Why Private Training?

My Behavior Modification Instructions include:

·       Consultation, Evaluation and 1st lesson $150-$400 per hour. Additional lessons will be based on the accomplishments of you and your dog. A lesson once a week is optimal to change a behavior. Each additional dog living within same household is an additional $75.00-$200 for 30 minutes. 

·       Customizing instruction lessons to fit your needs & time. I am fairly flexible on days/times/locations for lessons with enough notice.

·       Availability 7 days a week, from 1-2 hr after sunrise and 1 hr before sunset 8 pm. Training times veri during fall/winter/spring/summer months.

·       Satisfaction Guaranteed for the life of your pet as long as they live with you.

 There are many benefits in having a customized program to fit your needs. No travel time for you, no class distractions and one-on-one personal attention. 

 A well balanced dog is a social and predictable member of society.  Such dog will not bite out of fear, nor growl at a funny-looking trashcan, or a large hat on a stranger.  He or she will not pull its owner across the street, sidewalk, or park.  He or she will not jump up on everyone as a greeting; rather, the dog will sit and wait patiently for recognition.  Achieving a balanced dog requires dedicated training.  This is where I come in.  Before we can mold your pet friend into a model citizen, there are a few aspects to training that must be understood.

·       Perfection takes time, and will not be achieved in one lesson. You must be dedicated to work with your dog at least 10 minutes per day. Twice a day would be better.

·       Exercise, I cannot stress this enough! If you have an uncontrollable dog get them out and walk them. It clears the mind-body-sole of both you & your pet friend. If you can get out buy a treadmill. 

·       Consistency is key to success, remember it takes 21 days to form new habits. Human or animal we all need a 3 week time frame to change bad habits to good.

·       Your leadership must be present at all times you are in contact with your pet friend. This is not to say you cannot love or play with your dog. Even in play you must always be in control to change a bad habit like biting.

·       Proper equipment will help you to succeed in leaps and bounds. I have many options to choose from.

Here are some general ideas to keep in mind while working/playing with your pet friend.

·       You walk the dog.  The dog does not walk you.  Keep the dog at your side while walking; this will further instill your leadership. If dog is in front then dog thinks they are in charge.

·       Remember: who ever goes through the doorway first, is in charge.  In any situation, for example: a doorway, a car door, a gate etc., you as the human must enter the space first. 

·       When giving a command, give it once and only once.  The dog needs to understand that as the leader, you are serious the first time.  Furthermore, understand that the dog’s name is not a command.  Repeating a dog’s name over and over only confuses them. 

·       Consistency and dedication is key to success.  This is to say that everyone in contact with the dog must be consistent and dedicated.  This includes and is most specific to family members.  You all must be on the same page with your dog’s training methods.

Private Instructions $150-$300 per hour for 1 dog

·       Listening Skills: teaching your dog to listen to you the first time-every time

·       Manners: polite greetings of familiar and strange people other dogs and no begging for food at inappropriate times

·       Common negative behavior issues: chewing, barking, jumping, digging, nipping, growling and aggression towards dog/human

·       Separation anxiety

·       Fear of people, dogs or objects

·       House training for potty, counter surfing, barking, nipping at kids and so on

·       Socialization does not mean greeeting every person/dog they see. It means teaching your dog life skills on walks and plays away from home.

·       Baby proofing your dog months before the baby comes into your lives, as soon as a person finds out they are pregnet that is the ideal time to start teaching yur dog the new rules of the house.

·       Basic obedience to include: Heel, sit, down, stay, come and wait (at gates/doors/treats etc…)

Before our first in person meeting, we will interview each other by phone to see if we are a good fit. I will then ask for some (dog) history of you, and the the concers you have with your dog(s). We will create a personalized plan to help your pet friend become a great member of their community/society. Some issues take time to correct and because of this we must all be committed to follow through with the lesson plan. One lesson is rarely enough to turn anything around or to teach a new behavior. I want to help you develop the best possible relationship that you could ever wish for between you and your pet friend. These one-hour lessons can be held anywhere, depending on your dog’s level of obedience and focus, and your goals.

I have been asked many times what my training philosophy is? I believe in balanced dog training along with dog behaviorism and dog psychology. What does that mean: Do no harm, maintain harmony and accomplish training and behavior modification without violating the dogs trust. I agree that there is a difference in training vs. balance. Let me show you how to achieve a balanced dog and make your life & your dogs life happier. With over 50 years of experience in the canine world I am sure that together we can accomplish anything.

My advise to you is in seeking help/guidance for you and your canine companions just remember to do your research. There are just as many dog trainers/behaviorists/phycologists out there as there are doctors/dentists/lawyers. No amount of degrees can give you the expertise of a well-seasoned dog trainer.