FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
The training rate listed in most of my quotes relates to a single intro session, but I do offer longer term packages at a reduced rate per session. Long term options include 4,7, 10 and 14 sessions, each session typically being 75 minutes long. Major reactivity training incurs an extra charge. My photography rates are listed by the session (they are usually 90 minutes long). The photography fee includes a digital slideshow of images from the shoot and credit towards the purchase of any SmugMug artwork or keepsake. Additional 4x6 prints can be purchased separately. Clients will have access to an online gallery to view their images.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
For training, when a client first contacts me, I talk to them briefly about what they want out of their training and answer any questions they may have about my program. When they are ready to proceed, I send them email containing a training questionnaire, along with a quote and signup form to officially schedule their first appointment. The first session most of my clients take is an intro session to help me identify factors contributing to issues the client would like to fix and to go over a general game plan. It is during this time that we discuss how my training is going to work and what the client needs to do to make the program successful. If the client decides to continue, I will then discuss options for comprehensive training. Packages come in 4,7, 10, and 14 sessions. Additional savings can be expected per session with the longer term packages. The actual training starts at the next visit in this case. For photography, I will consult with the client for free before a photography project to ensure we both know what to expect during and after the shoot. Video conferencing is recommended as I get to meet my subjects and build a working relationship ahead of time. However, phone and email consults are other methods we could use. Once everything pans out, we proceed to make arrangements for the photo session. A 25% non-refundable deposit is required at that time to reserve the date, with the rest collected at the time of the visit.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a graduate of Animal Behavior College, an institution that provides dog training certification and now cat certification to the thousands who successfully complete their professional training program. I am also an assigned trainer mentor for ABC's dog training division. For almost ten years prior to starting my business in 2017, I held the position of lead dog trainer and company dog training mentor for several Petco locations in Houston and surrounding areas. I am an approved AKC Canine Good Citizen/STAR Puppy evaluator, as well as an active member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. I also volunteer at the Sugar Land Animal Shelter to help socialize and train the cats that are brought in and ready for adoption. In regards to the photography, I apprenticed under and served as a second shooter for a professional photographer in Dallas, TX. However, I continue to hone my craft independently through self-study and through continued education programs. I am currently a member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA).