Loose-Leash Pack Walk
Our Pack Walks are structured training walks. These walks are designed to reinforce leash manners, build focus around distractions, and strengthen handler engagement in a controlled environment. Dogs do not greet one another or other humans during these sessions. We actively discourage on-leash interactions with passersby and instead promote calm neutrality and polite behavior in public.
Walk locations change weekly and are typically within a 7-mile radius of the pet shop. We explore a variety of local environments to expose your dog to real-world distractions while maintaining structure and consistency throughout the walk.
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What to Expect:
Led by experienced trainers, this class goes beyond a simple walk. It’s an opportunity to:
- Practice loose leash walking in real-world settings
- Teach your dog how to be around other dogs and people without meeting
- Receive tips and personalized guidance to refine your leash-walking skills
- Connect with other dog lovers for a fun and rewarding outing
Whether you’re looking to improve your dog’s skills, maintain training progress, or simply enjoy a weekly activity, the Loose Leash Pack Walk offers something for everyone.
When and Where:
- Mondays at 6 PM (Locations change weekly for variety and new challenges )
- Every other Saturday at 10AM (Only during the Farmington farmers market, May-October)
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Important Information:
- Evaluations are required for new participants. Schedule your free pet-shop evaluation or in-home evaluation for a small cost.
- Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates on locations and changes due to weather or unforeseen events.
Join us for a fun and educational experience that strengthens the bond between you and your canine companion!
Day Training
Whether your dog needs help mastering polite public manners, building confidence in new environments, or sharpening basic obedience, our Day Training program offers the perfect balance of enrichment, training, and structure—all without requiring you to be present. Ideal for busy owners or those looking to supplement group or private lessons, this service is a drop-off training experience with personalized attention and real-world exposure.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Each Day Training session runs for a 3-hour block. During this time, your dog will work one-on-one with a professional trainer on targeted skills while gaining exposure to everyday sights, sounds, and distractions.
Your first Day Train includes a 30-minute review to go over what your dog learned and how to maintain progress at home. Follow-up sessions include a 10–15 minute review at pick-up to keep you in the loop and provide next steps.
SKILLS WE FOCUS ON:
Foundational Obedience:
• Name recognition and engagement (“Look”/focus work)
• “Let’s Go,” “Stop,” and “Sit” as a structured leash-walking exercise
• “Touch” or “Boop” for building recall and focus
• “Place” command to teach calm settling and impulse control
• Sit-stay with increasing distance and duration
• Recall games and long-line work to introduce off-leash readiness
• Off-leash practice in secure, enclosed environments when ready
• “Leave it” and “Drop it” to prevent guarding and reinforce handler trust
• Establishing an “on/off switch” for structured sniff time versus work mode
Behavioral Enrichment and Socialization:
• Grooming desensitization: Nail trims, bath desensitization,
standing calmly on a table or in a tub
• Confidence-building field trips to public indoor spaces like Ace Hardware, TJ Maxx, local coffee shops, and the neighborhood skate shop
• Polite greetings with store staff
• Learning to navigate stairs, automatic doors, and slippery floors
• Structured decompression and downtime between training drills
Public Manners & Advanced Prep:
• Urban leash skills: Ignoring distractions like cars, bikes, people, and food on the ground
• Practicing neutrality around other dogs
• Settling under a table at a coffee shop
• Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test prep
• CGC Urban and Community Canine test prep
Additional options:
• Crate comfort and relaxation training
• Intro to muzzle conditioning
• Handling desensitization (ears, paws, harness, etc.)
• Slatmill exercise sessions for confidence and physical conditioning
• Custom training goals based on your dog’s needs and lifestyle
SCHEDULE FLEXIBILITY:
Day Training is typically available Monday through Friday, with appointment options viewable through our online booking calendar. Availability may vary seasonally, so we encourage booking in advance. Single sessions and packages are available.
WHY CHOOSE DAY TRAINING?
