Puppycraft: The Craft of Raising a Puppy

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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. 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

Rock Solid Training

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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.

It’s All About Establishing a Healthy Relationship With Your Best Friend

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Please call now to schedule you and your dogs FREE evaluation and consultation with Master Trainer David Kabler. (828) 337-5792

Danny

Danny learning to excitedly follow his Guardian.

Establishing a healthy relationship with your dog is the most important aspect of training at Kabler School For Dogs. My comprehensive training approach will guide your dog in ways that will help you to grow bonds of friendship that will deepen your connection. It is always a pleasure when I see the relationship between guardian and canine become deeply rooted during training programs. Dogs that previously pulled and lunged become polite walkers that stay by their humans side even in the midst of high distractions. Dogs that previously had behavioral issues at home become a pleasure to live with. Kabler training courses are all about creating a happily trained dog that follows through with their obedience requests at home and out in the real world. Parks, residential neighborhoods, restaurants, and downtown areas are all destinations during a Kabler training program. This will ensure reliability of the training.

Lily

Lily learning to focus on her guardian during a training session with David.

During a Kabler School For Dogs training program human guardians are also thoroughly trained in how to successfully work with their unique dog. Everything from obedience requests, to best ways to praise and motivate are customized to fit the needs of individual dogs and guardians. Building a relationship with your dog is one of the most rewarding friendships that you will ever experience. I make each class exciting and fun as your dogs training and friendship deepens and grows. I can’t wait to personally meet you and your canine best friend.

-David

Please call now to schedule you and your dogs FREE evaluation and consultation with Master Trainer David Kabler. (828) 337-5792

Kabler Training Makes Every Walk Stress Free

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CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION (828) 337-5792

Jack graduated through Kabler training with flying colors.

Jack graduated through Kabler training with flying colors.

Jack graduated through my on and off leash obedience courses with flying colors. When I first met him, this handsome dog was a high energy handful, jumping and lunging at will. By the end of his stay with me his transformation was complete. His jumping had been eliminated except when invited, his recall request was honed, his down stay was at a very high level even at restaurants and around tough distractions, and his house manners were impeccable. I enjoy training all dogs to such a high level of obedience. Teaching companion dogs to be happily trained is what I do best. If you are interested in enrolling in a Kabler School For Dogs program please say hi and we can talk about your four legged canine best friend. Looking forward to hearing from you!   – David

Dear David,

Thank you so much for the excellent work you did with my Pitbull mix, Jack. Although it has been many months since his Kabler Residency, his training is still making a big difference in our life together. When we are at the park or on the street, we practice the “down, stay” command and people stop to ask “how did you do that?”. I always give the same answer, “I didn’t do that, David Kabler did.”

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Jack and Daisy having a blast during his residency.

I am most grateful for the reliable “come” command you taught him. It makes every walk stress free to know without a doubt that no matter what situation comes along with another dog or other distraction, Jack will immediately change gears, run quickly and joyfully to me, and sit down.

We are so blessed to have a dog trainer of your level of expertise living in our town! I wish you every happiness and peace in the New Year.

Sincerely,

Denise and Jack

CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION (828) 337-5792

2013: An Incredible Training Year

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CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION (828) 337-5792

Tundra

German Shepherd pup, Tundra, practicing his leash walking skills. Look at those ears!

2013 was an incredible year of training here at Kabler School For Dogs. At the end of a year, and the beginning of a new one, I always enjoy reflecting on all the fabulous dogs and guardians who have graduated through the Kabler training program. I had the distinct pleasure of working with such a wide variety of canine breeds and personalities and had some wonderful success stories with some difficult rescue cases. There is nothing I enjoy more than helping dogs and their guardians forge meaningful and dynamic relationships.

Weezie

Weezie practicing her training during a West Asheville private session.

My courses are designed to give you and your dog only the best one-on-one attention. The Kabler method is based on years of experience training hundreds of dogs. My approach is intuitive and designed to take all of my dogs and guardians on a successful training journey.

I had such an awesome year working with all my clients and their canine best friends. Working with dogs brings me immense satisfaction. It is always rewarding to watch the relationship between human guardian and canine grow while in Kabler training.

The most popular way to train at Kabler School For Dogs is through my private sessions. Private sessions are one hour in length and are run at public parks, in the clients home, and in urban settings. My programs can be purchased in blocks of sessions or you may qualify for one of my unique open ended guaranteed training courses. During your dogs training session you can expect to learn a variety of training requests and problem behavior solving techniques. I always wrap up my classes with written homework so my clients know exactly what to work on in-between our sessions together. Whether you are an experienced or a beginner canine guardian my courses will provide you with excellent information and my unique training perspective.

