done. Repeat this 5-7 times in a row every 20-30 minutes until your dog is going in and taking the treat at the door easily then move on to step 4 .

4) Once your dog is excited about entering the crate and accepts the door being shut behind them happily, it is time to start this next step. The idea is to begin extending your dogs time in the crate. Have your dog wait inside the crate and give a rewards through the door in “Rapid Fire”. To do this give a reward every 3-5 seconds at first. Build up to doing this for 1-2 minutes and begin step five.

5) Begin changing the time in between treats to a variable timed reward. Sometimes treats come in a quick succession, others there is a 10- 40 second gap between treats. Build your dogs time in the crate from several minutes up to 45 minutes or more using this technique.

6) Start walking out of the room and eventually the house by leaving and quickly returning and rewarding your dog several times in a row. Build your dogs time in between rewards and stay gone for longer chunks of time.

7) As your pup gets more comfortable with the crate experience begin pushing the time in the crate to several hours and overnight. At this point, phase out the treats but I recommend giving your dog a stuffed Kong toy or other special treat before you leave home. Limit your dogs time spent in their crate to a reasonable amount (generally a max of 3-5 hours). If left for longer periods a fenced outdoor dog run or dog walking service should be used.

Follow these steps and you will have a dog that loves and enjoys their crate, providing them a sense of security for life.

Happy training!

David Kabler has been training dogs since he was a boy and has been in training professionally since 1995. You can find out more about his unique training style by liking his Kabler School For Dogs facebook and instagram pages. David is available for lessons in Asheville, NC and surrounding areas. Call today to schedule you and your dogs consultation. David will evaluate your dogs personality and training needs and, it’s absolutely free. (828) 337-5792

Canine Scent Work Seminar

Canine Scent Work Seminar

Join us in learning about Canine Scent Work with instructor Buddy Lawson!

Join Kabler School For Dogs and Master Trainer Buddy Lawson for an amazing weekend of K9 scent and nose work. Instructor Buddy Lawson has successfully trained hundreds of dogs for police K9, search and rescue, competition, and support dog work. Spend a weekend exploring the world of training scent detection K9’s for a wide variety of purposes. Beginners and experts alike are welcome- all will gain valuable insight from Buddy Lawson’s years of experience. Please go to scheduling to book you and your dogs spot in this 2 day training seminar at the Kabler School For Dogs training facility on January 18-19th, 2020.

Canine Good Citizen Test

AKC Canine Good Citizen

Kabler School For Dogs will be hosting a Canine Good Citizen test in January 2020!

The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test is a great way to show off all of your hard work with your canine companion. At Kabler School For Dogs we are excited to be testing for the AKC’s CGC test on January 25th, 2020! The test will be held from 3-5pm on Saturday afternoon at the Kabler School For Dogs training facility.

The test consists of 10 different categories.
1. Accept a friendly stranger.
2. Sit politely for petting. 
3. Appearance and grooming.
4. Walking on a loose lead.
5. Walking through a crowd.
6. Sit, down, and stay in place.
7. Come when called.
8. Reaction to another dog.
9. Reaction to a distraction.
10. Supervised separation.

If you think your dog has what it takes to pass this test please schedule your dogs CGC!
Those who come out and pass the test will be granted the title of Canine Good Citizen, and earn a ribbon and certificate. The cost of the test is $45 plus the AKC’s registration fee. Please go to scheduling to reserve your dogs spot!

Forging a Strong Relationship with Your Best Friend

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Baxter and Winston excited to go!

In todays busy world it is easy to get caught up in your life and forget to spend quality time with your canine best friend. There are many daily activities that will help to forge a better relationship with your canine companion. In this post we will explore several ways that you and your best friend can enhance your natural bond.

Walking, hiking, and running with your best friend are the most obvious ways that you can spend more quality time with your dog. A daily walk or run around the neighborhood can be spiced up with special trips to new and exciting places. There are so many beautiful destinations for you and your best friend here in Asheville. Be sure to check the rules of the places that you plan on visiting so that you are best prepared for your excursion. For dogs that are not off leash trained I like to use a 20-30 foot long leash to give a better sense of freedom. For trips into the back country, consider teaching your dog to carry a weight appropriate dog backpack and be sure to carry a canine first aid kit.

