Introductory Package
$375
$300
A special offer for new clients
45 minute sessions
Five session commitment
Customized curriculum
Free in-home assessment
Additional Training
$50
30 minute sessions
Individual or multi-session packages
Skills reinforcement
New skill acquisition

Every training package begins with a conversation and an assessment. I will meet with you and your dog in your home to learn what challenges you may be facing and what outcomes you desire. From this discussion, we can tailor a training program to accomplish your goals. While my work begins with the dog, I also focus on the humans involved. After all, our goal is that the dog will behave well for YOU. To that end, I spend time working on the humans’ skills and techniques as well as the dog’s.

Training: Skills and Behaviors

Foundational Skills are the bedrock. Once a dog and owner master these skills, learning new skills and modifying behavior becomes much easier. Learning Additional Skills can deepen the bond between dog and owner, and increase the enjoyment of a walk for both parties. To resolve In Home Behavior issues, we will incorporate Foundational Skills into exercises and routines targeted at the specific behavior.

Foundational Skills
Leashed training sessions
"Sit"
"Stay" - basic, minimum distractions
"Okay" - release cue
Introduce "loose-leash" walking
Additional Skills
Built upon Foundation Skills
Mastery of "loose-leash" walking
"Stay" - added distance and distractions
"Leave It" - drop it, don't eat/drink that, stop sniffing that...
"Inside" - dog shifts position, human remains closer to traffic
No switching sides behind the human's back
No wrapping the leash around signs, trees, hydrants, etc
Stop lunging/excessive barking at: bicycles, trucks, cars, golf carts, other people, other dogs
Socialization: getting along with other dogs and people
In Home Behavior
Off-Leash Skills*
Stop running out the door
Stop jumping on people
Stop begging when humans eat
Stop chewing the wrong things
Manage food aggression
"Come" - leashed and off-leash*
Off-leash walking*
* Off-leash walking may not be for every dog, owner, neighborhood, or environment. It is not a legal activity in some areas. It carries increased risk and dangers. These and other issues will be discussed before we agree to any off-leash training.
** I will not work inside a home that smells of tobacco smoke.

Other behavioral issues & training topics:

– leash reactivity
– food aggression
– excessive barking
– chewing shoes, railings, chairs, rugs, etc
– games & puzzles
– ramps and stairs, selection & usage
– socializing abused/neglected animals
– eating of their own feces
– chasing the lawn mower
– driveway behavior for incoming cars
– treadmills, selection & usage

Training: General Information

Training is not magic, nor instant. It takes time. Not every dog learns at the same pace. Just like people, some love school and others may need more encouragement and exposure to a wider set of techniques to help them succeed. Even the fastest learners usually need additional practice – homework. Your dog’s success will depend, in part, on you. I will teach your dog the desired skills/behaviors, and I will teach you the methodology used to achieve those results so that you can confidently continue to reinforce what they have learned in a positive way.

Preferred Products & Methods
Lightweight 6' leashes
Substitution
Positive reinforcement
Multi-sensory input
*The product is fantastic. The instructions and videos are flawed. I will be happy to introduce you and your dog to the Gentle Leader, adjust the fit, and demonstrate proper use.
Discouraged Products & Methods
Shock/choke/pincher collars
Treat training
Clicker training
Retractable leashes
Most harnesses
Most sprays and sonic tools
Yelling or expressing anger/frustration
Other negative reinforcement

*** Prices & Polices are subject to change. The information shown here does not constitute a bid, quote, or proposal. ***