A Kabler School For Dogs training course is an investment that pays rewards every day!
Winter is the perfect time to begin training! By starting your training journey now your dog will be well behaved and off leash trained by Spring! Set you and your dog up for an amazing Spring of exciting outings! Our courses are fun for both you and your dog and provide pro level results. Whether you have difficult problem behaviors that disrupt your daily life or just want a high level of obedience training we will help you achieve your training goals. After all, we have been helping dogs and their owners for over 30 years!
Imagine your dog walking on a loose leash, passing other dogs and distractions with ease! Walking your dog will feel joyful and you will experience a oneness with your dog that transcends words. Outings to breweries and cafes will be joyful with your well mannered dog laying at your side. The feeling inside knowing that your dog will always return to you when called is hard to describe. It is a sense of confidence in your connection with your dog.
At Kabler School For Dogs our training staff is thoughtful, caring, and highly skilled at instructing both you and your dog in achieving fantastic results. We make sure that your dog is seeing tangible progress each day. Training is an investment that lasts a lifetime. You will be thrilled as your friends and family notice the giant difference training the Kabler way will make! Envision your dogs behavioral issues resolved, being able to walk politely past other dogs, going to breweries, and giving your dog safe off leash freedom on hikes. These are the dreams that our team makes possible every day.
We offer a free evaluation at our training campuses located in Asheville and Columbia. Schedule yours today so we can meet you and your dog. There is no obligation to enroll, so you have everything to gain by coming in for a visit. We can’t wait to meet you and your best friend!
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
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
Teaching your dog to swim is super fun and is an excellent way to exercise your four legged companion. When I was 12 I taught my Yellow Lab pup, Duke, to retrieve in the ocean and in my grandparents swimming pool; much to their behest. I even taught him to leap off the diving board. I would pretend he was a swim rescue dog. He enjoyed towing me through the water, pulling me toward the stairs or shore, during my mock rescue scenarios. Duke and I would swim for hours together.
Fury racing from the swimming hole with his frisbee during a water retrieve.
Today, I still love taking my clients dogs swimming to cool off from the Summer heat. Many athletic dogs will benefit from swimming as it works the dog’s body, mind, and spirit. There is a unique feeling I get, that’s like no other, after going swimming with my dog. As you strive to teach your best friend to become a confident swimmer, it is important to keep some safety tips and training approaches in mind.
Rose and her guardian playing some fetch at the waterfall.
Yearling Residency graduate Rose retrieving her tennie.
Practice swim safety by using a long line on the novice swimmer. Always keep a close eye on your dog and don’t allow the long line to become entangled on anything. Beginner and advanced swimmers alike will benefit from wearing a canine life jacket. If your dog swims in a pool or rocky swimming hole, it is critical to repeatedly teach your dog where the stairs or safe exit from the water is.
Huck’s guardian playing a game of retrieve during an off lead swim session.
Always be ready to jump in the water yourself to assist your best friend if necessary. Avoid forcing your dog into the water. Rely on a slower approach, and grow your dogs confidence around the water. Just like people, dogs learn through experience. So be sure to keep your dog safe and enjoy every minute, allowing each trip to the water to build upon the last.
Ollie learning to charge it while retrieving his toy during a Yearling swim session.
Teaching Ollie to love the water during his Yearling training course.
Teaching your dog to swim is always easiest as a pup, and during the yearling phase, but with practice almost all dogs can learn to swim. Begin with small shallow stream crossings and slowly progress to water that is chest deep for your dog. If your dog loves to retrieve, this energy can be of great help to encourage your dog to love the water. I prefer short and fun excursions to swimming spots at first so that it keeps your dog craving more.
Off Lead Residency guest Cato taking a late season sunset swim.
Gus’s Guardians using his favorite toy to encourage him into deeper water during a Yearling course swim session.
I teach a swimming class during Spring, Summer, and Fall months for clients who are enrolled in my training courses. There is nothing I love more than watching a dog who confidently loves the water. -David
Elder dog Daisy helps to socialize young Fury to the water.
As Fury’s water confidence grows the distance of his retrieves also become greater.
David out cruising on the bike with his Husky mix Daisy.
At Kabler School For Dogs I love teaching clients with athletic dogs to safely bike together during private training courses. It is quite a thrill to look down at your best friend running in stride next to you while cruising on a path. So many dogs benefit from this additional exercise and some dogs really love to pull and you barely have to pedal! It is so fun and rewarding to share experiences like these with your four legged bestie. In this video you can see how my Husky mix Daisy loves to ride with me– every ride with her is special!
To find out more information please call and say hi about my unique dog training courses. -David
Dobie Lucy joyfully playing a game of retrieve during an obedience session with David on the Kabler training field.
Creating cooperative energy is a top priority during my training classes for pups, yearlings, and adult dogs. When you and your dog have shared goals- this is what I call slipping into alignment with your best friend. Aligned energy expresses itself in many ways.
Lucy and her guardian practice an aligned walk with a loose lead.
Through obedience it can be seen when your dog is walking politely and happily on a loose leash, pacing themselves to their human guardian with a skip in their step; or during a long stay when the dog is focused on their human while enthusiastically following through with their request. During play, aligned energy is evident during games of retrieve and tug. When you and your dog are flowing together, in tune, with clear communication, then you know that aligned energy is present. During my training classes these moments are created exercise by exercise, cultivated and grown, into a shared way of life between you and your four legged companion. During a Kabler School For Dogs training course this aligned energy becomes ever present in the relationship between you and your dog.
-David
Call (828) 337-5792 to schedule a FREE consultation.
Lilly practicing a motivational recall request– look at that guardian focus!