Training Options

Socialization & Community Pack Walk

Structured, real-world neutral exposure for all ages. Join us for a structured group walk designed to build environmental confidence and dog-to-dog neutrality. This is not a chaotic "meet-and-greet" walk; rather, it is a supportive space to practice loose-leash walking, focus around distractions, and master real-world manners alongside a community of like-minded handlers.

• Who it’s for: All dogs (and humans!) looking to practice calm, neutral behavior in public spaces.

• Frequency / Location: Held monthly at various local parks and trails. 

I offer limited group classes based on the current needs of my clientele for both pets and service dogs. Because these classes are intentionally small and highly focused, there are a few requirements to ensure a safe, successful environment for everyone:

• Behavioral Evaluation: Your dog must pass a brief behavioral evaluation prior to joining their first class.

• Health & Safety: You must provide proof of up-to-date vaccine records, including a current rabies vaccination.

If you are interested in joining an upcoming class, please contact me directly for more details and availability.

Service Overview & Rates

Pet Sitting & In-Home Training

• Standard Pet Sitting ($60.00): Reliable, in-home care maintaining your pet’s routine. Requires a 3-step process: initial inquiry, completed care forms with a 50% deposit, and a mandatory in-home Meet & Greet to finalize logistics.

• Premium In-Home Training Upgrade (+$25.00 – $35.00): An intensive, compassionate training camp during their stay. Includes 3–5 daily sessions focused on goals like recall and loose-leash walking, real-world proofing, and a mandatory 60–90 minute handover lesson with a written progress report upon your return.

Adventure Days & Public Manners

• Adventure Days ($85.00): High-energy outdoor excursions combining decompression long-line walks, swimming, trail hiking, and structured dog-on-dog play for physical and social fulfillment.

• Premium Real-World Manners Upgrade (+$30.00 – $40.00): Public training field trips tailored to your dog's age. Focuses on safe environmental exposure for puppies, and transitions to public obedience, loose-leash walking, and distraction neutrality for adult dogs.

For more details, please visit our Adventure/day trains & sitting page or FAQ below.

Through Google meet or Zoom, we'll discuss your dog's behavior and how to reach your goals. 

We'll make a training plan that fits into your life and I'll assign homework that you'll send me between sessions. The frequency of sessions is up to you, but most people choose to have them every two weeks.

​​Each virtual session is $35 which is to be paid on the day of the session. 

After your first session, you'll gain access to a Facebook group for clients to compete in challenges and meet like - minded dog owners. Seeing other people on a similar journey can be very helpful and motivating.

Best for: Teams who already have baseline obedience and tasks on cue, but need to build clinical reliability in non-pet-friendly spaces.

This program takes your dog’s skills out of the living room and proofs them in the real world. We teach your dog to be completely "invisible" in public while coaching you to become a confident, legally literate handler.

• Environmental Neutrality: Systematically training your dog to ignore dropped food, shopping carts, tight grocery aisles, screaming children, and other animals.

• Public Settle & Tucks: Mastering long, relaxed duration stays and tight, out-of-the-way tucks under restaurant tables and public seating.

• Handler Advocacy & ADA Prep: Comprehensive coaching on federal ADA laws, mock Public Access Tests (PAT), and roleplaying how to calmly handle illegal gatekeeping or invasive strangers.

•  The Vesting Milestone: This program directly prepares your team for real-world deployment. Once your team meets our strict neutrality and task criteria, you will take our formal Public Access Test (PAT). Passing this test qualifies your team to graduate and receive your official Program Working Vest.

Want to maximize your training budget? Teams can seamlessly blend virtual one-on-one sessions with their $100.00 in-person field sessions. At a reduced digital rate, these virtual check-ins are a highly cost-effective way to review your indoor task-shaping videos, troubleshoot homework hurdles, and refine your handling mechanics—saving you money on travel and coaching fees while keeping your progress entirely on track.

Best for: Working service dogs or SDiTs who have suffered a traumatic setback—specifically teams dealing with the aftermath of an off-leash dog attack.

