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Positive reinforcement, real results

Dog Training near Springfield, MO

Call (417) 771-5221Compare programs

Whether you’ve got a brand-new puppy, a teenager who forgot every cue they ever knew, or a dog who loses it at the sight of another dog, we can help. Our trainers use positive reinforcement to build trust first, then the skills that make everyday life easier: walking nicely, coming when called, settling down, and staying calm when the world gets busy.

We’re in Rogersville, about 30 minutes east of downtown Springfield on US-60. Springfield voted us Platinum for Pet Training in 2026.

A Howliday Pet Resort trainer rewarding a black German Shepherd with a tug toy in the outdoor training yard

Find the right fit

Training programs for Springfield dogs

Six ways to train with us. Not sure which one fits? Give us a call and we'll help you pick.

See pricing

How we train

Trained here, practiced at home

All of our training is led by our partners at Standing Obeytion Dog Training, including trainer Brandon Gerhardt. Brandon and Summer Gerhardt, who own Howliday Pet Resort, also do rescue work and partner with K9s For Camo, giving dogs a second chance.

The part our families mention most? We don’t just train the dog. We make sure you know exactly how to keep it going once your pup is back on your couch.

About our training programs
  1. 1

    We start with your goals

    Tell us what life with your dog looks like now and what you'd like it to look like. That shapes which program fits.

  2. 2

    Your dog learns with positive reinforcement

    Rewards, clear cues and lots of repetition. We build trust first, because a dog who trusts you learns faster.

  3. 3

    Then we train you

    Every program ends with a handover. You'll practice the cues yourself, so the good manners come home with your dog.

A Howliday Pet Resort trainer working with a client while their dog lies calmly nearby

Reactive, anxious or overexcited?

Help for the dog who barks, lunges or worries

If walks have turned into a stressful game of spot-the-other-dog, you’re not alone, and it’s not too late. We work at a distance your dog can handle, reward calm choices, and close the gap as their confidence grows. No flooding, no shortcuts.

Training stories

What our training families say

All testimonials

  • An amazing transformation

    “I adopted a beautiful 2-year-old American Bulldog Pit Mix who had been through a lot by the time I got him, so he had a lot of anxiety and had developed some reactivity towards other dogs. My dog, Sam, did a much-needed three-week board and train program. The transformation was amazing! Sam can be around other dogs calmly and respectfully.”
    Sam's mom

  • We love Howliday Pet Resort

    “We take our Jasper there for boarding, training and daycare to socialize with other dogs. He is always so excited to go. Brandon did an excellent job training this excitable boy. He now goes everywhere with us and can sit in a crowded place and not be reactive.”
    Jasper's family

  • You won't regret it

    “Brandon is amazing! Not only did he train my dog, but he took so much time to train me to implement everything he taught her. Very open communication throughout the training process. If you're thinking about putting your dog in training, do it — you won't regret it!”
    Training client

  • Cared for my dog

    “I am so happy with Rick and Howliday Pet Resort. My puppy, Leo, went for a week of training and she learned so much and had a great time. Rick did amazing with her and took the time to show me the training afterwards.”
    Leo's owner

Getting here

Training from Springfield

About 18 miles from downtown Springfield, roughly 30 minutes by car. From downtown, take the James River Freeway (US-60) east and stay on it into Rogersville. If you're starting on the east side of town, the trip is shorter still. Boarding with us too? Training and dog boarding near Springfield happen under the same roof, so one drop-off can cover both.

Questions

Dog training questions from Springfield owners

All FAQs

  • Is Howliday Pet Resort in Springfield?

    We're in Rogersville at 4939 US-60, about 30 minutes east of downtown Springfield. Lots of our training families make the drive from Springfield, and private lessons can also happen at your home or out in public.

  • Who does the training?

    All training is led by our partners at Standing Obeytion Dog Training, including trainer Brandon Gerhardt, using positive reinforcement.

  • Which program is right for my dog?

    Board & Train suits big goals or owners short on time. Drop-Off Day Train gives a day of focused work without an overnight stay. Private lessons are best for one specific problem. Group classes are a great fit for puppies, Canine Good Citizen prep and dogs who need help around other dogs. Call us and we'll help you choose.

  • Can you help a reactive or anxious dog?

    Yes. Reactive and anxious dogs are some of our favorite success stories. Private lessons, Socialization Class and Board & Train are the usual starting points, and we always work at your dog's pace.

  • How much does dog training cost?

    Board & Train is $150 a night. Call us at (417) 771-5221 for current pricing on day training, private lessons and group classes.

  • What does my dog need before training?

    Training needs a reservation, and all dogs must be up to date on distemper/parvo, Bordetella and rabies. Puppies are welcome once they've had their vaccinations.

From the blog

More on training your dog

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Ready to start training? Let's talk about your dog.

Call us and tell us about your pup. We'll help you choose a program, check availability and answer every question.

Call (417) 771-5221Send a message

Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Sat & Sun hours available