Welcome to Indy Dog Pro
We’re experienced dog people who, unlike others in the industry, still LOVE dogs. Our goal is to help dog owners develop rewarding and fulfilling relationships with their pets. That kind of relationship is ALWAYS what’s best for the human and what’s best for the dog.
Over the past 10 years, we’ve seen the dog world explode with unqualified and unscrupulous trainers.
Basic training prices have skyrocketed. Board and train pricing is so expensive now it’s out of reach for most families.
What’s worse is inferior training and abusive methods are being practiced widely.
This situation is not good for pet owners—and it’s definitely not good for dogs.
What the public doesn’t know:
Many commercial dog trainers choose dog training because of the low barrier to entry, their inability to do anything else, and their shady past.
Like any other industry, some are honest, knowledgeable people—but many are not.
They may look good at a glance and have great websites, fancy-sounding names, and use a lot of dog terminology. But in the end, you’ll see they’ll push you into overpriced, expensive training programs which don’t fix your problems.
Like a car mechanic could tell you almost anything… you probably don’t know the difference.
Here are just a few more reasons to look out for commercial trainers:
Commercial trainers “CASH-IN” on your desperation and lack of knowledge.
We’ve heard horror stories of people who had terrible experiences with commercial trainers and were left feeling cheated and angry. And what’s worse is they STILL had dog problems.
Commercial trainers seem to always find fault with YOUR dog.
They’ll claim your dog’s dumb, or is extra stubborn, or is super spastic. Funny—EVERY dog they work with seems to have something wrong.
Commercial trainers rarely provide what they claim.
They’ll make promises and reassure you, but what does all that talk matter if you can’t verify quality?
Because you don’t know the difference, you’ll end up getting taken advantage of—without knowing it.
A commercial dog trainer does what they want… their way.
They won’t change their methods and burn time finding approaches which FIT you or your dog. They couldn’t care less about your lifestyle, your dog’s traits/personality, or your timeline. They’ll listen, but they’ll only say what they think you need to hear.
In the end (after you’ve paid), you could still have problems… and that is, IF they didn’t make the situation worse!
Your dog is unique.
Your situation is unique. You should train your dog using the methods which best fit both the dog and YOU. Training should align with the methods you believe are best for your pet.
Make these decisions correctly, and at the very least, you’ll do no harm.
Choose the wrong trainer… and you’ll hurt the dog more than helping them… and you’ll lose a lot of money.
Commercial Trainers can be abusive
If pet owners knew what good training was, they’d be outraged by what’s happening and what they’re being sold.
Many commercial trainers/franchises depend upon compulsive tools. They claim the e-collar or prong won’t hurt your pet. They’ll even claim your dog doesn’t see these corrections as painful or as punishment at all… that’s ridiculous.
If you believe that, put on one of those collars and take a few “yanks” and “stims” yourself.
Using these tools right off, without a foundation, is an abusive shortcut. A shortcut that psychologically and physically can hurt your dog—sometimes irreparably.
The truth is most dogs, especially in the beginning, can’t understand why they’re being hurt.
It’s like someone yelling at you in a foreign language and then punching you because you didn’t respond correctly.
How would that make you feel?
There’s a time and place for e-collars and prongs. But they have to be introduced correctly, employing a method that’s fair, clear, and humane. And the owner/handler must be trained to use these tools correctly and safely.
Commercial trainers are in a hurry to get paid and move on.
They usually don’t want to educate you and help you understand how to manage, handle, and keep training up to date. They really don’t want you to know how to fix issues yourself.
Just like your plumber doesn’t want you to know how to fix your sink either.
Commercial trainers seldom provide proper care.
The care and facilities you see aren’t the ones your pet gets once you’re not looking.
The commercial trainers you hire aren’t always who trains your dog.
They often depend upon helpers both for training and daily care. The commercial trainers call them “apprentices” and kennel “techs.”
They’re usually well-meaning people interested in dogs, with little to no experience, but willing to work for little to nothing with the promise of gaining knowledge. They get “titles” instead of good pay. They’re getting taken advantage of… and so are YOU… because you paid the “expert,” and he might not be the one actually doing the work.
Many commercial trainers don’t put in “REAL” time.
At least not like they led you to believe they would. Some promise video of them training your dog—but that’s only 2–3 minutes a day. When the camera stops, the dog goes back in the kennel.
The REAL work happens right before you pick up your dog, so everything looks good. This is why the dog looks great when you pick him up—but within days, they go right back to their old ways.
Know this: any behavior taught only briefly won’t last. Any animal behaviorist will tell you the goal of training is to create a HABIT. It’s only through lots of correct repetitions with proper context that behaviors STICK.
"But…I’ll find a good one!"
Finding quality trainers is very difficult. Online reviews are manipulated, and there are no licensing, education requirements, or review processes required. In fact, there’s no barrier to entry whatsoever. Just anyone can make themselves a “trainer” and do it all the time.
There are good trainers we recommend.
Many who started out as our students. The problem is they’re always booked out months ahead and are never available when the average person needs them. So effectively, the public is caught in a kind of no-win situation.
A disaster in the making
You paid the trainer when the dog was a puppy. Then again when the dog was around a year old. Then over time—again and again—as problems continue.
Eventually, the pet owner is so miserable the dog ends up being re-homed or winds up in the shelter. We know where this ends up… it’s not good for the dog!
It doesn’t have to be that way!
There is a Solution.