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Golden Retriever Tully having some fun retrieving on his long line.

If you have a highly active dog, agility and obstacle course training may be just the outlet that will allow your best friend to get all of that extra energy out. Agility training will teach your dog to focus on the course and to your commands. This allows your dog to use both their mind and body at the same time which can tire out even the most energetic canine. It is incredibly fun and exciting to train your dog to weave and climb through one of these amazing courses.

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Belgian Malinois Barry Kabler, PH1,CGC clears a 5 foot fence obstacle. A well trained canine companion adds so much to our experience.

Bike riding with your best buddy can also be a safe and fun activity for you and your dog. So that your dog does not accidentally pull you over it is essential to use a canine bike riding device like The Springer. The Springer has a large coiled spring that allows your dog to pull with out pulling over you and your bike. Be sure to spend most of your time with your dog trotting and not at a full run. Be careful in the heat of the Summer as asphalt can become very hot and can burn your dogs pads. Teach your dog to use The Springer by walking your bike at first and once you start riding you can build up your dogs endurance slowly over several weeks. We offer a bike riding workshop if you need help introducing your dog to bike riding as a new activity!

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German Shepherd Mijo learning to ride safely during a Kabler Bike Riding Workshop.

Swimming with your best friend will get both of you out of town and out to some beautiful spots here in Western North Carolina. Most dogs will naturally learn to swim on their own but if your dog shows hesitation you can teach them to swim. Start in shallow water and over several trips build up your dogs confidence to venture into deeper water. I like to cross small shallow streams and encourage my dog to cross with me. Avoid fast moving water and don’t progress too quickly. Elder dogs who already know how to swim can also be good teachers for your dog. You can support your dog with one arm under their belly and use the other arm above and across their front paws to make sure that they don’t bring them up out of the water when learning to swim. Be sure to keep each experience positive and fun until your dog is swimming like a champ.

Puppy swimming

Belgian Malinois pup Storm learning to water retrieve. Most breeds, love to swim as long as they are introduced to water early and in the right way.

Obedience training will give you and your best friend the communication skills that will allow you both to have the freedom to go almost anywhere. Obedience training provides your dog with mental stimulation and teaches them to look towards you for leadership and guidance. Dogs who feel that they are part of a pack with a strong leader  suffer from less anxiety and are more confident out in the world. Teaching your best friend to respond to the five basic commands of Heel, Sit, Down, Stay and Come no matter where you are or what is going on around you will allow you and your best friend to safely conquer the world together.

Have fun out there and happy training!

Advanced Group Training

Advanced group training is a big part of finishing your dog’s on and off leash training programs here at Kabler School.

David Kabler has been training dogs since he was a boy and has been a Certified Master Trainer since 1995. David is available for lessons in Asheville, NC. Call today or click on Scheduling to book you and your dogs free consultation. David will evaluate your dogs personality and training needs. (828) 337-5792

Teaching the Come Command- New Ways of Learning

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Lobo expressing his natural drive during a motivational come request exercise.

When new clients call me to train their best friend, the COME request is usually a top priority on their training list. As dog owners, one of our biggest desires is that our dog will come when called every time. Our best friends live in a world of distractions that are constantly competing with us for our dogs attention. Many dogs feel frustrated that they cannot chase the squirrels, or the kitties, or the other dogs that they see on their daily walks. These ‘competing motivations’ are constantly vying for our dogs attention and when we call our dogs back to us it is easy for our canines to ignore our pleading for them to drop the fun and return to our side. In this post I would like to explore techniques that we can use to help our canine friends learn this most vital request.

Many dog owners will use the come request only when it is needed. Then when their dog returns to them it is back on the leash, or back in the house, or back in the crate. It is vital that the come request be used often and that most of the time your dog is allowed to return to that exciting scent or whatever fun it was that they were having before being called.

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Lilly practicing a motivational recall request– look at that guardian focus!

In other words call your dog to you frequently and then immediately encourage them to return to the activity they were doing before being called. You should only put your dog back on their leash and end their fun in one out of ten recalls.

ALWAYS give your dog plenty of praise and a treat reward for coming when called. This is the one command that I will always give a treat for. Plenty of praise should also be showered on your best friend for returning to your side. This will let them know that there is a reward in it for them when they heed your call.

