FAQs
Where does training take place?
The greater Bismarck-Mandan, ND area. Because dogs are social and pack animals, we integrate socialization into training and may meet in your home and other social settings to help generalize skills and behaviors taught training.
What type of training do you provide?
Basic/Foundational Skills, Intermediate, and Advanced Training
American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen (AKC CGC) Training and Testing
Therapy Dog Training and Testing
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Training
Trick Dog Testing
Do you have training packages?
Yes! Packages vary in number of sessions and price depending on your training goals. Your training is personalized to your specific interest and needs based on the completion of a Dog Training Goals Questionnaire and Training Agreement prior to beginning training. Most dog owners will initially select five or six training sessions if their dog has not had any previous formal training.
What training methods do you use?
Primarily positive reinforcement, praise, and reward-based training. However, one method or approach does not fit all dogs. Like people, each dog is different. So other effective learning strategies may be used to help your dog learn the skills and behaviors being taught. Informational materials relating to the training are also provided to dog owners.
What is your background?
Dr. VanLoon is a Certified Dog Trainer (CDT-C), American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Therapy Dog Evaluator, and has a Doctorate in Educational Psychology. He has studied dog training theory and practice, learning theory, operant conditioning, and classical conditioning. He has written four books about his dog, Rocky, the (Certified) Therapy Dog. Rocky and Preston have made approximately 800 pet therapy visits as a therapy dog team. Rocky also has the Supreme Therapy Dog title from the AKC and is an Advanced Level Trick Dog. Dr. VanLoon and Rocky also volunteer as a pet therapy team with Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) for the American Red Cross.
Why do you train dogs?
I love dogs! They are a gift, and we can learn much from them if we learn how to listen to them. As a former college professor, I also love to teach. I want dog owners to build a stronger bond with their four-legged friend and have safe and happy relationship with their dog like I do with Rocky.
What do you recommend for dog owners to be successful in training?
Socialization, regular practice with your dog, consistency in applying the skills taught, patience, and learn what motivates your dog and how to communicate with them. I believe that “with proper training, a human can be a dog’s best friend.”
Do you have gift certificates?
Absolutely. Gift certificates are great gifts for birthdays, Christmas, new dog owners, special occasions, and others who want a well-trained dog and companion that is “rock solid!”
How do I begin training?
Send a message through the Contact Form on the website for Rock Solid Dog Training, LLC or an email to RSDT4U@gmail.com. You can also call us at (701) 751-3434.
Do you have any recommendations?
You are welcome to check out our ratings and reviews on our Google and Facebook pages.