Puppies can arrive at CapeWest directly from the breeder or after a few weeks at home. Our 4-week training program focuses on crate training, name recognition, potty training on command, and recall. We also address nipping, whining, and encourage positive behaviors through trade for chew toys and ice cube treats. Socialization with humans and other dogs is key to building confidence in various environments. Puppies will follow a schedule that can be adapted to your home routine. We encourage visits, during which CapeWest will guide you on what to expect when your puppy returns home. Establishing a strong foundation early is essential for a happy home. However, due to their short attention spans, we focus on basic commands. At around 7 months, when adolescence begins, we recommend enrolling your dog in one of our Basic Obedience Programs.  If your puppy attends our Puppy Start we will give you a $500 discount for any future training.

Obedience Programs - Dogs suggested age is 7 months or older 

1 Month Program - Into to Basic Obedience Cost: $2,000  

2 Month Program - Basic Obedience  Cost: $4,000

This training is ideal for owners who want a kick start into obedience training but plan on working with their dog after it leaves the board and train program. Your dog will be introduced to essential commands such as sit which means stay till released, place board sit, leash walking etiquette.   Daily reinforcement of general manners is included, and collar conditioning can be added upon the owner's request. 2 month program includes all of the above commands performed off leash, with off leash recall in various environments.

We encourage owners to participate weekly to reinforce their dog's learning, facilitating a smoother transition home. Owners can also opt for Advanced Obedience training at a prorated price. If a dog requires more time than initially suggested, we will discuss this and any associated fees as behaviors are assessed.

Advanced Obedience  - Dog suggested age 8 months 4 Month Program Cost: $7,500

This training covers basic obedience and is perfect for owners seeking a fully trained dog. It suits dogs preparing for service, comfort, emotional support, and other working dogs requiring solid obedience. Owners must reinforce learned behaviors and follow CapeWest's recommended accommodations. Your dog will learn to sit which means stay till released, use a place board, walk on a loose leash, recall off-leash, take treats nicely, and walk through doors nicely, all in various environments while maintaining manors in a public.  Your dog will be content in a crate. Daily manners are reinforced, and collar conditioning can be added upon request. Owners are encouraged to attend weekly sessions to facilitate the transition home. Some dogs may require more time than suggested; we will discuss this and any associated fees as needed.

When selecting a program think about your commitment to follow-up training over the coming months. 

If your dog doesn't have any behavioral issues and you have the time and are able to train alongside your dog, the 1 month program may be the best fit for you. 

If your schedule is more constrained and you have limited time for training, the 2 month  program would be more appropriate. 

For those who simply desire a well-behaved dog, the Advanced Obedience training program is an excellent choice.  At this time we do not train dogs with aggression traits.  Please reach out to Heath directly and he can offer some suggestions and recommend an appropriate dog trainer.  

Intro to Gun Dog/Scent Dog Training 

Dog age: 7 months or older

Cost: $1,250  

Time Commitment: 5 month minimum boarding & training

Need to find a Gun Dog? Heath is available to help you locate a good bloodline puppy  or started dog that will meet your needs any bread any sporting function.  

Have a Gun Dog Puppy? Training starts as soon as 8 weeks old, please consider sending a puppy to CapeWest for puppy training or start talking to Heath now so he can give you tips what you can do at home to make a transition into formal dog work go smoother.   Working dogs are different then house dogs, yes they can be both but we should have high expectations of what working puppies can do.   

Want Gun Dog Training: All gun dogs require basic obedience training.  The first 8-10 weeks at CapeWest are for obedience training; sit means stay, place board, good eye contact, comes when calls, eats on command etc. Gun Dog training is an additional 8-12 weeks.  After the first month of board and train we'll evaluate the dog's basic obedience to see the gun dog potential and a better estimate of the dogs length of time with us.  Safety is our top priority and having a happy dog is a very close 2nd priority.  We train happy working dogs by capitalizing on their natural abilities & drive.  Dogs who graduate to the Gun Dog program will be introduced to live and dead birds.  They will be able to complete basic land and water single retrieves, be steady to shot, and honor other dogs retrieving.  They will be introduced to several different hunting environments before they are ready to go home.  Owners are highly encouraged to come out once a week to work with their pups on what they have learned for an easier transition to the home.  Most dogs complete gun dog training in 5-6 months. 

Pre-Season Tune-up for Gun dogs

Dog age: must have attended Gun Dog training @CapeWest previously

Cost: $1,200  

Time Commitment: 1 month/4 weeks

 Dogs need refreshers and need to be "trained" with often to recall all the commands.  Send them to us for a pre-season tune up.  We can run them through hunting scenarios to make sure you are both ready for a great season!

Service Dog Training 

Dog age: 7 months or older

Cost: $1,450

Time Commitment: 6-8 month boarding & training*  

 We understand the legal requirements of services animals and use service animal dog training techniques in all our service offerings.  We train service dogs to have a bullet proof obedience training and can train to the medical needs of the individual.  Please contact Heath to discuss. 

All owners must provide the following for any dog to be on the property:  Proof dog is current on all vaccinations, bordetella every 6 months, heartworm and flea/tick prevention, and food for the duration of training.   

a $500 non-refundable deposit to hold your dogs spot

We have business relationships with Riverstone Vet  (817) 599-8085 and PawFection (682) 368-0948 the local Brock groomer.  We are happy to transport your dog to & from these facilities at no extra charge.  You will coordinate payment with the Vet and groomer. 

Want a dog but don't know where to start?  Short hair, long hair, working dog, protector, lazy dog, high energy dog, a cute dog, all of it in one, right! Let Heath help you find a breed that fits your lifestyle needs.  Complete the Breed finder form and Heath will start working with you to find the right match for you.   1-3 Breeder recommendations are complementary with a training deposit.  

We are here to help, tell us your needs & budget and we can make a suggestion & personalized program for you & your dog. 

Our goal is to keep people safe & dogs in happy, healthy environments.  On a case by case basis we are happy to look at a dog that needs to be rehomed.  We do not pay for dogs you surrender to us.  We will give the dog a safe environment to live and evaluate the dog's potential.