- Dog Sport Training in Lehi, UT
Sport Training That Builds Real Skill and Control
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- Dog Sport Training
- Two Paths to Protection
Custom Protection Programs Built Around You
Train for American Schutzhund (AS)
If you’re looking to test your dog’s focus, drive, and clarity under pressure, American Schutzhund might be the right path. We’ll help you build the foundation needed for scent work, obedience, and protection in a way that’s clear, structured, and tailored to your goals.
What’s Included:
- Real-world scent drills and focused detection work
- High-level obedience with pressure-tested routines
- Protection scenarios that challenge control and courage
- Coaching that’s clear, supportive, and results-driven
- Private or prep-style formats that fit your lifestyle
Train for IGP (formerly Schutzhund/IPO)
What’s Included:
- Structured tracking and scent indication training
- On- and off-leash obedience with attention to detail
- Controlled protection routines that build trust and control
- Training options that match your goals and time frame
- Ongoing coaching so you never feel stuck on your own
Train for Scent Work (AKC/UKC Nosework)
Want something scent-driven that’s low-pressure, high-reward, and easy to start? Nosework gives dogs an outlet to work with their nose in a calm, enriching way, perfect for all breeds, ages, and experience levels.
What’s Included:
- Step-by-step scent pairing and target odor training
- Search patterns in real-world locations (indoor, outdoor, vehicle)
- Flexible plans for title prep or just building fun and focus
- A laid-back way to work together without the stress
- Great for puppies, older dogs, or first-time handlers
- The Canine by Design Training Process
How Our Dog Sport Training Works
Consultation and Goal Setting
We start with a clear conversation to define your goals, assess your dog, and map out a training plan.
1
Foundation and Focus Work
We build strong obedience, shape drive, and create clarity before moving into sport-specific skills.
2
Sport-Specific Skill Building
We introduce trial-focused work like pressure handling, scent drills, and protection exercises.
3
Handler Coaching and Feedback
You’ll learn how to lead, reinforce behavior, and work through challenges with structure and calm.
4
- For Handlers Who Want to Level Up
Lehi’s PSA, IGP, and Schutzhund Experts
Whether you’re stepping into sport for the first time or refining your work for the trial field, we’ve got a program that fits. At Canine by Design, we help handlers build strong, focused dogs for PSA, IGP, and American Schutzhund—with structure that works in the real world.
We train dogs and coach handlers across Lehi, Draper, Alpine, and throughout Utah and Salt Lake Counties. From clean obedience and grip development to trial prep and troubleshooting, we’ll guide you every step of the way—with purpose and results you can count on.
- Obedience that holds under drive and distraction
- Clear, controlled bite work with strong mechanics
- Sport-specific drills for PSA, IGP, or Schutzhund
- Support at any stage—from foundation to trial prep
Benefits
Why Families Trust Our Service Dog Training
Sharper Obedience
Cleaner Bite Work
Improved Focus
Drive Control
Experience
- Why Handlers Train With Us
Not Just Training. Coaching That Connects.
Pro Coaching
Work with experienced trainers who understand sport trial rules, handling pressure, and what it takes to build winning teams long-term.
Real Trial Prep
We use proven drills and real-world scenarios to help you and your dog prepare for trial day with confidence and control.
Structured Plans
Every program is tailored to your dog, your goals, and the sport, so training stays focused, clear, and progress-driven from start.
Trusted by Utah Handlers
Handlers across Lehi, Draper, Alpine, and Utah County choose us for results that last, and a process that makes sense.
Ready to Build a Dog That Performs With Purpose?
- Stronger Bonds. Happier Dogs.
Some Recent Training
- What Our Clients Are Saying
Trusted by Dog Owners Across Utah County
- Curious About Dog Sport? Start Here
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to compete to do sport training?
No competition is required. Many dog owners join our sport training programs in Utah simply to learn new skills and build a better relationship with their dog. You don’t have to trial to benefit from sport work. We’ll help you develop strong obedience, focused drive, and better engagement—whether or not you plan to step on a field.
Does my dog need to be a certain breed?
Can you train my dog for AKC Obedience or Rally?
Do you offer GRC training?
What scents can my dog learn to detect?
In our scent detection and nosework programs, we train dogs to identify all five of the standard AKC and UKC target odors:
Birch Sweet Oil – (Betula Lenta)
Aniseed Oil – (Pimpinella Anisum)
Clovebud Oil – (Eugenia Caryophylatta or Syzgiium Aromaticum)
Myrrh Oil – (Commiphora Myrrha)
Vetiver Oil – (Vetiveria Zizanoides)
We also offer custom scent training for things like gluten and synthetic drug detection. Have a specific scent in mind? Contact us to see what’s possible.
Do you offer training for PSA?
Yes. We offer full support for dogs and handlers preparing for PSA (Protection Sports Association) trials. We’ll help you pass your PDC and build the obedience and control needed for higher-level competition. While we have certified helpers for IGP and American Schutzhund, we are not currently certified as PSA decoys. However, we can support your progress through structured obedience, scenario work, and trial prep.