The Knallhart Program

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Balance. Trust. Love.

Iowa’s most Elite and Popular Training Service.

Our goal is to provide as many details about our program so that you can efficiently decide if the Knallhart is a good fit for you and your canine companion.

Please read our program details in their entirety prior to scheduling a phone consultation.

What We Do.

We exclusively offer boarding and training services for puppy training, basic and advanced obedience, behavior modification, and emotional support, therapy and service dog certification and training . We currently do not offer group lessons or private lessons for clients who have not previously completed a boarding and training program with us.

Our boarding and training program is offered on a very limited basis, our current maximum is set at 10 dogs/month. Under no circumstances do we make exceptions to this maximum. Due to the high volume of clients wanting to participate we ask our clients to please book in advance and to be prepared to wait one to two months before your dog will be able to begin with us. New clients interested in boarding & training must schedule a phone consultation first. This is a requirement.

Why Boarding & Training?

Time. Many owners simply don’t have the time it takes to do their dog’s training themselves. Board and Train programs allow us to do the heavy lifting, getting your dog through the challenges of getting started, and getting in a lot of repetition that can be time-consuming and tedious for owners.

Quality. Let’s face it - you’re not a dog trainer. And that’s okay. After all, that’s why we’re here! If I took up painting tomorrow, I certainly wouldn’t be producing Bob Ross-quality masterpieces by the end of the week. Especially when dealing with behavioral issues, where mistakes can be costly, it’s often best to let the professionals lead the training process and guide you through the process of maintaining the work we jump-start.

Efficiency. With multiple hours of training, for multiple weeks, a Board and Train is our most immersive option to make significant progress within short periods of time.

Consistency. Board and Train programs allow us to maintain a controlled environment in which we can observe, guide, and reinforce every single choice your dog makes during their time with us. We can achieve a level of consistency that is nearly impossible to achieve by any other means.

Customization. Having your dog with us for multiple weeks gives us the opportunity to get to know your dog on a deeper level than any other program. This enables us to develop individualized strategies and exercises for your specific dog.

Top Questions:

  1. Will my dog lose their personality during this process? I want my dog better behaved but I love their personality.

    • It is not our goal to turn your dog into a robot. We want your dog coming home as the best version of themself. We do not use harsh corrections or unethical training methods. Our balanced training program encourages the dogs to want to obey and respect their handler due to us teaching them clear expectations. By correcting undesirable behaviors and and positively rewarding the dog when they complete a task the dog is happily willing to follow directions.

  2. Will my dog miss me?

    • During this process you will learn all about dog psychology through your required homework assignments. Dogs are in the moment creatures and although many of them do show signs of stress at the beginning of their stay, by the end of the first week they are happy, comfortable and in the groove with the routine. Dogs that stay with us are loved, well cared for, fed and watered, and provided exercise and a clean environment. Because of this, they are content and happy with their time with us. We promise you as hard as it may be to hear, your dog won’t miss you. It is an anthromorphoric trait :)

  3. Can we visit?

    • I always tell my clients, “I will never hold your dog, hostage” . We allow visits on a scheduled basis during our “Visit and Train” class on Fridays. You will pre-book this when you register for your dog’s stay with us. Unscheduled visits will not be accommodated and also mess up the flow and routine of the training day. We compensate for your emotions of missing your dog by providing daily report cards, photos, and videos.

  4. What all do we need to send?

    • The only requirement of things we need you to send is plenty of dog food. Other items are allowed with no guarantee any items sent will make it back home.

Pricing.

Boarding and Training is offered in the following increments 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 week programs. Chelsey will recommend which program is best suited for your dog based on the consultation and the long term goals that you have with your dog.   

To reserve a spot invoices for our boarding and training must be paid in full at the time of the booking. Payment plans may be available but not guaranteed. Please inquire during your phone consultation if you need this accommodation.

These prices include boarding and training, professional grooming while the dog is in attendance , homework assignments while your dog is training , as well as free unlimited private lessons and support when the dog returns home (restrictions apply).

All tools needed for your dog’s for training at home (leash, e-collar, Herm Sprenger collar) will be charged separately at the time of the booking. Your dog will be sent home with this brand new equipment you have purchased that we keep in stock.

Family Dog Programs.

Please text Chelsey at (319)-573-2133 to schedule a phone consultation to determine which program is best for your dog and your training goals. Please include your dogs name, breed, age and which program most interests you. Below is breakdown of our programs and pricing.

  • Knallhart’s “Jump Start Puppy Program” (For puppies 8 weeks to 16 weeks)

    • This program is best suited for puppies to get a good start on foundational training right after leaving their litter/breeder. Focus on crate training, socialization, basic commands, name recognition, and getting started on the leash. Waiver must be signed about the risks associated sending this young of a puppy and special requirements must be met to be approved for this program.

      • 6 Week Puppy Program: Priced at $6,900 plus Iowa Sales Tax = $7,314.00

  • Knallhart’s “Puppy Program” (For puppies 16 weeks to 6 months with no major behavioral issues)

    • This program is best suited for puppies who have a nice foundation of training but need some formal education. This specifically is for puppies that have no major behavioral issues and for owners looking to get a really good next step to their puppy’s education

      • 4 Week Program: Priced at $4,000 plus Iowa Sales Tax = $4,240.00

  • Knallhart’s “Basic or Intermediate Obedience / Basic or Intermediate Behavior Modification Program”

    • This program is our most popular program and can accommodate a variety of different dogs from different backgrounds.

      • 6 Week Program: Priced at $5,900 plus Iowa Sales Tax = $6,254.00

  • Knallhart’s “Advance Obedience / Advance Behavior Modification

    • This program is our second most popular program and can accommodate a variety of different dogs from different backgrounds. Dogs with reactivity, bite risk, insecure behaviors are automatically placed in this program.

      • 8 Week Program: Priced at $6,900 plus Iowa Sales Tax = $7,314.00

    FOR EXTREME CASES A 10, 12 or 16 WEEK BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION PROGRAM MAY BE SUGGESTED - PRICING MAY VARY

Working Dog Programs

  • Knallhart’s Certified Therapy Dog Program

  • Knallhart’s Basic Service Dog Program

  • Knallhart’s Advanced Certified Service Dog Program

    PROGRAM LENGTH AND PRICING MAY VARY ON DOG AND PREVIOUS TRAINING, AGE, ETC. Please text Chelsey at 319-573-2133 for pricing.

Register.                  

To register please TEXT

Chelsey at 319-573-2133

Please allow 2-3 days for a reply.

**REFUNDS FOR SERVICES **

Please carefully consider your schedule, commitment to training, and your dog before registering for class. Our class sizes are small to ensure quality. By enrolling, you are reserving a space in one of our courses, i.e., specific sessions in specific classes (at specific times and dates). We do not offer a monetary refunds of any kind. If a dog is un-enrolled from our program (prior or during attendance) they have still taken up a spot that could have been used by another client and no refund will be given.

Our dog training programs form a partnership between our client, their dog, and our team of dog trainers. The success of our program depends on us performing our job correctly, and also on the owner following up on the homework and strategies that we lay out for them.

For dogs who have completed our program we offer Lifetime Guarantee -Private Lessons  This means that we will continue to work with owners who are completed all of their homework assignments prior to the return of their dog, are working hard during their dogs transition, and following our recommendations (for balanced training methods) for as long as it takes.  In this way, those owners who are truly invested in their dog’s training and well being are assured that they will get everything they need out of our program.  Restrictions apply.  Please contact us for details.