It's the one-year anniversary for the official opening of our Rochester Day Camp program!

To celebrate, we're introducing a SUMMER SALE on all Day Camp registrations!
We are currently starting to receive Day Camp registrations for June and July. We'd love to fill our summer Camp up early this year! If you've been thinking about getting your dog in for some training, this is your opportunity!

Save 5% on your dog's summer Day Camp registration
now through June 1st...  
                               
 Reserve your spot here >

"We had such a great experience with the Canine University! The trainers were extremely helpful and we noticed big improvements in our 1-year-old dog's behavior. We would definitely recommend this program to others."
 
Jax shows off his Day Camp skills
Jax shows off his Day Camp skills
   
Paws Abilities Day Camp is a  unique dog training and socialization program run by certified professional trainers. We love teaching dogs and people, and are proud to offer the only humane, science-based, positive Day Camp program in the southeast Minnesota area! We will teach your dog quickly and effectively. In fact, we use the same proven reward-based training methods utilized in zoos, aquariums, and service dog training programs all over the world.

Double-Whammy graduate Thunder takes a fieldtrip to his vet! 
Unlike traditional training "boot camps," where you may send your dog away for weeks or months, your dog will come home with you every night. You'll receive a personalized report card detailing your dog or puppy's activities from the day, and will have a chance to talk to your dog's trainer to receive daily updates and homework assignments to keep your dog's training on track.  You'll learn as your dog learns, so that both of you can feel confident in your new communication!

"Everything was great! Friendly staff, they treated Lupin well, he had a ton of fun and came home smarter and better behaved every day." 


Here are some additional details about the program:
  • To qualify for day camp, your dog should be friendly with both people and other dogs and be comfortable in a crate. (Not quite there yet? Start with private training lessons to get your dog on track before enrolling in day camp!)
  • We have crates available, or you can bring your dog's own crate.
  • You will provide a mat or bed for your dog (so that we can teach them to "go to place"), and will bring your dog's breakfast with you every morning.
  • Dogs must be current on vaccinations, including rabies (for dogs over four months), distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and bordetella. Your dog or puppy must have a negative fecal examination before starting the day camp program.
  • Day camp spots are limited, as we only work with a small number of dogs at a time to ensure plenty of individual attention. First priority for spots will always go to current or returning students.
Drop off time: 7:30-9:00am
Pick up: 4:00-6:00pm (pick up times are scheduled during registration)

Location: 3155 Wellner Dr. NE, Rochester MN

Day camp runs  Monday through Friday, excepting major holidays (there is no day camp on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas). In the event of severe weather, camp will be closed when the Rochester Public School district closes schools.

Puppy Head Start graduates Theo and Russell explore the tippy saucer together in our socialization playground! 
Upcoming program start dates:
  • May 15th (only 2 spots left!)
  • May 30th*
  • June 12th - ON SALE!
  • June 26th - ON SALE!
  • July 10th - ON SALE!
  • July 24th - ON SALE!
  • August 7th - ON SALE!
  • August 21st - ON SALE!
  • September 5th*
*Tuesday start dates, due to holidays.

Reserve your spot by  emailing us and  filling out your dog's personalized profile.
 
A 50% deposit is required to reserve your spot (we accept checks and PayPal), with the remaining 50% due on the first day of your dog's camp. Cancellations received at least two weeks in advance will receive a full refund.
 
Double-Whammy graduate Sadie shows off her leave-it skills! 
Day Camp is a highly effective way to socialize and train your dog, but in order to maintain those good behaviors the owner must also be part of the process. We'll coach you as your dog learns so that you can be an active participant in your dog's training, (without having to do all the hard work by yourself)!

"We just loved the whole program. Training was tailored to my dog and his strengths and weaknesses. The trainers were attentive and provided helpful feedback. We saw a huge improvement in our dog's behavior!"

We have three programs to choose from! 

Puppy Head Start Program: for puppies under 16 weeks of age at the start of their program.

Puppy Head Start graduate Riley shows off one of his creative ear styles during a field trip to a local vet clinic! 
Two weeks of professional training and socialization (normally $600, summer sessions are on sale for $570 through June 1st)

Start your puppy off with the best paw forward! Your puppy's action-packed Head Start program will include extensive socialization and handling. Positive handling ensures that your puppy loves the vet, behaves politely for the groomer (or for at-home grooming), and is easy to treat in the event of injuries or illness. No more nail trimming battles! You can have that happy, cooperative dog who makes the entire vet staff light up when you come in the door! Extensive professional socialization builds confidence and social skills in impressionable pups for a stable, balanced adult.

Learn more about Puppy Head Start here >

Puppy Junior High Program: for puppies under 8 months of age at the start of their program.

Two weeks of professional training and socialization (normally $600, summer sessions are on sale for $570 through June 1st)

BFFs, Puppy Junior High graduate Flynn and Puppy Head Start graduate Clover take a play break to work on their focus and settle skills.
 
Puppy Junior High was specifically designed for older puppies who still need a bit more polishing up of their oh-so-important puppy skills before progressing to Canine University . This program still incorporates the great socialization and handling that you get in the Puppy Head Start program, while also introducing solid foundations for the manners and obedience skills that they will learn in Canine University.

Adolescence is a tough time for puppies AND their people! Your puppy's brains are still developing at this stage, and their bodies are undergoing lots of changes too. It can be hard for you to remember that your rapidly growing (or nearly full-grown) dog is still mentally a puppy. It's hard for your puppy too, as they need to adjust to your changing expectations and their changing body all at the same time. Many dogs at this age might still be working on the simpler things in life that come with being a puppy. Others need to go back to basics as their changing hormones play havoc with their previously well-learned obedience skills. With this customized program, they will be getting the best of both worlds and will be better equipped to continue on into the Canine University program.

Learn more about Puppy Junior High here > 

Canine University Basic Obedience Program:
for friendly dogs of any age who are already comfortable in a crate.

Four weeks of professional training and socialization (normally $1200.00, on sale for $1140 through June 1st)

Canine University graduate Louie shows off his down-stay during a field trip to a local restaurant.
 
In this intensive learning program, we will teach your dog all of the manners he needs to be a polite member of society. If you want a dog who will walk nicely on leash, come whenever you call, stay where you tell him, wait politely at doors, and greet other people and dogs with impeccable manners - this is the program for you!

Our professional trainers will teach your dog (and you!) the skills he needs to be a welcome guest at home and in public, as well as a joy to be around.


Learn more about Canine University here > 


The Double-Whammy:
combine one of our Puppy programs (either Puppy Head Start or Puppy Junior High) and the Canine University Basic Obedience program, for a total of six weeks of professional training and socialization. Normally $1680.00 (a $120.00 savings), on sale for $1440 if you enroll prior to June 1st. 

Ready to enroll? Reserve your spot here, or email the Program Director Sara - sara@paws4u.com with any questions! 
 
Have questions not answered here? Contact Paws Abilities at (507)624-0190 or email paws4umn@gmail.com

Quick links:
Check out our upcoming class schedule for classes in Eagan, Kasson, Minneapolis, Rochester, Rosemount, St. Charles, and Woodbury. 
Check out our blog to read more about canine behavior and training.
Paws Abilities Dog Training, LLC 
507-624-0190
http://pawsabilitiesmn.com