Tampa – Sarasota – Orlando Area Dog Training
Lifelong Freedom and Obedience For You & Your Dog
Get a lifetime of freedom, fun, and peace of mind through Tampa dog obedience training for any dog, any breed, any behavioral history!
5-Star Overall Google Rating
A Tampa Dog Trainer Willing to Help with Any Problem, Now and Forever
Hi, I’m Rodney! My specialty is training dogs throughout the Tampa, Lakeland, Sarasota, and Orlando area to become well-behaved members of the family. I along with my team work with any dog, whether they need basic obedience or help dealing with reactivity and aggression.
Do you wish that:
● You could relax and enjoy your dog in any situation?
● You could have great communication with your dog, no matter the distraction?
● Your dog would be friendly with other dogs and people?
● You could find a trainer who would be willing to help your dog with any problem you have, both now and in the future?
If you answered yes to the above questions, we might be the lifetime dog training partner you’ve been looking for!
We’ll help you establish clear expectations and great communication with your dog so they can become the friendly and well-behaved canine companion you’ve always wanted! Not just for a single moment or behavior. In addition, we provide lifetime support and follow-up lessons to ensure that your dog is an outstanding pet for life!
Don’t wait to reach out! If you book your free consultation on this page by November 30th you’ll get a $100 discount off your training package!
✓ Training Style:
Balanced, one-on-one training, board and train.
✓ Locations Served:
Brandon, Lakeland, Plant City, Riverview, Orlando, Sarasora, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Winter Haven. We can also fly your dog in from anywhere to our home in Florida!
✓ Veteran
Veteran military dog handler and trainer.
✓ Any Dog, Forever Support
Will work with any dog, no matter their breed or bite history. Board and train packages include lifetime support and follow-up.
– Exclusions
We do not provide protection dog training services.
✓ Training Style:
Balanced, one-on-one training, board and train.
✓ Locations Served:
Brandon, Lakeland, Plant City, Riverview, Orlando, Sarasora, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Winter Haven. We can also fly your dog in from anywhere to our home in Florida!
✓ Veteran
Veteran military dog handler and trainer.
✓ Any Dog, Forever Support
Will work with any dog, no matter their breed or bite history. Board and train packages include lifetime support and follow-up.
– Exclusions
We do not provide protection dog training services.
Transform Your Dog into the Perfect Companion for Life
If you’re ready for a life that doesn’t revolve around your dog’s bad behavior, click the button below to schedule a consultation. We’d love to meet you and your dog and help you train them to outstanding obedience that lasts for a lifetime, no matter their breed or behavioral history!
Everyone Loves Train to Sustain
Google Review:
I have had many dogs with many dog trainers. I’ve never gone back twice. Rodney is without a doubt the best trainer I’ve ever had. My dogs come home trained and happy. I will use him again. In fact he’s taking my second shepherd this week. Thank you Rodney. I have told all my friends about him.
– Samm
Google Review:
My hound dog, Cajun, had horrible separation anxiety. He would go crazy every time we left or made him go near his kennel. I boarded him with Rodney for 2 weeks while on vacation and a whole new dog came back. He now goes into his crate on command and doesn’t so much as bark when we leave. Cajun also now has great understanding of the basics: sit, down, and heel.
– Krysten Capwell
Google Review:
I sent my Cookie (gsd) to Train to Sustain for the 4-week on and off the leash (E collar). And I tell you, I love the new Cookie. Thanks again Rodney for your hard work!!! The walks are so much less stressful, I love that I can give a command and it’s executed simultaneously. I really could go on and on If you need help with your furry bestie I would recommend you call Train to Sustain to the rescue…. And it’s for life. That’s the best part, he’s always there no matter what.
– Antwan
6 Benefits Of Working With Rodney To Train Your Dog
Fun
Never feel like you have to leave your dog behind again. Take them to all the dog friendly places in your area, and have an incredible experience at all of them!
Calm
Feel relaxed and comfortable with your dog in any situation, even the high stimulation ones. Experience zero stress whether you’re at home or out and about.
Communication
Feel closer to your dog than ever before. Experience great communication when your dog looks to you for direction and actually listens, no screaming required!
Confidence
Feel confident and in control knowing that your dog will listen and respond to you anytime, anywhere.
Freedom
No more limiting your life because of your dog’s bad behavior! Feel free to have people over, go on vacation, and take your dog to the park without fear of what they might do.
Support
We support you even when their training’s done! Get ongoing support for the lifetime of your dog so you can continue to address issues as they come up!