Day Training offers the benefits of private, hands-on instruction while allowing your dog to gain valuable experience in a variety of real-world settings. It’s ideal for jumpstarting training, reinforcing behaviors between lessons, or providing mental and physical stimulation during the week. You’ll receive clear updates, structured follow-through, and a happy, fulfilled pup at the end of each session.
Private lessons
Whether you’re welcoming a new rescue or addressing challenging behaviors, our private lessons offer the expert guidance and support you need. These tailored sessions are designed to meet your specific goals, whether it’s building trust with a new companion or overcoming behavior obstacles. With personalized instruction and compassionate coaching, we’ll help you and your dog achieve lasting success and harmony.
What to expect:
If you haven’t had an evaluation or consultation yet, please visit our Evaluation/Consultation page to schedule your initial session. During your one-on-one evaluation, you’ll meet with a trainer to discuss the challenges you’re facing with your dog. Together, we’ll create a personalized training plan tailored to your dog’s unique needs and your goals.
With every private lesson, you’ll receive:
- A personal and detailed review summarizing the session, highlighting progress, and offering tips for continued improvement
- A weekly checklist to guide your 5-minute daily training sessions, helping you stay consistent and focused
- Grading charts to track your dog’s progress with commands, so you know exactly where you stand and what to work on next
Scheduling flexibility:
We understand life can be busy, which is why we offer flexible scheduling:
- Appointments available Monday through Friday, with select Saturdays available by request (scheduled further in advance)
- Evening hours and appointments between 10 am and 6 pm to accommodate your schedule
Why choose private lessons?
Private lessons offer a focused, one-on-one environment where we address your specific concerns and work at a pace that suits you and your dog. Whether it’s mastering obedience, resolving behavioral challenges, or strengthening your bond, personalized training gives you the tools and confidence to succeed.
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- Grooming desensitization training
- E-collar training
- Separation anxiety
- Loose-Leash walking
- Crate training
- Food aggression
- Destructive behaviors
- Behavior modifications
Wedding Services
Make your wedding day truly special by including your beloved furry friend in the celebration! Our wedding services for dogs are tailored to ensure your pet has a stress-free, enjoyable experience while playing a memorable role in your big day. We cater to you and your dog's specific needs, offering a range of customizable options to make your day seamless and unforgettable.
What to expect:
Our personalized wedding package starts with a pre-wedding pick-up, where we treat your dog to a day of relaxation, exercise, and fun. We’ll ensure your dog is calm, happy, and fully prepared to shine on your special day.
On the big day, we transport your dog to the venue equipped with all the essentials to keep them comfortable, engaged, and photo-ready. Treats, toys, water, and anything else your dog might need are all part of the package.
Options available
-Ceremony Roles: Tailored training sessions to prepare your dog for roles like ring bearer, flower dog, walking down the aisle, or standing by your side.
- Photo Sessions: We ensure your dog is camera-ready and work with photographers to capture the perfect moments.
- Guest Greetings: Have your dog participate by welcoming guests as they arrive or interacting during cocktail hour in a controlled, friendly manner.
- Comfort and Care: We handle feeding, potty breaks, and rest periods to keep your dog content and relaxed.
- Full-Day Support: Whether your dog stays for the ceremony, photos, reception, or all of the above, we’re there to provide constant care and support.
- Evening Wind-Down: After the festivities, we can transport your dog home or to a sitter of your choice, ensuring they have a safe and comfortable end to their day.
Why choose our wedding services?
We understand that every wedding is unique, and so are the needs of your dog. From personalized schedules to custom roles, we work closely with you to make sure everything is perfect. Our team is experienced in creating calm, enjoyable experiences for dogs, so you can relax and focus on celebrating.
Let us help you craft a magical day with your furry friend by your side. Contact us today to discuss your vision, and we’ll create a wedding package tailored specifically for you and your dog.
AKC S.T.A.R Puppy: Puppy 101
Embark on an exciting journey with your puppy, 10 weeks to 5 months of age, as we lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning and companionship. This class is designed to provide essential socialization experiences and teach foundational obedience skills in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment. Upon completing this 6 week course your pup has the opportunity to again its AKC S.T.A.R puppy certificate!
