SEND YOUR VACCINE RECORDS:
shots@whatsupdogfl.com
850-724-4952 FAX
What’s Up Dog? has 2-locations:
Miramar Beach, FL &
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
850-420-2894 PHONE
Our team of professional trainers is here to help. We have years of experience to help with many common problems, and even behavior modification for the toughest issues. We excel where other dog trainers just don’t know what to do and give up. Your dog’s well being is important to us, so we focus on the positives. Good communication is the key. We can teach you how to be a good leader for your dog so you can enjoy your relationship with your best friend. Our team is led by Steve Kotowske, who has experienced success in both showing and training dogs. His experience in training law enforcement K9’s adds a layer of knowledge that many trainers simply don’t understand. Steve is the Training Advisor for Veteran’s Elite Canines in Ontario, Canada - and is the Executive Director of Pawsitive Love Foundation right here in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Both organizations provide properly trained Service Dogs to combat wounded veterans.
Our training methods are second to none. Rather than become hung up on what the latest fad in training is, we professionally assess your dog, then we put our experience to work for you. We use lots of positive reinforcement with fair corrections when required, and the dog learns right from wrong behavior, as well as respect for you - creating a balanced dog. We like to follow a simple philosophy of Condition, Train, Correct - then we walk it backwards - do not correct a dog that has not been trained to do something, and always condition the behavior through shaping before training. This gives the dog confidence to actually meet your expectations, time and time again. This is met with lots more positive reinforcement creating a great relationship between human and dog. We help you Unleash Your Inner Dog!
Unlike any other trainer within 100 miles, we have a 9500 Square Foot facility that enables us to use some unique equipment that only professional trainers with the experience we have can offer. This allows us to train the total dog, not just dazzle you with some obedience only to leave you with the same dog on the inside that you came in with. Our total dog training system builds confidence to set your dog free from anxiety and fear which are the key issues that makes dogs misbehave. We also teach you to be confident in handling your dog. The bottom line: we provide results.
We have several options for training. Click below to jump to a section, or scroll down the page to view them all.
One of the questions most clients have is, "CAN YOU REALLY FIX MY DOG?" The answer is usually - YES! Our method is proven to activate your dog's brain, and to engage your dog to think. Tricks like sit - down for a treat are fantastic, but we can teach your dog to think beyond getting a treat and do as you ask, when you ask, for as long as you ask. In short, we can help you build the relationship you have always wanted with your dog.
- DAY TRAINING -
Personal Training for your dog with acclaimed trainer Steve Kotowske. Your dog will enjoy 6-full days (2 days each week, 3 consecutive weeks) of training, with Steve, in an active environment. This training is done at our Daycare Facility in Miramar Beach from 9-5 on selected days. Each session is followed with a wrap up session and an available ZOOM interactive video session. When your course wraps up Steve will do a one-hour session with you and your pet, as well. This is a very limited offering with only 2 dogs accepted per day. That is only 4 dogs per week, as it is offered on Tuesday/Thursday and Wednesday/Friday. Cost of the program is $1800.00
CALL STEVE @ 850-420-2894
Check out Jessie in the video… doing a DOWN in MOTION after just 5-sessions with Steve. This is typically considered an advanced obedience routine, but Steve’s unique gift to work with dogs has this fearful little guy holding the DOWN as he continues to walk away - this is IMPULSE CONTROL!
LOOKING FOR A GROUP CLASS?
Our Group Classes are designed with Social Distancing in mind. Limited size groups with plenty of room to work. Our facility affords us the opportunity to work inside a large indoor space, as well as, a secure outdoor area. Join a group class and get some social time, at a safe distance.
All breeds and sizes welcome. You will need a collar and a leash to participate in our classes. Max can help you select the appropriate type of collar the first night of class.
THIS IS NOT THE SETTING FOR AN AGGRESSIVE DOG!
* SCROLL THROUGH THE CALENDAR TO SEE START DATES OF DIFFERENT CLASS TYPES *
The Basics
Training starts with a 2-hour EVALUATION with a trainer. In this session you'll get to know each other, your dog, and the issues you are having. We will show you some basics to start developing the leadership skills you need to have with your dog. This is a fun and informative first session - bring pen and paper, you may wish to take notes. The trainer can help you decide how to move forward in training based on this session.
