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
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!
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.
Please call now to schedule you and your dogs FREE evaluation and consultation with Master Trainer David Kabler. (828) 337-5792
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 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
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
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 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.
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
Cattle Dog Bindi looking alert while waiting for a reward.
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.
The mild Winter we’ve been having has made training outdoors a real pleasure this year. So many clients wait until Spring to start their best friends obedience training and this year many new clients are taking advantage of the gorgeous weather. All of David’s training sessions are run out in the real world. It’s been busy training with clients at local parks, downtown Asheville, outdoor cafes, Bent Creek, and in clients homes. Training your best friend makes for a happier, healthier, more communicative, and less anxious best friend. Not only that, but teaching your dog the skills of obedience is one of the most satisfying and enjoyable experiences that you can share with your canine.
Give David a call today to find out more. (828) 337-5792
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.
