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Manhattan hosts MuttSchool’s original training center location. We are a full service facility offering day training, group classes, private lessons and behavior modification.
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We put the GOOD
in GOOD dog!
Transform your dog into the pet you’ve always wanted by utilizing the power of behavioral science to train your dog. MuttSchool instructors teach by building lasting bonds based on mutual trust and respect instead of fear and intimidation. Utilizing our many different services, we can custom design a training plan to help you achieve your goals for training your dog.
Professional dog training to fit your lifestyle.
Now with three locations to serve you!
Click on the city name to view MuttSchool's dog training services in your area.
NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
Schedule an evaluation today!
During an evaluation, we meet you and your dog, listen to any challenges you may be having with your pet and get started on managing those behaviors. You and your trainer will discuss canine learning theory, marker training, behavior modification and will devise a long term training plan that fits your time constraints and budget.Â
Evaluations are $110 for 90 minutes. We can come to you (please note that due to Covid-19, we are not going into client’s homes) or we can meet at one of our facilities. For at-home lessons, there may be an additional travel fee if you are outside of our standard travel range.
MuttSchool-KS serves towns in northeastern Kansas along the I-70 corridor, including Manhattan, Junction City, Ft. Riley, St. Marys, Wamego, Silver Lake, Topeka, Abilene, and Salina. Travel fees may apply.
Why choose MuttSchool?
CCPDT Certified Dog Trainers
A dog trainer certified by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers shows the trainer is a qualified professional that has tested and passed the rigorous standards of knowledge and skills in the field of science-based dog training. MuttSchool supports testing dog trainer’s knowledge and skills to show competency. Read the CCPDT mission statement to see why we believe your dog trainer should be certified.
Experience Counts
MuttSchool instructors have trained over 5,000 Kansas dogs since our business began in 2007. Together our team has over 170 years of combined experience working with animals. Our owner, Mary, has more than 30 years of dog training experience and imparts this in designing MuttSchool’s curriculum and training plans. That’s experience you can trust.
Personalized Programs
There is not a one size fits all dog training solution. Every dog has individual training needs. And, each owner has their own lifestyle requirements. Finding a way to meld these together so you and your dog can be successful is why MuttSchool offers a variety of services for you to choose from. Let us develop an individualized training plan just for you and your dog!
Educated Instructors
MuttSchool’s instructors have completed professional dog training schools, university degrees or are in the process of completing their formal education. Several of our certified trainers are graduates of the prestigious Karen Pryor Academy. Other instructors have completed their education from Animal Behavior College (ABC) MuttSchool is also an ABC Mentor Training Facility. In addition, all of our instructors are expected to attend yearly professional development seminars to stay on the forefront of the dog training field.
Method of Training
Using scientifically-based methods, MuttSchool’s instructors teach you along with your dog. You and your dog will establish a system of lifelong communication through building behaviors and strengthening skills. We teach so that it’s a fun, positive experience for both of you. We are dedicated to provide you with the tools you need to have a confident, well-mannered and happy canine. MuttSchool follows the LIMA approach for dog training and DOES NOT use training equipment that imparts pain, fear or intimidation on your dog.
Licensed, bonded and insured
MuttSchool is licensed as a training kennel by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. We are bonded and insured. And, due to the fact that even the best-behaved dogs can sometimes be unpredictable, we carry worker’s compensation for our valuable employees. If you are searching for a dog trainer, these are important subjects to talk about with other trainers you interview. Not all dog trainers are licensed and bonded or carry insurance. If anything happens with an uninsured trainer, the liability could fall on you.
Affordability
Training your dog makes good financial sense. Untrained dogs can be a risk to other people and dogs. If you think training is expensive, simply envision the veterinary bill if your dog is hit by a car because he refused to come to you. Or the civil court payouts if the dog bites someone or attacks another dog. You risk lawsuits, medical care, veterinarian care, legal fees and animal control fines. You are investing in training for your dog now to prevent challenging behaviors and to avoid those costs later.
Flexible scheduling
Enjoy flexible scheduling—on your time and at your chosen location. We know you have busy lives and dog training isn’t always on the top of your to-do list. We want to train your dog, so we offer flexible service options to fit with your lifestyle.
