Professional Dog Training From the Comfort of Your Own Home!
Service Area
Travel outside the service area is considered case-by-case and is subject to an additional travel fee. Customers in cities are responsible for any parking costs incurred.
On-Leash Manners & Obedience (101): $670
Please note: This package is not suitable for any dogs displaying reactive or aggressive behaviors.
The basis for all behavior training with our dogs begins with their understanding of the leash. The most effective training happens when the leash is thought of as a communication tool, rather than simply a restraint. This three-lesson package is meant to help you find an easier and more effective method of leash handling. This approach will be rooted in cooperation and focus, rather than competition and distraction. Your dog will become a better problem-solver and gain confidence in you. And you will notice your actions having a more profound effect on your dog’s behavior.
In this package, you’ll learn how to use both luring and leash pressure to guide your dog into behaviors that you’re looking for. Most people have tried food-luring, but struggle with moving past the dog’s dependence on seeing a treat. And sometimes, the dog just isn’t into the snack we’re offering. Leash pressure functions hand-in-hand with positive reinforcement to encourage behaviors that you want from your dog. Using leash pressure allows us to more effectively shape behaviors into commands without the need for continued bribery or repeating ourselves to a distracted dog. Despite being trained on a leash, your dog will be more cooperative when the leash comes off, too!
Various things can be addressed as part of this package. Some common goals:
Loose-leash walking (“heeling” for the pet dog) - No more getting dragged around or holding your dog back
“Sit” and “Down” - Commands your dog should respond to the first time!
“Stay” or “Place” - Allowing your dog to chill in one spot while you do something else
Setting a foundation for off-leash goals and preparing for more advanced obedience.
Think of this package as a springboard, rather than a complete training program. You’ll get the skills and tools you need to transform your dog’s obedience. While some customers are satisfied after only a few sessions, the speed of your dog’s progress depends on many factors. These include whether they’ve learned any of this before, whether they’ve used similar tools before, your consistency in training, etc. Follow-up lessons can be used to continue training as needed. Many people will go on to pursue e-collar training through my 102 package, though it’s not required.
What’s Included?
3 lessons, 45-60 minutes each. These should be scheduled 1-2 weeks apart.
Depending on their needs, your dog will be fitted for either:
Herm Sprenger prong collar with snap leash, or
Mendota Slip Lead
Prerequisites:
Your dog must be at least 4 months of age to begin this program. Please see puppy basics if you have a younger puppy, or are considering getting a puppy.
Vaccinations against Rabies, DHPP, & Bordetella
Remote Collar Manners & Obedience (102): $870 - $950
Low price is for dogs under 80 lbs., high price for dogs 80+. The difference is the cost of the e-collar and other equipment.
With a solid training strategy and the most advanced training tools available, you can take your dog’s training to new heights! Remote electronic collars are to dog training what smartphones are to communication. You can get by with a landline and desktop computer for some things. But you need more features to do the things you want when you’re on the go. Quality and safety are paramount; when it comes to training with e-collars, it’s important that both dog and owner know exactly how it can be used to shape behavior.
The first thing every person in this program gets to do is feel the collar on their hand. It’s important you are comfortable with the tools you’re using, so I take the time to acclimate you and your dog to them. E-collars are no “quick fix,” but rather an advanced tool that allows you to do more and do it better. While commonly referred to as “shock collars,” students of this program will learn that these tools are far more nuanced than that narrow and inexperienced view. They have myriad uses for managing your dog’s behavior in and out of the house.
There are two main ways an e-collar can be used:
A gentle nudge - I show you how to train your dog to respond to a remote “tap on the shoulder” so you can move them into behaviors you want, even when distracted. This method is the approach that can give you confidence that your dog will come when called, regardless of distractions. And eventually you may find your dog responds independent of the tool!
A stronger deterrent - This is a behavior-stopper, to be used sparingly. This can deter problem behaviors such as chewing of objects, counter-surfing, jumping, and excessive barking. When used this way, the goal is to make sure your dog knows exactly what behavior earned the consequence, so nagging isn’t necessary.
Certain behaviors, like the ones listed above, are best taught using the aid of a remote collar. That’s not to say that it’s impossible to do without, only that I’ve found the safest, quickest, and most effective results come with the use of this tool.