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Practicing motivational recalls with puppies makes a lasting impact!

Dogs feel plenty of frustration in their daily lives… they want to chase that rabbit scent or follow that deer trail. Dogs often will learn to be outwardly focused on the world around them and will hone in on that rather than on us. Luckily, it is easy to create a strong desire in your dog to also want to run towards you. Follow this simple exercise to help build a strong foundation for a successful COME request.

1. Go to a safe place like a fenced in park or field and attach your best friend to a long line (a 30-35 foot long leash).

2. Have a friend or other household member hold your dog close to them.

3. Show your dog that you have a handful of treats by placing them on your furry friends nose.

4. Immediately run away a short distance and turn, and excitedly but loudly and clearly say your dogs name, and the COME request. “Daisy, COME!”

5. Have your friend drop the leash as your dog shows excitement and starts to pull towards you. Make sure that your helper does not get their feet inadvertently tangled in the leash, which can cause an accidental correction.

6. Your dog will run to you and as soon as they get to you shower them with treats and praise. Immediately pick up the leash so they can’t run off again. Repeat this 5 to 7 times in a row once or twice a day.

7. Build up from a short distance to bigger distances over several weeks. It is important not to get too far away too quickly.

Use this tip and you will successfully create a desire in your dog to want to be with you and at your side as much as they want to smell the roses!

David Kabler has been training dogs since he was a boy and has been a Certified Master Trainer since 1996. David is available for lessons in Asheville, NC and surrounding areas. Call today to schedule you and your dogs consultation. David will evaluate your dogs personality and training needs and, it’s absolutely free. (828) 337-5792

Tight Leash To A Loose Leash Mindset

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Loose leash walking practice with pocket Pittie Sadie.

Shifting from a tight leash to a loose leash is one of the hallmarks of a Kabler School For Dogs training course. Owning a professionally trained dog means that you can walk your dog with pleasure on a loose leash, easily passing other dogs, squirrels, cats, you name it! Our program teaches several kinds of walks from a casual ‘Round Me’ command to a very formal ‘With Me’ heel request. These different types of walks each have their place and you can use them interchangeably as the need arises.

Before Kabler training, most owners have a tight leash on their dog. This tight leash feels like you have more control of your best friend, but in truth, you have very little control if all your walks are on a tight lead. The leash is actually a communication tool. There are 3 primary ways of communication with your dog; Voice commands, hand signals, and leash requests. During a Kabler on leash course your dog will learn that when you pull on the leash you are actually sending them an obedience request.

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Loose leash walk with Labrador retrievers Harper and Jackson.

Dogs who are inappropriately reacting to other dogs or people by barking, lunging, or extreme pulling on the leash can be successfully trained to have neutral energy and walk on a loose leash! The Kabler approach to training solves tough issues by addressing the root causes and utilizing several angles and behavioral solutions. Once you change your mindset, and your dog reaches a high state of training, loose leash walking becomes a way of life for both you and your dog.

Click on Scheduling to book you and your dogs FREE Consultation with Master Trainer David Kabler, or call (828) 337-5792 for more information.

Dog Training Tradition

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Yellow Lab Harper taking a break from obedience practice.

Dog training is a tradition that is passed down from one trainer to another. It is still mostly an oral tradition that is shared from one generation of trainers to the next. I have been very lucky to have been taught by some truly excellent trainers. I studied under each of my teachers fervently learning their training approach as thoroughly as possible. I would obsess over every detail and nuance of their technique and approach to training. Learning these technical training details didn’t always come easy to me. I would spend lots of time frustrated, feeling very uncoordinated, and struggling with the timing of responding to the dog I was working with. There were many days where it felt like I was all thumbs! But eventually, after hours and hours of practice, I’d have breakthroughs in my skills and begin to flow with the challenging techniques. At these moments the connection between dog and handler intensifies to an almost tangible level. To this day there is nothing as satisfying as the bond experienced with the dogs that I train.

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Boxer mix Sydney happy after obedience practice during Residency training course.