Community
Join a community of pet parents that also want quality, fear free training for their dog. VISIT MuttSchool’s Booster Club on Facebook.
You have a team of professional trainers working for you and your dog.
Get to know our team of instructors. We combine our love for animals with education, experience and scientific-based training methods. You may notice the credentials at the ends of our names. Not all dog trainers have certifications. MuttSchool’s instructors are either certified or are working toward the training hours required to take the rigorous Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) exams. This certification demonstrates that your instructor has mastered humane, science-based dog training practices. To maintain our certifications, we are expected to complete yearly continuing education. The more MuttSchool instructors learn, the more we can pass on to our clients. You can rest assured that you and your dog are receiving the most recent, effective training methods when you bring your dog to MuttSchool.
Certified Dog Training Professionals
Mary
B.A. • CPDT-KSA • KPA CTP • CGC • Behavior Consultant
For over 30 years, Mary has taught private lessons and all levels of group classes in obedience, rally, conformation, trick training and agility in Phoenix, AZ, Seattle, WA and now with MuttSchool. She has worked with a wide range of canine behavioral challenges including shyness, reactivity, aggression, and separation anxiety. Mary is certified CPDT-KSA, a Karen Pryor Academy honors graduate and a KPA Certified Training Partner. She is also a Certified Trick Dog Instructor, an AKC CGC evaluator, a Certified Fear Free Pet Professional and a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
Dawn
CPDT-KA • ABCDT • CGC evaluator, Behavior Consultant
Dawn started with MuttSchool as an Animal Behavior College extern. Throughout her time at MuttSchool, she found her passion is working with dogs with behavioral challenges. Dawn also teaches private lessons, group classes, day training and works with our therapy and service dogs. She is certified CPDT-KA and is an AKC CGC evaluator. She has also volunteered for Helping Hands Humane Society training dogs with behavior issues to make them more adoptable. She is a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
Jennifer
KPA CTP, Behavior Consultant
Jennifer has always been captivated by the human-animal bond and enjoys helping people learn how to communicate better with their dogs. She is a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy for Professional Trainers, and has worked in both municipal animal shelters and non-profit organizations. She is a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
Kate
B.S. • CPDT-KA • CGC Evaluator • KPA
Kate is a former Kindergarten teacher who has gone to the dogs. She has always enjoyed working with animals. She completed the Karen Pryor Academy for Professional Trainers, is a CPDT-KA and an AKC CGC evaluator. While teaching, Kate spent her summers working as a naturalist and mammal rehabilitation provider for Kansas Wildlife and Parks.
Ashley
CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, ABCDT
Ashley has taught basic manners in group classes, conducted private lessons for basic manners, behavioral issues, service dog training and is currently working with dogs in MuttSchool’s day training program. She has graduated from the Karen Pryor Academy for Professional Trainers and is certified CPDT-KA through CCPDT and Animal Behavior College.
GraceAnn
CGC Evaluator • KPA Foundations • AKC Temperament Tester
Jenna
B.S., Animal Science
Dog Training Professionals (Manhattan)
Alena
K-STATE Student, Entrepreneurship
Plern
ABCDT
Carissa
B.S., Animal Science
Mariah
Marketing and PR coordinator • K-State Student, Animal Science • KPA Foundations
Alley
K-State Student, Animal Science
Andrew
Kennel Technician
Dog Training Professionals (Salina)
Marcia
INSTRUCTOR • CGC EVALUATOR
McKayla
INSTRUCTOR • CGC EVALUATOR
Dog Training Professionals (Topeka)
Jenna
B.S., Animal Science
Dynah
Two time AKC European Open Junior Team USA • Student, Veterinary Nursing
Want to become a dog trainer? Learn animal behavior through a MuttSchool internship.
