Business Details
Professional Dog Training & Therapy Services in Columbia, MO
Ann Gafke's Dogschooling has dedicated decades to solving dog behavior challenges and fostering positive training outcomes through reward-based, engaging methods. Our approach focuses on building confidence and strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners by emphasizing foundational obedience exercises that promote attentiveness, compliance, and mutual enjoyment. With a 27-acre training facility featuring specialized equipment, we offer personalized instruction for puppies and adult dogs, including group classes, private lessons, and online tutorials tailored to address common behavioral issues or prepare dogs for therapy work.Our expertise extends to preparing dogs for the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen certification and Therapy Dog status, supported by a history of success in obedience competitions and community outreach programs involving seniors, children, and national dog care initiatives. Recognized by the American Temperament Testing Society and local clubs, our services combine proven techniques, professional experience, and a commitment to enhancing the human-canine relationship through education and structured training.
Services
Dog Training
Therapy Dog Preparation
Puppy Kindergarten
Obedience Training
Agility Instruction
Behavior Consultations
Canine Good Citizen Certification
Tracking Training
Brain Games Classes
Highlights and features
- We offer extensive facilities with 27 acres of training space and specialized equipment.
- Our team has decades of experience preparing dogs for therapy work and competitions.
- We use positive reinforcement methods proven to build confidence and obedience.
- We hold official evaluator status for the American Kennel Club's CGC program.
- Our services combine agility training, behavior correction, and personalized coaching.
Associations and certifications
- American Kennel Club
- American Temperament Testing Society
Services
Dog Training
Our dog training programs focus on building confidence through reward-based methods. We combine foundational exercises like sit/down/heel with advanced behavioral correction to improve attentiveness and strengthen the human-canine bond. Our 3,200-square-foot training facility accommodates both group classes and personalized sessions for puppies and adult dogs.
Therapy Dog Preparation
We prepare dogs for certified therapy work through structured socialization and behavior conditioning. Our program follows established guidelines for interacting with seniors, children, and individuals with special needs. Participants receive guidance for achieving Therapy Dog status and participating in community outreach programs.
Puppy Kindergarten
Designed for puppies under six months, this program addresses common behavior issues through play-based learning. Sessions focus on curbing biting, jumping, and basic commands while establishing positive training habits. Classes emphasize creating a strong foundation for future obedience training through consistent, reward-driven methods.
Agility Instruction
Our agility programs develop coordination and responsiveness through obstacle courses and tracking exercises. Using specialized equipment in our 15,900-square-foot fenced yard, we teach dogs to navigate tunnels, jumps, and weave poles while maintaining focus and following handler instructions under various environmental conditions.
Behavior Consultations
We offer customized solutions for dogs exhibiting aggression, fear, or dominance issues toward people or other animals. Our behavior assessment includes video analysis, one-on-one sessions, and personalized training plans. Consultations are available in-person or via virtual platforms to address specific behavioral challenges.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We use positive reinforcement techniques focusing on rewards and consistency to build confidence while minimizing stress for both dogs and owners.
How can my dog earn therapy status?
We prepare dogs through socialization exercises and temperament testing, followed by supervised practice with vulnerable populations to meet certification requirements.
What facilities do you have?
Our 27-acre campus includes a 3,200-square-foot building, 15,900-square-foot fenced training yard, and 10-acre wooded park with agility equipment.
Do you offer online training options?
Yes, we provide virtual lessons with video critiques and personalized feedback through our online tutorial system for remote learning.
What services are available for puppies?
Puppy Kindergarten addresses basic obedience and behavior issues for dogs under six months, focusing on establishing positive training habits through play.
Can you help with aggressive dog behavior?
Our behavior consultations address aggression through customized plans incorporating video analysis, structured exercises, and private coaching sessions.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Donald Talton
Dec 28, 2021
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I'm forced to get up to speed with a class that's at least four weeks ahead of us. And am told to look at videos in order to catch up. Ella is ten weeks old. Was expecting to start from ground zero and said that. But wasn't listened to.and seemed to me that the trainer was talking to my wife and not me.
Josh Burleson
Jun 18, 2021
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This is the best dog trainer in town. I enjoy attending their classes and have seen good progress with my 8 month old lab/shepard Duke! He is always excited to be at class and learn more stuff. Look no further for the right dog trainer, you've found it! 2020 Edit - During COVID, we have continued training throughout digitally! Duke has grown into quite a great dog and we can't wait to continue his schooling. Added more photos as well
Scott Anderson
Apr 26, 2020
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It's training for the owner as well as your pet. Roger is so friendly and knows his profession very well. Great space and no pressure classes
Missy Williams
Jan 10, 2020
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We started taking our dog aggressive / stranger reactive dog to the Sassy Dogs class a year ago and what a difference it has made. I used to feel anxious about many "normal" dog things, like going on walks, letting people pet him, and especially going to the vet. Today I can proudly say that our hard work and training has paid off. Not every. problem is fixed completely, but we can go on walks without trying to bite other dogs, go to the vet without aggressive outbursts, and so many things I wouldn't have considered attempting a year ago.
I was even able (and confident enough) to take him to the local pet store's dog wash for a fancy bath. It is worth noting that none of this would be possible without working the program at home. Owners are responsible for taking Ann's teachings home to incorporate the training into our daily lives. I'm so happy we found this school!
I was even able (and confident enough) to take him to the local pet store's dog wash for a fancy bath. It is worth noting that none of this would be possible without working the program at home. Owners are responsible for taking Ann's teachings home to incorporate the training into our daily lives. I'm so happy we found this school!
Christina
Dec 10, 2019
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Large class sizes but I enjoy that as it makes my dogs learn to work with maximum distractions. Ann, Rodger and Marcia are all wonderful trainers. My pups are always excited to go to training!
KindnessMatters
Nov 05, 2019
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I took this pretty guy to classes 13yrs ago now. He was named after King's Prides Braveheart of Mrs Ann Gafke. He was a amazing dog (German Shepherd) and I have Mrs Ann Gafke and Marcia to thank for that! He passed away 2yrs ago in November and I still miss him so much. He was in some of the shows. Christmas and Circus. He did search and find very well and was just awesome at obedience (the 1st time!).
He lived to please me and to gain recognition for all his amazing tricks and perfect obedience;] Thank you Mrs Gafke! I was just sitting here with my husband showing him your website! I am married now with two girls;] my oldest is 2yrs old and LOVES PupPups (as she calls all dogs) and I often hear her saying to my sister's dog "no no hush!" Lol I hope to have a 2nd generation dog trainer;] as I have trained multiple puppies since you saw me last! I get paid for doing it now;] so thank you for all you taught me! Love, Susannah (Truitt) Melton
He lived to please me and to gain recognition for all his amazing tricks and perfect obedience;] Thank you Mrs Gafke! I was just sitting here with my husband showing him your website! I am married now with two girls;] my oldest is 2yrs old and LOVES PupPups (as she calls all dogs) and I often hear her saying to my sister's dog "no no hush!" Lol I hope to have a 2nd generation dog trainer;] as I have trained multiple puppies since you saw me last! I get paid for doing it now;] so thank you for all you taught me! Love, Susannah (Truitt) Melton
