BOARDING-DAYCARE-GROOMING

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    • Home
    • Paradise Home
    • K-9 Home
    • Holiday Hours
    • Services
      • Daycare
      • Grooming
      • Boarding
      • Training
    • About Us
    • Unique Amenities
    • Key Resources
    • Contact
  • Home
  • Paradise Home
  • K-9 Home
  • Holiday Hours
  • Services
    • Daycare
    • Grooming
    • Boarding
    • Training
  • About Us
  • Unique Amenities
  • Key Resources
  • Contact

TRAINING

HOURS OF OPERATION:

8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.


Training is available by appointment only on:

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday (every other Wednesday – starting May 6, 2026)
  • Thursday
  • Friday


Drop-Off & Pick-Up Flexibility:

Dogs may be dropped off at Paradise Pet Hotel & Day Spa as early as 6:00a.m. and picked up as

late as 6:00p.m.


Please note: Training services conclude at 4:00p.m. each day.


PRICING:


We offer both Full Day and Half Day training programs:

  • Full Day Training: $85/day
  • Half Day Training: $55/day


Training Packages (discounted rates):

  •  5 Full Days: $410
  •  10 Full Days: $830
  • 5 Half Days: $260


To purchase a package, please notify the front desk at drop-off or pick-up.


Shickle K9 Clients:

Dogs who have previously trained with Shickle K9 receive 5% off training services.


DEPOSIT/CANCELLATION POLICY:

To better accommodate our growing client base:

A prepaid deposit or credit card on file is now required to schedule training.


Deposits can be made:

  • In person (card, cash, or check)
  • By phone at (309) 662-0880 with card


Cancellation Policy:

A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule. Failure to do so will result in the

loss of your deposit or a full appointment charge.

OUR TRAINING PHILOSOPHY:


Our program is built on a balanced training approach, combining positive reinforcement with clear,

fair accountability so dogs can truly understand what is expected of them.

We value reward-based training and believe dogs learn best when they clearly understand both

what earns rewards and what is not acceptable. This creates consistency, builds confidence, and

helps dogs feel more secure in their learning.

Training is about more than just commands, it’s about developing a stable, confident, and well-

balanced dog that can move through everyday life with ease. Our goal is to help your dog not only

listen, but truly understand, and enjoy working with you through clear communication and trust.

We use high-quality training tools when appropriate to support safe, effective communication.

Every dog is different, which is why each training plan is thoughtfully customized to fit your dog’s

personality, behavior, and goals.

Above all, we are here to help you build a strong, lasting relationship with your dog. A relationship

rooted in trust, structure, and consistency. This foundation helps your dog succeed both during

training and in everyday life.

Our training program is designed to build focus, confidence, and reliability in every dog. Each dog receives a personalized curriculum, but all programs cover key foundational skills:

Lobby Manners:

Lobby Manners:

Lobby Manners:

Checking in with the handler around distractions

  • Remaining neutral to other dogs, cats, and people
  • Staying calm in public environments
  • Proper greetings (people and dogs)

Engagement:

Lobby Manners:

Lobby Manners:

Building focus and connection with the handler

  • Encouraging your dog to choose you over the environment
  • Name recognition + eye contact = reward

Leash Manners:

Lobby Manners:

Leash Manners:

No pulling on the leash

● Walking politely in a heel position

No Jumping:

Formal & Informal Recall:

Leash Manners:

Keeping all paws on the floor

● Proper Greetings

Formal & Informal Recall:

Formal & Informal Recall:

Formal & Informal Recall:

Formal Recall: Responding to “come” by returning to the handler and sitting until released

Informal Recall: Using a whistle or verbal cue for engagement and check-ins

Kennel/Crate Manners:

Formal & Informal Recall:

Formal & Informal Recall:

Entering crate on cue

● Settling independently in the crate

● Staying in crate until released

Basic Commands:

