Training Philosophy
Obedience Training and How We Teach These Skills
Our Obedience Training Program teaches your dog to reliably respond to commands, including “place”, “recall”, “sit”, “down”, “stay”, and “wait”, leash walking, and socialization skills through exposure to other dogs and people across many different environments.
Our training programs are personalized to meet your dog’s unique needs, utilizing proven scientific training methods including classical conditioning, which helps your dog form positive associations with new experiences, and operant conditioning, which reinforces desired behaviors consistently through rewards to teach high-level obedience, good manners, and support their overall behavioral wellness. We do not use strong aversive stimuli such as shock collars, as they can cause more significant problem behaviors. We specialize solely in private dog training, so that your dog will have the trainer’s full attention across every session. Our training is designed to be rewarding and to foster a lifelong love of learning so they can be confident to go out on adventures with you.
Benefits of Obedience Training
It’s always more fun when you can include your dog in more of your everyday adventures! From grabbing a coffee together to going out for Sunday brunch. After completing our Obedience Training Program, your dog will be more confident, will reliably listen to commands, and will demonstrate good manners both at home and when out in public.
Our team, led by Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Sean Savage, uses the latest research in dog behavior and over 50 years of combined training experience to reinforce positive behaviors that supports your dog’s overall behavioral wellness. You will receive detailed instructions and follow-up lessons to ensure these behaviors carry over into everyday life, helping your dog become a confident, well-mannered companion.
Training Programs
This program offers virtual consultations with Dr. Echterling-Savage to teach your dog high-level obedience commands and manners. It includes a personalized training plan, ongoing support, and expert guidance to guarantee long-term success.
As one of the few certified Behavior Analysts specializing in Applied Animal Behavior and among just 50 CAABs nationwide, Dr. Echterling-Savage brings a wealth of knowledge to every session. With a doctorate in the field, published research on canine behavior modification, and 25 years of practical experience, she is a trusted authority in behavioral modification training. Dr. Echterling-Savage’s consultations provide a unique opportunity for those seeking significant progress in their dog’s behavior and training.
Dr. Echterling-Savage will meet with you virtually to discuss your training goals and create a customized training plan that teaches high-level obedience commands and develop good behaviors. Following your initial session, she will provide ongoing guidance and future consultations to ensure steady progress in your dog’s training.
In Beyond the Dog’s Wellness Retreat program, your dog will learn obedience skills and good manners through a personalized training program. Common behaviors we address during the this program include but are not limited to:
Program Includes:
Depending on the distance, travel may be complimentary or require a small additional cost.
Behavioral research shows us that dogs learn more effectively when they can practice skills across a variety of settings and distractions. During the retreat, your dog will live in Dr. Echterling-Savage and Sean Savage’s home, where they will develop high-level obedience, good manners, and be taught desired behaviors through behavior modification training. Training will take place in public areas, including shops, restaurants, parks, and hiking trails, to ensure your dog reliably responds in any setting. Throughout the training program, we use scientifically proven methods, including classical and operant conditioning, to help dogs generalize skills, build confidence, and reinforce positive behaviors.
Your dog will experience hands-on training directly from two renowned experts while staying in their Tampa Bay home.
Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology, specializing in animal behavior. She has over 20 years of hands-on experience teaching dogs high-level obedience, manners, and addressing problem behaviors. Dr. Echterling-Savage also trains and mentors Beyond the Dog’s trainers.
Sean Savage is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). He brings over two decades of experience training obedience, manners, and addressing a wide range of behavioral challenges.
Together, they ensure every retreat delivers personalized, science-based training designed to achieve exceptional results in both home and public settings. While staying with Kristyn and Sean, your dog will live as part of the family, enjoying a balanced schedule of exercise, play, and downtime.
This program starts with you submitting your completed “Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior”, which provides us with information on your dog’s behavioral history. Dr. Echterling-Savage will then meet with you for a consultation to discuss your training goals and any problem behaviors. The assessment and consultation allow her to create a personalized training program to meet your training goals.
Dr. Echterling-Savage or Sean Savage will personally transport your dog from your home to their home in Tampa Bay, ensuring care and comfort from the very start. During your dog’s stay, they will be a part of the family, living in the home and having training alongside leisure time. Your dog will explore dog-friendly parks, shops, trails and beaches to practice high-level obedience, good manners, and reinforce positive behaviors.
You will receive regular progress reports, correspondence, and updates throughout the four-week retreat. At the end of this program, Dr. Echterling-Savage or Sean Savage will bring your dog back home, where you will receive 4.5 hours of follow-up lessons across multiple sessions. The follow-up sessions help to give you the confidence and knowledge in maintaining your dog’s newly learned skills and ensure long-term success.