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Train & Play:
Real World Training for Adolescent Dogs

Where connection creates freedom—and freedom becomes part of the training process.
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Your dog listens at home…
but everything falls apart outside.
  • distractions win
  • recall disappears
  • walks feel frustrating
This isn’t a lack of intelligence.
It’s a lack of training in the environments that actually matter.
Train & Play is designed to bridge that gap.

        A Different Approach to Training

 

Most training happens in controlled environments and relies on repetition.

 

We take a different approach.

 

We don’t compete with the environment—we use it.

Access to movement, play, and exploration becomes the reward for engagement and recall.

Your dog learns:

  • coming when called doesn’t end the fun

  • it creates it

We become the doorway to everything your dog wants.

Train:

We utilize urban environments and public spaces to proof real-world manners.

  • Loose Leash: Moving through town with engagement, focus and a relaxed lead.

  • Thoughtful Socialization​: Conditioning your dog to new people, sounds, sights of other animals and new environments.

  • The Northstar Recall: Our signature recall protocol

  • Reinforcement-based training

  • Owner Coaching: Training only works if it transfers to you.

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Play:

This is not free play.

This is controlled, intentional work inside real environments.

Dogs participate in:

  • Group hikes

  • Field work

  • Movement-based training

  • Biological Fulfillment: Allowing dogs to be dogs- sniffing, exploring and socializing- within a safe, controlled framework.

  • Regulation: Helping dogs learn how to "switch off" & settle after high excitement play

Every moment is structured.

Every opportunity is part of the learning process

How Train & Play Works

Urban Foundation
Engagement, Connection & Leash Skills

​Every day begins with focused walk and training.

We build:

  • engagement

  • communication

  • handler value

Before adding complexity, your dog learns:

 

you matter—even when the world is interesting

Real World Reliability
& 
Structured Time with Our Pack

We integrate your dog into the pack on day one so your dog joins structured group movement early. Many dogs are able to transition off the long line quickly, while others require more structure depending on their ability to stay engaged.

  • long line is used when needed

  • freedom is introduced thoughtfully

  • exposure is guided—not overwhelming

  • calm behavior is reinforced around other dogs

  • play is directed by experienced guides​

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Freedom Through Structure

This is where everything changes.

Dogs are often given freedom early—but it is earned and maintained.

We use a simple, consistent system:

  • recall → reward → return to play

  • engagement → continued access to the environment

  • disengagement → loss of freedom (leash or time-out)

Your dog learns how to keep access to what they want.

The North Star Recall
(Signature Skill)

The North Star Recall is our structured recall system built through progressive training and real-world practice. A recall your dog chooses—even when the environment is competing.

Instead of relying on repetition alone, we develop recall through:

  • engagement first (connection to handler)

  • reinforcement history (coming back always pays)

  • gradual distraction proofing

  • real-world field and urban application

The goal is a recall that is:

  • clear

  • consistent

  • reliable in everyday environments

We also build an emergency recall cue for safety in higher-risk situations.

 

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Owner Coaching

Training doesn’t end with the dog.

 

We coach you so the results carry over into your daily life.

 

You’ll learn:

  • how to maintain engagement

  • how to use recall effectively

  • how to handle real-world situations with confidence

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Transition Into Our
Adventure Program

Because learning is life-long

Behavior is built through repetition and maintained through continued exposure.

 

Many dogs continue into our Adventure Program after completing Train & Play.

 

 

Train & Play graduates receive preferred placement.

One Dog. Real Training. Real Environments.

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Your dog is the only training dog in the program.

They work directly with a professional trainer throughout the day, then practice those skills alongside a small, stable group of well-trained dogs in controlled environments.

This allows your dog to:

  • learn without chaos

  • build confidence around other dogs

  • develop reliable behavior where it actually matters

This program is designed for training—not supervision.

Every part of the day is structured to support engagement, decision-making, and real-world behavior.

Who This Program Is For

Train & Play is designed for adolescent dogs who are generally stable in public environments but struggle with consistency, focus, and follow-through on known behaviors.

This includes dogs aged 6 months to 2 years old who may:

  • get distracted easily outside the home

  • pull on leash or lose engagement outdoors

  • struggle with recall around common distractions

  • need structured real-world practice to generalize skills

  • has "selective" hearing when they see a squirrel or friend

  • knows their commands at home but "forgets" them at the park

  • needs a confidence boost in busy urban environments

  • is ready for "big dog" adventures but lacks a reliable recall

Program Fit & Safety

Because this program includes work in public environments and controlled off-leash sessions alongside other dogs, it is best suited for dogs who are able to remain safe and functional around people and dogs.

Train & Play is not designed for dogs currently displaying reactive, fearful or aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs or animals, such as:

  • barking or lunging on leash

  • difficulty recovering once triggered

  • fear-based or defensive responses with other dogs or in public

  • a history of aggressive incidents

  • high prey drive

These dogs require a different training approach focused on behavior modification and controlled exposure.

If this sounds like your dog, we offer a separate program specifically designed to address reactivity and behavioral challenges before transitioning into real-world training.

📋Program Details

  • One training dog at a time

  • Real-world environments (urban + field)

  • Structured group exposure with a stable pack

  • Reinforcement-based, force-free methods

  • Owner coaching & progress reports included

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🧭Enrollment

Ready to Get Started?

If your dog is ready for real-world training—and you’re ready for real results—

👉 Apply for Train & Play

Limited availability due to one-dog at a time training model.

Investment & Program Options

What's Included:

  • one-dog, individualized training

  • urban + field sessions

  • structured work alongside a stable training pack

  • North Star Recall development

  • owner coaching sessions

  • progress updates

3 Days / Week
  • 4 Weeks: $1,400
  • 6 Weeks: $1,995
Best for:
dogs needing consistent real-world practice and behavior follow-through
4 Days / Week
  • 4 Weeks: $1,800
  • 6 Weeks: $2,700
Best for:
high-energy adolescents or owners looking for faster progress
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