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Richard Calkins School for Dogs

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Service type
Type of animal
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About
I teach dogs using the methods taught to me by Rudd and Robert Weatherwax - trainers of Lassie, Old Yeller and Toto - among others. I have trained dogs for movies such as "Poltergeist", 'ET", "Back to the Future" and "Racing with the Moon" - among others. My experience is well-rounded and I am adaptable to any situation I may encounter. I use a soft approach in teaching dog "real-life" lessons. I enjoy seeing the improvement of dogs - in their training and relationship with their owners. I enjoy creating an enjoyable household environment where owners can fully appreciate their dogs.
Overview

Hired 2 times

1 employee

53 years in business

Business hours

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Services offered
Type of animal

Cat

Horse

Bird

Pig

Service type

Evaluate needs

Address nuisance behaviors

Address fears or anxieties

Teach basic commands

Location of training

At customers' home

At my facility

Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Exceptional 5.0

8 reviews

5

100%

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Bob W.

Jun 10, 2015

Hired on Thumbtack

Working with Richard was a great experience! He is a true specialist when it comes to helping train dogs with behavioral issues. My dog Odo was starting to get anxiety around people, running off when outdoors and not coming back on command. After one session with Richard he truly helped my dog overcome a lot of this anxiety through his long leash training exercises and helping us come up with a plan to help socialize Odo around people again! I was nervous that my dog might try to bite Richard or be too afraid to train with him at first. But the moment Richard showed up with his natural balance treats and calm positive demeanor him and Odo hit it right off from the start. His years of experience with training all types of dogs really shows. He also helped my fiancee and I feel more confident when training our dog! I can't reccomend Richard highly enough! Don't give up on your pup, give Richard a call and he can help.
Dog Training
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Marti H.

Jun 9, 2015

I've known Richard for 40 years and know his work very well! He is extremely talented and gifted in working with dogs. He came to Louisiana and worked with our two Irish Setters…training them to be obedient. They were taught and learned very quickly because of the way Richard worked with them. His quality of working with them was excellent! I would highly recommend him for any and all breeds of dogs and for any problems that you have with them. He has a sense with dogs that amazes me.
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Beth L.

Jun 17, 2015

Richard Calkins has a pedigree when it comes to dog training! He trained the Lassie collies for the Weatherwax family, for film and tv. He immerses himself in an animal, gets to the bottom of his/her psyche and finds a way to accomplish a training task, where both dog and human are happy in the end. Rewards and kindness are the path. Anyone who has the opportunity to employ Richard Calkins to train their pet, is lucky indeed! Not only did he train my own Weatherwax collie, but I sent him to many friends whose dogs he has worked with, with great results.
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Alana P.

Jun 9, 2015

I met Richard Calkins through Robert Weatherwax, the owner of the famous Lassie, whom Richard worked with for many years, besides on many other Hit Movies and commercials where he trained animals to perform! That was a lucky day for me as Richard has since then trained and given me peace and so much joy for 3 generations of amazing German Shepherds in my life!!! Amazing because of his Magic Touch!!! He knows the dogs inside out and shows you what LOVE's got to do with it! It's all "positive reinforcement" training. All our dogs just love Richard, our Rocky would sit in the window waiting for an hour when I said Richard is coming! He is the best dog trainer you can ever have!!! He'll train you and your dog and prepares you for a happy future and life with your fury Pal!!! I owe everything I know today about dogs to Richard Calkins and I know a lot today! As a matter off fact my "Dantino" today, I train mostly myself with Richard doing just some touch ups and start ups! I very highly recommend Richard Calkins!!!
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Kjell H.

Jun 17, 2015

We have used Richard for puppy boot camp training and weekend boarding at his house, and follow-up training at our house and have always been impressed with his love for our dogs and great results with the dogs' discipline and behavior. He truly treats our dogs as his own and both trains them effectively and spoils them with love. His years of training in the movie and TV industry establish him as one of the finest trainers around and I recommend him without reservation.
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