Payments and Policies

What you get:
Based on results of an evaluation, I will suggest a customized training program to follow for the minimum of 3 consecutive weeks.
After that, the training program is reassessed based on progress made. Six weeks is a starting point to communicate to your dog what you want them to do.

How many lessons that will be needed to get the results you want, will largely depend on the objectives for you and your dog and how  much practice is done at home between lessons.

It requires a commitment to train a dog. 

I know it is difficult to find the time to devote to practicing new knowledge and skills.

If you choose to learn with me, I ask for a commitment to sign up for at least two lessons at a time to be paid in advance. Often I will offer special discount rates for a series of 2, 4 or 6 weekly lessons. 

Dogs learn to associate behaviors after repetitions  of behaviors are rewarded in several different places, for increasingly amounts of time. 
If you don't repeat the lessons as instructed several times a day, and repeat the exercises 4-5 days in a row, then you don't establish a strong and reliable trained behavior. After the initial instruction to practice repeatedly for 3 weeks, you will need to keep establishing the patterns you want your dog to do by training these exercises. Don't expect progress without doing your part of repeating these exercises frequently and extending the length of the sit, down, etc.

Don't hesitate to contact me if you have problems with these training exercises. They have been proven to work on many different breeds, in many different households when expectations are clearly communicated to your dog.

Spring 2023 Rates

What you get:

An evaluation is $100.00 and a private lesson is $75.00/lesson when purchased individually.
There are discounted packages for a series of lessons purchased at the same time. 
*****Please note that packages expire 2  months after purchase.****

An example of discounted series package of 3 visits (Evaluation and 2 Lessons)  would be an Evaluation ($100) and 2 private lessons ($65 each) for $230.  Each purchased separately would be $250.

*I am offering discounted training if you have adopted from Herding Home Rescue*

Rescue Rate: evaluation $75 and private lessons $60/lesson when purchased individually.

An example of a rescue series package would be an Evaluation ($70) and 2 private lessons ($55 each) for $175. 

1. First meeting for evaluation

Typically this runs an hour so allow yourself at least this much time.

The purpose of the evaluation is to determine what both you and your dog need to achieve the results you want.

Then the path to get there will be discussed. 

What you will get is an honest assessment of how to best get the results based on your dog's individual needs. A rewards-based training program will be outlined for you with your input. We will discuss the basics of rewards-based training- the Do's and Don'ts. This time may include some TTouch exercises, simple training ideas and other recommendations related to diet and possible referral to a vet for medical check. You will be emailed a link to the evaluation notes, suggested activities with your dog and other relevant information.
This google doc will be updated after every lesson to note progress and areas to keep practicing.
* Please have your dog on a 6 ft leash (not a retractable leash) and attached to a harness, no-slip martingale or flat buckle collar (no choke chains or prong collars) when you come for the evaluation or I visit your home.  A quiet outside place is a good place to meet your dog and you.

2. After the evaluation, in-home private lesson are available. * Travel charges may apply*

These lessons typically last a little over an hour depending on the dog and if family members are included.

You will practice customized training exercises, with short breaks for the dog between sessions.

If the issues being addressed occur while on walks or in public places, then we can meet wherever makes sense. Please have small bits of food available for these sessions to reward your dog. Regular dry food and some other higher value food such as Zukes minis are good.