Impulse Control & Confidence Building

Place & Settling

Sit, Down, Stand

Place & Settling

Impulse Control & Confidence Building

Place & Settling

Place: dog stays on a designated object until released

● Settling: dog lays calmly until released

Impulse Control & Confidence Building

Impulse Control & Confidence Building

Impulse Control & Confidence Building

Developing patience, confidence, neutrality, and appropriate decision-making

Doorway Manners:

Desensitization Skills

Impulse Control & Confidence Building

Respecting doorways and thresholds

Trick Training:

Desensitization Skills

Desensitization Skills

Spin

● Switch (spin the opposite direction)

● Touch (touch Handler’s hand with nose)

● Weave (weave in between Handler’s legs)

● Circle (go around the handler in a circle)

● Back (back up)

Desensitization Skills

Desensitization Skills

Desensitization Skills

Sound desensitization (doorbells, barking, knocking, loud noises)

● Grooming and bathing desensitization

TRAINING APPOINTMENT AVAILABILITY:


MONDAY:

  • 5 available full day appointments
  • 3 available Half Day appointments


TUESDAY:

  • 5 available full day appointments
  • 3 available half day appointments


WEDNESDAY (offered every other Wednesday)

  • 3 available half day appointments


THURSDAY:

  • 6 available full day appointments
  • 2 available half day appointments


FRIDAY:

  • 5 available full day appointments
  • 4 available half day appointments


HALF-DAY OF TRAINING & FULL-DAY OF TRAINING:

Half-Day Training (8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Ideal for:

  • Dogs with moderate energy levels
  • Puppies or dogs who fatigue mentally more quickly
  • Dogs working through anxiety, reactivity, or behavioral challenges
  • Dogs who benefit from shorter sessions spaced throughout the day. (Shorter sessions spaced throughout the day help dogs stay engaged, prevent burnout, and improve retention without overwhelming them.)
  • Pet dogs focusing on obedience and manners

Full-Day Training (8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

 Ideal for:

  • High-energy or athletic dogs
  • Working breeds that require structure, purpose, and daily activity
  • Dogs who thrive with increased physical exercise and mental stimulation
  • Dogs who benefit from more repetition and consistent, structured exposure
  • Dogs working toward advanced training goals


Full-day training provides extended opportunities for both physical outlet and mental engagement, allowing

active dogs to channel their energy in a productive and structured way. With more sessions throughout the

day, we are able to build greater consistency, reinforce behaviors more effectively, and introduce more

advanced concepts at a pace that matches the dog’s capability.

Why Both Programs Are Effective:

Regardless of program type (half-day or full-day), all dogs receive multiple one-on-one training sessions throughout the day. This structure is intentional and designed to support how dogs learn most effectively.


Dogs learn best through repetition, clarity, and proper rest. By spacing training sessions throughout

the day:

  • Dogs have time to process and retain information
  • Training remains clear, focused, and not overwhelming
  • Each session builds progressively on the previous one
  • Motivation stays high, preventing burnout
  • Learning becomes more consistent, reliable, and long-lasting


Between sessions, dogs are given time to rest, reset, and recharge before returning ready to learn again. This balanced approach creates a more positive, productive, and effective training experience, allowing dogs to fully understand and apply what they’ve learned.

Daycare Inclusion


Daycare is available with both training options and is included in the daily training price.


However, participation in daycare is completely optional. Dogs enrolled in training are not required to join

daycare. Most dogs completing a full day of training do not participate in daycare unless:

  • Owners specifically request it during training hours, or
  • Dog is dropped off before 8:30a.m. or picked up after 4:00p.m.


Daycare is simply offered as an additional service for owners who would like their dogs to enjoy extra

supervised social time in a structured and safe environment.

HOW TO GET STARTED?

