Dog Training FAQ — Lubbock, TX

Off Leash K9 Training Lubbock, led by owner Tiffany Singleton, is rated #1 with a 4.8-star Google rating and 65+ five-star reviews. Part of the Off Leash K9 Training network (130+ locations) founded by Nick White, former US Marine and US Secret Service agent, and host of A&E's "America's Top Dog." We guarantee 100% off-leash obedience. Meet our team.

Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Poodles, and Border Collies are generally considered the easiest breeds to train due to their intelligence, eagerness to please, and work ethic. That said, we train every breed — from tiny Chihuahuas to giant Great Danes. Our methods work universally. Explore our breed guides.

Reliable off-leash recall (coming when called with distractions) is generally considered the hardest skill. It requires your dog to choose you over squirrels, other dogs, and every other distraction. That's exactly what we specialize in — 100% off-leash obedience in any environment. It's in our name for a reason.

"Come" with true off-leash reliability is the hardest command because it requires your dog to stop whatever they're doing and return to you every time, even around intense distractions. Our training method uses progressive proofing — starting easy and building up to real-world situations — until your dog's recall is bulletproof.

Never. While puppies are easier to mold, we've successfully trained senior dogs of all ages. Age is rarely a barrier to learning. We adjust our approach based on your dog's age, health, and temperament. Many of our most dramatic transformations have been with adult and senior dogs. See our lesson options.

Dogs show love through soft eye contact (the "long gaze" that triggers oxytocin in both of you), leaning against you, bringing you toys, following you around, and the slow, full-body tail wag. A relaxed sigh while lying near you is your dog saying "I'm happy and I trust you." Learn more in our dog body language guide.

Our programs range from $100 (evaluation) to $5,000 (3-week behavior modification board & train). Popular options include basic obedience lessons, 1-4 week board and train programs, and puppy training. We offer 0% APR financing through Affirm and accept all major credit cards. See our full pricing page.

Nationally in 2026, costs vary widely, but we maintain competitive, transparent pricing for every level of need. We offer Online Puppy Training for $199, specialized Puppy Training Lessons for $315, and professional consultations for just $100. If you are looking for more intensive support, our Therapy Dog Preparation is priced at a high-value $1,400, ensuring your dog gets elite instruction at Lubbock's best rates. View our full pricing.

Yes. We offer 0% APR financing through Affirm on all training programs. We also accept cash and all major credit cards. Call (806) 656-3093 to discuss payment options. We believe every dog deserves professional help, and cost shouldn't be the reason a family doesn't get training.

Absolutely. Untrained dogs cost far more in the long run — damaged property, vet bills from fights or escapes, liability from bites (average dog bite claim: $64,000+), and the stress of living with behavioral problems. Our training costs less than $1/day when spread over your dog's lifetime. Use our training investment calculator to see for yourself.

Some shelters and rescue organizations offer basic group classes. However, free and low-cost programs typically cover only basic commands in group settings and don't address behavioral issues, off-leash reliability, or aggression. For results that last, professional training is the best investment. We offer free consultations to help you find the right fit.

Board and train is an immersive 1-4 week program where your dog stays with a professional trainer, receiving multiple daily training sessions. Your dog returns home fully trained with off-leash obedience. We send daily video updates so you can watch the transformation. This is our most popular option for Lubbock families wanting fast, dramatic results. Learn more.

We offer 1-week, 2-week, 3-week, and 4-week board and train programs. Most families choose 2 weeks for standard obedience. Behavior modification for aggression requires 2-3 weeks. The 4-week elite program is our most comprehensive option. Your dog's needs determine the right length. Compare all packages.

Your dog learns sit (with extended hold), place, heel (on-leash walking), down (with extended hold), off (correcting unwanted behavior), and reliable recall — all proofed with distance, duration, and distractions. Plus greeting manners, door manners, meal manners, and handling multiple distractions in multiple environments. E-collar included.

Yes — this is one of the most important parts. At the end of the program, your dog's trainer meets with you for a multi-hour handoff session covering every command, technique, and tool. You'll feel 100% confident. Every board and train also includes 4 weekly follow-up lessons to reinforce everything at home.

Yes. We specialize in behavior modification for aggressive and reactive dogs. We offer a 2-week program ($3,500) for moderate issues and a 3-week program ($5,000) for severe cases. Owner Tiffany Singleton's specialty is behavior modification — she's rehabilitated hundreds of aggressive dogs using police/military K9 techniques. Full details here.

In the vast majority of cases, yes. We identify the root cause — fear, poor socialization, trauma, or learned behavior — and address it with proven techniques. Most clients see life-changing improvement. While no honest trainer can guarantee 100% elimination of all aggressive tendencies, we can give you the tools to manage and dramatically reduce dangerous behavior.

The 3-3-3 rule is for newly adopted dogs: 3 days to decompress from the stress of transition, 3 weeks to learn your routines and start settling in, and 3 months to feel fully at home and show their true personality. Professional training during this adjustment period prevents bad habits from becoming permanent — especially important for rescue dogs showing aggression or fear.

