About River Valley D.O.G.S

Private in-home training from Prior Lake

River Valley D.O.G.S. is based in Prior Lake and serves the greater South Metro, including Apple Valley, Bloomington, Lakeville and Shakopee, with one-on-one training in the client's home or virtually. Trainer Jake writes that he grew up in the Minnesota River Valley, worked as a Dog Care Specialist in pet care facilities, and received his CCTBS (Certified Canine Trainer and Behavior Specialist) from The Animal Behavior Institute in 2021. He describes a relationship-based approach centered on teaching owners "the language of dogs."

Services and prices

The New Puppy Obedience Package is six weekly in-home sessions for pups 8 to 12 weeks old, covering handling, socialization, exposure and basic obedience ($800, clicker included). An initial in-person consultation of 1.5 to 2 hours is $200, individual one-hour sessions are $150, and the five-session Basic Obedience Package is $700. Behavior work covers reactivity, possessiveness and aggression, and there is neurodiverse family training offered in partnership with "SeeMe Neurodiverse Org." Drive fees of $10 to $50 apply beyond a 25 to 30 minute radius. A dog photography session, "Phodography," is $250.

What owners say

One client called Jake "extremely knowledgeable, prepared, patient & professional," and another said his techniques are "positive and nurturing."