What’s Included?
3 lessons, 45-60 minutes each. These should be scheduled 1-2 weeks apart.
A 30-foot long line
A remote collar from E-Collar Technologies (model depends on dog’s size)
Low price is for dogs under 80 lbs., high price for dogs 80+.
Prerequisites:
Successful completion of On-Leash Manners & Obedience (101)
Vaccinations against Rabies, DHPP, & Bordetella
Reactive & Aggressive Behavior Package: $1,310 - $1,390
What’s reactive or aggressive behavior? These are behaviors that have sudden onset and are antisocial, maladaptive, and otherwise just “over-the-top” for what the situation requires. This isn’t just a program for dangerous or mean dogs, but also fearful dogs, defensive dogs, sensitive dogs, and even overly excited dogs. That’s the meaning of the term “reactive.” It’s meant to highlight that many of these dogs aren’t truly bad, but have unhealthy and unsafe behavior patterns.
Most people don’t think of their dog’s behavior as “aggressive” unless the dog is actually biting or trying to. But there are various other behaviors that would qualify a dog for this package that might not seem as big a deal, but are actually extreme and unsafe behaviors. These include:
Barking, growling, and/or lunging at people, vehicles, or animals
Raised hackles (hair on the dog’s back)
Bites or attempted bites
Any or all of these would mean your dog is a good fit for this package.
I have worked with numerous dogs across New England with such issues, ranging from mild to severe and dangerous. In most cases, your dog can learn the self-control necessary to live peacefully. I’ll help take the mystery out of your dog’s behavior. I’ll show you my proven methods for correcting reactivity and aggression and channeling it into healthier behavior. We can help your dog gain the confidence to respond to stress more calmly in the future.
In this package you will learn:
To safely and confidently handle a dog with aggressive/reactive tendencies
Short-term and long-term lifestyle changes which support your dog’s transformation
To recognize the body language cues that precede poor behavior
Proper application of reinforcement and punishment in order to guide your dog toward safer and more constructive behaviors
How to lead and advocate for your dog — so they feel secure and choose not to lash out when stressed
Using my Manners—Obedience—Mindset approach to dog training, we can restore peace to your dog’s life. The short-term result will be a safer dog and improved confidence for you. The long-term result will be a calmer, more relaxed dog. Since every dog is unique, this package should be looked at as merely a starting point. Follow-Up Lessons can be used to continue your dog’s training as needed.
What’s Included?
5 lessons, 45-60 minutes each. These should be scheduled 1-2 weeks apart.
A remote collar from E-Collar Technologies (model depends on dog’s size)
Low price is for dogs under 80 lbs., high price for dogs 80+.
Prerequisites:
Vaccinations against Rabies, DHPP, & Bordetella
This package requires that your dog be comfortable in a muzzle. Your dog will wear this for the duration of training unless I remove it. This is for the safety of you, your dog, and me. You can learn more about selecting a muzzle and acclimating your dog to it in the video below.
Puppy Basics: virtual consultation - $40
This is the place to start for people with new puppies under 4 months of age, or those considering getting puppies. This 45-minute video conference is where you get to find out all about managing a young puppy in your home. Some common topics we cover:
The secret to housebreaking
What most trainers won’t tell you about socialization
Stopping nipping and chewing
Getting your puppy a head start with obedience commands
Acclimating your puppy to a leash and collar
And more!
You’ll get a straightforward approach to curbing unwanted behavior while shaping your puppy into the well-behaved dog you want them to be. When it’s time for formal obedience training, your puppy will already have a solid foundation and a mindset that’s open to learning. You’ll also gain confidence handling your dog during this time, making your future training much more effective. Most importantly, you’ll develop a trusting and responsible relationship with your puppy.
Equipment:
You’ll need a few things for your new pup:
A crate - with a divider to accommodate your puppy as they grow into it
A 6-foot leash
A flat, non-restrictive puppy collar - not a harness
Follow-Up Lessons: $210
Description
These are follow-up lessons that can be added to any training package for additional training. They can also be used as refresher training or for problem-solving for customers who previously completed a training package. They are not for first appointments and do not include additional equipment. New customers must begin with a training package.
Each lesson is 45-60 minutes long.