Bjorn & Hanne

Quite the pair. Bjorn and Hanne practice a perfect down and stay request while looking handsome and gorgeous.

At Kabler School For Dogs I offer one of the best residency training programs in the business. During your dogs residency they live in my home with me and are spared the harsh reality of a kennel environment. Each of my residency house guests are trained, walked, and played with daily. My beautiful fenced in yard provides a safe outdoor exercise area. Excursions to the park and downtown West Asheville provide new distractions, socialization, and training experiences.

Ruby practicing holding her down stay request while a strange dog approaches and says hello during a private session at the park.

I am so excited from such an excellent year of training and am looking forward to all the new dogs and guardians that I will have the privilege of training in 2014. If you are looking for an exceptional training experience for you and your canine best friend please say hi. I absolutely cannot wait to find out about your dog. Happy training and happy New Year!

– David

CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION (828) 337-5792

Bindi

Cattle Dog Bindi looking alert while waiting for a reward.

CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION (828) 337-5792

Nobility, Companionship, and Love– Training from the Heart

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CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION (828) 337-5792

Kabler Crest

The new Kabler School For Dogs crest.

The new Kabler School For Dogs crest exemplifies the Kabler philosophy of teaching and training canines. The imagery within the design communicates the ideals that have always been at the foundation of the Kabler canine training method. The crest radiates a sense of nobility, respect for our dogs, companionship, listening to the heart, obeying the intuitive side of our nature, the attainment of lofty training goals, and the love that each canine companion gives freely to us every day.

Maggie

German Shepherd Maggie Kabler retrieving car keys as apart of her Assistance Dog training– Officially the best baby sitter in the world.

When I look at this crest, I am reminded of all the challenges that I have overcome to learn this knowledge and wisdom of training dogs. I am thankful for all of my teachers and their different styles– ultimately training is a tradition passed from one trainer to another. I remember all the hard work, the hundreds of dogs that have taught me so much over the years, and the dedication that it took to find success. In my minds eye I can see the beautiful inner spark of each individual canine that I have trained. I am thankful for all the Guardians I have taught whose families will be forever enhanced by sharing their lives with a well trained dog.

I believe the connection that we share with our dogs is a link with our collective human past. By feeding and nourishing the canine/human relationship we are rewarded with a strong sense of healing love as well as a direct connection to the natural world. It is my goal to foster these gifts by teaching all my clients, human and canine alike, with  a patient and intuitive training approach. In sharing the Kabler training method with my clients I strive to create positive alignments and meaningful relationships between canines and their Guardians. – David

Barry

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

CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION (828) 337-5792

Channeling and Harnessing Your Dog’s Natural Drive

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Lobo expressing his natural drive during a motivational recall request.

Natural Drive is your dogs inclination to exhibit inherent canine behaviors– which we can harness in training. Some of these behaviors include eating food, chasing their Guardian, pulling (sleds, carts, bicycles, etc.), retrieving, and tugging. Natural Drive in canine companion dogs is present in all puppies, in varying amounts, and is either enhanced or diminished by environmental factors during maturation. Puppies who are raised to exhibit some of these natural behaviors into adulthood are happier and have better relationships with their human Guardians.

Gypsy

Gypsy retrieving her tennis ball for a job well done.

Many dogs have their Natural Drives diminished at an early stage in their life. Their Guardians reduce their dogs ability to play by mistakenly punishing their canine for exhibiting these natural behaviors. It is much healthier for the young dogs mind if we successfully harness this Natural Drive by channelling the energy into enjoyable games that we can play with our best friends.

Dogs that have very strong Natural Drives are able to resist efforts by their Guardians to reduce what humans often perceive as nuisance behaviors. In many cases, these dogs are left anxious and conflicted as they have no acceptable outlet for their Natural Drives. Often, these highly driven canines who lack direction and leadership will begin to demonstrate problem behaviors like lunging, constantly pulling on their lead, jumping, and possible aggression.

When building a relationship with high drive dogs it is helpful to reward the dog by engaging their Natural Drive instincts. This can be accomplished by using treats, tugs, and ball rewards in training. Channeling and harnessing your dogs Natural Drive is an important aspect of training canines and will help deepen the relationship you have with your four legged companion.

Merlin Tug

Merlin being rewarded for a successful Stay with an ultra fun game of tug.

