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Why Train Your Dog
Good behavior leads to a better quality of life for your dog - and you. Trained dogs tend to be happier and more relaxed. Our proven training methods lead to:
Confidence - Learn the art of reading your dog's body language and ability to influence emotional stability to create socially outgoing companions with people and dogs.
Better Communication - Your dog will learn to understand commands and cues, which makes it easier to manage their behavior in various situations.
Improved Safety - Commands like "sit," "stay," "come" and "leave it" can prevent your dog from running into dangerous situations, such as traffic or harmful environments.
Good Behavior - Your dog is less likely to engage in destructive behaviors, such as chewing on furniture, jumping on guests or excessive barking. It also helps them interact better with other dogs.
Stronger Bond - By working together, you build trust, mutual respect and a deeper connection.
What Happens First
No-Obligation Private Consultation - $35
We schedule time with Margaret. This is a great way for you and your dog(s) to meet her and customize a solution that best meets your needs and gets you to your goals.
Our Evaluation
Ask Questions
We spend about an hour asking questions about your situation and allow you to ask your questions.
Observe Your Dog
We visually evaluate your dog's personality, body language, natural reactions, energy level, ability to recover and drive.
Provide Feedback
We give you our initial thoughts about your dog's behavior and talk about changes to make at home before formal training starts.
Recommend Next Steps
We demonstrate how training works, explain the philosophy behind it and recommend which of our programs are appropriate for your dog's goals.
How We Train
We use relationship-based training – opening the lines of communication and helping you develop a better relationship with your dog.
We don’t limit ourselves to just one option. We use a balanced approach to training because no two dogs are alike. Because of this, we adapt our training approach to fit each dog’s needs based on their personality, energy level, age, experience, aptitude for learning, your lifestyle and goals.
Our training is built on:
- effective communication - using praise, treats and affection to motivate and encourage dogs to do the behaviors we want.
- various training tools to reinforce good decisions and behaviors.
- primarily leash pressure, using the special leash we recommend, to regain control of our dog’s focus and interrupt unwanted thoughts/behaviors.
- balancing the two to help your dog understand how to get along in your family, neighborhood and the community.
The most efficient and effective way we’ve been able to help so many families over the years is through Board and Train programs.
FAQ About Dog Training
What training do you offer?
Purpose Driven K9 provides professional family dog training, puppy raising, and behavior modification for a wide range of problems and goals.
Puppies 8-20 weeks old: Puppy Preschool Program is the best way to get started!
Dogs 16+ weeks old: A 1-hour Professional Evaluation is the best way for us to assess and determine the best training options for you!
What vaccinations are required?
We require your dog to be up-to-date by a licensed veterinarian on their Rabies and their Distemper/Parvo combination. They must be clear of external (fleas, ticks, etc) and internal (worms, giardia, etc) parasites. We require up-to-date Bordetella and an annual negative fecal from your vet.
What is a Board and Train program?
A Board and Train program is an all-inclusive program designed with all you need to achieve your goals with your dog. They can last from a few days to multiple weeks. You drop your dog off for training, only needing to provide enough food for their stay!
We then train them many times per day between 20 minutes – 1 hour per training “workout.” Most dogs* will also receive multiple “social” training sessions where they learn to interact and communicate safely with other dogs. (*Dogs with serious behavioral issues might have a varied training plan.)
Finally, you have a 2 hour Go Home Lesson at pick up, where our trainer(s) shows you what your dog has learned, how to practice, and gives you goals and homework until we see you for your next lesson or group classes.
What is a Private Lesson?
A Private Lesson is an hour session where we teach you how to train your dog, improving their listening, behavior, and your understanding. You receive personal guidance and attention, problem solving techniques and demonstrations, and your very own homework training plan.
What are your Group Classes?
After your dog has completed the training recommended by our trainer, they may be ready to join our 6-week Group Classes. Each class meets 1 hour per week and has 8-12 dogs, who will all grow together through the classes.
Improve your dog’s obedience and your handling, get answers to your questions, push and challenge your dog’s abilities around distractions, and make the most of your training investment! All group classes end with our Dog Socials – where dogs come off-leash and get to mingle and play in a safe, structured, and supervised environment.
Do you offer Boarding?
Boarding is an exclusive service for our training graduates. Boarding with us guarantees your dog won’t backtrack on their training as it includes:
- Refresher leash training
- Group place stay practice
- Dog socialization
- Daycare (if staying on a Wednesday)
- Exercise
- Walks
Where are you located?
We have a new location, east of Madison Avenue on East Thompson Road on the south side of Indy:
1621 East Thompson Road
Indianapolis, IN