At Total Dog!, we believe that every dog deserves a happy, healthy life. That’s why we offer custom training programs designed around your goals for your dog, and around your dogs’ needs, learning style, and pace. We’ll teach your dog how to follow commands, play with other dogs, and be the best selves, while showing you how to build a stronger relationship with your dog. Whether you’re looking for in home dog training in Austin or Austin board and train, you can count on our custom Austin dog training programs to unlock your dog’s full potential!
Have a problem dog? No problem! The Total Dog! team is made up of some of the best dog trainers in Austin, and have been selected for their wealth of experience working with dogs of various ages, temperaments, and breeds. We’ll develop a custom-made training program that addresses all of the issues you’re facing, and that teaches your dog new behaviors at their own pace. Paired with our personalized 1-on-1 coaching, limitless programs, and commitment to positive, humane-based training methods, it’s the most effective way to bring out the best in your dog, for life.
Our basic training programs use positive behavioral modification techniques and evidence-based methods to teach your dog foundational skills and behaviors at their own pace, before they’re ready to move on to more advanced training.
Our private Total Dog! dog training programs are designed for dog owners who want to train their dog to be as well-behaved on the go as they are at home. We’ll teach your dog how to perform both basic and advanced commands with extreme off-leash reliability, both at home and out and about.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your dog's needs and goals. From there, we'll work with you to develop a custom-made training program to make it happen.
Watch as our professional dog trainers train your dog to adopt new behaviors and skills, while learning proven, effective ways to better engage and interact with your pet.
After completing their training program, your dogs will show marked improvements in their skills and behavior. They’ll love learning, obey your commands, and stay well-behaved both inside and outside the home.
We proudly offer all our dog training packages in Austin. Give us a call to schedule a dog training consultation.
As an individual with a certification in dog training, 3 ½ years of experience in training, as well as being an A.K.C and C.G.C evaluator and C.C.P.D.T With a specialization in behavior modification I have a unique perspective on how puppies/dogs can and will be and go on to be in terms of being fulfilled and successful in multiple aspects of their lives. While not trying to reinvent the wheel, my way of training is rather unique in the way that the behavior of the puppies/dogs is shaped. Whilst using treats as a means for reward after successfully completing a command has been the traditional route for far longer than one can imagine, I have noticed that affection as a means for reward breeds long term fulfillment, and success for both the puppy/dog and owner, therefore, I have implemented this reward system in my way of training, negating the over-treating of a puppy/dog which in-turn negates the creation of separation anxiety and other bad habits that can and will develop from over-treating. By implementing affection as the means for reward, the puppy/dog understands that he or she will be rewarded with affection and they will execute any command more successfully.
I am an entrepreneur in the wellness industry, and as such, I see firsthand the impacts that dogs can have on their families…good and bad! My desire to help people find balance in their lives perfectly dove-tailed into the mission that Total Dog! has, so it was very easy for me to adopt the Total Dog! philosophies not only on my personal Great Pyrenees, but I was then inspired to learn how to bring this to anyone that I can!
I had studied many books and videos, and while there is amazing information readily available, there is also a lot of ineffective information out there as well. Having a single source to get to the truth is amazing!
My Pyrenees is now the “start of the “show” when I am at local Farmers’ Markets, and I can take her off leash wherever I am allowed, without the fear of her running off or getting into scuffles with other animals. We are experiencing true freedom! She is also certified as a Service Dog! Many know that Pyrs can be a bit stubborn, especially on recall, but she now checks in with me to make sure that she is still within the predetermined range that I have set for her.
I am so excited to help you find the same joy with your dog as I do with mine. My whole philosophy on life and wellness is about balance, and having an unruly dog can certainly throw things off! We are here to help!
Starting with her family’s Cocker Spaniel at the local obedience club, Jillian began training when she was 11 years old. This prompted her to get her own dog when she was 13; a rescued Shetland Sheepdog named Missy. They trialed in AKC and the 4H club in agility, conformation, and obedience and eventually got into work as a therapy dog team. This was the root of Jillian's love for dog training.
Now active with her 3 Australian Shepherds, they compete in agility, conformation, obedience, rally obedience, scent work, and herding/stock. Together they have earned numerous titles in each of these venues and have competed at the National level. In 2019 Jillian and her dog Dosey Doe won the High in Trial award for Agility at the ASCA Nationals in Bakersfield, CA. While her personal dogs focus is on competitive sports, her professional work has been centered around general wellness and behaviors.
Jillian's background in professionally working with dogs includes an education as a Registered Veterinary Technician and managing her own grooming business. This has given her a unique perspective in more than just training. Jillian believes in looking at the whole dog to get the best results in their behavior, but also focuses on being a coach for the owners to know how to make desired changes stick.
Family always comes first. Especially my boys Christian (8) and Jovahnny (baby) and my little brother Adrian (9). I’ve always had a big heart for pets, especially dogs. Currently don’t have any pets due to just having a baby who doesn’t do too well with animals but we do plan to get one in the future. I am bilingual, I was born in Mexico but raised in Round Rock, TX. Love going to Mexico to visit my family and of course their delicious food. Excited for the opportunity to help dogs and their owners in Central Texas.
