Dog Training Services
Socialization & Public Manners
Socialization only helps a dog who enjoys it. We teach appropriate behavior around people, dogs and public places through Saturday group gatherings at Bark Park, real-world outings, and AKC Canine Good Citizen preparation.
Socialization of any kind only benefits dogs if they find it enjoyable. Teaching your adult dog appropriate behavior and protecting them from unwanted contact will go a long way in building a trusting relationship.
Socialization is worked into every K-9 Handler® program: the Saturday group gatherings at Bark Park in Henderson, outings to real public places such as shopping malls, sporting-goods stores and libraries, and the AKC Canine Good Citizen tests Ira administers as an AKC evaluator.
For working-dog candidates, socialization and command reinforcement in public locations is Phase II of the service dog program. These are the same skills, at a higher standard.
How socialization is taught
- Saturday group gatherings at Bark Park, Heritage Park (seasonal, October–April)
- Public-access outings: malls, stores, parks and other real-world distractions
- Appropriate greetings with people and dogs and protection from unwanted contact
- Patience and interaction work in the Advanced Obedience Skills program
- AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Community Canine (CGCA) and Urban CGC (CGCU) preparation and testing
- AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy for the youngest students
Why owners choose The K-9 Handler®
Enjoyable by design
Dogs are never forced into contact. They learn that people, dogs and busy places are safe because the experience is positive.
Real places, not a sterile room
Manners are practiced where you will need them: the store, the park and the sidewalk cafe.
AKC titles as milestones
CGC, CGCA and CGCU give you and your dog concrete goals, and the titles are included with training packages.
Group options by package
Fundamentals includes 15 group gatherings; Advanced includes a full season. Basics can add 8 gatherings for $189.
Related training
Socialization: common questions
What is the AKC Canine Good Citizen test?
The American Kennel Club’s 10-skill test of good manners at home, in public and around other dogs. Skills include accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting, walking on a loose leash, walking through a crowd, staying and coming when called, reacting calmly to another dog and to distractions, and supervised separation. Ira Smith is an AKC CGC evaluator and instructor.
Where and when are the group gatherings?
At the Bark Park (area #3) at Heritage Park, 350 S. Racetrack Rd, Henderson NV 89015, entrance off Burkholder Blvd. Saturdays 9–10 am, seasonal from October through April.
Is my dog too reactive for a group?
That is decided at the evaluation, not in the parking lot. Dogs join group work when they are ready for it; until then, socialization is built one-on-one at a distance your dog can handle.
Ready to start socialization?
Tell Ira what you’d like to change. The in-home evaluation and first lesson take 2–3 hours and cost $199, included in every package.
Questions? Email Ira