Valkyrie Canine Training

02/20/2024

Proofing your dog on distractions means becoming more valuable to him than that squirrel, car, or scooter!

02/13/2024

6 months from now, you can either have 6 months of progress or 6 months of nothing to show. Start small & stay consistent, and you will see results!



https://cal.com/valkyriecaninetraining

02/09/2024

Ready to take the next steps? Sign up for private dog training lessons today!

https://cal.com/valkyriecaninetraining

02/07/2024

Some dogs need guidance on how & when to relax. It doesn't always come naturally to them, especially if you have a working breed that just wants to go go go all day!

Want your dog to hang out calmly like this while you work from home? Sign up for virtual or in-person lessons today:

https://cal.com/valkyriecaninetraining

01/18/2024

Puppy owners - are you struggling with play-biting and rowdiness? Are your furniture and shoes covered in teeth marks?

Consider signing your pup up for our one-on-one training sessions! These private lessons are tailored specifically to your needs, as there's no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to dog training.

These sessions aim to address your specific issues, providing guidance to instill proper behavior in your pup and promote a harmonious home environment.

If this sounds like something you'd be interested in, reach out today! Together, we can work towards cultivating a well-behaved canine companion.

https://cal.com/valkyriecaninetraining

01/16/2024

Incorporating play into your daily routine with your dog is essential for fostering a strong bond and effective communication. It also serves as a valuable outlet for their pent-up energy, contributing to their overall well-being.

Activities like fetch, tug-of-war, or even a fun game of chase in the yard not only build trust but also enhance the connection between you and your canine companion!

Want to know more? Schedule your consultation or virtual lesson today!

01/12/2024

Is the "honeymoon phase" of your new puppy starting to wear off?

Puppies can be a lot to handle! Ensuring that they get the right amount of sleep & playtime, structure, training, and managing their potty schedules can be overwhelming - we've been there!

If you're in need of some help managing your new puppy, schedule an in-person or virtual training session today! We can go over things like obedience training, potty training, puppy biting, and any other concerns you may have.

Schedule with us today:
https://cal.com/valkyriecaninetraining

01/10/2024

Did you know that some craft stores like Michael's & JoAnn's are dog-friendly?

These are great locations to take your dog if you want a quiet, low-distraction training spot to work on obedience commands. Just be mindful of other shoppers!

Want to get to this level with your dog? Schedule your evaluation today! We're currently taking on clients for the new year.

https://cal.com/valkyriecaninetraining/30-minute-evaluation-in-person-30?layout=mobile

01/05/2024

The New Year is a wonderful time to set some new goals for your dog, and to get a fresh perspective on your relationship!

We can help you create goals that are realistic and achievable for you & your canine companion.

Schedule your evaluation today!
https://cal.com/valkyriecaninetraining/30-minute-evaluation-in-person-30

01/03/2024

Too cold to train outdoors, or not local to us? We offer virtual training sessions!

Sign up at the link below ⬇️
https://cal.com/valkyriecaninetraining/private-lesson-virtual

12/13/2023

Do you have an anxious or fearful dog? Play could be the key to getting them to open up!

Play can really pique a dog's curiosity, and curiosity and fear are two emotions that cannot exist at the same time.

You can make a game out of tug, fetch, or even getting your dog to follow or catch a treat! Give it a try the next time your dog is feeling unsure.

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Schedule your dog's training evaluation today!
https://cal.com/valkyriecaninetraining/30-minute-evaluation-in-person-30

12/08/2023

If you ask a dog trainer what their favorite command is, many might answer with "place"!

Sending dogs to their "place" (usually a bed or cot) encourages them to settle down. This command is useful for dogs that have a hard time relaxing on their own, or who like to get underfoot when you're cooking or cleaning.

It takes some self-control on the dog's part to remain on their place around distractions!

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Schedule your dog's training consultation today!
https://cal.com/valkyriecaninetraining/30-minute-evaluation-in-person-30

12/06/2023

Why teach a dog to heel?

There's a few reasons that I like the heel command:

1) It gives them a job to do.

They can't be worried about their environment if they're focused on you and staying right at your side.

2) It saves your arms & shoulders.

It can be exhausting to walk a dog that pulls the entire time! A strong heel gives your muscles a break and lets you relax.

3) It shows other people that you respect them & have control over your dog.

Part of being a responsible dog owner is respecting others in public spaces; you never know how others feel about dogs, or if their dog may not be friendly.

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Schedule your dog training consultation today!

https://cal.com/valkyriecaninetraining/30-minute-evaluation-in-person-30

11/29/2023

Starting a new training goal with your dog? Break it down into small, manageable steps that you can work on for a few minutes a few times a week.

For instance, if you want your dog to join you kayaking, break it into tasks like practicing sitting and staying, getting in and out of the kayak on land, simulating boat motion on an unstable surface, adapting to a dog lifejacket, etc. etc.

Take 5-10 minutes per task, choosing what to focus on each day. This way, you can gradually build up to the larger goal without overwhelming yourself or your dog.

Whether it's enjoying a brewery, riding calmly in the car, or exploring a new sport, breaking it down makes training more achievable and less stressful. What's your next big goal with your dog?

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Schedule your dog training consultation today!

https://cal.com/valkyriecaninetraining/30-minute-evaluation-in-person-30

11/27/2023

Icarus hit up the big city this weekend and got to visit Scheels. Thankful for dog-friendly businesses that welcome our well-mannered pups!

Schedule your dog's training consultation today!
https://cal.com/valkyriecaninetraining/30-minute-evaluation-in-person-30

09/30/2023

Hey there, I'm Melanie! I wanted to formally introduce myself as the owner of Valkyrie Canine Training.