Imagine The Fun And Freedom From A Well-Trained Dog
…Imagine your dog being able to play and make friends with other dogs.
…Imagine your dog politely yet happily greeting other people.
…Imagine your dog being calm and respectful in the house, backyard, and while out and about.
…Imagine taking your dog for calm and relaxing walks around the park or neighborhood.
…Imagine having the confidence to take your dog to all the fun dog-friendly places.
…Imagine communicating calmly with your dog and still have them listen to you.
…Imagine being able to leave your dog at daycare or boarding knowing they’ll have a great time.
No matter how many other trainers you’ve worked with or other methods you’ve tried, this life with your dog is possible! The key to obedience is setting clear expectations and boundaries, while developing great communcation. That’s exactly what we help you do with our board and train programs and lifetime support!
Great obedience should stick for life, which is why we provide lifetime in-person follow-up and support for your dog. We don’t drop your dog in your lap at the end of training and delete your number. We’ll keep working with you and your dog for the rest of their life to make sure they’re as perfect as possible for your life and situation.
Our Services & Specialties
Board & Train Packages
Lack the time or know-how to train your dog? Whether you’re looking for puppy training or full off-leash recall, one of our board and train programs can get your dog to amazing obedience! We want to make sure your dog’s obedience is as perfect as possible for spending life nicely walking by your side, on or off their leash. That’s why we offer multiple board and train options, with lifetime follow-up and support after training!
Check out our FAQ’s below for more details about what kinds of board and trains we offer!
Private One-On-One Lessons
Advanced Training
Has your dog already had training, but isn’t quite at full obedience? You don’t have to completely start over with a full training program. If your dog has already had training for on and off-leash obedience, they’re ready for advanced obedience! We’ll teach your dog advanced skills like extended stay, halfway recall, switch walking sides, a heel command, touch and put the final touches on their obedience.
Pet Boarding
Need someone to watch your dog while you’re at work or on vacation? We’ve got you covered with our pet boarding services. While your dog boards, they’ll get to play with other dogs, eat treats, go on walks, and listen to Rodney (our lead trainer) practice singing! (He’s a good singer, so it’s a nice experience, we promise!) They can even work on building their obedience skills with optional training lessons! Get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your dog will be safe, well-cared for, and having fun while you’re away.
About Lead Trainer Rodney
I’ll Train Any Dog, Any Breed, Any Behavioral History For Life
Our lead trainer, Rodney, got his dog obedience training start in the Army as an Military Working Dog Handler. He realized he really enjoyed helping dogs reach their full potential and teaching other people to do the same! Rodney went on to serve as a Narcotics and Explosives Handler and a K-9 Instructor and Trainer.
Rodney was so passionate and dedicated to dog training, that after an honorable discharge from the military he began training as a civilian. Throughout his years as a trainer he’s had the opportunity to train military, police, and security dogs, bed bug locating dogs (yes, that actually exists!), and many lovable household pets!
Rodney has never turned away a dog, no matter it’s breed or bite history. He believes that all dogs are just dogs and with enough time and attention, all dogs can achieve succesful obedience and become outstanding pets!
Our Advantage
How We Compare
Typical Dog Trainer
Basic Obedience Training
$3,500
Dog Learns Basic Commands
General Training Plan for All Dogs
Usually Accept Only Selected Breeds, Age, Behavioral History
Pay If Your Dog Has Future Problems
Our Program
On-Leash Obedience Training
$2,000
Dog Learns Basic Commands + Precise Walk On Leash
Personalized Training Plan to Meet Dog's Unique Behavioral Needs
Accepting Any Breed, Age, Behavioral History
Lifetime Support and Follow-Up Lessons
Our Program
Off-Leash Obedience Training
$2,450
Dog Learns Basic Commands + Reliable Walk Off The Leash
Personalized Training Plan to Meet Dog's Unique Behavioral Needs
Accepting Any Breed, Age, Behavioral History
Lifetime Support and Follow-Up Lessons
Our Advantage
How We Compare
Typical Dog Trainer
Basic Obedience Training
$3,500
Dog Learns Basic Commands
General Training Plan for All Dogs
May Accept Only Selected Breeds, Age, Behavioral History
Pay If Your Dog Has Future Problems
Our Program
On-Leash Obedience Training
$2,000
Dog Learns Basic Commands + Precise Walk On Leash
Personalized Training Plan to Meet Dog's Unique Behavioral Needs
Accepting Any Breed, Age, Behavioral History
Lifetime Support and Follow-Up Lessons
Our Program
Off-Leash Obedience Training
$2,450
Dog Learns Basic Commands + Reliable Walk Off The Leash
Personalized Training Plan to Meet Dog's Unique Behavioral Needs
Accepting Any Breed, Age, Behavioral History
Lifetime Support and Follow-Up Lessons
Where We Train
We’re based in sunny Valrico, Florida. We serve the Tampa, St. Petersberg, Lakeland, Brandon, Sarasota, Ruskin, Riverview, Winter Haven, and Orlando areas.
