At Plum Creek Canines, our training approach is built on positive reinforcement, choice-based learning, and clear communication. We focus on creating confident, functional dogs that are eager to work with their owners and able to navigate everyday life with reliability and ease. Every dog is unique, so we tailor our programs to each dog’s temperament, history, and your goals, ensuring that every dog receives the right balance of guidance, support, and challenge.
We emphasize real-world skills and lasting results. Training isn’t just about teaching a handful of commands, it’s about teaching dogs how to learn, make good choices, and enjoy working with you. Quick fixes often fail because behavior is situational and influenced by the dog’s environment, habits, and emotional state. By addressing these factors and creating structured, consistent training, we help dogs build skills that last a lifetime.
What makes our training different?
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Customized Programs: Every dog is different, so we adapt training methods, intensity, and techniques based on each dog’s needs. Even within a Board & Train program, no two dogs are trained the same way.
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Follow-Through is Key: Learning doesn’t stop when the session ends. Owners are coached to continue practicing skills at home so results are consistent and reliable.
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Training for the Real World: Dogs learn to respond in everyday environments, not just in a controlled training room. We work on skills that transfer to walks, play, social settings, and public spaces.
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Positive Reinforcement First: We build confidence and engagement through rewards, encouragement, and choice-based learning, using corrections only when necessary to prevent long term stress or promote understanding.
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Holistic Approach: We consider a dog’s health, environment, and existing habits before requiring behavior changes, making training more effective and reducing stress for both dog and owner.
Why Quick Fixes Don't Work
True behavior change takes time, consistency, and active participation from the owner, there are no shortcuts. Dogs learn best when training is applied gradually, in a variety of real-life situations, and reinforced consistently over time. Lasting results come from addressing the dog’s environment, health, habits, and emotional state, teaching functional skills, and building confidence, while owners practice, reinforce, and guide their dogs daily. Our programs are designed to support this process, providing customized training and ongoing coaching so skills generalize to everyday life and dogs become reliable, confident partners who enjoy working with their people.
Training does NOT include:
Training we do:
Services we offer:
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Service dog training
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Therapy dog training
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Hunting training
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Herding training
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Aggression training
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Protection training
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Basic pet obedience/manners
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Puppy training
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Excitement/fear based reactivity
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Confidence building
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Focus/engagement
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Problem prevention
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Multiple Board and Beyond programs (including daytraining as an add-on)
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Private sessions
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Group classes
Board and Train Programs
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Includes day training + private lessons for ongoing support.
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Great for building foundations: learning how to learn, settle, pressure/release.
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Covers basic obedience: loose leash walking, recall, sit, down.
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Teaches management protocols: place, kennel calm.
Important: No board and train can “fix” your dog. Behaviors and skills can be built, but lasting change requires your consistency at home. Board & Train programs are ideal for busy families or those who need help getting the foundation in place before continuing the work themselves.
Private Training Sessions
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Fully hands-on for owners who want to understand and practice every step.
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Great for all dogs and all training needs.
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Especially helpful for:
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Puppy owners building a strong start
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Reactive dogs
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Targeted skills or smaller behavior adjustments
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Group Classes
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Great for people who want a structured, social environment to learn and practice with their dog.
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Some classes are designed for brand new teams with little to no experience (like Puppy Class), making them a great starting point.
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Other classes are meant for dogs and owners who already have some skills and want to keep building on them (like the upcoming Core Skills Class).
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Perfect for anyone who enjoys learning in a group setting, practicing around other dogs, and working with guidance in real-world distractions.
Start Training with Plum Creek Canines!
Interested in starting training with us?
1. Contact us! Email plumcreek.canines@gmail.com, message us on Facebook, or text 701-290-8715!
2. Fill out our intake form and send a copy of their vaccines.
3. Schedule a pre-training evaluation. This evaluation is completely FREE, takes 30-60 minutes, and can be done in your home or at the Plum Creek Canines facility.
4. Begin training!
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Great training isn’t about quick fixes, it’s about building skills, confidence, and connection that last. Take a look around our site and socials to get a feel for our approach. If you’re excited to grow alongside your dog, let's start training! Still have questions? Reach out anytime—we’re here to help.
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