  1. Ensure you are already a client with Paradise Pet Hotel & Day Spa. If you are not a pre-existing client, please visit our webpage & click on ‘Client Portal’. After you fill out the ‘Client Portal’, your pet will be in our system. Your dog must be up-to-date on Rabies, Distemper, Influenza, Parvo, & Bordetella to receive training services. To send over vaccination records, you may upload the records to the client portal, email them, ask your vet to send them to Paradise Pet Hotel & Day Spa, or bring in a physical copy.
  2. Fill Out the Training Form online (linked below) or in-person.
  3. Once the Training Form has been filled out, Sam will reach out via your best contact for scheduling.
  4. As long as your dog is a client in our system, up-to-date on vaccinations, and the training form has been filled out, your dog is eligible to receive training services by appointment.
  5. Please click link below for detailed information on our training program



HOW OUR PROGRAM WORKS:

Each dog receives a customized training plan based on their evaluation, needs, and training form. All

sessions are conducted one-on-one with the trainer, Sam.

● Training sessions range from 5–30 minutes

● Dogs receive multiple sessions throughout the day

● Between sessions, dogs rest or may enjoy supervised daycare time

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT IN BATHING/GROOMING:

For training dogs in need of help in the

bathing/grooming process -> When you schedule a grooming appointment, your dog will be bathed

and helped through the process through positive conditioning by Sam and our experienced bathers

and groomers. The goal is to create a calm, neutral experience and reduce stress around grooming

routines.

OWNER COMMUNICATION AND INVOLVEMENT:

Throughout the day -> Owners will be kept up to date with their dogs training through different

media (text updates, photos, and videos).

Owners will be sent home with different exercises (homework) that benefit their dog’s training goals.

You will be sent pictures throughout your dog’s training day. Please allow 24 - 48 hours for video

media, written notes, and exercises.

Notes and exercises are electronic and will be sent by email.

Our program is built on teaching both you and your dog. Long-term success depends on owner

consistency -> following training guidance, completing exercises, and maintaining communication

with your trainer.

REWARDS USED IN TRAINING:

Treats (please note any allergies on your form), Toys, Verbal Praise,

and Physical Attention.

TOOLS THAT MAY BE USED IN TRAINING:

Rewards - treats and toys, Flat Collar, Leash (3ft to

6ft), Long Line (10-50ft), Retractable Leash, Martingale Collar, Clicker/Marker Word, Crate, Elevated

Mats, Muzzles, Slip-Lead, Choke Chain, Prong Collar (Herm Springer Buckle Release), E-Collar (Mini

Educator).

GET TO KNOW OUR TRAINER:

Hello! My name is Sam, and I’ve been passionate about working with dogs my entire life. I began

mentoring under Andrew from Shickle K9, and I haven’t looked back since. I fell in love with

training all types of dogs, especially working dogs. Every dog has their own skills and goals, but

many have smaller challenges that need attention to help them flourish. I enjoy discovering those

nuances and tailoring my training methods to each dog’s personality and learning style.


In September 2024, we founded Paradise K9 Academy. Here, I provide personalized, balanced

training designed to build confident, stable, and well-behaved companions. What I enjoy most is

working with the dog in front of me and helping them become the best version of themselves.


In my free time, I train my own dog and work toward trialing him in dog sports. I am especially

passionate about IGP (formerly Schutzhund), a structured dog sport that develops advanced

obedience, tracking, and protection skills.


My approach combines experience, individualized attention, and a genuine love for dogs. I help

every dog grow into a happy, confident, and well-mannered companion, while empowering owners

to build strong, lasting communication with their dogs.


PARADISE K9 ACADEMY

Paradise K9 Academy Trainer:   Sam Swan

Email:   SamLSwanParadisePet@GMail.com

Paradise Pet Hotel & Day Spa:   309-662-0880

Sam Swan eMail

PARADISE PET HOTEL & DAY SPA

405 Olympia Drive Bloomington, IL 61704 

TEL:  309-662-0880


K-9 COUNTRY CLUB

414 Lumbertown Rd, Normal, IL 61761

TEL:  309-451-3647


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