Dog Training FAQ

Balanced training uses both sides of communication. Rewards like food, toys and praise build the behavior you want, and clear, fair boundaries stop the behavior you don’t. Samantha’s approach is balanced and humane: it respects each dog’s individuality while setting clear expectations.

Yes, as one communication tool among several. The 4-week programs include an e-collar and a slip lead, and the Advanced program adds a place cot. Every tool is introduced carefully, paired with rewards, and taught to you at pickup so you can use it fairly and confidently at home.

Your dog stays with Samantha in Auburn for two or four weeks on a structured routine of eat, play and train. Skills are built at the facility, then proofed in real places. At pickup you get a hands-on go-home lesson and free refresher sessions for the life of your dog. The 4-week programs also send home the e-collar and slip lead your dog trained with; Puppy Board & Train includes an emailed tool list.

Puppy Board & Train (2 weeks, ages 3–7 months) is $2,500. The 4-Week Obedience Board & Train is $3,000. The 4-Week Advanced Board & Train is $4,000, with financing available. Private lessons, behavior modification and sport-coaching packages are quoted after a quick conversation about your goals.

Puppy Board & Train is for puppies 3–7 months. The 4-week programs are for dogs 8 months and older. Private lessons work for puppies and adult dogs, and behavior modification is available for adolescent and adult dogs.

Often, yes. Reactivity, anxiety, poor impulse control and complex behavior start with an evaluation. Samantha holds a Canine Behavioral Consultant Certificate and builds an individual plan instead of selling a one-size package.

Thistleborne K9 Training is based in Auburn, Georgia (Barrow County). Clients come from Winder, Dacula, Braselton, Hoschton, Buford, Lawrenceville, Flowery Branch, Jefferson, Bethlehem, Statham, Athens, Loganville, Monroe, Gainesville and the rest of northeast metro Atlanta.

You leave with a hands-on go-home lesson (plus the e-collar and slip lead with the 4-week programs). Refresher sessions are free for the life of your dog, so if anything slips, you get help keeping it sharp.

Yes. Samantha coaches practical protection (PPD), WDA events and obedience trials in 4-, 6-, 8- and 10-session packages. She competes with her own Dutch Shepherds, including a 2024 Appie Kamps Challenger Cup PPD2 championship.

Yes. Samantha Lesslie was the lead trainer and co-founder of Georgia Doggy Dojo. Her training now continues under her own name, Thistleborne K9 Training, with the same programs, the same phone number and the same Auburn base.