While training dogs who have had their Natural Drive inhibited it is important to provide ample opportunities for these dogs to reconnect with their instinctive drives. Almost all dogs can be persuaded to accept treats in training and increase their ability to work for food. Sometimes it is also possible to reignite the inhibited canines natural instincts to retrieve and tug. In both cases it is imperative to remain patient and give the inhibited dog plenty of time to begin to accept treats and play as rewards during training sessions.

Keeping your dogs drive and natural spark alive and engaged is the job of every responsible canine Guardian. Strong instinctive pullers can be taught to ride a bicycle using a Springer device with a pulling harness. Dogs with natural retrieve and tug drive can be rewarded for successful obedience requests with play. All dogs benefit from using treats to enhance their instinctual food drive. Teach your best friend to follow you as you move and perform requests like Sit, Down and Stay for treat rewards. Keep all these training sessions short and fun and over time you will see your dogs abilities improve and your relationship grow.

If you have any questions about your dogs Natural Drive or the Kabler School For Dogs training program please call me at (828) 337-5792. I would enjoy saying hi and hearing more about your best friend. Happy training!

-David

CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION (828) 337-5792

Frank

Frank’s Guardian engages him with an action packed game of tug– working with your dogs Natural Drive deepens the canine/human bond.

Proud Kabler Guardians Train their Canines to the Highest Level.

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These advanced Canine companions show off their rock solid Down and Stay Requests at Distraction Proofing class.

These advanced Canine companions show off their rock solid Down and Stay Requests at Distraction Proofing class.

At Kabler School For Dogs we take our ability to train Guardians and their best friends to the highest levels very seriously– and have a fabulous time doing it! The recent invitation only Proofing Class was a huge success and should give Canine Guardians everywhere motivation to practice daily with their best friends.

All the dogs and Guardians had an excellent time training in the advanced Distraction Proofing class at Carrier Park.

All the dogs and Guardians had an excellent time training in the advanced Distraction Proofing class at Carrier Park.

This Distraction Proofing Class was held in Asheville at Carrier Park around the bowling green. Class began with an on leash meet and greet. The Guardians and dogs got to say hello while tethered and work on leash manners. Next, we worked  on Untethered off leash training by taking an off lead group walk with all the dogs. We also worked on our long Down and Stay requests with residency dog Ellie providing the distractions by walking around the dogs. We wrapped up the session with 100 yard motivational recalls and some play time. It was incredible to see all the dogs run at full speed towards their Guardians.

These advanced Canine companions show off their rock solid Down and Stay Requests at Distraction Proofing class.

Kabler Apprentice Trainer Kim walking Bernese Mountain Dog Ellie around all the dogs for Distraction Proofing.

All the Canine and Human Guardians had an awesome time participating in this intensely fun class. The challenging nature of this class and the ease with which the dogs completed all the exercises is proof positive in the strength of the Kabler training technique which is adaptable to fit the requirements of dogs with varying temperaments. Training is a journey that Guardians take with their canine companions. Having fun while training is as important as achieving results. It was an incredible class– be on the lookout for future proofing classes in exciting new locations in 2013.

It’s Been a Busy Fall Training Season

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Handsome German Shepherd Dog Eli practicing a Down & Stay request during an in home training session.

Gorgeous Doolin accepting a reward from her Guardian for a successful Down & Stay request.

At Kabler School For Dogs we have been having an awesome Fall training season. My apprentice Kim and I have been successfully finishing up with our Summer training cases. Tenshi and Jack both graduated through the Residency Training Course. Eli, a very aggressive German Shepherd, has been successfully de-conditioned in his response to strangers and his untethered obedience is coming along nicely. Kim’s training dog Iko and his Guardian are getting close to Tethered graduation. We are really excited about all of our graduates– and beginning training with lots of new Guardians and their canine companions. Kim and I would like to welcome all of our new clients to Kabler School For Dogs.

Obi is a gregarious Golden– The highest goal of obedience is to shape and grow the relationship between Guardian and Canine companion.

Kabler School For Dogs is proud to announce our Puppy Preschool Class. The training of the young pup is often overlooked by novice dog Guardians. These early weeks are actually critical to the healthy development of your best friend. Proper training and socialization from 8-20 weeks can successfully prevent serious behavioral issues later. Puppy Preschool also includes house training, crate training, redirecting play biting, reward based obedience, and fun games you can play with your new dog. New puppies are welcome each week– hope to see you and your new pup at class. To enroll call Kabler School For Dogs at (828) 337-5792.

Working Dogs Get A Job… And Love It.

