Mountain Dog Academy Training Programs

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Puppy Training Series (Levels 0–3)

For puppies from 8 weeks to 6 months old

Our Puppy Training Series guides you and your puppy through the most important developmental stages—from the day they come home through the point they are ready for full off-leash reliability. Each level builds confidence, structure, obedience, and real-world skills in a smooth, age-appropriate progression.

Levels 1–3 are Board & Train programs.
Level 0 is in-home or virtual only, because puppies under 16 weeks are not fully vaccinated and too young for board & train.

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Level 0 – Puppy Foundations at Home (8–16 Weeks Old)

In-home sessions in Cashiers, NC — Virtual coaching available for owners outside the area

Level 0 gives owners support from the very first day their puppy comes home from the breeder. Puppies at this age are not yet eligible for board & train, so we work with you directly in your home (or virtually) to set up structure, routines, and healthy habits that prevent common puppy problems before they start.

What We Cover

• Crate setup and calm crate training
• Establishing a clear potty schedule
• Feeding routines and daily structure
• Integrating your puppy into your household rhythm
• Teaching calmness, settling, and early self-regulation
• Structuring appropriate play, exercise, and rest
• Handling for grooming, bathing, nails, and vet visits
• Preventing nipping, jumping, barking, whining, and other early issues
• Intro to Sit, Down, Place, leash handling, and basic manners
• Coaching owners on how to reward desired behaviors and correct unwanted ones

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Level 0 Scheduling Options

Owners may choose the format that best suits their lifestyle and puppy’s needs:

Option 1 — Weekly Sessions (8–16 Weeks Old)

Steady week-to-week guidance through the entire early-development window. Eight 45 minute sessions in total.

Option 2 — Sessions Every Other Week (Starting at 8 Weeks)

Ideal for owners who want regular support without a weekly commitment. Four 60 minute sessions in total.

Option 3 — Sessions Every 3 Weeks (Starting at 7 weeks)

A slower-paced option for experienced owners or those wanting milestone-based coaching. Three 90 minute sessions in total.

All options include personalized training plans, homework, and real-time troubleshooting.

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How Level 0 Works

• In-home or virtual sessions
• Customized guidance based on your home and goals
• Step-by-step routines for daily success
• Continued support as your puppy prepares for Level 1

$700

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Level 1 – 1 Week Puppy Board & Train

For puppies under 6 months

Level 1 introduces puppies to structured obedience and calm manners in a board & train environment. This is where foundational communication and early impulse control begin.

What Your Puppy Will Learn

• Proper crate behavior and calm settling
• Potty routine structure
• Loose-leash walking
• Sit, Down, Place, Recall, Heel, and basic impulse control
• Handling for grooming and vet visits

Program Includes

• Daily training and socialization
• Bath with grooming-manners practice
• Go-home lesson
• Puppy packet for continued success
• Follow-up lesson
• Prong collar must be a Herm Sprenger brand collar and purchased separately. We sell them at our facility.

All Level 1 training is performed on leash.

$800

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Level 2 – 1 Week Puppy Board & Train

For puppies under 6 months who have completed Level 1

Level 2 strengthens the obedience skills introduced in Level 1 and begins the transition to low-pressure e-collar communication, laying the groundwork for off-leash reliability.

What Your Puppy Will Learn

• Reinforcement of Level 1 skills
• Introduction to e-collar communication
• Improved focus around distractions
• Increased impulse control and calmness

Program Includes

• 1-hour go-home session
• 1-hour follow-up within 4 weeks
• E-collar must be qualified brand that is purchased separately. We sell them at our facility.

$800

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Level 3 – 2 Week Puppy Board & Train: Off-Leash Reliability

For puppies under 6 months who have completed Levels 1 & 2

Level 3 brings everything together, developing consistent off-leash reliability with e-collar training in real-world environments. This level is ideal for families who want true freedom and safety without sacrificing structure or control.

What Your Puppy Will Learn

• All obedience reinforced on e-collar
• Reliable off-leash recall
• Strong Sit, Down, Place, and Heel around distractions
• Calm neutrality in stimulating environments
• Advanced impulse control

Program Includes

• 1-hour mid-program owner session
• 2-hour go-home session
• 1-hour follow-up within 2 months

$1500

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The entire Puppy Series purchased as a complete package from Level 0 through Level 3 is $3500 (savings of $300). Must be paid in full before start of Level 0. No refunds.

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4-Week Board & Train

Mountain Dog Academy – Cashiers, NC

For Dogs 6 months and older.

Our 4-week comprehensive Board & Train program builds dependable obedience, emotional balance, and real-world reliability. Your dog lives in a structured environment and trains daily around meaningful distractions.

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What We Address

Reliable Obedience — On & Off Leash

We teach consistent, distraction-proof responses to:

• Loose- and off-leash walking
• Sit, Down, Place, Recall, Heel & Out
• Polite crate behavior
• Staying focused in real-world environments

Behavior Cleanup

We eliminate the behaviors that make daily life stressful:

• Jumping on people or counters
• Mouthing or nipping
• Chasing, bolting, or keep-away
• Barking or whining in the crate
• Nonsense barking

Confidence & Emotional Balance

We help dogs learn calm, neutral behavior by focusing on:

• Confidence in unfamiliar environments
• Calmness on command
• Settling without excessive exercise

Separation Anxiety

We address mild–moderate separation difficulties.
(Some cases may require additional time.)

Aggression Cases

Dogs displaying human or dog aggression typically need more time to create safe, dependable behavior changes.
These cases generally require a 6–8 week program.

Real-World Exposure

Your dog practices in environments you’ll actually use:

• Trails
• Cafes
• Pet-friendly stores
• Parks

All skills are reinforced both on and off leash and around real-life distractions.

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Owner Coaching — 6 Hours Included

You’ll learn how to maintain your dog’s results long-term.
Included:

• 2-hour mid-program session
• 2-hour go-home session
• 2-hour follow-up session (must be used within 2 months upon completion of board & train)

All owner training sessions take place at our Cashiers, NC training center.

$3950

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Program Policies

Drop-Off & Pick-Up

Owners drop off and pick up their dogs at scheduled times.

Payment & Reservation

An invoice will be provided once your dog is accepted into the program.
Full payment is required to secure your reservation.

One-on-One Private Lesson

We offer in-person lessons at our Academy in Cashiers, NC and we offer virtual lessons as well. If deemed necessary, we also offer in-home training sessions for an additional travel fee. Please fill out our training form to let us know more about what issues you would like to resolve with your dog.

• 90 Minute Session $190 (plus travel fee if we come to you)

Mountain Dog training services use a balanced approach with your dog to instill good manners and skills.

Check out our Training Resources page to learn more about our philosophy.

Prior to booking training services, all potential training clients will undergo an application and interview process.

Steps to apply for dog training with us:

1. Fill out the form below and click submit to begin the application process.
2. Then choose a time and date on the calendar to schedule a 10 minute consult with our head trainer to find out if you and your dog are a good fit for our program.
3. Finally, click on this link to create a client portal if you don’t already have one.

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