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Explore Our Services and Transform Your Dog’s Behavior Today

Specialty Training Programs

Discover a new level of excellence at Ridgeside K9 Charlottesville. Our Specialty Training Programs are designed for discerning pet owners who demand exceptional results. Whether your dog is deaf, possesses an extraordinary sense of smell, or exhibits natural protective instincts, our tailored programs offer refined training solutions delivered in a warm, supportive environment.

Service & Therapy Dog Training

Our specialized Service and Therapy Dog Training programs are designed to transform your dog into a reliable, supportive companion. With dedicated durations tailored to meet the unique demands of each role, our programs provide a comprehensive, step-by-step training experience.

6-Week Session

Therapy & Emotional Support Training

Ideal for dogs that excel in offering comfort and emotional support, this intensive 6-week program focuses on refining the skills necessary for a therapy or emotional support role. Through carefully structured lessons, your dog will learn to remain calm in diverse settings, interact positively with various individuals, and maintain consistent, reliable behavior. This training is perfect for developing the compassionate, gentle demeanor essential for emotional support work.

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8-12 week session

Service Dog Preparation

Our Service Dog Preparation program is a comprehensive regimen that spans 8 to 12 weeks, designed to equip your dog with the advanced skills required for service work. This program covers a broad spectrum of tasks—from advanced obedience and task-specific training to navigating complex environments with confidence. Our goal is to prepare your dog to perform a variety of service duties with precision and dependability, ensuring they can be the support system you need.

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Deaf Dog Training

Empower your deaf companion to thrive with a training program designed exclusively for their unique needs. Our approach leverages your dog’s exceptional eyesight and keen sense of smell, using precise hand signals and gentle vibration cues to foster clear communication. We focus on building a strong, trusting bond, ensuring that every command is understood and executed gracefully.

Program Highlights:

  • Customized Communication: Master a set of adapted commands—such as Sit, Down, Watch Me, With Me, and more—tailored specifically for deaf dogs.

  • Specialized Techniques: Learn exclusive signals like Touch and Follow while enhancing leash manners and addressing unwanted behaviors.

  • Owner Education: Benefit from comprehensive guidance that equips you with the skills and confidence to support your dog’s development.

  • Balanced Development: Through a blend of obedience, physical conditioning, and real-world practice, your dog will flourish as a poised and balanced family member.

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Dog Tracking Training

Unleash your dog’s natural prowess with our sophisticated Dog Tracking Training program. Perfect for high-energy canines with an exceptional sense of smell, this program refines your dog’s innate tracking abilities into a precise, practical skill. It’s more than training—it’s a journey that stimulates both mind and body while deepening your bond.

Program Highlights:

  • Scent Discrimination: Cultivate your dog’s ability to focus on specific scents, transforming natural instincts into finely honed skills.

  • Trail Tracking: Guide your dog to master scent trails across diverse environments, enhancing both precision and confidence.

  • Engaging Exercises: Enjoy fun, hide-and-seek style search activities that keep your dog mentally stimulated and physically active.

  • Personalized Training: Receive a bespoke training plan tailored to your dog’s unique temperament, age, and capabilities.

Training Options:

  • 2-Week Intro Tracking Training Program: $3,500

  • 3-Week Tracking Training Program: $4,500

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Protection Dog Training

Elevate your dog’s natural protective instincts with our premier Protection Dog Training program. Designed for dogs who have mastered advanced obedience, our program refines personal protection and bite work under strict safety standards. Our training not only enhances your dog’s ability to protect but also ensures they remain a loving and sociable family companion.

Program Highlights:

  • Personal Protection: Develop precise skills that enable your dog to safeguard you and your family with controlled, purposeful action.

  • Bite Work Mastery: Enhance targeting, bite strength, and release commands through expert-led exercises.

  • Advanced Techniques: Benefit from cutting-edge training methods incorporating principles from renowned protection sports, ensuring your dog is prepared for real-world challenges.

  • Balanced Approach: Our training ensures that when off duty, your dog remains a well-behaved and engaging companion.

Please note: Not every dog is suited for personal protection work. We conduct detailed assessments to ensure your dog’s drive, temperament, and nerves align with the demands of this specialized program.

Adventure Training Program

Empower Your Dog for
Outdoor Exploration

At Ridgeside K9 Charlottesville, our Adventure Training Program is designed to take your dog beyond basic obedience and into the realm of outdoor mastery. Our program equips your dog with the skills to confidently navigate a variety of environments while forging an even stronger bond with you.

  • Your dog learns to confidently navigate natural terrain while staying focused, responsive, and under control in varied outdoor environments.

  • We teach your dog how to safely and steadily trot alongside a bicycle, reinforcing rhythm, responsiveness, and coordination.

  • Your dog is introduced to water gradually, learning how to enter, exit, and swim calmly for both exercise and enrichment.

  • This indoor conditioning skill builds focus, endurance, and confidence while helping maintain structure and energy balance.

  • Your dog practices walking calmly with other dogs, reinforcing social manners, leash control, and focus amid distractions.

Intermediate Skills

  • Your dog learns to respond to commands with precision and consistency—even without a leash and in high-distraction environments.

  • Your dog gains confidence, coordination, and problem-solving skills by working through obstacle courses in a playful, structured setting.

  • Tapping into natural instincts, we train your dog to identify and track specific scents, building focus and drive in a mentally stimulating way.

  • Your dog is introduced to livestock in a safe, controlled environment, learning to remain calm, non-reactive, and reliable around animals.

Advanced Skills

Adventure Training Packages

2-Week Adventure Training Board and Train

Elevate Your Dog’s Intermediate and Advanced Skills

Our 2-week program is designed to quickly enhance your dog’s adventure capabilities. Tailored to meet your dog’s current abilities, you can choose from one of three skill packages:

• Three Intermediate Skills: Build a strong foundation in diverse adventure tasks.

• Two Intermediate Skills and One Advanced Skill: Combine core skills with a challenging advanced element.

• Two Advanced Skills: Push your dog’s limits with higher-level techniques for those ready to excel.

Each option is crafted to boost your dog’s performance in outdoor activities and ensure they are well-prepared for any adventure.


$2,500                                                       Get Started

3-Week Adventure Training Board and Train

Comprehensive Skill Enhancement for the Ultimate Outdoor Explorer

Our 3-week program offers an extended training period for deeper mastery and confidence in adventure settings. Choose from one of the following packages to suit your dog’s needs:

  • Four Intermediate Skills: A robust program to solidify key abilities.

  • Three Advanced Skills: Accelerate your dog’s training with a focus on higher-level challenges.

  • One Intermediate Skill and Two Advanced Skills: A balanced approach that merges fundamental skills with advanced training.

  • Three Intermediate Skills and One Advanced Skill: Enhance core competencies with an added advanced skill to elevate performance.

Designed for dogs ready to push their boundaries.

$3,000                                                       Get Started
Take The Next Steps

Ready to Transform Your Dog’s Abilities?

At Ridgeside K9 Charlottesville, our Specialty Training Programs combine expert instruction, personalized plans, and genuine care—ensuring your dog not only meets but exceeds expectations. Embrace a training journey that transforms your dog’s natural talents into refined skills for everyday success. Contact us today to learn more about our tailored programs and schedule your consultation. Let us help unlock your dog’s full potential today.