Sit ‘N’ Stay Dog Training and Behavioral Counseling believes a well trained dog is a product of a well trained and educated owner. Dogs do not understand the concept of equality. The canine world is organized around leaders and subordinates which helps to maintain peace within a pack.

Trainer Maggie VanderMeer has been training dogs and working with owners for 17 years and has taught owners how to teach and handle their dogs. Her philosophy is to focus on clear communications and leadership while taking into account the diversity of each dog. The goal is to help dogs understand manners and behavior appropriate to our human world and teach families to communicate those skills clearly so their dogs understand what is expected of them.

Unlike classes found in pet stores, Maggie’s approach emphasizes the importance of leadership with lots of verbal and hands on praise. You will create a lasting positive bond with your dog by communicating effectively, teaching basic commands and good pack manners. Sit ‘N’ Stay offers many types of classes from group, private and at home training. Group classes are held in a private indoor area with no outside distractions. At home private training is advantageous for families with limited time who cannot commit to a six week session. The benefit is one on one training and the individual attention given to you, your family and your pet. Private one on one training is also available in our indoor class room. All classes will help you learn how to modify problem behaviors as well as obedience skills.

PUPPY I KINDERGARDEN for puppies 2 to 5 ½ months old
• A one hour class held for 3 consecutive weeks in the evening
• Emphasizes socialization, desensitizing and basic obedience
• Cost is $79 refundable deposit when 3 classes are completed or the $79 can be applied toward the Puppy II class.

PUPPY II KINDERGARDEN for puppies that have completed Puppy I
• A one hour class held for 3 consecutive weeks in the evening
• Emphasizes basic obedience, socialization and exercises designed to get and keep your dogs attention and focus
• Cost is $79

BASIC BEGINNERS OBEDIENCE for dogs 6 months and older
• A one hour class held for 6 consecutive weeks on Wednesday evening
• Emphasizes leadership, basic obedience and exercises designed to get and keep your dogs attention and focus
• Cost is $130

ADVANCED BASIC OBEDIENCE for dogs that have completed Basic Beginners Obedience
• A one hour class held for 6 consecutive weeks on Thursday evening
• Emphasizes advanced obedience commands from a distance, over longer periods of time and learning more difficult commands.
• Cost is $130

BOOT CAMP for dogs that have behavioral or obedience problems.
• Your dog will spend two weeks at the Animal Care Center training with our trainer Maggie Vandermeer who will teach your dog the importance of:
    • The alpha relationship
    • Attention getting exercises
    • Loose leash healing
    • Simple commands such as sit, down, come and others
    • Additional work on behavorial issues specifc to the dog including owner involvement
• $1,350 for the entire 2 weeks which includes boarding

PRIVATE OR AT-HOME TRAINING
• Call Maggie at 815-545-3920 for more information

PLAY SESSIONS
This program is offered for any dog boarding at the Animal Care Center. All sessions include walks (in addition to the time boarders spend outside for potty breaks), treats, massges, toys and personal cuddle time. Training includes refreshing basic commands such as sit, stay, come, walking on leash and others. You can choose to have the session private or with a playmate.

Services offered:
30 minutes of play: $10.00
2 hours of play: $40.00
30 minutes of play and 30 minutes of training: $40.00
Multiple dog discount of 10% offered