Ruff Start Training Co. logoRuff Start Training Co.

Our Programs

Not sure where to start? Most dogs begin with a Consultation & Temperament Testing session.

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Program 1

Consultation & Temperament Testing

Every great plan starts with getting to know your dog.

A relaxed, judgment-free session where we see your dog in real-world scenarios and build a plan together.

$150–$25030–45 minutes

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What's included

  • Behavior assessment in real-world scenarios
  • Temperament testing
  • A conversation about your goals
  • A personalized training plan
Program 2

Basic Puppy Training

A 6-week course for puppies 16 weeks to 1 year, following the AKC STAR Puppy Program.

Graduates get the chance to take the AKC STAR Puppy Test, their first AKC certificate, and a path toward Canine Good Citizen (CGC).

Starting around $800

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What's included

  • Six core commands: sit, down, stay, come, heel and focus
  • Leave it and loose leash walking
  • Handling for grooming and vet visits
  • Confidence and socialization
  • House-training tips
Gypsea teaching a German Shepherd puppy confidence on the platform during puppy training
Gypsea teaching a German Shepherd puppy confidence on the platform
Program 3

Basic Adult Dog Training

For dogs over 1 year old.

Great for recently adopted dogs, untrained adults, or dogs who need a refresher.

Starting around $1,200

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What's included

  • Obedience basics: sit, down, stay, come, place and polite leash walking
  • Manners and boundaries: jumping, counter-surfing
  • Focus and impulse control
  • Owner education
Gypsea working on focus and heeling with a gray pit bull during adult dog training
Gypsea working on focus and heeling
Alex working on leave it in a busy store
Calm loose-leash walking in public
Program 4

Reactive & Aggressive Dog Training

For dogs that bark, lunge, growl or snap.

Our commitment to safety: controlled setups, gradual exposure, and muzzle training when necessary. You don't have to face it alone.

Pricing after consultationA consultation and behavioral assessment are required.

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What's included

  • Identifying triggers
  • Behavior modification
  • Confidence-building exercises
  • Owner coaching
First consult with an aggressive dog
Program 5

Protection & Bite Work Training

For experienced owners looking for a protection dog, a sport dog, or a bite work outlet.

Safety first: professional equipment and controlled scenarios. Only for dogs with stable temperaments, and a temperament evaluation is required first.

Pricing after consultation

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What's included

  • Drive development
  • Targeted bite work: grip, targeting and release
  • Obedience under pressure
  • Goal-specific training: sport, home protection or personal security
Alex Velasco doing protection and bite work training at sunset
Alex doing bitework at sunset
Program 6

Service Dog Training

A customized, step-by-step approach for young dogs or dogs already in training.

We start by evaluating whether your dog is a good candidate, then build skills one step at a time.

Pricing after consultation

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What's included

  • Consultation and evaluation
  • Task training: mobility, alert work, retrieval and more
  • Public access training
  • Handler education: handling skills, legal rights and responsibilities
Alex Velasco, Lead Canine Trainer, with a service dog in training
Alex Velasco, Lead Canine Trainer, with a service dog in training
Public access practice with a service dog in training

Ready to get off to a better start?

Call, text or email to schedule a consultation or ask about pricing.

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