Reflexions
In honor of the many dogs that have touched our lives.
Through my many years of working with various rescue organizations, it is evident that most dogs who suffer the loss of their home and are given up, is a direct result of either inadequate training, resulting in problem behaviors, or the wrong match for the family and the dog. I wish to share my passion of working with dogs to you, as well as help to prevent each of these things from happening.
We offer personalized training for dogs of all breeds, all mixes, all sizes and all ages (8 weeks to senior adults). We know and understand that all dogs and all families are individuals and we develop a training program to meet your goals for your family and your dog. We work with you, your family and your dog to ensure that you accomplish your individual goals, of a properly trained and well behaved dog. We also know that training the dog is not the only goal, it is just as important to help the family understand how to better live with and train their particular canine family member.
Our training methods are based on the principles of Operant Conditioning. In the beginning phase of learning the dog is rewarded for the behaviors we like. The rewards may be food, toys, play, praise, or all of the above. It is important to know that during the early learning the dog is never corrected for not performing a task or command. It is unfair to correct a dog for not performing something it does not know! Very quickly your dog will enjoy working and learning with you and look forward to playing the game of training with you.
There are very few absolutes in training, each dog and handler’s personality is taken into account. The object of each training session should be to build your dogs confidence, build a communication base, and to build the bond between dog and handler. We want to teach you the skills to have fun with your dog, and help build your relationship with your dog through various training opportunities.
*this is a very brief summary/description of our training methods feel free to contact us with any questions you might have.
SERVICES WE OFFER: 
BASIC HOUSEHOLD MANNERS:
Has it been a long time since you had a puppy in your home? Or has your puppy quickly grown up and now you are looking for a more responsive adult dog?
Working on the “basics” is ideal for any young puppy or dog. It is never too early to start, or too late. Learn about the joys of living with a dog, who is mannerly when guests come to visit, walks nicely on a loose leash, sit, down, stay, or go to their place, housebreaking, problem chewing and come when called. These are just a few of the many commands we can help you and your dog master.
BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION & EVALUATIONS:
Behavior modification programs are ideal for those more difficult issues, such as difficulty housebreaking, fearful/submission issues, dominance issues or even the more serious issues such as reactivity or aggression towards other animals, people, or family members. All of these can manifest themselves into various negative behaviors. Some of these problem behaviors certainly put a strain on the joys of sharing your home with your dog, and others such as aggressiveness can be dangerous. In most of these situations the problem behaviors did not just occur over night, but evolved over several months and sometimes years, furthermore they also pose an increase element of risk, therefore the slight increase in fee.
MAINTENANCE:
Did your dog used to be responsive to commands but has gotten a little rusty?
It is important to always be consistent with your dog’s responsiveness to commands, throughout its life. However just like people, dogs will forget commands or get rusty, esp if they are not used, or if you do not reinforce them. We usually can help your resolve this issues of this problem in only one or two sessions, and get you and your dog back on the path of better communication.
BOARD & TRAIN:
Most families who are interested in “sending their dogs away to be trained” are looking for a quick fix. If you are looking for a quick fix, board & trains are not an option.
For most training situations we do not recommend sending your dog away to be trained by us. One of the biggest difficulties about Board & Trains is that you the owner still must learn and master the necessary skills to continue the training and be able to communicate with your dog. We do not live with you, so what good will it do for your dog to listen to us? However there are rare situations where it is ideal for us to get your dog or puppy started for you. If you think you may have one of those special situations. Please contact us to discuss it. All Board & Trains include an intense owner instruction lesson upon the dog’s completion of its training. And a follow up one on one lesson 1-2 weeks later.
**All Board & Trains must be current on vaccines, including Bordetella, and are subject to our approval. **
PUPPY/DOG TEMPERAMENT TESTING & FAMILY COUNSELING:
As mentioned earlier, one of the reason why so many dogs end up in rescue is because of the wrong match. If you or your family are looking to purchase a puppy from a breeder, or looking into adopting one from a rescue, let us help you make educated choices. Let us help you answer all those necessary questions and prepare before you bring your new dog/puppy home. And help us get to know you, so that we can help you distinguish what types of dogs or temperaments are an ideal match for your family.
AGILITY:
We offer all levels of agility; from starting off the agility puppy, Introduction to the agility obstacles, introduction to handling techniques, problem solving your agility team, to competition level agility skills. Agility is a lot more then just teaching you and the dog the obstacles. It helps build confidence and your communication skills. Agility is a fast paced TEAM sport with many different opportunities available to have fun.
COMPETITIVE SKILLS:
Are you looking to build a better relationship between you and your competitive partner? Are you looking to start off or cross train your new “performance puppy”?
Maybe you are looking to get in competitive dogs sports and start earning some titles?
Or maybe you are a seasoned competitor need a new perspective to help problem solve, your team? Contact us for a consult.
Basic Household Manners Cost: $35 an hour 
Behavior Modification & Evaluations Cost: $45 an hour
Maintenance Program Cost: $25 an hour
Board & Train: Contact us
Puppy/Dog Temperament Testing: $35 an hour
Agility: $35 an hour
Competitive Skills: $35 an hour
Mileage: $0.48 a mile outside a 15 mile radius
**A 24 hour cancellation notice is required for ALL scheduled lessons, or you will be charged for your scheduled time**
DISCOUNTS!!!!
We gladly offer discounts of various levels for many different situations.
*Foster volunteers for ‘approved’ rescue organizations receive discounts for training their foster dogs.
*Families of adopted rescue dogs receive a discount if training is started within the first 6 weeks of adoption.
*Puppy Raisers for Leader Dog, and PAWS
Please contact us at: Karipets@aol.com
Taking the Lead instructors are the area’s only Certified Pet Dog Trainers and are endorsed by the NADOI. Instructors have trained and titled dogs to the highest levels in their area of expertise. They are active in the community by working with shelters and rescue evaluating and training dogs and staff to increase successful adoptions. Our instructors also continue to improve upon their knowledge by regularly attending national seminars and test their skills by actively competing in performance events.
Taking the Lead offers:
Obedience : All levels from Basic to Competitive obedience
Agility: All levels from Intro to Competitive
Puppy Classes: Puppies as young as 8 weeks
Conformation/Showmanship
Tracking
Canine Good Citizen Testing
Behavior Consultations/Modification
Pre-Purchase Counseling: Helping you make informed choices before you bring a dog/puppy home
Specialized Seminars
269.781.7800
