Hi and welcome to Stepping Stones Dog Training. I'm Mandy Sherman the Trainer here at Fido's Funhouse. I'm excited to be a part of the wonderful family here at Fido’s. I can't wait to get started taking steps with you and your pooch that will create results & respect and a bond that will last a lifetime.

Prior to taking those steps, allow me tell you a little about myself. Currently, I have three Great Danes and a Dalmatian. The Danes keep me very busy with our participation in The Arizona Drill Team, Great Dane Club of Arizona and competing in AKC Obedience and Rally Competitions. In addition, I work full time as a Veterinarian Technician with Banfield and part time at Fido's Funhouse as a team member with Day Camp as well as being Fido's Trainer.

I began my Professional Dog Training career working as a Trainer for two years with PetsMart and successfully completed the PetsMart Accreditation Training Program. As a member of the Professional Dog Trainer Association, I have committed myself to helping people have a better understanding of the importance of dog obedience training.

~ MANDY ~

Upcoming Training Schedules & Requirements

Stepping Stones Training Application (.pdf file)

Jump To “Fido's Fundamental Steps”

View Fido’s Fun House Stepping Stones Alumni photos

Obedience Training is one of the best things you can do for your adult dog or puppy as well as for yourself. Obedience training doesn't solve all behavior problems, but it is the foundation for solving just about any problem. Training opens up a line of communication between you and your dog. Effective communication is necessary to instruct your dog what you want them to do. You can teach your dog anything from “stay” (don't bolt out the door) to “sit” (don't jump up on the visitors) to “off” (don't chew the furniture).

Dogs are social animals and without proper training, they will behave like animals. They will soil your house, destroy your belongings, bark excessively, dig holes in your yard, fight other dogs and even bite you. Nearly all behavior problems are perfectly normal canine activities that occur at the wrong time or place or are directed at the wrong thing. For example, the dog will eliminate on the carpet instead of outside; the dog will bark all night long instead of just when a stranger is prowling around outside; or the dog will chew furniture instead of his own toys. The key to preventing or treating behavior problems is learning to teach your dog to redirect their natural behavior to outlets that are acceptable in the domestic setting.

Obedience training should be fun and rewarding for you and your dog. It can enrich your relationship and make living together more enjoyable. A well-trained dog is more confident and can more safely be allowed a greater amount of freedom than an untrained one. A trained dog will come when called. A trained dog will sit and stay calm during stress. A trained dog will be more controllable.

Bentley, with Amber and Cory

Some people debate whether or not it is possible to train puppies, and others ask whether it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks. The answer to both questions is an unequivocal YES. Whatever the age of your dog, the right time to begin training is right now! The most important time in your dog's life is now. Your dog's behavior is constantly changing and a dog that is well-behaved today will not necessarily remain that way forever. New problems can always develop. Existing problems can always get worse. Obedience training is a process that will continue during the lifetime of your dog.

Now that you understand the importance of obedience training and who I am, I look forward to working with you and your dog in taking the necessary steps that will lead to a loving, rewarding and respectful relationship.

“Puppies First Steps” - No training schedule at present. Check back again soon.

Fido’s Fundamental Steps
Schedule & Requirements

Our latest graduating class

Stepping Stones Dog Training

Fido's Fundamental Steps - was designed for those pooches that are in need of a "refresher" course of their puppy training or those pooches that have never made it to class yet. Within the group setting you will be instructed how to teach your pooch basic commands such as:   Sit, Stay, Wait, Down/Settle, Leave It, Off (no jumping) and Heeling (walking along side of you instead of pulling) and loose leash walking. You can also choose from one of the following tricks: Bow, Shake, Spin or Roll-Over.

This 9-week course begins Thursday, July 30th, 2009 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Cost $135.00

Class Schedule is as follows:

Thursday, July 30th - Address barking & house breaking issues. Introduction to Sit, Heel and Drop It.

Thursday, August 6th   - Review Sit, Heeling and Drop It. Introduction to Off.

Thursday, August 13th - Review Sit, Drop It, Heeling and Off. Introduction to "Come".

Thursday, August 20th - Review Off, Heeling, Drop It and Come. Introduction to Stay & Down/Settle.

Thursday, August 27th - Review Heeling, Come, Stay & Down. Introduction to Leave It. Time for a Quiz (and prizes)!

Thursday, September 3rd - Review Heeling, Come, Stay and Leave It. Introduction to Wait.

Thursday, September 10th - Review Wait and anything class is having difficulties with. Learn Trick of your choice.

Thursday, September 17th - Game & Prize night applying the "Steps" learned.

Thursday, September 24th Graduation

Requirements:

Dogs should range in ages of 3 months to 2 years in age.

Dogs must be current on Distemper/Parvo, Bordatella and Rabies Vaccines. You must provide proof of vaccines when checking in on the first day of class. If proof is not provided, your pooch will not be able to attend class.

Complete the Application and sign the Liability Agreement.

Agree to purchase any necessary tools to assist in the training process.

6' Nylon or Leather Leash.

Bottle of Bitter Apple (as explained in first day of class).

Choke Collar (nylon is best and sold at Fido’s). You can also use the nylon/chain combo collar. Medium weight is best. To fit your dog... measure right behind the ears around the neck and then add 4".

Agree to arrive on time so there is no delay in the starting of class.

Agree to keep a journal of your pooch’s behavior and progress at home within the journal provided by Fido's Funhouse. This will allow us to address any issues that may arise outside of the classroom and track your dog’s progress.

Chewy with Patrick and Brian

Congratulations to our latest graduates!

Zoey with Joey and Heather

Scout & David