Day Training
For Dogs of All Ages
Life with your dog is supposed to feel joyful, not like one more thing on your to-do list.
If work, school drop-offs, and family commitments leave little space for teaching your dog, day training is your relief valve. Maniac Mutts trains your dog for you, then coaches you so the new skills stick.
- We do the weekday work
- You enjoy the results
- Your dog builds confidence and skills through clear, reward-based training
All day training programs begin with an initial consultation so we can talk about goals, assess your dog’s needs, and determine whether day training is the best dog training fit for you.
Day training is perfect for the busy household looking to save time and energy. Maniac Mutts trains your dog for you during weekdays then shows you what behaviors your dog has learned and how to keep them reliable through regular practice.
Day training packages
Is day training the right fit for you and your dog?
Day training can be an excellent fit if:
- You want a polite family dog, but don’t have the time to do all the training yourself.
- You have a busy household and need dog training that fits around everything else.
- You feel guilty that your dog isn’t getting the training they need.
- You’d rather bring in a skilled professional than spend months trying to DIY the process.
- You want to be able to enjoy Portland’s dog-friendly life: hikes, coffee shops, patio lunches, and neighborhood walks.
Practical skills for Portland life
Day training focuses on the things that make life smoother for you and your dog.
Puppies
- House training
- Chewing and mouthing
- Polite greetings
- Learning to settle
- Early leash skills
- Coming when called
Adolescent and adult dogs
- Jumping up
- Pulling on leash
- Chewing and stealing items
- Settling when guests are over
- Door manners and recall
- Focus in busy environments
Training for fear, aggression, anxiety, or significant reactivity always begins with a behavior consultation [link to behaviour consultation page]. If you’re unsure whether this applies to your dog, reach out, and we’ll guide you [link to contact page].
How day training works
- Initial consultation
We learn about your dog, talk through goals, and confirm whether day training is the right fit.
- Three sessions per week:
- Two training sessions with your dog only.
- One coaching session with you and your dog.
- Training takes place in your home environment so skills apply directly to your real life.
- Keep it going at home
Just enough to reinforce progress, never so much it feels like dreaded homework or another “to do.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my dog listen to me if you do most of the training?
Yes, because one session each week includes you. Day training builds the skills, and coaching ensures they work for you in real life.
Do I need to be home during sessions?
Not necessarily. If your dog is comfortable with visitors and you can provide access, you don’t need to be home. Many clients are at work, on calls, or simply in another room while we train their dog quietly in the background. The goal is minimal disruption to your day, whether you’re there or not.
What if my dog is nervous around strangers?
That requires a behavior consultation first. Depending on the outcome, we may adjust the approach or recommend private behavior work before day training.
Will I have homework?
We’ll give you realistic, easy-to-fit practice to maintain what your dog learns. No hour-long drill sessions, promise!
Is day training the same as board and train?
No. Your dog stays at home, learns in your environment, and you stay part of the process.
Do you use aversive tools or correction-based training?
No. Maniac Mutts uses only reward-based methods that build trust and confidence.
Your dog’s weekday support crew awaits
We’ll handle the training, you keep living your life.
Start with a private consultation and we’ll take it from there.