One thing that sets me apart from Dog Trainers you may have worked with or heard about is that I consider myself a "Dog Guide," not a rigid and formulaic "Trainer." When I interact with your dog, I will show them and ask them, not make them. My goal is to work with you in doing the same. 

     It's been my experience that during learning sessions there is so much going on that it's difficult for people to both participate effectively and remember everything later.  Another key factor that sets me apart from Dog Trainers is that I provide very detailed follow-up Reviews/Homework of our time together that you can refer to indefinitely.

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What is LIMA?

     The International Association of Animal Consultants (IAABC) "requires that trainers and behavior consultants use LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) techniques...to succeed in achieving a training (or behavior change) objective with minimal risk of producing aversive side-effects." LIMA "is also a competence criterion, requiring that trainers and behavior consultants be adequately trained and skilled in order to ensure that the LIMA procedure is in fact used."

     ***I do not use shock collars, prong collars, choke chains, citronella collars, squirt bottles, or any other training method or mechanism that is aversive. I don't use trickery, bribery, startle techniques, or harsh corrections with my dogs and I won't use them with yours.

 

What are the three types of Enrichment Sessions offered?

     Each 60 minute In-Home learning session ($70) includes the introduction and practice of new exercises, a review of the previous week's exercises, and follow-up session reviews that are emailed to you in a timely manner. We simply work together as many times as you feel is necessary for you and your dog to be successful. I don't offer packages or require a contract, so there is never a financial obligation to purchase anything beforehand. 

     The 90 minute In-Home Consultation  ($90) includes a sit-down discussion, behavioral assessment, hands-on behavioral modification exercises that we practice together, a Clicker if you'd like to use one, and a detailed follow-up summary/game plan emailed to you.  I'm available to address any questions, concerns, and triumphs(!)  thereafter. You may decide to follow up with several In-Home Learning Sessions (see above) or Real-Time Online Learning Sessions (see below) .

      Real-time online Learning Sessions ($60) are offered for those who desire the same quality guidance but may live out-of-state or overseas. This is also an effective alternative for those who would like to learn and practice together anywhere in the world, multiple times a week! (This option is useful if you would like to work on things like loose-leash walking, fear-based issues, meet-and-greets, etc. ) It works well for those who prefer not to have in-home visits on a regular basis. Unfortunately with this option I cannot provide hands-on learning materials (like a Clicker, Syllabus, and other useful handouts) but will email all pertinent information to you ahead of time.

     

What are the learning materials provided?

     I provide a learning session Clicker if you wish to use one, written handouts (including a Syllabus), and detailed follow-up learning session reviews via email. 

 

What are the radius and mileage rates?

     After a fifteen mile radius from my home in College Township I charge the IRS Standard Mileage Rate.

 

How many in-home coaching sessions should we expect to have?

     Typically we might have 6-8 private in-home sessions together, depending on you and your dog’s progress. We need to be flexible in that respect. It's important to know that if you put in the time and effort outside of our weekly time together you will see helpful results. Much of what we cover in each lesson depends on the progress you’ve made the week before, so if you don’t practice it’s difficult to move forward. It only takes 3-5 minutes, four or five times a day, of practice to make significant progress.

 

Is there a cancellation fee?

     There is no cancellation fee. If something occurs so that you can’t keep your appointment, as a courtesy I hope you would let me know as soon as possible. I try to schedule learning sessions on the same day each week, at roughly the same time, so as to maintain continuity in our progress. In the event of three cancelations and/or two no-shows I will assume that it's not the right time for learning sessions. I will check back in with you in three months or another time at your request.

 

Do you board and train dogs?

     No, I don’t offer boarding and training. There are enormous benefits when you learn how to work with your dog, including building a stronger bond and mutual trust between you, confidence-building, and a feeling of real accomplishment. 

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What is "Force-Free and Reward-Based?

     This means that we ask your dog, with gentle encouragement, to try new behaviors for us. When they figure out what it is that we're asking, we praise and reward them. We Guide, Shape, Lure, or "Capture" their successes, Mark that moment, and Reward them so they are more and more likely to repeat the behavior. There is nothing punitive, only rewarding their efforts or simply asking them to try again. Everybody wins.

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What sort of training equipment should we use during our lessons?

     For our sessions, I recommend using a 6' leash that is non-retractible. I prefer the use of a harness with my own dogs when we walk and during learning sessions (though they do wear their identification and rabies tags on their collars). 

 

What should I expect during these lessons?

     I will offer an overall written syllabus/ "game plan" with lots of options for you and your dog to cover. Then we'll tailor it toward you and your dog's needs, physical and intellectual capabilities, family situation, and prior learning experiences together. We'll consider realistic expectations when we follow the game plan we construct together. Each time we meet the first few minutes is a discussion and review of what you worked on together the previous week. We can trouble shoot any difficulties during that time. Then I’ll present the new material for the week, show you how to do each exercise, and work with you both while you practice them (so as to set you up for a successful upcoming week of working together).

 

Will my dog be completely trained at the end of the time we work together?

     Being “completely trained” is an unrealistic expectation, especially given the time frame we will be working together. If, however, you put in the effort and practice your dog will have a solid foundation of good manners after our time together. Then you can use what you know to strengthen their skills (and yours) while introducing and reinforcing new behaviors throughout their lifespan.

     ***I liken it to drawing by numbers—you connect the dots one at a time until you’ve produced a picture outline. Next you shade the outline in lightly with various colors, and then you color heavily in those areas where you want to make the most impact.

 

Do we have to use treats from now on to motivate our dog to cooperate with us?

     No, but in the beginning we use a 1:1 ratio of reinforcement until your dog becomes comfortable and fluent in the behavior you’re seeking. Reinforcement can be food, praise, petting, play, or sniffing (whatever your dog finds rewarding).