Door manners and calm walks.
- County
- Miami-Dade County
- From Miami
- 17 mi west
- Main roads
- SW 137th Avenue, SW 88th Street and SW 120th Street
- Where dogs walk
- the sidewalks of the planned neighborhoods
In a planned neighborhood, the doorbell is the daily test. A dog that explodes at every ring benefits from a simple routine: when the bell sounds, go to the mat, sit and wait for a treat. Practice it with a helper who rings or knocks at random times, and add visitors only when your dog succeeds ten times in a row. A few private lessons, generally estimated at $75 to $150 each, usually cover this routine.
The area is bordered by The Crossings, Kendall West and Kendale Lakes, so you meet many other dog walkers on the sidewalks. Passing another dog calmly is a skill you build from a distance. Cross the street if you need to, ask for a sit, reward your dog for looking at you and then walk on. SW 137th Avenue and SW 88th Street are main roads, so save those routes for later in training.
Children and bikes are part of the scene. Teach your dog to keep four paws on the ground when greeting by asking for a sit before petting, and ask visitors to wait for it. An obedience package, generally estimated at $500 to $1,200, adds a recall and stay.
Hot afternoons and daily summer thundershowers are normal. Keep sessions to ten minutes, use the shade, and end any session when your dog starts to pant heavily. Indoor practice fills in the gaps.
Estimates, not quotes. Real prices depend on the trainer, the dog and the market.
Private Obedience Lessons$75 to $150 per lesson→In-Home Visits$100 to $200 per lesson→Obedience Packages$500 to $1,200 per package→How to get your plan moving.
- Sort your list into skills your dog has not learned and reactions that come from fear or frustration.
- Ask each trainer you consider how they teach, whether they work in The Hammocks and how they handle a dog that gets overwhelmed.
- Pick one cue to rehearse on your normal loop near the sidewalks of the planned neighborhoods, and repeat it daily for two weeks.
Nearby communities. Also in this guide.
Local resources. Learn more about The Hammocks.
How to read these pages
Specific advice. Candid limits.
From K9PN. Read the Disclaimer for specifics.
Good questions
Before you begin.
How do I stop barking at the doorbell?
Teach a go-to-mat routine, reward calm and practice with a helper who rings at different times.
Is a stay useful in a planned community?
Yes. A solid stay keeps a dog in place while you open the door, chat with a neighbor or clip on the leash.
What equipment helps with greetings?
A standard leash, a flat collar or harness and small treats. A trainer should explain any other tool they suggest.