Scotch Pines Dog Training existed long before I Became a Trainer
My first experience with Scotch Pines Dog Training was ten years ago, in 2012. Through extensive research and years of training in 4-H, I decided I could confidently raise a German Shepherd.
I brought home a beautiful German Shepherd named Billie Bones, and she ended up being more than I expected. We both struggled to connect and set up and follow through with boundaries. I was using every tool I had learned throughout the years, and it wasn’t working. As you can imagine, this made my life a nightmare(and it was). So, after being judgmentally asked if I ever planned on training my dog at a local pet store, I looked for a solution and found Scotch Pines Dog Training in Twin Falls, ID.
At first, I was skeptical about the approach, but as Billie and I practiced, learned, and grew together, it changed everything. Over time, I had a dog trained so well that I could take her anywhere.
Billie became my best friend, she was my soul dog, and we were deeply connected. She was a forever learner, but the training gave us the tools to be happy together. Unfortunately, we lost her to aggressive cancer seven short years after joining our family.
After seeing such an amazing and drastic transformation, I knew I wanted to share this approach with others, so they didn’t have to struggle anymore and could have a better relationship with their dog.
I contacted April Jantz, the owner of The Scotch Pines Method, completed a 2-year apprenticeship in 2013, and started my franchise.
Our franchise started in 2015 in Idaho Falls, and we are now offering classes online with in-person classes in the spring and fall located in Idaho Falls, ID.
Scotch Pines Dog Training: What’s in a name
Scotch Pines Dog Training was established on Scotch Pines Road in Payette Idaho in 1993 by Will and Vivian Stoppel.
Scotch Pines is now owned by their daughter April Stoppel Jantz as a full-time career and is the largest dog training school in Idaho, and one of the largest in the nation.
We enjoy tremendous support from veterinarians, law enforcement officials, and humane societies throughout Idaho.
Over the years we’ve been privileged to work with thousands of dogs of all breeds– huge dogs, aggressive dogs, sensitive dogs, rambunctious dogs, timid dogs, petrified dogs, abused dogs, young dogs and old dogs. We love them all and we welcome the chance to work with you and your special dog soon!
For the past 20 years, Scotch Pines has grown from a hometown program started in the Boise area to two additional franchises that cover the Magic Valley and Southeast Idaho. We’ve expanded our dog training services online as well! Now we can work with you and your dog anywhere you live!
Our Mission & Vision
Scotch Pines Dog Training exists to help you become your dogs best friend.
Throughout our training, deeper relationships and bonds with your dog will be created, giving you the relationship you have always envisioned with your dog.
We know that when your dog is happy, you are happy. By helping as many people as possible know how to take care of and train their dogs, we give pet parents more time to focus on enjoying their dogs instead of feeling frustrated and at the end of their rope.
Our Core Values
Process is Designed for You & Your Dogs to Win
When you begin training, we know how excited you are, and we don’t want to see that excitement go away. But, just like learning any new skill, there are ups and downs and lessons to be learned along the way.
We teach this process in this specific way because it is highly effective. As you face the hard times and trust that this process is for you to have the best results possible, remember that the quality of your dog’s life and your life will go up.
In difficult moments, we ask that you take time to remember where you started and your goals, as this will help you keep taking steps to continue improving and building that relationship with your dog.
You will get the results you want with hard work, consistency, and trusting the process.
Enjoy the Process, Don’t Overthink It
Perfection isn’t our goal. It’s important to remember that we have been training dogs for years, so it can be easier for us to get your dog to do something specific. We are here to provide you with the ability to work through the issues you’re coming to class to address. Everyone is here for a different reason, don’t get caught in the comparison trap. You and your dog are both learning, so give yourself a break if it’s not perfect!
Our Part + Your Part = Success
We bring our expertise; you bring the excitement to learn and grow! By showing up, following the process, and practicing between sessions, you are doing your part to help your dog be successful. You can count on us to bring our expertise, support you, and answer any questions you may have at the beginning of each session and throughout the week. We will always be direct with you and let you know if you need to spend more time working on what we are teaching and why you are not getting results. This method and process are proven and will work as long as you work the process!
Teach with Kindness & Firmness
We use a no-nonsense, no-coddling, and no excuses approach throughout each training. We correct after setting behavior expectations on an as-needed basis, especially with “the big things” like off-leash rules.
You can count on us to be there during the hard times, celebrate your wins, and help instruct you on how to change your relationship with your dog. It’s important to understand these changes can take time, and when they don’t happen overnight, the key is to continue to practice, get support, and practice some more.
Consistency is Key
Consistency is key to your long-term success with your dog(s). Therefore, we ask that you be committed to the process and consistent no matter your program. This looks like showing up for class ready to learn, asking questions, and practicing between classes. You can count on us to be consistent and help you through the process, and your consistency will also create a new foundation and relationship with your dog.
Let yourself and those in your household who handle your dog practice consistency daily by following our program and watching your dog’s behavior improve!
Hard Work Pays Off
Anything worth doing well takes hard work, practice, and a little bit of time. But, if you’re coming to us, you care about your dog and felt the training was worth the investment. So skip the extra episode of your favorite show and instead give that 30-minutes to your dog’s training each day.
You will be surprised at how much 30 minutes a day can help you and help your dog.
If It’s Not a Good Fit for You, It’s Not a Good Fit For Us
We understand that our methods aren’t the right fit for everyone, and that’s okay! However, we value your thoughts on the methods your dog is trained with and will always be transparent with the way our classes look and how it runs so that you aren’t spending money to have your dog in a situation you aren’t comfortable with.
Meet our Team
Sarah – The Ultimate Trainer
On any given day, you will find Sarah planning her future classes, answering client questions on Marco polo, and posting on social media. She loves helping dogs and people have better relationships and lives through the training programs we offer. She enjoys adventuring with Joseph and her two kids when Sarah isn’t training. Hiking, Kayaking, and exploring new areas bring her joy! Taking her dogs on adventures is one of her favorite side effects of training!
Joseph – The Support Genius
Joseph helps Sarah with lots of different things behind the scenes. This looks like listening to your concerns and answering questions during times Sarah is busy training, briefing Sarah on all questions asked and his answers so she can reach out if she has more information to give. He also helps by taking pictures and videos of progress and keeping Sarah smiling. He also uses business knowledge to help things run smoothly throughout the sessions.
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