Service dogs are living animals, not robots. Being rushed, barked at, or physically attacked by an off-leash dog can severely damage a working partner's confidence, causing hyper-vigilance, environmental anxiety, or hesitation in public. This program is designed to save your team from washing out.

• Trauma-Informed Rehabilitation: We use gentle, low-stress desensitization and counter-conditioning protocols to help your dog safely process environmental trauma and rebuild their baseline confidence.

• Rebuilding Public Neutrality: Slowly and systematically proofing your dog around controlled, neutral decoy dogs to reverse any newly formed fear or dog-reactivity.

• Handler Cortisol Reset: A traumatic incident affects both ends of the leash. We coach handlers on how to manage their own anxiety and physical leash mechanics, ensuring you aren't accidentally feeding stress down the line to your dog during recovery.

• Note: If a graduated team from Program 1 or 2 enters this program due to an incident, vest privileges may be temporarily paused to allow the dog to decompress and work "off-duty" without pressure until rehabilitation milestones are achieved.

Strict Policy Regarding Program Vests & Outside Teams

While this program is open to owner-trainers who have previously worked with other trainers or facilities, outside teams who enter directly into Program 3 are not eligible to receive a Program Working Vest upon completion.

Because private coaching slots and service dog milestones require dedicated scheduling and travel time, we request that clients provide as much notice as possible if they need to reschedule.

• Standard Private Sessions (Pet Dog Clients): We enforce a standard 24-hour cancellation policy. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice, or no-shows, will forfeit the session from their package or incur a standard cancellation fee of 50% of the sesson.

I love and work with all dogs, regardless of their size or breed! My experience spans the entire spectrum, from extra-large breeds like Dobermans and Mastiffs all the way down to tiny companions like Yorkies, Chihuahuas, and Pomeranians.

While I welcome every single dog, I also have advanced expertise in Poodles and Poodle mixes (Doodles.) No matter the size, shape, or background, my goal is always to build a strong, positive relationship between you and your dog.

No, I do not offer traditional board and train services. Traditional programs typically involve sending your dog away to an unfamiliar kennel or facility, which can cause significant stress, anxiety, and confusion for many dogs. Furthermore, behaviors learned in a sterile facility or a stranger's house rarely transfer seamlessly back to your own home.

Instead, I focus on relationship-based, low-stress care that keeps your dog in their ultimate comfort zone. I offer two highly effective alternative options:

1. In-Home Training Camp (Pet Sitting Upgrade): I host an intensive training camp right inside your dog’s own home while you are away. Your dog stays comfortable in their familiar environment, and we practice real-world skills around your actual neighborhood distractions. This option includes a mandatory 60–90 minute Go-Home Transfer Session upon your return so you learn exactly how to maintain the new behaviors.

2. Adventure Days + Real-World Manners Upgrade: If you aren't traveling but want professional training hands-on help, this day-program option allows your dog to get out for 5 to 8 hours of hiking, swimming, and decompression, while simultaneously working on public obedience, loose-leash walking, and neutrality around real-world distractions.

Both options ensure your dog builds real skills through compassion and consistency, without the stress of a traditional boarding facility!

I primarily serve clients in the Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls area, and immediate surrounding neighborhoods for in-home pet sitting, consultations, and Adventure Day pickups. If you are unsure if you are within my service radius, please reach out via the contact!

To officially secure your dates on our calendar, a 50% deposit is required before any pet sitting or intensive in-home training camp begins.

• Cancellations made 14 or more days prior to your scheduled start date will receive a full refund of the deposit.

• Cancellations made less than 14 days prior to the start date forfeit the deposit, as we reserve that exclusive calendar space for your pet and turn down other clients.

