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
Siblings Scarlet and Appa practicing a long down stay during a fun park session.
In Home Family Dog Training With Guaranteed Results!
“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
At Kabler School For Dogs we believe training is dynamic and fun. You will learn by practicing exercises and training skills during each private session. You and your dog will go from ‘zero to hero’ accomplishing a high level of skill and communication. Sessions are action packed, fun, and you will be assigned clear and manageable homework to practice in-between sessions.
Immerse you and your dog in our world of dog training.
Kabler School For Dogs offers top level in home dog training courses in Columbia, SC! Taught conveniently in your own home, our courses will immerse you and your dog in our world of training. We specialize in raising puppies through adult dogs in our age specific courses. Avoid problems before they begin by enrolling in our Puppy Preschool training course for pups 10 weeks to 6 months of age. This course is designed to guide you and your pup along what we call the training path.
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 you and your dogs training. The focus is on building aligned energy with your dog through techniques that create rock solid family obedience. In addition, our team 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.
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!
Dogs thrive in our obedience courses for all life stages!
Kabler School For Dogs Columbia, SC 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. Tony has been training professionally since 2009. In 2017 he and his dog Kodi won the Mondioring championships and made 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- 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 rated trainers. As Co-Owner of the Columbia location, he is excited to be on the Kabler School For Dogs training team.
Call (828) 337-5792 now to schedule your dog’s FREE consultation
with Master Trainer David Kabler.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever pup Reagan.
Reagan is a perfect puppy– found through the Kabler Breed Search.
The year started out right when I helped a client find her dream dog. After meeting with the guardian, and discussing her lifestyle and breed preferences, we determined that she was looking for a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppy. Working together we located several breeders that might provide a suitable candidate for her new companion. I called the breeders on our list and politely questioned them about their breeding programs and explained exactly what we were looking for– after several calls we located the perfect litter and made arrangements for purchase and transport. The pup that arrived had the perfect temperament. Breeder selection is incredibly important when buying a pure bred dog. Things to avoid are puppy mills and novice breeders who may not understand all that goes into responsible breeding.
Shadow greeting the video store clerk for a reward on one of our outings.
Later in January, I received an urgent call from a prospective client. She had just adopted a 6 year old German Shepherd Dog named Shadow. “I just picked him up and took him to the veterinarian and it didn’t go so well”. “What happened?” I asked. “He bit the Doctor in the crotch.” She dropped Shadow off that day for his Kabler Residency training program. I had an incredible time teaching this strong willed, dominant older male to successfully follow through with his obedience requests. He was very stubborn about his down request and it took me about a week and a half to win him over and get him to down for me. Going slow like this is the best approach for older dogs, especially older rescues who may have found themselves homeless when they exhibited one too many problems. By the end of the program Shadow was my constant companion around the house and on outings to parks and restaurants. His guardian called me after our private go home session so excited about the results of his training. He has been a perfect companion dog ever since with no more problems on trips to the veterinarian.
French Barbet Truffles practicing his down stay request during his Kabler Residency.
In 2013 I helped a relatives family locate a Barbet puppy. They named the pup we found Truffles and he was a year old and now ready for his Residency Training. This is a rare French breed that has been winning people over with their exceptional personalities. My relatives found out about the breed through a New York Times article. Over the next three weeks I learned lots about the character of this powerful breed. Truffles was very smart and quick in training. Barbet’s are very athletic dogs and this boy needed plenty of exercise. It was so much fun earning this dogs respect and trust which was vital in handling him on a day to day. By the end of his course we were having a great time going for neighborhood walks, visiting friends homes, and eating out at restaurants. It is so exciting when I see the smiles on clients faces when they see how much their dog has learned during their training stay.
Gorgeous Standard poodle Diva practicing her sit stay request.