What you can expect:
Led by certified trainers with a passion for puppy development, AKC STAR Puppy: Puppy 101 offers a structured curriculum tailored to the unique needs of young dogs. Through positive reinforcement and fun activities, we focus on teaching important commands such as sit, come, place, and leash walking. Our program emphasizes key aspects of puppy development, including:
- Socialization: Building confidence around other dogs, people, and new environments.
- Impulse control: Helping puppies learn patience and self-control in exciting situations.
- Exposure: Introducing your pup to sights, sounds, and scenarios they may encounter in daily life to foster adaptability and resilience.
Why AKC STAR Puppy?
This program sets the stage for your puppy’s long-term success, helping them become a happy, well-behaved companion. Upon completing the class, your pup will earn their AKC STAR Puppy distinction, a nationally recognized achievement celebrating your commitment to responsible dog ownership and early training success.
What we cover:
- Foundational obedience skills
- Confidence building
- Problem prevention (nipping, jumping, etc.)
- Enrichment tips and tricks to keep your puppy mentally and physically stimulated
Set your puppy on the path to becoming a confident, well-mannered member of your family. Join us for AKC STAR Puppy: Puppy 101 and give your furry friend the best possible start in life!
Basic Obedience
In our Basic Obedience classes, you and your dog will embark on a transformative journey of learning and growth together. Guided by certified trainers, this program offers 6 weeks of comprehensive curriculum designed to build a strong foundation of obedience and manners.
What you can expect:
Throughout the program, we’ll guide you through engaging exercises tailored to teach essential commands such as sit, touch, come, and heel. But we don’t stop there. We delve into critical skills like recall and polite manners, ensuring your dog behaves respectfully both at home and in the outside world.
Using positive reinforcement techniques, we’ll help your dog respond to commands with enthusiasm and confidence. From mastering polite leash walking to coming when called, our goal is to prepare you and your dog to navigate real-world situations with ease and poise.
What we cover:
- Foundational obedience skills like sit, stay, and come
- Recall techniques for improved responsiveness
- Polite leash walking and heel
- Manners for everyday life, including impulse control and focus
Why Basic Obedience?
This class is more than just training—it’s about building a relationship. With patience, consistency, and compassion, we’ll help you foster a strong bond with your dog based on trust and mutual understanding. Together, you’ll learn to communicate effectively and lay the groundwork for a lifetime of cooperation and love.
Join us for Basic Obedience and take the first step toward a harmonious relationship with your dog, filled with respect, joy, and teamwork.
Beyond Obedience
Take your dog’s training to the next level with our Beyond Obedience course! Designed for graduates of basic obedience classes, private lessons, or anyone ready to elevate their training experience, this 6-week course focuses on advanced skills in a dynamic, real-world setting.
Who can join:
- Dogs 8 months and older
- Graduates of basic obedience courses or private lessons
- Handlers eager to refine and expand their dog’s training
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Vaccine requirements:
All participants must provide proof of Rabies, DAPP+, and Bordetella vaccinations prior to the first class. Flea and tick prevention highly recommended due to the outdoor classes.
What to expect:
Held almost exclusively outdoors, Beyond Obedience emphasizes practical skills and advanced training techniques tailored for real-world environments. This course builds on foundational obedience skills and introduces challenges like distraction work, impulse control, and distance commands.
What we cover:
- Advanced recall techniques
- Polite walking and heel with high-level distractions
- Impulse control in unpredictable environments
- Distance work, including stays and recalls from afar
- Real-world scenarios to test and strengthen obedience
Why Beyond Obedience?
This course is all about bridging the gap between training and everyday life. By practicing in outdoor and public spaces, your dog will learn to maintain focus and composure in a variety of settings. Our goal is to help you and your dog achieve confidence, precision, and teamwork, even in challenging environments.
Whether you’re preparing for AKC Canine Good Citizen testing, tackling real-world distractions, or simply strengthening your bond, Beyond Obedience is the perfect next step.