Does it sound like we would be a good fit for your dog, but you’re not nearby? No problem! If you can get your dog to Florida, we can train them. Get in touch with us and we can go over the options, even if you’re located out of state.
Valrico
Sarasota
Tampa
St. Petersberg
Lakeland
Brandon
Orlando
Plant City
Apollo Beach
Bloomingdale
Kissimmee
Valrico
Winter Haven
Ruskin
Our Past Canine Transformations
The daily photos and videos while your pup is gone is the best.
Let me first say thank you to Rodney! My girl Mia I’m sure was a handful. She was taken from her mother way too soon and has a lot of anxiety. But over the four weeks that Rodney had her she learned a lot! She’s been back for about a week now and we continue to train her. Everything she learned has definitely benefited her to be a very well behaved pup! She has been able to do so much more than I ever expected her to do when we first got her. The on and off leash training was definitely the best decision we made for her. We will be returning when she is about a year old for a little bit more extensive training as she is a Belgian German shepherd mix.
If you’re looking for training for your pup please reach out. The daily photos and videos while your pup is gone is the best. The after training advice and tips are still available even after your pup is home. I will always recommend Rodney at Train to Sustain if anyone is looking for training for their pups!
Jackie Burfoot
We love everything he did
Don’t look any further if you need help with your fur baby. We just got our Goldendoodle back from a 2 week on leash training and we are beyond happy with all she has learned. Rodney took this diva of a pup and helped her learn boundaries and control! He sent videos and pictures throughout the whole process that helped us stay connected while she was gone! What I truly appreciated was the time he took after the training to walk us through how to continue to build on the foundation of what he taught her! He provided us with not just the verbal tools but physical tools as well to continue with her development! We love everything he did that we will be using him to board our dogs when we go out of town too!
Sheri Faynik Trombley
This was by far the best decision my husband and I made
Where do I begin? Honestly, Rodney did a complete 180 with my Husky, Bella. Before Train to Sustain I had an overly aggressive, unsure pup who got away with too many things being that she’s too cute for her own good. She would jump on our guests, bark 24/7 and not care about anything we said or did. She lived by her own agenda. Not to mention destroying everything we own (typical husky)!
Fast forward to after Rodney had her for puppy training, she came home a new dog.
Not only does Bella know to focus on her toys but she knows to leave guests alone, sit, stay, and she even knows speak!
This was by far the best decision my husband and I made and we couldn’t be happier!
Holland Sopko
He will most definitely get the job done!
So thankful to Rodney for the training he did with my pup! She left home a wild thing with no structure & basically ran our house. She didn’t even know her name when I would call it. Seeing her return home to be such an obedient, structured and well mannered pup brings such joy to me!! She now knows her name and obeys the commands she was taught. Walking her is such a breeze now. Rodney even took out the time to train my family and I on how to keep her progressing and in line. I can’t recommend him enough! If you want someone that’s going to take the guessing out of “Can your dog be trained” he’s the guy for you! He will most definitely get the job done!
Thank you from Hazel & family!
Angedria Stewart
And now, my dog, seems so much more at ease
My 3 year old Mini Schnauzer understands basic commands, but has/had issues with strangers; in particular men, when they walk towards me, in our neighborhood for a walk, or in the local pet store. And my dog, she was a BARKER! Oh my!
With the help of Zarina, at Paws in Play, the barking is so much better! I am now able to bring my dog with me to pick up the kids at school – and she couldn’t before because there was too much activity for her and the barking was so out of control!
And now, my dog, seems so much more at ease, with the different interactions with people, from the various training techniques that Zarina has put in place.
The willingness to have my dog succeed is so important to ME – but also to Zarina, at Paws in Play, is so heartwarming! Zarina constantly comes up with new ways to challenge my dog, in a positive way, to make her the BEST version of herself!
If you are looking for someone to teach Puppy 101, or to help re-train with aggression, or barking, or anything else that is stressing your family out and you need help to make your family LOVE your dog again – call Zarina at Paws in Play – she is so wonderful!