MuttSchool’s animal behavior interns will receive both online and hands-on experience working with our dog training and behavior programs. The intern will learn to train, rehabilitate and modify behaviorally-challenged dogs using LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) training methods under the direction of MuttSchool’s certified trainers. In addition, the intern will assist with daily care and training, group classes and private lessons learning how to instruct clients. As interns progress in their understanding of dog behavior and their skill at working with dogs, there may be the possibility of paid positions with the company depending on the performance of the intern and the needs of the company. The internship requires a commitment of 10-20 hours a week. Preference will be given to those enrolled in a dog training educational program or university-level animal behavior or veterinary courses. This is an unpaid position.
Cigi
Animal Behavior Intern
Customer Testimonials
Thank you for your kind words.
We really appreciate you taking the time out to share your experience with us.
Mocha has been showing off her learning — she sits when a gate is opened and waits to be released through. She is so much better at sitting to greet guests. She walks well on leash with the harness on. We are working on "backup" and turning circles right and left. Thank you so much MuttSchool.
Amazing, talented and extremely knowledgeable staff. When you want a facility to treat your dog like it was their own, this is the place for you! Have had 2 dogs trained here and am always amazed at the bond and trust training a dog properly builds. Dash & Padme approve!Mary and her staff are some of the best trainers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. I’ve been using their service for four years. They have never not been willing to work with me on any issue I have, training my dogs. They are the most experienced and knowledgeable trainers, I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with.
My family has used Mutt School for various training over the past five years, and my experience has been nothing less than amazing! From a group leash manners class to private sessions for BAT (behavior adjustment training) - and even a tricks class for fun! - our dogs have benefitted greatly from Mutt School's expertise. They may not be the cheapest in town, but their highly experienced and credentialed staff are certainly the best value.
Mutt School is wonderful. I couldn't imagine anyone choosing anyone other than this 5 star place. They are very knowledgeable, obviously love what they do and are so polite. We were made to feel welcome and our dog is doing great! Their certified trainers ROCK!
The trainers have years of experience and explain what we need to do in easy to understand terms. Before Muttschool I thought you had to be dominant over your dog. That made me feel uncomfortable and my dog would growl at me. Mary explained that I should build a positive training relationship with my dog and my dog will want to work for me willingly. I am amazed. No more growling and my dog never takes her eyes off of me. She is always ready to try something new! Thanks Muttschool.
Mutt School is a 5 Star training facility that is very professional. 2 years ago we had them train our toy Klee Kai, and she is the best trained and most well behaved dog we've ever owned.
Couldn't be happier with our decision to use Mutt School for our puppy. We've done both group classes and private training sessions. I highly recommend doing both. The classes were a terrific, safe environment to socialize our puppy and the private sessions helped tremendously to work on specific training situations we had. For some of the private sessions, we were there working along with the trainer and for others she came while we were out and worked with our puppy one on one, in those cases it was always fun to read his report card when we got home and sometimes have a video of his progress to watch. Having Mutt School as a reference when we have questions is invaluable. Beware, you might get addicted to training and classes with Mutt School, it's so much fun to see all the cool things your dog is capable of!!
Edited to add a review in 2018: I rated Mutt School as 5 stars in 2013. Now in 2018 I would STILL rate them as 5 stars & am therefore updating my rating. I began working with the Mutt School trainers in 2010 to help work with my spitz mix's reactivity. Since then I have taken my border collie through all their classes and under the guidance of Mary Hager, he received his DMWYD Champion Trick Dog & his AKC Trick Dog Performer titles. & now I have taken my high drive border collie puppy through their Puppy Class and their day training program. For 10 years, Mutt School has been my go to training school. The trainers are experienced in dog training AND dog behavior, a combination that can be difficult to find. They are diligent about staying up to date on the best practices in the reinforcement-based training field. Their trainers maintain their continuing education and have more certifications than any other program in the area. I always recommend Mutt School to any of my friends who get new dogs or are needing a little extra help.Manhattan is very lucky to Mutt School here in our community! They are very knowledgeable and have the ability to offer a large variety of classes and private training. In this industry you definitely get what you pay for and Mutt School always goes above and beyond. They have a great newer facility and are locally owned which is a huge plus in my book.
MuttSchool-KS serves towns in northeastern Kansas along the I-70 corridor, including Manhattan, Junction City, Ft. Riley, St. Marys, Wamego, Silver Lake, Topeka, Abilene, and Salina. Travel fees may apply.