My personal training technique evolves and shifts over time, even to this day! When I learned different training styles from my teachers I worked to emulate their technique and form. Over the years, each of their methods informed my training approach. My style became a blend with the best approaches rising to the top. Some methods are suited to almost every dog, while others only work with certain dogs. I call this knowledge my tool box. Over many years my tool box has grown quite large, with a wide variety of training skills filling it.

An old adage in dog training exists that the only thing 2 dog trainers can agree on is what the 3rd dog trainer is doing wrong. Sadly, this is still often true today. Many trainers turn on each other, attacking other trainers style, technique, methods, philosophy, and equipment choices. In my opinion this intensely critical atmosphere is harming the evolution of dog training. One of my great pleasures in life is watching another trainer work a dog using different approaches than what I would choose to use. I am always intrigued as to where they learned and what past experiences are informing their current method. I am forgiving to even the unskilled trainers that I observe, knowing that all trainers share a love for dogs, and that all trainers skills will grow over time.

Dog training through play.

Norwich Terrier Comet having a game of chase and tug after obedience practice.

All dog trainers are a part of a tradition that goes back thousands of years all the way to the first dogs. There is literally nothing new in the world of dog training that hasn’t been done before, in a previous age. Even the most cutting edge dog training techniques of the modern age have been used by previous generations of bygone eras. From ancient Pharaohs’ of Egypt’s hunting dogs, to Roman dogs of war, to farm dogs of Europe, to sled dogs of North America, to dogs of the Far East, and everywhere else imaginable, all trainers have one thing in common– we are part of a continuum of people that keep the ancient tradition of dog training alive and well throughout the ages.

Obedience creates a window of communication with your best friend.

Yorkie Gryff having fun practicing his first long down stay.

Click on Scheduling to book you and your dogs FREE Consultation with Master Trainer David Kabler.

 

Solving Canine Crisis Behaviors

Off Leash Skills

Practicing off leash heeling skills in the neighborhood. Guiding your dog from problem walker to polite companion is our specialty.

Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned and our clients wind up with a dog who is out of alignment with their family’s goals. “I want to walk down the sidewalk happily with my dog, but my dog lunges at every dog they see, and eventually we stopped going on walks.” We hear stories like this daily. Fortunately, our training courses provide effective solutions for your best friends issues.

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Neighborhood loose leash walking skills are a primary goal of our On Leash Obedience Course.

A dog who expresses leash reactive energy may be suffering from pack survival stress and is in desperate need of proper guidance from their human. A dog who is in a constant state of crisis is not a happy dog. Bringing your dog’s behavior around in a way that is easy and fun is one of our training specialties. Creating aligned energy between you and your dog is the goal of every Kabler training program.

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Using customized training techniques, all dogs are able to learn how to walk politely at their owners side while out on walks.

The Kabler School For Dogs training team is committed to helping dog owners solve behavioral issues. Every dog is different and it’s important to choose a trainer with a large toolbox of training skills. All training courses are customized to fit the goals we set for you and your dog during a free consultation. Our approach is intuitive and based on years of experience taking dogs from puppy to advanced off leash reliability.

Please call to discuss your dogs training needs and to schedule your dog’s FREE consultation.

(828) 337-5792

Rock Solid Training

Heeling with German Shepherd Gunnar

Out on a loose lead neighborhood walk with German Shepherd Gunnar.

Creating rock solid obedience that you can safely rely on is what we do best here at Kabler School For Dogs. Once your dog begins their On and Off Lead training courses there is a path that we take from novice to expertly trained dog. The journey to training a dog to rock solid reliability is about teamwork, fun practice sessions, and carefully following the Kabler School For Dogs training roadmap.

Rock solid training begins by building a bombproof foundation. Foundation work teaches your dog how to respond to obedience requests with motivated energy. In the beginning, we want your dog to understand that following through with obedience brings reward. Short and fun training routines are the name of the game when building your foundation. Ending your dogs practice sessions while your dog is at their peak will make your dog always excited to train. Another strategy during the foundation phase is to switch back and forth between training and play.

Off leash heeling becomes a reality.

Punkin and Ayla out on an off leash training walk. Off leash training successfully finishes your dog’s training.

If your dog has behavioral issues like leash reactivity or fearful anxiety we recommend that counter-conditioning be started alongside the foundation phase of training. By using these powerful techniques consistently you can make noticeable changes in your dogs behavior. Counter-conditioning adjusts your dogs energy allowing the coming training phases to take root faster and with more success. The goal of counter-conditioning is to soften behaviors so that the training program can progress with less stress.

The next step on you and your dog’s  journey to rock solid obedience is the guidance phase of training. There are many ways of communicating with your dog including voice requests, hand signals, and body language. During this phase we emphasize communication using the leash. It’s important that your dog understand that a pull on the leash actually means something. Just like a horseback rider communicates with his steed using the reigns we are going to send our dog obedience requests using the leash. Once your dog understands and responds successfully to leash guidance we are ready to continue our training journey to the reliability stage.

Maggie being rewarded.

German Shepherd Maggie being rewarded for a long down stay request during a park training session.

When your dog clearly understands how to respond to the different leash requests it is time to build their ability to reliably listen to your direction. Following through with commands on one request, longer sit and down stays, and consistent loose lead walking are some of the highlights of this training stage. It’s important to train in low to moderate level distraction environments as we strive to achieve the goals of the reliability phase. Once our dog is performing with accuracy it’s time to progress into the finishing phase.

During the finishing phase of training our goals are to make sure the training will work for us anywhere. Some trainers call this the distraction proofing phase. Now that your dog is demonstrating their new training skills with ease it is time to put the training to the test in increasingly higher distraction settings. As your dog learns to respond successfully in higher distraction settings you will notice a settling in your dog that actually deepens the canine/human bond. Seeing that your dog will enthusiastically respond to their training requests regardless of the environment or situation you will know you have achieved rock solid performance with your newly trained best friend.

Down Stay at the park

Ayla and Punkin practice their long down stay at the park during their Residency training course.

Please call (828) 337-5792 for more information about the unique approach to training at Kabler School For Dogs. Locations in Asheville and Tricities, TN.

2018 Dock Diving Season

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Australian Cattle Dog Banjo building his dock jumping confidence at Beginner Dock Diving Class

May 19th marked the opening of the Western Carolina Diving Dogs 2018 jumping season, and boy are we excited! Dock Diving is America’s fastest growing dog sport, and Western Carolina Diving Dogs is the area’s premier dock diving training and event center. This summer Kabler School for Dogs will be offering Beginner Dock Diving Group Classes on Saturdays, Individual Instructional Lessons, and Private Hourly Dock Rentals. IMG_4826

Elder Yellow Lab Moose having fun at a Private Dock Diving Lesson

We will also be hosting three Ultimate Air Dog Competitions the following weekends:
June 9-10, July 14-15, and August 4-5.

Come out and enjoy the competition, or if you are interested in registering you can find scheduling information at the Ultimate Air Dogs Website

Forging Your Canine Friendship

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Rescue Mix Punkin exhibiting strong guardian focus during her Residency Training Course

Training is about forging a relationship between you and your dog. At Kabler School for Dogs, we offer a comprehensive series of training courses that guide you and your dog through the stages of puppyhood all the way into adulthood. When you raise your dog the Kabler way, you and your best friend will benefit from David’s years of experience in raising puppies, yearlings, all the way through advanced on and off leash obedience training.

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Bernese Mountain pup Aria practicing her down under the leg during her Puppy Course

The Kabler School for Dogs puppy program includes proper puppy care, puppy obedience training, puppy socialization, as well as games and tricks. The goal of puppy training is to set the foundation for a stable, well-socialized young companion, all while avoiding problem behaviors before they become deeply rooted bad habits. The puppy course is designed to guide you and your dog from the ages of 10 weeks – 6 months.

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Great Pyrenees Bear graduated through Puppy and Yearling Training Courses

At Kabler School for Dogs, the Yearling training course is designed specifically for adolescent dogs. It is important to realize that adolescent dogs are not at full maturity and require a unique and interactive approach to training. The Yearling program is designed to guide you and your dog through this adolescent phase from 6-12 months. Goals for this course are to help you successfully navigate your dogs flight instinct period, introduce your adolescent dog to more advanced reward strategies in obedience, and to keep your dog engaged in fun activities. These activities can include safe swimming, biking, hiking, retrieving, and other fun games, that nourish the adolescent dog’s young mind.

