Dog Training
Obedience, manners, problem solving, aggression, separation anxiety, behavior modification, puppy development and imprinting, upland, waterfowl, tracking, retrieving, steadiness, and off leash training for rescue dogs, hunting dogs, retrievers, pointers, versatile hunting dogs, flushers, in central Maryland, and south central Pennsylvania, including York, Baltimore, Catonsville, Gettysburg, Timonium, and Hanover.
Our Training Process
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1. Evaluation
Schedule an evaluation to speak with a trainer. We will complete an in depth review of your dog’s training and behavior, your lifestyle, and prior training experience.
After gathering this important information, the trainer will make program recommendations. Then we will use the remaining time to answer any questions you may have.
After the evaluation, you’ll receive an email with training program options customized for your dog, your lifestyle, and your training goals.
If you’re still unsure after the evaluation, stop by any of our drop in group sessions (without your dog) to observe the results of our training in real world environments and scenarios.
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2. Training
Complete your initial training program in one of the formats listed below. All training formats are supported with online course content. Required training equipment is included.
Board & Train programs allow your dog to live alongside our personal dogs in our home while we complete initial training.
In Private Sessions we instruct you how to train your dog, and provide clear homework that must be completed prior to your next session in order to move forward in the program.
Group classes are available in the Baltimore and York areas, and virtual format on occasion. This is our most cost effective training format and is a great option for DIYers with dogs who are not dealing with any significant behavioral issues.
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3. Support
You are a valued member of the Iron Oak training family.
We offer lifetime support for all of our training programs. Our commitment to you extends far beyond the last training session. Join our community of dedicated owners and access support and advice to keep your trained skills sharp. Committed owners see continuous improvement and lasting success.
Training skills are perishable. We provide cost effective drop in group sessions that allow clients to maintain and enhance their training. These sessions cover a variety of topics from manners and obedience, to confidence building, and even competitive and working dog disciplines .
Let’s Talk!
The first step for private and board+train programs is to schedule a FREE phone evaluation. We’d like to learn more about you, your dog, and your training goals. We will answer any questions you have and recommend a training plan that best meets your needs.
If you’re interested in group classes, please add yourself to our waitlist to be notified when they are open for registration. We announce group classes to this list before posting them to social media.
Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have prior to scheduling an evaluation.
I’m interested in:
Companion Dog Standard Programs
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Puppy
Our puppy development program covers essentials necessary for puppies to thrive throughout their life.
Crate training & housebreaking
Establishing schedules & routines
Building tolerance to grooming and vet practices
Developing a learning language
Problem solving and prevention
Direct & indirect socialization
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Foundation
Our manners and basic obedience program covers fundamental concepts and skills for confident, cooperative companions.
Understanding how dogs think and learn
Developing a learning language
Basic obedience behaviors
Manners in common scenarios
Problem solving for undesirable behaviors
Preparation for AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test
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Unleashed
Our advanced remote collar conditioning and obedience proofing program increases the on and off leash reliability of your dog’s training in all environments. Completion or combination with Found program required.
A modernized approach to remote collar training
Using the remote collar to motivate and inhibit behavior
Transitioning all basic obedience off leash
Increased reliability around distractions
Preparation for advanced and public access CGC tests
Companion Gundog Standard Programs
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Puppy
Our puppy development program covers essentials necessary for puppies to thrive on the hunt and in the home.
Crate training & housebreaking
Establishing schedules & routines
Building tolerance to grooming and vet practices
Developing a learning language
Problem solving and prevention
Direct & indirect socialization
Environmental acclimation
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Started
Our started gundog program develops instincts and obedience for a monster in the field with manners around the family.
Drive building
Introductions to game and gunfire
Development of hunting instincts and behaviors
Basic gundog obedience
Remote Collar Conditioning
Companion dog manners
Nurturing natural retrieve
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Seasoned
Our seasoned gundog program develops dogs’ ability to work independently from the handler and responsibly recover game.
Trained retrieve
Lining, marks, and memories
Stop to flush
Duck search
Dragged game retrieves
Intermediate gundog obedience
Preparation for Canine Good Citizen test
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Finished
Our finished gundog program puts the final polish on your gundog for a truly enjoyable companion on the hunt and in the home.
Steady to wing, shot, and fall
Backing and honoring
Three handed casting
Blinds and double marks
Blood tracking
Advanced gundog obedience
Public access training