I've been immersed in the dog world for over 5 years. I've had the pleasure of teaching dogs all sorts of cool stuff, from scentwork to shed hunting, mantrailing, and even trick training. My journey has taken me through a wide range of canine husbandry & care, including gaining experience in boarding, grooming, & playgroup-style daycare.

My love for dogs knows no bounds, and I'm constantly staying in the loop with the latest research and techniques from top trainers in the industry. My goal is to provide you with top-notch tools & training methods. Dog training is more than a job for me - it's a passion to help people!

When I'm not working, you'll find me spending quality time with my two dogs, Pilot (the heeler pictured) and Icarus (Dalmatian). We've dabbled in various activities together, but my heart truly belongs to shed hunting and wounded game recovery. You can often find me and the dogs out in the woods in the spring & fall. We've competed and earned titles in the UKC Elite Shed Dog Series and AKC Trick Dog. Lately, I've also ventured into AKC Conformation dog showing, and it's been a delightful learning experience.

I can't wait to meet you! Please reach out for any training needs, whether it's in-person or virtual training that I can help with.

https://www.valkyriecaninetrainingmo.com/services

09/28/2023

It can be frustrating when your dog doesn't listen to you the first time, or the second, or the third....

Sometimes all it takes is a little sharpening up of your communication to get the message through. That's most of what dog training is - learning to speak their language!

Schedule your dog's evaluation today!

09/26/2023

I know - this might sound backwards at first. Wouldn't it encourage my dog to bark more if I give them a treat every time they bark?

Picture it this way instead: by tossing a treat when the doorbell rings, your dog starts to learn that the doorbell = food. If you stick with it, you'll end up with a dog whose first instinct is to run to you for a reward & direction instead of trying to chase away your DoorDash.

This is what's known as classical conditioning! If you pair a reward with a stimuli, eventually you can change the emotion surrounding the stimuli. Give it a shot!

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Ready to strengthen your relationship with your dog? Schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation here: https://cal.com/valkyriecaninetraining

09/25/2023

Have you taken a tour around our website yet? Find out everything you need to know about our training approach, availability, & current rates here.

Our Mission We believe that dog ownership should be fulfilling to both our canine friends and their human counterparts. Each dog & owner are unique, and therefore require individualized training plans to meet their needs. There is no one-size-fits-all in dog training! Using a balanced training

09/23/2023

We want to help you get through your rut with your dog!

Reach out today to schedule private lessons for obedience, home manners, leash skills, puppy training, trick training, nuisance behaviors, & more!

Lessons are typically weekly or bi-weekly, depending on your needs. We take an individualized approach to each dog & owner - no two situations are exactly alike!

Your first 15-minute phone consultation is free. Virtual lessons are also available for our out-of-town friends!

Message us now or schedule directly here: https://cal.com/valkyriecaninetraining

09/22/2023

Feeling trapped in a dog-owner dilemma? Don't despair; there's hope! Schedule professional dog training to break free from the challenges and foster a more fulfilling relationship with your canine companion. It's time to take that crucial step towards a better future for both of you.

Schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation today.

09/20/2023

Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas will be here before you know it! Now is the perfect time to teach your dog solid home manners, so that you can enjoy travelling & hosting this season stress-free.

We can help with barking, jumping, counter-surfing, and more! Sign up today for a free 15-minute phone consultation to get started.

09/15/2023

Pilot showing off some heel work!

09/13/2023

Is your dog getting the right amount of exercise? While it's great to keep them active, it's equally important to provide mental stimulation through fun tricks and puzzles. These activities not only prevent physical strain but also keep their minds sharp and happy. So, when planning your dog's exercise routine, remember to include brain-teasers and fun tricks. This well-rounded approach ensures you dog stays both physically and mentally healthy, making for a joyful and fulfilled pup!

08/31/2023

It's never been easier to schedule with us! We're booking now for the month of September & can't wait to meet you.

Sign up for dog training lessons here: https://cal.com/valkyriecaninetraining

08/22/2023

FAQ: How long should I train my dog for every day?

Training doesn’t need to be an exhausting chore! Dogs learn best if you make their training sessions short & sweet. I recommend 5-10 minutes at a time, and only a couple of sessions per day, especially for skills like obedience & tricks.

This keeps the experience light & fun for both of you! Be sure to end on a positive note - limiting your sessions means there’s less time for frustration to build up. It’s all about quality over quantity.

08/08/2023

Oliver recently completed his training! Look at those little ears 😍 He came to us with a bad heeler habit of biting ankles & pulling on walks. After a few lessons, he learned that being a calm boy was far more rewarding than those things (which also earned him a lot of cheese!).

Message us today if your dog tries to herd you around!

08/02/2023

Why choose Valkyrie Canine Training? We take an individualized approach to each dog - there is no one-size-fits-all in dog training!

We strive to empower you, as an owner, to have the tools & education you need to be the best owner you can be.

In our weekly one-on-one lessons, we can help you tackle basic obedience, puppy training, nuisance behaviors (like barking, jumping, pulling, etc.), and more!

Send us a message today to get your evaluation booked!

08/01/2023

Icarus is getting some down-stay reps in at the hardware store. Do you take your dog to pet-friendly places?

🔹We want to train your dog! Message Valkyrie Canine Training today. 🔹

07/31/2023

Hello Springfield, MO! We have a slot open for weeknight training lessons! These are 1-hour long sessions where we can work on things like leash manners, obedience, etc.

Please drop us a message or fill out our contact form online to get started.