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Belgian Malinois Jango and his guardian learn their way around the flirt pole

At one year of age, Kabler School for Dogs offers professional on and off leash obedience courses. Both the on and off leash programs will guide you and your dog through the highest levels of training, communication, and you will achieve reliable real world results. The on and off leash courses use an experiential approach that will take you from the training studio out into the neighborhood, local parks, and challenging group walk situations. As your dog progresses in these programs coursework becomes more dynamic and challenging. In addition, David is trained in many different techniques to tackle tough behavioral cases that may otherwise fall through the cracks.

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Australian Shepherd rescue Willow out free roaming on her long line during her Off Leash Training Course

The Kabler School for Dogs training program represents a true, all-life-stages approach to raising your family’s new canine best friend. Every training course takes on a life of its own, as the Kabler School for Dogs Team gets to know you and your dog. The Kabler School for Dogs training courses will guide you and your dog to a deeply forged relationship, that will continue to grow for years to come.

New Dock Diving Class

Fury Retrieving

Malinois Fury taking a jump retrieving his water toy at Western Carolina Diving Dogs.

Dock Diving is the fastest growing dog sport in the US- you and your retrieving buddy can get involved by taking the Beginner Dock Diving course!

The class is for strong swimmers who are also motivated at retrieve work. As your dog progresses from ramp jumping and water retrieving confidently we will encourage them to take their first exciting jumps off the dock.

Della's First Jumps

7 month old Black Lab Della taking her first jumps at Western Carolina Diving Dogs.

During class we will discuss the different competitive games that are offered as part of dock diving competitions. We will also cover strategies for competitive success for you and your dog.

The Beginner Dock Diving class is offered Saturday mornings at Western Carolina Diving Dogs until the pool closes October 1.

Della’s Day at the Dock

Dock Diving with Della from Kabler School For Dogs on Vimeo.

Tri-Cities, TN Kabler School For Dogs trainer Jeremy Bell and his Black Lab Della are having a blast this Summer learning how to dock dive at Western Carolina Diving Dogs. So far she has been out at the dock 3 times and is loving every minute of it. She has so much fun she hates for her dock time to be over. Each time she jumps her confidence grows and her jumps increase in distance.

At Kabler School For Dogs we love seeing dogs express their natural drive through activities like retrieve work. Satisfying your dogs natural drive through fun activities is a part of every Kabler School For Dogs training course.

Please call us to find out more about the Kabler training philosophy and schedule your dog’s free consultation at (828) 337-5792.

David Featured on WLOS News 13!

News reporter Adriana Mendez and Kabler School For Dogs founder David Kabler.

News Channel 13 reporter Adriana Mendez interviewed David concerning North Carolina’s proposed driving while animal on lap law. Safe riding in the car with our dogs is so important! The proposal would outlaw drivers who ride with dogs on their laps. Check out David on News 13 by following this link:

David on WLOS News

Teaching Gunner to wait and ride in the cargo area of his guardians vehicle.

Follow Us On Instagram and See Puppies Grow Into Big Dogs!

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8 week old Yellow Lab puppy Lacie- follow her on our Instagram. So Precious!

The Kabler School For Dogs Instagram account is an exciting and fun way to learn more about David’s family companion training program. Here at school we are constantly looking back on our Instagram feed marveling at all the puppies growing into yearlings and adult dogs. It is incredibly exciting to see all the changes in our clients pups as they learn and grow up.

Follow us on Instagram:

Kabler School For Dogs on Instagram

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Follow 14 week old Akita pup Zinnie as she grows up on our Instagram!

At Kabler School for Dogs we specialize in guiding new dog guardians in raising their puppies optimally. New puppy owners only get one chance to raise a new puppy the right way. Our courses are designed to keep you and your dog on a steady training path from 8 weeks all the way to an adult dog who is fully on and off leash trained. Over the years David has noticed that puppies benefit most from bi-weekly and monthly training sessions– that weekly training classes that are over in one month don’t provide clients with enough consistent guidance to properly raise a pup into an adult dog. This is a unique approach that nurtures raising your best friend in the same way that David raises his own pups.

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Blue Heeler yearling Boomer has been in Kabler training since he was a pup. Follow this cutie on our Instagram!

