
How We Work
Take a look at the programs that are offered for your dogs by The Prodigal Pooch

Overview of Our Puppy and Adult Dog Training Programs
Puppy
Pre-School
Duration: 3 sessions over 3 weeks, 1 hour per training session
Location: At the Prodigal Pooch in Atlanta, GA
For dogs age 8-16 weeks
Work on potty training, leash manners, crate training, playful nipping, biting and mouthing
Object and sound socialization and desensitization
Curb behavior problems and understand how you as the owner will shape your dog’s behaviors
Start early on building a stronger relationship with your dog in a structured, controlled environment
Private Dog Training Sessions
One-on-one training designed to combine your dog’s personality and training aptitude with your skills and goals
Learn all basic commands such as sit, stay, come
Work on manners control - proper leash walking, controlled barking, eliminate jumping on people or furniture
Your dog wants to be directed, so we teach you to be the leader your dog needs
Overnight Residency Training
Duration: 12 or 19 days overnight at the Prodigal Pooch in Atlanta + follow-up lessons and group classes
Intensive programs to teach your dog all the basics that are covered during private training sessions
Because your dog stays with us, we get a lot accomplished in a very short amount of time
Once your dog heads back home, it’s very important that these positive behaviors continue to be positively reinforced
Each residency training includes follow-up sessions so we can teach you how to maintain your training results!
Confidence Building Program
Duration: 19 days staying overnight at the Prodigal Pooch in Atlanta, GA (near Decatur)
On-leash training program to build your dog’s confidence
Work on socialization and reactivity to people, animals or various objects
Control your dog’s anxiety and fears while building their confidence
Behavior Modification Program
Duration: 19 days staying overnight at the Prodigal Pooch in Atlanta, GA (near Decatur). The amount of days in your stay can vary based on your dog's behavior and your consultation.
On-leash only training program
Start managing and controlling severe behaviors such as anxiety or aggression
If your dog has attacked humans or dogs they will need considerable rehabilitation, and this is the program for you
Are you ready to learn more about why The Prodigal Pooch is one of Georgia’s leading dog training programs?
Here are some success stories from families we have recently worked with. This could be you!

Our Mission
Our mission at The Prodigal Pooch is to help owners become strong leaders for their dogs. Our goal is to help open the lines of communication between family members and dogs so you can effectively communicate what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior. With the ability to communicate with your dog, you will be able to manage and control them in any situation.
Our training philosophy combines a balance of praise, motivation and fair and effective correction. This balanced scale of training adjusts throughout each individual program and is designed to build mutual trust and respect between you and your dog. We don’t use treats in our training because we believe that your dog should work for YOU, your physical and verbal praise, and not a piece of food. We are not against giving treats to dogs, we just don’t use them to teach. We incorporate communication techniques that are most natural and effective to dogs so we are speaking their language.
By building a strong relationship with your dog, you and your dog will lead a happier, more peaceful life together. Your dog needs a leader. That’s why it is important to not only train your dog, but to also make sure you are being the strong leader that your dog needs.