We believe the SMARTEST, MOST EFFECTIVE way to help dogs is by coaching owners to become their own “trainer.”
And learning dog training with the right coaching isn’t hard—in fact, it’s easy and it’s fun.
Our goal is to help owners develop a rewarding and fulfilling relationship with their pet.
Every dog owner should learn the proper fundamental principles and easy techniques that trainers know, so they NEVER need to pay someone else again!
Here’s more reasons to become your own trainer:
1.Develop a great relationship. Whoever does the training develops the bond and builds the relationship with the dog. That should be the owner—not a stranger.
2. Save money—or at least don’t waste it. If you’re going to spend your hard-earned money, why not get something which lasts?
3. By becoming a trainer yourself, you’ll be able to fix your own pet issues and help family and friends with their dog problems. And you’ll have highly rewarding relationships with dogs forever.
Common Misconceptions About Becoming a Dog Trainer:
1.“It’s so complex.”
That’s what the training academies and online courses—who charge tens of thousands of dollars—want you to think.
The truth is… dog training isn’t rocket science. You need to learn basic principles and understand the tools and techniques commonly needed.
After that, it’s about developing a working application of what you’ve learned.
Even advanced training is only an extension of the same “basic” principles. It’s just not as hard or complicated as people would have you believe.
2. “You have to be great with animals.”
We’ve been teaching the “trainers” for years. We can tell you there’s no such thing as a “dog whisperer.” Trainers aren’t superheroes. They’re no better than anyone else. They’ve just learned some things you don’t know—at least not yet.
3. “There’s too much to learn.”
Good dog training is both science and art. Nobody can learn everything there is to know about an art. But the science part is simple—it’s not magic. The “BASIC” principles always work and always will.
Ultimately, you’ll combine both science and art to be your best. It’s natural some people are better at one aspect than the other—but you’ll need both to best help each dog.
4. IT’S EXPENSIVE
If you go to an academy or dog school, it’s outrageously expensive. And even online courses are super high-cost, especially for what you get.
But those places aren’t going to teach you anything unique or super special.
We’ll teach you everything you need—and in fact, we’ll show you even more…
And we do it inexpensively, as part of a community-based club
About Us
We ran the first PSA club in Indianapolis and are the U.S. Headquarters for the K-9 Grand Prix league—K9grandprix.com, the ultimate American protection sport.
We have trained dogs for over 30 years, including pets and countless law enforcement, military K-9s, and search and rescue dogs. We’ve worked scent dogs and trained support dogs too.
We now pecialize in high-level sports obedience and sport/military/law enforcement protection dogs. Our main focus is on helping owners/handlers learn to become high-level trainers.
About the Club
Our club is professional and structured—but also fun and friendly. The goal is to work together and help each other.
Having taught for decades, we know how to teach and present material in a way the “AVERAGE” person understands.
While you’ll need personal attention and professional guidance along the way, much can be accomplished right from your own home.
You can have fun, meet new friends, enjoy learning, and develop a new passion in your life simply by joining our dog training club.
AND… you’ll spend only a tiny fraction of what you’d waste on a commercial trainer.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
DRIVE A LITTLE… SAVE A LOT!
We work in western Hendricks County, in central Indiana, 10 minutes west of Danville. Sometimes, we meet in Indianapolis.
Our location allows us to operate without bystanders, public distractions, or traffic dangers. We have people across the Midwest who travel several hours to attend our sessions.
We offer a huge amount of equipment such as jumps, tunnels, bite tables, blinds, obstacles, and open fields, along with wooded areas for searches. We also offer a climate-controlled custom indoor training room and a lit outdoor training area.
WHEN DO YOU MEET?
We meet most Sundays and (oftentimes) evening hours on Wednesdays.
WHO DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept friendly, respectful people. We love making new friends—both human and dog!
We’ve been training for decades, have done almost everything, and we’re certain of one thing… we don’t know everything.
So, if you’re someone who thinks they’re already an expert—skip us.
We want to enjoy training.
You can only do that with the right people. When you’re having fun, your dog is usually having a good time too.
A good atmosphere helps students relax and absorb information much better. And with our proven, successful program, you’ll become a great dog trainer.
WHAT’S THE COST?
We charge a low per-session rate, which may be lowered more over time.
Proceeds are used to replace equipment, cover expenses, and fund social events.
DO I NEED EXPERIENCE?
No, previous experience isn’t necessary. But proper communication, good manners, and enthusiasm are!
WHEN DO I START?
We start new members throughout the year. We limit size to ensure personal attention.
WHAT ELSE CAN I LEARN?
We offer additional training for those who’ve mastered the basic-level requirements, such as:
Environmental factors and agility, personal protection, patrol dog apprehension and evolution, search and rescue, scent work, and tracking/trailing.
HOW DO I START?
We start with a single session—and always charge an evaluation fee.
This is to see who’s serious and not wasting time. If someone balks at this, it’s questionable if they have the time, commitment, finances, or attitude to be in the club.
If we can’t look a person in the eye, shake their hand, and speak directly—we won’t move forward.
We are a club, not a business.
We work together in teamwork. We have a different approach. We’re happy when expenses are covered. Therefore, we’re selective with membership.
By the way… ANY organization which accepts whomever is willing to pay isn’t one you’d probably want to be part of. Remember, you’re going to have to be training right alongside these people.
Contact us to move forward
We do NOT provide information and training solutions over email or phone. All questions are answered in person only.