About Blessed Furever Dog Training

Who runs it

Blessed Furever Dog Training LLC is run by Robin Belcher Ash and her husband Dick Ash. The site says Robin "is a graduate and Certified Training Partner of Karen Pryor Academy (KPA)" and that "Her credentials include the Dog Trainer Foundation course and the Dog Trainer Professional Program", along with membership of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. Dick "has completed Karen Pryor Academy's Dog Trainer Foundation course" and is also an APDT member, assisting with training and running the business side. Both sets of credentials are claimed on their own site and have not been checked against a registry here. The business is named for their two Shetland Sheepdogs, Lady and Angel, both therapy dogs.

How the training is described

The method is named and argued for at length. The site says the business "specializes in positive reinforcement dog training through a proven system known as Clicker Training", and explains the clicker as a hand-held device "that produces a consistently distinct sound." The claimed benefit is framed around the dog as "a willing participant and partner in training", and around an approach that "Forgives human mistakes by not focusing on what is going wrong but focusing on what is being done well".

Classes and prices published

Three class syllabuses are published in full. Basic Foundation Clicker Skills runs six steps from a clicker orientation without the dog through targeting, responding to a cue, giving attention, offering a behavior, and settling on a mat. Basic Manners covers sit, down, come, stay and wait, and loose-lead walking fundamentals. Puppy Socialization, for puppies "7 to 16 weeks", pairs socialization exposures with a matching skill each week, working through costumes and appearances, obstacles and sounds, wheels and children's toys, and health and handling.

Group training is $150 for a six-week, one-hour-a-week package, or $30 for a single session. Private training starts with an initial consultation of 60 to 90 minutes at $50; a six-week in-home package is $240, the same package not in the home is $220, and individual private lessons are $50.

Practical details

The business is based in Huntington and the site says it "serves the Tri-State area". Contact is 304.617.6513 or robin@blessedfurever.com. The site states that the business "puts clients first and has high values and is referred to by local veterinarians." Dates for the next set of group classes are posted on the group training page.