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Toby and Blaze

Toby, Blaze and their Guardian Fred learning to work together.

When I went out for an in home consultation I met Fred and his two handsome dogs Toby and Blaze. Both dogs were incredibly high energy. Fred was suffering from back trouble and could not walk his boys without them pulling and lunging uncontrollably. The dogs leapt all over me, scratching me with their strong paws and it was clear that Fred needed more control over them than he had. We started with basic training and advanced until Fred was able to walk both of them politely down his street. Both dogs learned to listen to Fred for direction, walk slowly with him on loose leashes, and to sit or down stay upon request. Now, after going through my Basic training course, Fred has a stronger relationship with his two dogs, and has a higher level of control at home and when taking them places. Toby and Blaze, both working breeds, have their need for a job satisfied— It is incredibly rewarding for me when I see a new bond of trust, respect and communication grow between dogs and their humans. Following is a letter from Fred describing his experience training at Kabler School For Dogs. Happy training!      -David

I was referred to David Kabler at Kabler School For Dogs by Aaron Bales (Owner/Manager) of Happy Tails Country Club in Fairview. I was looking for training sources for my 2 dogs, Toby, a 9 month old Labrador mix adopted from Brother Wolf, and Blaze, a 5 year old Shepherd mix from Asheville Humane. Blaze had been to obedience classes for 18 sessions during the 5 years before meeting David.

I called David and he came out to our house to meet Blaze and Toby. I had called David primarily to work with Toby (the puppy). We made arrangements for David to work with Toby for 5 sessions at our house beginning the following week. As it turned out David told me to include Blaze as well, which I thought was great for them to get some training together. We began the following week with basic beginnings.

IMG_3122

Toby and Blaze are handsome boys– practicing Down and Stay upon request.

What I have truly learned the most, is how to change my actions with dogs and how to positively guide them in situations, versus scolding them for unwanted behavior. I have seen vast improvement in both dogs and I have learned how to actively work with each dog on their strong points and their weaknesses.

Kabler Dog Training is not just dog training, but people training as well. I had to learn how to teach and communicate with both dogs even though Blaze was further along than Toby. After about the 3rd class we would go out to wait for David’s arrival and both dogs were very excited to see David even though he was a very firm instructor. They enjoyed their time with Kabler School For Dogs, as did I. I highly recommend his classes.

Thank you David.

Gerry and Fred S.

“Toby & Blaze”

New Dog Training Column in Critter Magazine!

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David is excited to be writing a new monthly column featuring his unique dog training perspectives for Critter Magazine. Published monthly for over 15 years, Critter Magazine is an animal adoption publication that is available for free in Asheville, NC.

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Look for David’s article in the March issue of Critter.

Critter believes in approaching animal welfare by promoting adoption, awareness and education about issues. Find out more information at http://www.crittermagazine.com.

David’s first article will be about separation anxiety in dogs and how a good training program can alleviate their stress and symptoms caused by being separated from their human pack. Look for it in the March issue of Critter.

Upcoming articles will be about training techniques for puppies and adult dogs. The articles will give unique insights into canine behavior. David is anticipating sharing his extensive canine training knowledge and experience with Critter readers all over Western North Carolina.

Contact David now to schedule your dog’s FREE training and behavioral consultation. (828) 337-5792.

Canine Wrangling for New Feature Film ‘Wanderlost’.

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David’s Belgian Malinois, Barry, on the set of Wanderlost.

Wanderlost is a new award winning dark fantasy feature film that stars Belgian Malinois Barry Kabler. “Training Barry for this role was so much fun as well as challenging. Ultimately Barry did an awesome job of acting on the set and I really had a blast working with my best friend on this incredible project. Training a dog for a film role is always challenging and it is important to make the experience fun for the canine actor.”, says Master Dog Trainer David Kabler. Wanderlost is currently screening at film festivals and is a finalist in the Famous Monsters Of Filmland film festival. You can check out the films trailer at wanderlostfilm youtube.

David working with Barry at Blue Ridge Motion Pictures on the set of the feature film Wanderlost.

Isaac no longer pulls on his leash.

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Isaac

Isaac no longer pulls on his leash!

Dear David,

We want to let you know how pleased we continue to be with the results of Isaac’s training. We have been on hikes with him, and he no longer strains at the leash and he sits when other hikers and dogs go by! We can walk on our road with Isaac on a slack leash. We have had compliments from house guests and neighbors on his improved behavior. Before we started your training we would hardly have thought this to be possible, especially in just a few weeks. Thanks for all your help!

Sincerely,

Doug, Pat and Isaac