At My Best Buddy we use science based, force free, positive reinforcement training. This means that we teach you to consistently reward the behaviors that you want from your dog, and manage or ignore (when possible) the behaviors that you don’t want. Because dogs will repeat behaviors that are rewarding to them, by using positive reinforcement, you can get your dog to voluntarily give you the behaviors you want, rather than forcing them. We don’t want you to risk damaging your relationship with your dog through the use of force and punishment, and we do not want to risk the physical harm that can occur with the use of punishment-based tools. Training is about relationship – our way of being with our dogs. Choke chains, e-collars and prong collars rely on pain to force compliance. You don’t have to hurt your dog to train him/her, so why use tools that, by definition, cause pain? Read about the tRade Program!

• Proof of vaccinations. My Best Buddy Dog Training requires all dogs be current on vaccinations according to age for DHPP, Rabies and Bordatella. Vet records will need to be presented on the first day of class. We are aware of varying opinions regarding canine vaccinations. Certain exceptions will be made with written documentation from your veterinarian.
• Hungry dog. Feed your dog a smaller meal the night of class.
• Treats.  We have treats, but you are welcome to bring your dog’s favorites, specifically, soft, pea-sized treats or ones that can be broken into small pieces.
• A standard (non-flexi) leash and a body harness. The harness that I recommend is The Freedom no-pull harness or a Roman style harness.

Yes!  Behaviors addressed include: house-training, jumping, digging, chewing, destructiveness in general, fear, separation anxiety, and aggression. We rely 100% on reward-based methods instead of punishment for behavior modification and work to minimize the use of aversive stimuli. Private training is scheduled in one hour sessions in your home. See Private Instruction

Refunds are not given after classes begin. Missing more than two classes will be considered dropping out. There are no refunds for missed classes. See Policies

We serve Fayette, Coweta Counties and Fairburn, GA and charge no travel fees.

The best time to start your puppy in training is around 9 weeks of age. They retain experiences really well at this age—a GREAT time for them to start learning! See Puppy Classes

Absolutely! Older dogs may require a bit more patience and persistence to teach them new behaviors, but they certainly can learn! Finding what motivates your older dog is the key! When your older dog feels he is being rewarded for new behaviors, he will become keen to learn them. Rescue dogs are certainly a prime example of how you really can teach an old dog new tricks! See Recommendations for cool training tips and suggestions.

Group classes are naturally very distracting for your dog and yourself, which is a disadvantage if your dog is hard to handle and easily distracted. Group classes are designed for dog and people friendly dogs. Group classes are a huge advantage for puppies who desperately need socialization at their early age. In a group class setting, you are responsible for the outcome, as the owner is the student in the group, and the dog is the student of the owner. Good students who work hard and do all of their homework will have success in a group dog training class. Private training is scheduled in one hour sessions in your home. Behaviors addressed include: house-training, jumping, digging, chewing, destructiveness in general, fear, separation anxiety, and aggression.

We are unique in that we allow children to come to class and encourage families to particpate in puppy taining. We are also conscious of safety and have to enforce our rules for kids in class: 

1.  Children (ages 12 and under) require adult supervision, one adult per child (no children under the age of 5) (no exceptions);

2.  Children must remain seated during the entire class unless the instructors ask them to participate;

3.  The adults must hold the dog’s leash at all times (no exceptions).