Alice
Jack not only walks at the heel, HE DOESNT PULL ANYMORE
After a short conversation with Rodney (owner), I knew that this was the dog trainer for me. I mean come on, if Rodney could handle training dogs for the military, I knew he would make huge progress with Jack the Aussie Mix.
Prior to training with Rodney, I had been struggling with my dogs basic obedience. Jack constantly pulled on leash ALL THE TIME and if we passed another dog it was a mess. I had so much anxiety prior to going on walks, or let alone seeing another dog when we were walking. Jack would also bolt out the door and make his weekly run around the neighborhood.
Post training (3 Week Board and Train), Jack not only walks at the heel, HE DOESNT PULL ANYMORE. Not only does he not pull, but I can now take him running with me OFF LEASH, via the e collar. I opted for off leash control due to me and my kids having to track him down after he escaped again.
The wife and I also love the place command, as Jack was taught to lay on his bed and only get up when told break. This is helpful when chores need to get done or when cooking dinner.
Thank you again so very much Rodney, you seriously made a perfect dog out of our Jack.
Carlos Kubischta
She’s the best dog in the world now
My dog was wild and uncontrollable. Then she had a 3 week board and train and everything changed. She’s the best dog in the world now and I can leave her alone without worrying about my house being destroyed.
Brian Rodriguez
Cajun also now has great understanding of the basics: sit, down, and heel.
My hound dog, Cajun, had horrible separation anxiety. He would go crazy every time we left or made him go near his kennel. I boarded him with Rodney for 2 weeks while on vacation and a whole new dog came back. He now goes into his crate on command and doesn’t so much as bark when we leave. Cajun also now has great understanding of the basics: sit, down, and heel.
TM
I am able to take bike rides with her running beside me with no leash
It was a great experience getting my dogs trained by Rodney, they made huge improvements on their behavior and taking commands. After my first completed her off leash training I am able to take bike rides with her running beside me with no leash. Greatly recommend his services.
Ramses Guerrero
You can tell he loves what he does!!!
Could not recommend Rodney enough. He is so easy to work with! You can tell he loves what he does!!! He takes the time to explain everything, answer any questions, and treated our pup like one of his own! I can already see a huge improvement in my stubborn Husky mix! He has provided us a great foundation to build off of! We will be using Rodney at Train to Sustain for any future boarding needs and any future training needs!! 10/10 recommend!!!!
Krysten Capwell
CONTACT TRAIN TO SUSTAIN
If you can say, “Good dog!” you too can have outstanding obedience for life!
You can have great communication, mutual respect, and a life with more freedom to relax and have fun with your dog! No matter your dog’s breed, history, or behavioral problems, we’d love to help them become an outstanding pet for your family. We’ll also make sure it’s sustained for life!
What’s the first step towards a lifetime of amazing canine companionship? Complete the form below! We’re ready to hear more about you and your pup’s needs.
If you book your free consultation call by November 30th, we’ll discount your dog training package $100 as our way of saying “thank you” for reaching out on this page.*
*Consultation call must be booked by November 30th, 2024. Offer limited to training packages of 3 weeks or longer.
F.A.Q.s
What kind of breeds do you train?
We train all kinds of breeds! From Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds to Pitbulls and Chihuahuas, there isn’t a breed we’re not comfortable working with.
What kind of board and train packages do you offer?
○ On-Leash Obedience
This program focuses on basic commands like sit, down, stay, place, polite on-leash walking, as well as any behavior modications your dog may need.
○ Puppy Training
This option includes everything you need to start your puppy on the right paw! We’ll work on socialization, learning their name, potty training, introduction to the sit and down commands, and more upon request.
○ Off-Leash Obedience
This training develops off-leash reliability and recall, perfect for those times you want to let them sniff, run, and play on the trail or at the lake! We work with dogs that already have solid on-leash obedience and introduce them to e-collar training.
We use e-collars as a means to train off-leash obedience. E-collars get a lot of bad publicity, and there are many bad trainers and owners who use them wrong (e.g. as a tool for punishment). However, when used properly they’re just a great communication tool, like a regular leash. We keep training positive by making sure the dog is comfortable, and providing their unique motivator (treats, pets, toys, etc.) when they feel the sensation. At the end of the day, we want them to not be afraid of the tool and to achieve excellant off-leash obedience! Read “Will using an ecollar hurt my dog?” for our full philosophy for e-collar training.