Evaluations are required for all new clients before enrolling in this course. Evaluations are quick and easy and can be scheduled at Tolonen Family Pet Shop on most days. Contact us today to book your evaluation!
- Weekly classes held at different local locations
- Training in real-life scenarios
- Flexible bundling package options available!
Essential Proofing Exercises:​​
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- Command Chains
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- Distraction Training
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- Handler Focus Testing
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- Real-World Scenario Simulations
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- Impulse Control Exercises
Canine Good Citizen Certification Testing
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Certification
The CGC test evaluates dogs on ten key behaviors that reflect good manners at home and in the community. This certification promotes responsible pet ownership and recognizes dogs that have been well-trained and socialized. Achieving CGC certification can open doors to exciting opportunities, such as therapy dog work or advanced obedience training.
CGC Test Items:
1. Accepting a friendly stranger: Demonstrates the dog's ability to remain calm when approached by a stranger.
2. Sitting politely for petting: Shows the dog’s willingness to allow a friendly stranger to pet them while staying calm.
3. Appearance and grooming: Evaluates the dog’s acceptance of handling for grooming and basic care.
4. Walking on a loose leash: Tests the dog’s ability to walk calmly and on a loose leash with the handler.
5. Walking through a crowd: Demonstrates the dog’s composure and focus in a busy environment with people moving around them.
6. Sit and down on command, and staying in place: Evaluates the dog’s ability to respond to basic obedience commands and remain in place.
7. Coming when called: Ensures the dog reliably responds to the handler’s recall.
8. Reaction to another dog: Tests the dog’s ability to remain calm and controlled when encountering another dog.
9. Reaction to distractions: Demonstrates the dog’s ability to remain composed and focused in the presence of common distractions.
10. Supervised separation: Evaluates the dog’s ability to stay calm and well-behaved when left with a trusted person for three minutes.
Our CGC-Based Prep Classes:
We provide personalized guidance and support from certified instructors to help dogs of all ages and skill levels prepare for the CGC test.
AKC Family Dog Program Levels and Componets We Offer:
1. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy
• A foundational program for puppies, focusing on socialization, training, and building a positive owner-dog relationship.
2. Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
• The basic certification testing a dog’s good manners and obedience in everyday situations.
3. AKC Community Canine
• An advanced CGC level, focusing on good behavior in real-world public spaces.
4. AKC Urban CGC
• A specialized CGC level for urban dogs, testing their ability to handle city-specific challenges like public transportation and crowds.
5. AKC Trick Dog
• A fun program where dogs earn titles by performing tricks at various levels, from novice to elite performer.
6. AKC Fit Dog
• Encourages healthy, active lifestyles for dogs and their owners through walking and fitness activities.
7. AKC Temperament Test (ATT)
• Evaluates a dog’s ability to remain confident and well-mannered in various situations, focusing on temperament rather than training.
Join us to prepare your dog for the CGC test or advance through all levels of the AKC Family Dog Program. Let’s work together to build a well-mannered, confident canine companion!
Holiday Pet Photo Shoots at Tolonen Family Pet Shop
Capture the magic of the holidays with our special pet photo shoots at Tolonen Family Pet Shop! From festive backdrops to fun seasonal themes, our holiday photo sessions are the perfect way to celebrate the season with your furry friends.
Popular holiday themes include:
- Christmas: Festive trees, and twinkling lights
- Halloween: Spooky and fun costumes for your pets
- Easter: Springtime flowers
- Valentine’s Day: Heart-filled backdrops for your lovable companion
- Fourth of July: Patriotic stars and stripes
- St. Patrick’s Day: Lucky shamrocks and leprechaun hats
What to expect:
- Professionally styled backdrops and props to make your photos truly memorable
- A friendly and patient environment to ensure your pet feels at ease
- Digital photo keepsake, holiday cards, or gifts
View our gallery:
Check out the Barkimonial page ( Gallery at the bottoms ) on our website to see some of the adorable moments we’ve captured during past photo shoots!
Stay updated:
Follow Tolonen Family Pet Shop on social media for the latest information on scheduling, event dates, and seasonal photo shoot announcements.