Our Training Program
Our training program is designed to help dog owners build clear communication, strong engagement, and reliable obedience through a structured, positive reinforcement–based system. We believe that successful training is not just about teaching the dog — it is about educating the owner and creating a relationship built on understanding, motivation, and trust.
Our program is suitable for pet dogs of different breeds, ages, and temperaments, and is especially valuable for owners who want to understand how training works, not just follow instructions.​
Training Philosophy
Our training philosophy is based on positive reinforcement, structure, and clarity. We focus on teaching dogs how to succeed by reinforcing desired behaviors, building motivation, and developing engagement between dog and owner.
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We pay special attention to the following basic aspects:
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Clear communication between dog and owner
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Thoughtful use of rewards and markers
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Development of engagement and motivation
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Gradual progression and proper generalization
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Training should be effective, fair, and enjoyable. When dogs understand the task and are emotionally engaged, learning becomes faster, more reliable, and long-lasting.
ABOUT OUR TRAINER
Elena Gannett
Lead Dog Trainer
My name is Elena Gannett, and I am a professional dog trainer, german shepherd breeder, IGP (Schutzhund) competitor, protection helper, the training director of TOP K-9 Schutzhund Club and the owner of Gannett K9. I have extensive hands-on experience working with many different types of dogs — from family pets to high-drive working dogs — and with owners who have very different goals, lifestyles, and expectations. With my own dogs, I have earned multiple High Obedience, High Tracking, High Protection, and High in Trial awards, as well as Performance Awards at Sieger Shows in the United States and Canada. These accomplishments reflect years of structured training, consistency, and the ability to develop dogs both mentally and physically over the long term. Over the years, I have trained dogs of various breeds, ages, temperaments, and backgrounds, including puppies, adult dogs, rescues, sport dogs, and dogs with complex behavior challenges. My continued education through seminars, workshops, and real-world training allows me to adapt my methods to each individual dog, rather than forcing dogs into a single system or philosophy. I have over 10 years of experience that includes working with dogs trained under different methodologies and training styles, including positive reinforcement–based programs, balanced approaches, and structured working-dog systems. This background allows me to understand why certain methods work, when they are appropriate, and how to apply them responsibly for different dogs. I regularly work with: -Puppies and adolescent dogs -Low- and high-drive dogs -Sensitive, soft dogs and confident, strong dogs -Hyperactive and over-aroused dogs -Reactive dogs with fear, forward aggression, frustration, or impulse-control issues Because of this broad experience, I can adjust training plans to fit the dog’s temperament and the owner’s comfort level. Together with Free Range Boarding, we have created a training program based on positive reinforcement that is designed not only to train dogs, but to teach owners how to train their dogs.