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Because I am staying in your home, my goal is to leave it exactly as I found it—if not cleaner! I am happy to take care of basic household maintenance tasks during my stay to keep things running smoothly. This includes:

• Bringing in the mail and packages

• Taking the trash and recycling bins out to the curb on trash day (and bringing them back up)

• Watering standard houseplants

• Ensuring the home looks lived-in and secure while you are away

Yes. Because Adventure Days involve off-site travel, dynamic outdoor environments, and structured dog-on-dog play, every dog must complete a mandatory, in-person evaluation first. This allows us to assess their baseline confidence, see how they handle environmental stressors, and ensure the program is a safe, fulfilling match for them.

Official Adventure Day Packing List:

1. Freedom Walk & Safety Gear

• A Well-Fitted Y-Harness: Mandatory for long-line Freedom Walks. A back-clip, non-restrictive harness protects the dog’s neck and allows full shoulder movement while swimming, running, and exploring.

• A Long-Line Leash (15–30 ft): Crucial for Freedom Walks, giving your dog the flexibility to sniff and decompress safely. (Biothane or waterproof material preferred).

• A Standard 4 to 6-foot Leash: For secure vehicle transitions and tight public spaces. (No retractable/flexi-leashes).

• Flat Collar with Up-to-Date ID Tags: For essential identification.

2. Specialized Training Tools (If Cleared at Evaluation)

• Current Training Equipment: If it was agreed during your in-person evaluation to continue using a prong collar, e-collar, or transitional head halter, please pack it.

• Safety Rule: The use and timing of these tools during our excursions will strictly follow the safety protocol established during your evaluation.

3. Tools for Training Flexibility (Practice of Work)

• High-Value Training Treats: Because we practice environmental neutrality and public obedience around heavy real-world distractions, please pack double the treats you think we will need. Bring high-value, small bites (freeze-dried meat, cheese, hot dogs).

• A Labeled Treat Pouch: If you use a specific waist pouch or clicker at home, please include it to maintain training consistency.

• A Favorite Toy: A high-drive tug or floating toy if your dog prefers a play reward over food when practicing focus.

4. Weather, Water & Clean-Up

• A Dedicated Towel: For wiping down muddy paws and drying off after swimming before loading into the vehicle.

• Poop Bags: A fresh roll of waste bags.

• Seasonal Protection: Dog-safe bug spray/tick preventative for heavy trail days.

Packing Tip: Please pack all items in a secure backpack or tote bag labeled with your dog's name. This ensures all of their training and decompression tools stay organized together in the vehicle!

Because our services involve intense physical activity, managing off-site trail environments, and ensuring absolute control over multiple dogs, the safety of your pets is my top priority. If an unexpected emergency or sudden medical flare-up prevents me from operating at the 100% physical capacity required to keep your dogs safe, I will notify you immediately.

While I work hard to prevent disruptions and will always give you as much advance notice as possible, I reserve the right to cancel or reschedule a session last minute if safe handling is compromised. In the rare event that I must cancel on you, you will never be charged, and your session will be fully credited, refunded, or prioritized for the next available opening.

Medical Alert Service Dogs:

Seizure Alert/Response Dogs
Trained to sense and alert to seizures before or during an episode, providing comfort, staying with the person, and seeking help.

Diabetic Alert Dogs
Detect changes in blood sugar levels (hypo/hyperglycemia) and alert the handler, giving time to take action.

Hearing Dogs
Alert individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to important sounds like alarms, doorbells, or phone rings.

POTS/Cardiac Alert Dogs
Alert to signs of a POTS episode or other cardiac events, and assist in seeking help or performing tasks during a crisis.

Types of Mobility Assistance Dogs:

General Mobility Assistance Dogs
Assist with tasks like retrieving dropped items, opening doors, and guiding through obstacles. They provide stability and balance support.

Amputee Assistance Dogs
Help individuals with limb differences by retrieving prosthetics, bringing crutches, supporting balance, and assisting with standing or sitting.

Neuro-Muscular Assistance Dogs
Assist with standing, sitting, and carrying items for those with neuro-muscular disorders. They can also help with emotional support and turning light switches.

Medical Condition-Specific Mobility Dogs
Trained for specific conditions like chronic pain, Parkinson’s, or spinal injuries, helping with mobility, stability, and reducing physical strain.

