Private Training
We are here to help you and your pet find a way to communicate with each other clearly and positively to help your pup overcome behaviors they are struggling with. Using open and clear dialogue, our experienced consultant will guide and coach you to work towards the goal(s) you set for you and your pet(s). When discussing behavior concerns, we agree with the saying “your dog is not giving you a hard time, they are having a hard time.” Our goal when working with you is to help this hard time become a much more happier time - for both ends of the leash!
Issues that may be addressed:
puppy socialization & foundation skills training, including training with the whole family
adult dogs foundation skills training
leash reactivity to other dogs or humans
aggression (toward humans, dogs, or other animals)
resource guarding of food, people, dogs, toys, etc.
anxiety (separation or generalized)
barking
destructiveness (digging, chewing, etc)
fear or phobias
housetraining
hyperactivity & impulse control
introducing a new dog or pet to the family
preparing for a new human member of the family
& more!
What would this look like for me and my pup?
Included in every session:
A complete summary of what we discussed and the skills we introduce is sent afterwards
Follow up and contact with the consultant throughout (and after) your plan.
To start: All private training sessions start with a virtual (via Zoom) initial consultation. At the initial consultation, we will review a history form with you, ask you a great deal of questions to expand upon the information we have on the issues, create initial management and treatment plans, and then introduce some initial skills. Follow-up working sessions can follow, and the frequency of meeting is determined by you and also the issues going on! Please refer to section at the bottom of this page on why we choose to do initial consultations virtually!
After the initial consultation, we discuss how to move forward and often proceed in one of two ways for future session(s):
Traditional Training - During these sessions, we either come together in-person or we continue to meet virtually (dog, situation, and location dependent) to practice skills, continue to expand upon your skillset, work around distractions and triggers, etc. When meeting in-person, these sessions could continue at your home, outside elsewhere, or sometimes at one of our locations after-hours!
Day Training - We understand busy schedules, and know that you may prefer we take the "reins" to start. Day training involves a consultant working with your dog once a week to multiple times per week to work on a behavior modification plan one-on-one (without the owner joining). As the sessions progress, you & your family will meet with the consultant to learn about the skills and techniques to continue your dog's progress.
Rates:
All sessions, including the initial consultation, cost $120 per hour for one pet.* Most sessions are one hour long, though we may offer 30 minute sessions if it is better for your pet to work for shorter amounts of time. For sessions involving more than one pet, please contact us for rates.
Your payment includes:
The private training session
A complete summary of what we discussed and the skills we introduce sent afterwards
Follow up and contact with the consultant throughout (and after) your plan
*Rates are based upon a 20-mile radius from main office (Middleton). There is an additional mileage charge for traveling outside that range. Email/call for details. If you are outside this range, we would still be happy to meet with you virtually and/or find an area to meet between us and you within our range!
Cancellation Policy: “No shows” or cancelled appointments with less than 48 hours of notice from appointment time will be charged, in full, to the client.
“Why is my first session virtual? Don’t you have to meet my dog and see their behaviors?”
We get asked this a lot, and can appreciate your desire to show us the behaviors you are struggling with. The short answer to this is: we believe you. We believe you when you describe your dog’s behaviors, and we believe you when you express that they are frustrating or distressing for both you and your pup. Below are some quick reasons we have opted for first meeting with you virtually:
Dogs often act different when we are there. Our presence alone can change how your dog would normally react. We are not your “typical” guests - we come armed with treats, are ready to reinforce things we like, and don’t reinforce your dog for behaviors other guests may be accidentally reinforcing. Plus, your dog is often distracted by us and may not respond to triggers in the same way.
The first session is a lot of talking between humans to create your plans, which is often boring for your dog. They’d much rather be involved once we have a plan in place!
Problem behaviors are often occurring because your dog is over-aroused (whether from excitement or anxiety), and can sometimes take a bit to calm down from. During our sessions, and especially our initial consultation where we are getting to know each other, we prefer everyone to be as relaxed and comfortable as possible for optimal learning.
They are quicker to schedule as we do not have to account for travel time - which means we can get your training plan going sooner!
