FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
For private lessons: $50/session at my facility. $50/hr if doing lesson at owner's home, or meeting at another location. For board and train: 2 week program - $1100. Includes training, treats, 2 lessons with pet parents, boarding. Lots of social time with other dogs. Covers heel, loose leash walking, sit/stay, down/stay, come and finish 4 week program - $2400. Includes training, treats 4 lessons with pet parents, boarding. Lots of social time with other dogs. 2 field trips to area pet shops for distraction proofing. Covers on and off lead heel, loose leash walking, sit/stay and down/stay with upwards of 20' of distance, distraction proofing, behavior in public, mountain hikes. We will custom design your dog's experience depending on your overall goals and his abilities.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I'd prefer to speak either in person or on the phone to discuss your needs and goals. This will help me tailor a training program to achieve your goals. When you decide which program you'd prefer, we arrange an appointment where we can meet each other and you can tour our facility. We deem it best for you to feel comfortable with us and our way of caring for your beloved fur kid, prior to committing to our program. We offer the best care and training for dogs, cats, birds and other animals in the state. Let us prove that to you!
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have degrees in Psychology and Zoology. I have worked with exotic animals at National Zoo, Boston Zoo, and Dolphin Research Center. I began my business in 1983, teaching pet owners how to work with and communicate with their pets. During my tenure as a professional trainer, I have worked with thousands of dogs, cats, horses and other animals. I am the only trainer in the state who has credentials working with such a wide array of species, professionally. The key is simple: I use positive reinforcement. This motivates animals to learn. I published my first book, Dog Training Basics, in 1995. By 2014, I had 44 published books. I have also provided web content, news articles, magazine articles and more during this time. Harvard, UC Davis, UC Colorado and other Universities use my books for their veterinary and animal behavior programs. Dog training schools also use my books to teach students how to understand and train dogs.