Wheelchair Assistance Dogs
Aid in pushing/pulling wheelchairs, retrieving items, opening doors, carrying bags, and assisting with transfers.

Balance and Stability Dogs
Provide stability, prevent falls, guide around obstacles, and alert others during falls, often helping those with MS, Parkinson’s, or after a stroke or POTS.

Types of Psychiatric Service Dogs:

PTSD Service Dogs
Assist with grounding, interrupting flashbacks, and providing comfort during anxiety or nightmares.

Anxiety & Panic Disorder Dogs
Alert to signs of anxiety or panic, provide comfort, and help guide to safe spaces.

Depression Service Dogs
Offer companionship, encourage physical activity, and provide emotional support.

Bipolar Disorder Service Dogs
Monitor mood changes, offer grounding, and provide a calming presence during emotional shifts.

OCD Service Dogs
Interrupt compulsive behaviors, offer reminders to break cycles, and provide comfort.

Autism Service Dogs
Help reduce anxiety, guide in crowded spaces, and provide emotional support.

1.Step 1: Fill Out the Service Dog Intake Form:Inquiry Phase.

Your journey begins by completing our comprehensive Service Dog Intake Form online. This detailed questionnaire helps us understand your specific disability mitigation goals, your dog’s history, any specialized tools you currently use, and your daily lifestyle.

Step 2: The Initial Intake Consultation Call: 30–60 Minutes.

Once I review your form, we will schedule a phone consultation. During this call, we will discuss your training goals, talk about what tasks your dog will need to learn, answer your baseline questions, and ensure our relationship-based, low-stress training framework is a good fit for your needs.

Step 3: In-Person Temperament Test & Evaluation: Mandatory Hands-On Meeting.

Next, we meet in person for a formal evaluation. I will conduct a structured temperament test to assess your dog's baseline confidence, environmental resilience, social neutrality, and recovery from sudden stressors. We will also look at your current leash mechanics and discuss your training equipment to ensure it aligns safely with public access requirements.

Step 4: Custom Coaching & Official Roster Launch: Provided All Goes Well!.

If your dog passes the evaluation and shows the natural resilience required for public access work, you are officially accepted into program 1 or 2! We will select the best training package for your team (such as our 4-Session Foundation Pack or 8-Session Public Access Mastery Pack) and immediately schedule your first official coaching session.

Please note that if your dog displays severe environmental anxiety, deep-seated fear, or any form of public access reactivity during Step 3, they will not be cleared for immediate public access coaching.

In these cases, we will pivot our strategy. Our initial training blocks will focus exclusively on building baseline confidence, engagement, and shaping tasks in low-stress, pet-friendly, or home environments first until they are ready to safely progress.

While this program is open to owner-trainers who have previously worked with other trainers or facilities, outside teams who enter directly into Program 3 are not eligible to receive a Program Working Vest upon completion.

Why we enforce this policy:

• Vouching for Foundation: A Program Vest carries our business name, reputation, and a professional stamp of approval for public safety. We can only legally and ethically vouch for the complete safety, public access compliance, and specific task reliability of a dog whose entire foundational history (Programs 1 or 2) was overseen directly by us.

• Addressing Unknown Variables: Because we did not build or evaluate the dog's original foundation, obedience layers, or initial task mechanics before the traumatic incident occurred, we cannot guarantee the stability of those underlying layers in a non-pet-friendly public space.

Our goal in Program 3 for outside teams is strictly rehabilitation, healing, and helping you safely reclaim your dog's confidence. If your ultimate goal is to earn our Program Vest and take our formal Public Access Test, you must transition into and complete our comprehensive Public Access Mastery Program (Program 2) once rehab milestones are fully met.

Program 3 is for dogs experiencing environmental hesitation or fear-based setbacks or reactivity following an incident. If a dog has begun displaying severe, forward-directed aggression or has a history of injuring other animals or humans, they are not a candidate for this program and will be referred to a specialized behaviorist or aggression specialist.