○ 4 Weeks On and Off-Leash
Want to achieve off-leash obedience, but your dog doesn’t have on-leash manners yet? No problem! This program focuses on developing the on-leash walking skills, then moves into e-collar and off-leash training.
○ Extended Board and Train Program
Worried that your dog’s behavior issues won’t be resolved in our 4 week programs? Our 6 and 8 week programs are designed to help dogs that need a little more time and support for their specific problems. We’ll also work on off-leash obedience and will provide you with an e-collar and cot dog bed at take-home.
What training techniques do you use?
We are balanced dog trainers. We work to keep training positive and enjoyable for your dog by utilizing their specific motivators for reinforcement during training (treats, toys, pets, etc.) We also teach the dog when they do wrong by issuing a gentle correction, no treat, or positive reinforcement when needed. This help show the dog to think for themself and self-correct their actions so they can recieve positive reinforcement through all behaviors and commands, not just when we give them a treat. Your dog’s training will be even stronger when they are taught what to do, and what not to do in any given situation.
Is using an ecollar an unethical way to train my dog?
Without the proper training and philosophy, they certainly can be. An e-collar should never be used to punish your dog or shock them into submission. Not only could that harm your dog, it won’t help you build a relationship of love and trust. But when used correctly, it’s just another communication tool and an extension of the leash.
An e-collar is a way to let your dog know you need their attention, like a tap on the shoulder. That tap can be lower or higher, depending on the danger or stimulation level of the situation. Most dogs never need more than a gentle tap. But in a more dangerous, high stimulation scenario, like chasing a squirrel towards a busy street, you can feel confident that you have a way to get their full attention.
What do you do with when you’re walking your dog on a regular leash and they pull too far ahead or behind? You let them know they need to come back in your bubble by giving the leash a little tug. An e-collar is just like a longer leash that gives your dog more freedom to run, sniff, and play!
Do I have to use an e-collar on my dog?
It depends on your goals and needs for your dog! We only use an e-collar for off- leash reliability and recall. If this isn’t a skill you want your dog to learn, there’s no need for them to be trained on an e-collar.
But if off-leash obedience is something you’re considering and the only obstacle is fear of using an e-collar, consider the alternatives. Would your dog be happier having the freedom to sniff freely on the trails or run and play at the beach, than if they were on a leash all the time? What happens if you let them off-leash and their recall isn’t good?
E-collar training certainly isn’t mandatory for your dog. But if you wish your dog could be off-leash during some of your favorite actvities, it has a lot of benefits!
Is my dog going to feel abandoned during their board and train?
Not only will your dog not feel abandoned but at the end of their training your relationship will be closer than ever before! Pictures and vidoes of what the dog is learning and how they are doing are posted on social media as well as sent to you. During your dog’s training we’ll give them a lot of time and attention, working with their specific motivators to keep training positive and enjoyable for them. They’ll also learn commands and behaviors that will lead to great communication with you! When they come home, you’ll love the relationship of trust and respect you’ll have with them!
How do I know my dog will listen to ME after their board and train?
Our goal is for your dog’s training to be sustained for their entire life, which you are an integral part of. Not only do we train your dog to understand clear and concise communication, we also teach you to provide it! We provide take home lessons at the end of your dog’s training, a follow-up lesson in your home, and free life-time, in-person support for any issues that come up. You’ll become a better handler of your dog, and your dog will listen to and respect you as much or more than our trainers who you bring them to!
Will training fix all my dogs problems?
Most people want a quick fix when they come for training, and many of our programs can solve many of your dog’s behavior programs…
However, our goal is to create a lifetime of learning, training, and successful obedience between you and your dog. That’s why we provide lifetime support even after the training program is complete. If your dog has behaviors that aren’t completely resolved during training, or even if they develop new issues later down the road, we work with you until your dog’s obedience is as perfect as possible for you!
What happens after the board and train program is over? Can I contact you?
- Gear like collars, leashes, treats
- Home practice sheets of things like commands your dog should now know, what to practice during your normal routine, how to make them earn things, etc.
- Moringa Supplements
What is involved in your lifetime support?
We provide free, in-person support for any issues you might be having with your dog, even if they pick up new problem behaviors or issues after their training! We want you and your dog to have an amazing life together. That’s why we’ll work with you to continue making adjustments so their obedience just gets better with time!
What scents do you use in your scent detection training?
We use the same scents as the American Kennel Club scent work standard. This includes:
- Birch (Betula lenta)
- Anise (Pim’pinella anisum)
- Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata)
- Cypress (Cupressus sempevirens)