Diva’s guardian is disabled and decided to send her to me for her obedience and basic support dog training. I had an amazing time with this adorable standard poodle mix. She was so excitable but very smart. Using my unique training approach I was able to turn around her bad habits and successfully teach her manners and advanced obedience training. Diva’s daily work and play sessions gradually became longer and more focused. I had so much fun transforming her behavior, from a wild jumper, puller, and a dog who would run away into a dog that politely greets guests, walks politely even next to a wheelchair, happily performs long sit and down stays, and comes when called off of the leash every time. She was such a pleasure to have around the Kabler house– I miss Diva!
David out to dinner with Tundra, practicing a long down stay in West Asheville.
Some old time clients from back in the 1990’s called me about their new German Shepherd Dog Tundra. I had trained their last German Shepherd and they were excited to tell me about their new puppy. In 2013 they enrolled him in a week of puppy Residency training at 16 weeks old. I fit him and acclimated him to a Gentle Leader collar and worked on his obedience, house training, and manners. At a year of age he came back for his adult training Residency. I just love German Shepherds and Tundra is a handsome and athletic white one. It was so rewarding guiding him and his human guardians from puppy all the way to adult. The Kabler approach raises highly social, confident, happy, and obedient dogs with maximum personality and Tundra was no exception. He graduated through the program excelling in all respects. He was such a pleasure to work with.
Tundra reunited with his family after his Kabler Residency.
Mother/daughter training together, preparing their dogs Arabella and Triton for a family move to Japan.
I also completed many private courses of instruction this year. My private classes are very effective and fun– each session builds upon the last and the relationship between dog and human grows ever stronger from session to session. I guarantee all of my work and structure each program so that we are never in a rush.
It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to work with clients from all walks of life and breeds from all the different groups of dogs. I had an amazing year in 2014, my 19th year of professional dog training. If you are interested in bringing your dog to me, I offer both private lessons and Residency training courses. I hope your 2014 was as awesome as mine. -David
Call (828) 337-5792 to schedule your FREE consultation.
French Bulldog Dilly had an amazing Kabler Residency with fabulous results.
CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION (828) 337-5792
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.”
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
CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION (828) 337-5792
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.
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
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
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 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 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’s Guardian engages him with an action packed game of tug– working with your dogs Natural Drive deepens the canine/human bond.
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.
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.
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.
The recent Hatteras Island training class was a great success. Eight dogs participated in the class and David had such a wonderful time teaching everyone, human and canine alike. Out of the eight dogs, six were Labs— the Islanders love their water dogs! David just received the nicest letter from one of the class participants:
“I was pretty skeptical when I heard about David’s dog training. I actually completely disregarded it. Wyatt is an enormous 5-yr-old lab who we rescued from the pound when he was 9 months old. He’s got a few issues (don’t we all?) but he would sit (for a treat), came when he was called (eventually), and is the most gentle, patient and loving animal around
Good boy Wyatt!
my 18-month-old son (if your Boston Terrier steals his ball on the beach you may see another side of him). He was a chronic puller (he just gets so excited! And he has 15 pounds on me), but he would eventually get tired and walking him was no problem. What a great dog. Dog training was a nice idea but probably a waste of money since Wyatt was already trained.
However, when my husband suggested it, I decided to give it a go. If nothing else I would get to prove to myself that I had done such a great job with Wyatt all on my own. The first thing Wyatt did when we arrived on day one was drag me 15 feet across the driveway to sniff another participant. I mean, dogs do that sometimes, right? By the second class I was stunned to see Wyatt taking on a whole new level of obedience. By the third class Wyatt was walking right at my side and staying for up to 15 minutes at a time. At the end of the two weeks my husband didn’t recognize Wyatt’s behavior. We still have work to do, but I feel like I’m finally equipped to help him get there and I have faith in both of us that we can do it.
David’s training is straightforward, easy to do and unbelievably effective. He is patient and encouraging. From David, I learned that I need to command my dog’s respect and I have the skills now to do that. But even more amazingly, I have a newfound respect for my dog. A pretty unbeleivable gift. I would recommend David’s dog training to anyone. Wyatt was the oldest, largest, most stubborn and most aggressive dog in his class. David helped me turn around 5 years of bad habits in just a few days. I’m beyond impressed – I am sincerely grateful.”
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.
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.
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.
