DOG Training Services

Behavior Evaluation

During the Behavior Evaluation, I meet with you and your dog via Zoom for 1.5 hours (all subsequent lessons will be in person). It includes both private in-person lessons and online learning modules, as well as the option to do the online program only. We discuss in detail your dog’s history and temperament, any behavioral issues, and goals for training. During this time, I will make initial training recommendations, and we will practice one or more training exercises as well.

In the Evaluation, we will discuss the basic elements of the recommended training program for you and your dog, and will also cover expectations for program participation. You can feel free to ask questions and express any concerns you may have about training- this is a nonjudgmental setting in which open communication is valued and welcomed. I will not expect your dog to perform any particular behaviors at this time.

Following the Evaluation, you will be given access to an introductory online mini course that includes the following:

• videos on the initial training exercises from the evaluation
• videos to build your knowledge of dog body language, motivation, reinforcement, management, and more
• information about decompression walks and proper use of treats/food in training
• information about how to use enrichment to positively impact your dog’s behavior
• a list of items and activities to help your dog live their best life as you start your training journey

Ready to get started? Come as you are, and let’s get to know each other!

Mindful Dog

The Mindful Dog Program is designed for adult dogs and puppies over 4 months of age. It includes both private in-person lessons and online learning modules, as well as the option to do the online program only. The program will be customized to meet your needs, and may include basic skills such as polite leash walking, settle/place, implied stay, sit, down, leave it, drop it, body handling, reactivity prevention, coming when called, crate or exercise pen training, separation anxiety prevention, housetraining, mouthing, and grooming/handling. Other skills may be added/substituted as needed.

This program is ideal for the following situations:

• You want a dog who listens better when you ask them to do something
• You have a younger dog or puppy and would like to help them grow into the best version of themselves
• You would like help with problem behaviors such as counter surfing, eating non-food items, chewing, pulling on the leash, jumping on people, attention-seeking behaviors, excessive barking, and not coming when called
• You have a newly adopted dog who needs basic training
• You have had your dog for a while but haven’t yet embarked on your training journey
• You are feeling lost and in need of support, because you keep encountering contradictory training information
• You are looking for a kind training approach because you consider your dog to be family
• You would like to have a better relationship with your dog

Reframing Reactivity

Do you have a dog who struggles to cope with people, vehicles, moving objects, or other dogs?

The Reframing Reactivity program focuses on a number of strategies to help you transform how you and your dog handle difficult situations. Depending on the severity of the behaviors and whether they occur indoors, outdoors, or both, skills may include polite leash walking, settle with relaxation, gentle crate or similar training, as well as counterconditioning and desensitization exercises to change your dog’s feelings about triggers.

Exercises may also include a protocol to help your dog feel at ease with guests in the home, exercises to get your dog’s attention on you during difficult moments, a strategy to get your dog to self-soothe around triggers, and mindfulness and reframing exercises to help change your emotions during these times.

This program is ideal for the following situations:

• You have a dog who barks, lunges, or displays similar behavior around people and/or dogs, either while on or off leash
• Your dog also barks, lunges, or displays similar behavior when people enter or are inside your home
• Your dog barks or lunges at bikes, cars, trucks, or similar things
• Your dog is fearful and also displays some of the above behaviors
• Your dog is starting to display behaviors that are moving in the direction of reactivity
• You are embarrassed or ashamed when it comes to your dog’s behavior
• You want to improve your relationship with your dog
• You are feeling lost and hopeless about your dog’s behavior
• You want to help your dog using kind training methods, but you aren’t sure how

Mindful Puppy 

The Mindful Puppy Program is designed for puppies under 6 months of age. It includes both private in-person lessons and online learning modules, as well as the option to do the online program only. The program will be customized to meet your needs, and may include basic skills such as polite leash walking, settle/place, implied stay, sit, down, leave it, drop it, body handling, reactivity prevention, coming when called, crate or puppy exercise pen training, separation anxiety prevention, housetraining, mouthing, and grooming/handling. Skills may be added/substituted as needed.

Proper socialization will be discussed in depth, and you will be provided with ideas for socialization outings so that your puppy can be safely exposed to the outside world before being fully vaccinated (for the latest information on this subject, please visit https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Puppy_Socialization_Position_Statement_Download_-_10-3-14.pdf ).

This program is ideal for the following situations:

• You have a new puppy and would like to get them off on the right foot
• You had a challenging dog in the past and would like to do things differently this time
• You want your puppy to know basic obedience
• You’d like to prevent problems before they start
• You want to maximize your puppy’s potential to be a well-adjusted adult dog
• You want to learn more about why your puppy does what they do
• You are feeling overwhelmed with your new family member