The 7-7-7 rule is a puppy socialization guideline: by 7 weeks, expose your puppy to 7 different surfaces, 7 containers, 7 locations, 7 people, 7 challenges, 7 eating surfaces, and 7 toys. Early socialization following this framework is one of the best ways to prevent aggression, fear, and reactivity from developing. Start your puppy right.

We accept puppies for consultations from 8 weeks old and intensive training from 5 months. Starting early is the single best thing you can do — it prevents behavioral problems before they start. Our puppy training programs include house training, socialization, bite inhibition, crate training, and foundation obedience. Packages start at $100 for an evaluation.

Yes! Our 2-week puppy board and train is designed specifically for puppies. It combines foundation obedience, socialization, house training, and crate training in an immersive environment. Dogs must be at least 5 months old. This program builds the habits and confidence that prevent behavioral problems as your puppy grows.

Consistency, schedule, and supervision are the keys. Take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bed. Reward immediately when they go outside. Use a crate when you can't supervise. Clean accidents with enzymatic cleaner. Most puppies can be fully house trained in 4-8 weeks with consistent effort. Our puppy consultation covers this in detail.

An e-collar (electronic collar) is a remote-controlled training tool that delivers mild stimulation — similar to a TENS unit at a chiropractor. It's not a "shock collar." We use it as a communication tool, like tapping someone's shoulder to get their attention. The e-collar we provide is waterproof, has a 2-year warranty, and works at up to 3/4 mile (1,200 yards). It's the same technology used to train police and military K9s.

No. During your first session, we'll put the e-collar on your arm so you feel the stimulation yourself. We also stimulate ourselves with it in front of you. It does not burn skin (that's a myth) and it is nothing like a taser (also a myth). We are dog trainers because we LOVE dogs — we would never use anything that harms them. If we won't do it to ourselves, we won't do it to your dog.

No. Inside your home, your dog will quickly respond to commands without it. However, we recommend putting it on before off-leash outdoor time — just like a child wears a seatbelt every time they get in a car. It's your safety net. One unexpected distraction is all it takes, and the e-collar ensures you can always maintain control. Think of it as an invisible leash.

Yes. Our Therapy Dog Training Package ($1,400) is a 10-lesson course that prepares your dog for certification testing with organizations like Pet Partners, Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and AKC Canine Good Citizen. Includes temperament evaluation, advanced obedience, public access work, and full test prep. Your dog must have no behavioral problems.

Service dogs perform specific tasks for a handler with a disability and have full ADA public access rights. Therapy dogs provide comfort to others — patients, students, seniors — in facilities like hospitals and schools, by invitation only. Different purpose, different legal rights, different training. Learn more about therapy dog training.

Our program takes 4-8 weeks. After training, you pass a certification test with a recognized organization. Total timeline from start to certified therapy dog team is usually 2-4 months. Dogs must be at least 1 year old to certify. Start training at 6-8 months to be ready on their birthday.

Yes. Multiple studies, including a 2014 PLOS ONE study and University of Auckland research, confirm dogs display jealousy-like behaviors when owners interact with perceived rivals. Dogs push between owners and rivals, vocalize, and show agitation. This can escalate to aggression if unaddressed. Read our full guide on dog jealousy.

Dogs follow you because of pack instinct, bonding, curiosity, and sometimes separation anxiety. About 70% of dog owners report this behavior. It's usually normal — your dog sees you as their "person" and wants to be near you. If it's accompanied by distress when separated, that may indicate anxiety needing training. Full article here.

No. Dogs growl for many reasons including play, discomfort, fear, overstimulation, and communication. A play growl during tug-of-war is completely different from a stiff-bodied, lip-curled growl over a food bowl. Context and body language are everything. Read our growling guide.

Zoomies (Frenetic Random Activity Periods or FRAPs) are sudden bursts of energy that are completely normal. They're usually triggered by excitement, relief (like after a bath), pent-up energy, or happiness. All breeds get them. They're harmless and usually hilarious. If zoomies are constant, your dog may need more exercise or mental stimulation. Full zoomies guide.

We serve Lubbock, Wolfforth, Shallowater, Slaton, Idalou, New Deal, Abernathy, Buffalo Springs, Ransom Canyon, and 10+ additional South Plains communities. Counties: Lubbock, Crosby, Hockley, Lynn, Garza, Terry. Mobile training throughout the region.

Yes! We offer mobile training and come to your home throughout the entire South Plains region. In-home training is great for addressing specific household behavior issues like door manners, guest greeting, and territorial behavior in the environment where they actually happen. We also have board and train where your dog comes to us. Contact us to discuss options.

Call (806) 656-3093 for a free phone consultation. We'll discuss your dog's needs, recommend the right program, and get you scheduled. You can also take our online dog assessment quiz to help determine the best fit, or fill out our contact form and we'll call you.