Real Life Skills
For Dogs Over Five Months
When it comes to dog training, there’s nothing more rewarding than practical skills that make daily life easier and more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend. With Real Life Skills training from Maniac Mutts, we focus on meeting your dog’s unique needs through customized training that prevents unwanted behaviors while building positive habits.
This service is ideal for any dog over five months old, offering a balanced approach to home dog training. Our professional dog trainers use reward-based techniques, meaning we reward good behaviors instead of punishing bad ones, helping your dog learn skills like coming when called, waiting at doorways, and relaxing on their bed.
At Maniac Mutts, we understand that life with a dog should be full of joy, not stress from behavior problems. That’s why Real Life Skills training focuses on creating a harmonious relationship between you and your dog. Whether it’s helping your dog learn to “leave it” when they see dropped food or training them to settle calmly at home, our training program offers real solutions.
We’ll equip you and your dog with practical tools for addressing unwanted behaviors while also teaching essential obedience skills, such as leash walking, sitting politely, and making eye contact.
Focus area may include:
- Jumping up
- Counter-surfing
- Barking
- Chasing wildlife
- Pulling on leash
- Digging
- Door dashing
Real life skills:
- Come
- Wait
- Go to mat
- Sit
- Leash walking
- Leave it
- Eye contact
Initial Consultation
Real Life Skills Training Packages:
Getting Started with Real-Life Skills Training
Helping you and your dog succeed together is our top priority. To make sure we’re on the same page, all new clients must first complete an hour-long initial consultation before moving forward with training packages. This initial consultation is a chance for us to get to know your dog’s unique personality, take a brief history of their behavioral issues, and understand your training goals.
During this session, we’ll discuss what you’d like to achieve as a dog owner, set realistic expectations, and determine which training sessions best suit you and your dog. If your dog has behavioral issues related to fear, aggression, or high anxiety, our behavior consultation is a great first step as these more complex behavior problems need a special approach. Our goal is to make sure each dog gets the attention they deserve.
Tackling Common Behavior Challenges
Life with a dog can come with its share of challenges. Whether it’s jumping up, barking, or even door dashing, Real Life Skills training is here to help you create lasting change. Maniac Mutts specializes in using reward-based reinforcement to shape good behavior in a way that both you and your dog will enjoy.
Some of the most common issues we address include:
- Jumping up
- Counter-surfing
- Barking
- Chasing wildlife
- Pulling on leash
- Digging
- Door dashing
Key Real Life Skills for a Well-Behaved Dog
Come
Teaching your dog to come when called is crucial for their safety and your peace of mind. Through positive training, we make it easy and fun for your dog to respond when you call.
Wait
The “wait” command helps your dog learn patience at doorways or when exciting things are happening. This skill is especially useful for dogs with leash reactivity or impulse control issues.
Go to Mat
This handy skill teaches your dog to settle on a mat or bed on cue, which is great for preventing begging, calming down, or just relaxing at home.
Sit
“Sitting” is one of the core behaviors for every dog, whether they’re meeting new people, getting ready for a treat, or learning other obedience training essentials.
Leash Walking
Pulling on the leash can make walks a struggle. With Real Life Skills, we show your dog how to walk politely, making strolls more enjoyable for both of you.
Leave It
Learning to “leave it” helps your dog ignore tempting but unwanted items like food on the ground or random trash—keeping them safe and in control.
Eye Contact
This often-overlooked skill builds connection and focus. When your dog learns to make eye contact, they’re more attuned to your cues, helping with other behavior modification goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the first step to starting training at Maniac Mutts?
All new clients begin with an hour-long consultation. This session lets us get to know you and your dog and assess the best way to meet your needs.
Is Real Life Skills training effective for leash reactivity?
Yes, we work on polite leash walking and managing leash reactivity. If your dog has extreme reactivity, we may recommend a behavior consultation for a specialized approach.
Can my puppy under five months join Real Life Skills?
Real Life Skills training is designed for dogs over five months. For younger puppies, our puppy training sessions focus on early socialization and obedience skills.
Do you use choke collars or punishment?
Absolutely not. Our training is based on reward reinforcement, which is safe, effective, and gentle. No fear-based methods are ever used.
Can you help with behavior issues like barking and door-dashing?
Yes, we cover a variety of common behavior problems, including barking, door dashing, and more, all in a safe and positive way.
Ready to start building a better life with your dog?
Contact Maniac Mutts today to set up your initial consultation and learn how Real Life Skills training can transform your dog’s behavior. Our professional dog trainers in Portland, Oregon, are here to help you and your dog live your best lives together.