On the Kabler School For Dogs Instagram you will also get to check out all the progress that our fully grown dogs make in their hands on private obedience classes. Follow all of our clients dogs as they progress from highly leash reactive to perfect walkers; see shy fearful dogs in training as they gain confidence through David’s unique training approach. Clients who enroll their dog into a Kabler training program achieve results that are beyond expectation. Results are important but we believe the journey is just as important. Training should be both ultra-fun and full of amazing results!

Follow us on Instagram:

Kabler School For Dogs on Instagram

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Advanced off leash heeling with Leo, Lilly, and Summer. Follow all the training action on our Instagram.

What Makes Kabler Training Stand Out From the Pack?

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Blue Heeler Boomer and his guardian practice puppy obedience exercises in class.

This is such a great question that I get asked often. I am thrilled to share all that I’ve learned about dogs and their training with my human and canine clients alike. Training at Kabler School For Dogs is comprehensive and makes raising and training your best friend rewarding and so fun! Here are a few reasons that my training stands out:

• Over 20 Years of Training Experience. I founded Kabler School For Dogs in 1995 and have been fully immersed in the experience of training dogs ever since. I specialize in creating harmonious relationships between dogs and their guardians. I raise pups into superbly trained adults with maximum personality by taking my time with each individual dog and family I work with. Many of my clients find their way to me after having tried other training schools to no avail. I’m well known and referred by veterinarians for being able to train even the most difficult behavioral cases successfully. I get excited about my clients training courses and it shows!

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Goldendoodle Zeppi practicing some fun games after obedience on the Kabler training field.

• An All Life Stages Approach. At Kabler School For Dogs I specialize in raising puppies into well trained adult dogs. It is incredibly important to understand that raising a dog properly takes 1.5-2 years from pup to a fully trained adult. Choosing a trainer that will guide you and your dog through each stage of this journey makes all the difference. Your dogs puppy stage lasts until 5-6 months and my teaching focus during this time is on socialization, games, basic obedience, and house training. The yearling stage is from 6-12 months and I emphasize training activities that deepen the bond between you and your dog. This is the time when we build your dogs ability to retrieve and play interactive games. I enjoy teaching swim classes during this stage to ensure a lifelong love of water.  We gently guide your yearlings house manners in a positive direction daily. While it is important to teach yearlings the foundations of obedience, it is critical not to push the yearling too hard in training. Methods that impatiently train a 6 month old the same as an adult are asking too much. These rushed courses create an inhibited personality that permanently dim your dogs love of life. I like to wait to begin adult stage dog training when your dog is full-grown at 12 months. The focus is on taking the obedience training to an advanced level of accomplishment. Kabler trained dogs happily work with precision out in real world environments like busy parks and outdoor cafe’s.

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Yellow Lab Arlo and his family out practicing his walk during an off leash training session.

• Progressive Training Method. My approach is flexible and changes based upon the needs of each dog I work with. I specialize in customizing the training methods I use so that each dog excels in their training. Many of my clients have tried and failed with other training methods that use a one size fits all approach. All dogs are unique, with different temperaments, personalities, and breeds. Dogs are living breathing members of our family and training should be fun, flexible, and move at your dog’s natural pace.

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Collie/Pyrenees rescue Kona getting started with her obedience in the Kabler training studio.

• Hands On One-on-One Learning Environment. At Kabler School For Dogs you and your best friend learn by performing experiential training exercises that build teamwork. Coming to my studio for lessons gets your dog used to going places and provides a learning environment that allows your dog to excel. As your dog progresses and gains skill we will begin taking training walks around my active neighborhood; we then begin to explore busy parks and city streets. I believe in starting training in a low distraction environment and progressing to higher and higher levels of distraction at your dogs natural pace. My training courses emphasize hands on experience and at the end of each one of my training sessions I give written homework so you know exactly what to be working on each week at home.

• Extra Lessons Guarantee. My extra lessons guarantee is attached to all of my qualified adult training programs. At Kabler School For Dogs my clients are purchasing the results of the training, not a set number of sessions. All of my courses are backed up by my time and commitment to your dogs training.

All of my courses begin with a free consultation so I can assess your dog’s temperament, behavioral concerns and training needs. Please call me and find out more about my unique approach to training family canine companions. -David

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German Shepherd Leo playing a game of retrieve during an off leash session.