Melinda’s passion for training began at 9 years of age with her family dog, Hershey. Since then, Melinda has enjoyed training her own dogs for fun in agility, skills, hunting, tricks, and service dog work. In 2017, Melinda medically retired from law enforcement and began a new journey where she could turn her passion for dogs into a career. Melinda attended Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage in 2020 where she earned her Canine Massage Therapy license. Since then, she has found a true passion for helping owners build the best relationship possible with their dogs. During her free time, Melinda trains and competes in dog sports and continues their never-ending journey of canine education.
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Cassandra started working with dogs as a young girl when her family decided to open a rescue right out of her home after losing their family dog to breed discrimination.
Always passionate about working with animals, she continued her rescue efforts throughout her life by volunteering in shelters and learning from experts in the field about the handling and training of dogs and cats. After several years of apprenticeships in dog training, working for dog training companies, and serving as the operations and training director of a large scale pit bull rescue for over four years, she joined the Total Dog Team. Today, her mission is to empower owners with the confidence to improve the relationship with their dogs through education, training, and behavior modification.
Haley has always had a love for animals and helping others. She currently has two dogs named Roscoe and Duke as well as two daughters Raynee and Emilia. She strives to continue growing in everything she does. As an administrator Haley enjoys making one on one connections with clients and providing the best information for their training needs. Haley enjoys spending time at the lake with friends and family. Today, her goal is to help as many clients as possible and to empower her team by being a positive role model.
Founder, Professional Dog Trainer & AKC Evaluator
SGT Brice Cavanaugh founded Total Dog! and is on the Board of Directors for the National Tactical Police Dog Association, Operation Overwatch and The Pink Berets. He is a Professional Member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and is an Evaluator for the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen multi-tiered program.
As an instructor in the tactical field, constant reading of journals and LE updates is a must. Brice’s unique perspectives come from decades of experience, from the tactical training and deployment of Military Working Dogs and Police Service Dogs to the instruction of deployment teams working in theater in some of the harshest conditions in the world.
As an instructor in the tactical field, constant reading of journals and LE updates is a must.
Not listed are dozens of courses that cover everything from Counterterrorism Tactics to Radiological Scanning Devices.
No! Dogs of all ages are welcome.
Absolutely not! Total Dog! is an all-inclusive dog training service in Austin, that works with dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes. Regardless of their ‘problems,’ personality, or temperament, we’ll work with them no matter what.
We offer a Total Dog! dog training package that includes unlimited lessons until your dog reaches the goals identified at the start of the program. Following the program's completion, you'll have the opportunity to extend your dog's training to help them reach new goals.
Click here to learn more about our training packages.
Our basics program lasts two weeks and our Total Dog! programs typically last 4 weeks. We’ll create a time sensitive plan that works around your schedule prior to starting training.
Yes. At Total Dog!, you can choose both the type and the duration of your dog training. Whether you’re interested in Board and Train dog training in Austin, or would prefer one-on-one dog training, we have a training package that provides it.
Yes. We offer a wide variety of specialty dog training packages designed to help dogs’ achieve specific goals and aims. Click the links below to learn more about the following Austin dog training programs:
Don’t see what you’re looking for? We can train your dog to adopt almost any command, skill, or behavior that comes to mind. Give us a call to find out how we can help your dog achieve your training goals.
Our dog training programs are unique in that they’re personalized to your dog's needs. Our expert dog trainers will work with you and your dog to develop an individualized training plan for your pup, and train them privately to ensure they receive the best dog training in Austin.
Yes, we offer an advanced obedience training program that’s designed to address any behavioral issues or unwanted behaviors your dog may be displaying. Whether you want your dog to behave themselves at home or stay on their best behavior on the go, our trainers have the skills and dog training experience to make it happen.
Our expert dog trainers know the best methods to correct bad behavior. Through a combination of advanced training methods and positive progressive learning techniques, we’ll help teach your dog the right way to behave, no matter where they are.
We offer a potty training program that’s designed to help train our client’s dogs to be potty trained in a matter of weeks. By temporarily confining your dog to specific areas of your home, we’ll help them learn to associate your house with their house, so they learn to do their business outside, and on a consistent schedule.
With our private in-house training programs, sessions typically last between 45 minutes up to several hours. We’ll fill you in on the details after you choose your dog’s specific training program and package.
Yes! We’re happy to offer private in-home dog training for both our basic training and specialty training packages. One of our certified professional dog trainers can come to your home at a time that’s convenient for you, and train your dog both inside your home and outside it.
Don’t mind a little detachment from your canine companion? Consider our Board & Train training packages! These packages offer a convenient alternative to group classes and private training, while giving your dog the freedom to learn on their own. Your dog will get to enjoy an all-inclusive stay at one of our dog trainer’s homes and learn healthy routines and new behaviors for up to a month per visit.
We’re happy to provide our professional dog training services all throughout Central Austin, including North, East, West, and South Austin. Whether you live in Round Rock, Bee Cave, Bastrop, or Buda–we’ll come to you!
The cost of your Total Dog! training can vary depending on the goals you want to accomplish and package you choose. To determine the best training package for your dog and your budget, schedule a free consultation today!