Frequently Asked Questions
What type of training do you do?
I specialize in working with dogs who are showing aggressive, reactive, fearful or anxious behaviors. My training is reward based and force free. This means that I will never intentionally do anything to scare, threaten or hurt your dog. I work from a positive reinforcement-based perspective because it is effective and doesn't have the same risk of long-term fallout as many punishment-based methods.
I use a prong/choke/e-collar/punishment with my dog. Will you still work with me?
Absolutely. If you are open to the learning process, trying other tools and listening to my recommendations, I will never deny someone help because of previous training tools or techniques. We are all doing the best we can with what we have available, and I am here to help you and your dog, not to judge!
Why is the initial consultation done virtually?
I switched my consultations to a virtual format initially because of Covid, but then discovered that an initial consultation done virtually was actually just as effective with a lot less stress for everyone. The initial consultation is usually all talking, so there is no need for me to be present with your dog, and since I focus primarily on aggression, anxiety, fear and reactivity, the virtual format is much safer and less stressful for the dog and humans.
Can I skip the consultation or do it in-person instead of virtually?
No, the consultation is required and it is always done virtually. If you need accommodations or help getting set up for the virtual session, send me a message and we will work out the best option.
How do I get started?
Step one is to fill out the wait list request form on the home page! That will send me your info and get you on my list. I'll contact you when I have availability so we can schedule your initial consultation.
When will you be able to fit me in?
Sometimes I can fit you in right away, and sometimes I have a multiple months-long wait list. It varies widely based on a number of factors - the best option is to fill out my wait list request and if I have a quick opening I will get back to you very soon! If you don't hear from me, you are welcome to follow up to check on when I may be able to get you in. If you need help sooner than I am available, I am also happy to make recommendations for other trainers.
What do your certifications/the letters after your name mean?
My certifications show a level of experience and education that gives me the ability to help you and your dog even with more concerning behavior issues. They are: Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, and Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge and Skills Assessed. All of these required a lot of education, extensive testing, and in-depth applications. They represent about 15 years of experience (I started my training career in 2008), hundreds of hours of conferences, webinars, seminars, reading, etc., and a big commitment to continuing that education even after I received the certifications. Dog behavior is a science and we are learning more about how our dogs learn and think every day, so I will always stay committed to continuing education to provide the very best training to every dog and person I work with.
Why do your certifications matter?
Dog training is an unregulated business - that means anyone can call themselves a dog trainer or behaviorist, even if they have no experience. Certifications from nationally and internationally recognized organizations and programs represent proof of both experience and education.
Can you help me find and/or train my dog to be a service dog?
Usually, yes! I have a lot of experience with service dog training and offer a number of service from matchmaking to find you the right dog to evaluating your dog to the extensive training process. Because it is such a long process (on average 1-2 years), I am only able to take a limited number of service dog clients at a time. My experience is primarily in psychiatric, mobility and hearing dogs, but I am also happy to discuss other needed tasks outside of these categories to see if they are something I am able to assist with.
Do you train basic manners/other training not listed on your website?
I do take basic manners clients on a limited basis. However, because there are so many great basic training programs in the area, I often refer out to some of the other wonderful trainers I recommend.
Should I do private coaching sessions or day training?
This is largely personal preference, but in some cases I will recommend one over the other. Private coaching sessions keep you involved in every step and teach you to communicate with and train your own dog so that you can continue the training when I'm not there. Day training gives your dog the opportunity to work with me one-on-one without you present, and then for us to meet once a month for a "transfer" session to go over what we've done and for me to show you how to continue to work with your dog. Both can be very effective options!
How many sessions will I need?
In most cases, I will recommend starting with at minimum a package of five sessions (either private coaching sessions or a month of day training). Behavior modification takes time and I want to get you as far along to your goal during our time together as possible! In many cases, more sessions will be needed, and they can be purchased up front or added on once the initial package is complete.
Do you offer payment plans?
I do not offer payment plans - the discounted package price is lower per hour because you are buying multiple sessions at once. However, I understand that the package cost can be a lot for many people, and I do allow students to buy smaller packages as they go, or even single sessions. (The cost per hour for a single session or smaller package may be higher.)
Can I call you to talk about my dog before signing up?
You are welcome to send an email through the contact form! My schedule is packed tight to help as many people and dogs as possible, so I often do not have time for phone calls unless they are from current clients. (Once you are a client, you will have my phone number for text messages as well as phone calls as needed.) I don't need to know your dog's history or a lot of detail about the issue until the initial consultation - that's part of what it's for! All of that said, if you think there are important details to let me know in advance, or feel it is very important that we have a discussion first, let me know and I'll see if I can schedule you in for a call.
Will you work with my dog if they have a bite history?
Absolutely! This is a lot of what I do when working with aggressive behaviors. I will require that you take safety precautions while we are training together to prevent further bites and will give you instructions on this in the initial consultation.
Why is separation anxiety only offered virtually?
Separation anxiety is treated much more effectively virtually - if I'm at your house for a lesson, it changes the entire scenario for your dog. I need to be able to observe your dog with you gone without them being aware of my presence. I am happy to help with any concerns or challenges you might have in setting up our virtual training.
Do you require masks be worn during training?
My safety policy for Covid typically follows current guidelines. At this time, I don't require masks, but am always willing to wear one when asked and may choose to wear one in certain higher risk situations or when numbers are higher. I am also personally vaccinated and will continue to keep up with that to minimize my risk of passing anything along to my students. Please feel free to ask if you have any concerns or specific needs!
Can you guarantee the training will work?
I do not offer any guarantees on the results of the training because dogs are animals, not robots, and even if we do everything right sometimes there are medical, genetic, environmental or other issues that persist. Your dog's behavior can also be heavily influenced by how you interact with them, and because I can only give guidance there and cannot control your actions or those of your dog, it would be unethical for me to guarantee results. What I will guarantee is that I will honestly communicate to you as we go through the process what seems to be working and what doesn't, and will make adjustments if we are not seeing progress happening. My goal is always for you and your dog to succeed together.
I sent you an email and I never heard back. Did you get it?
I probably did, but always feel free to follow up! I am a one-person business and I get a very high volume of emails, so I can sometimes miss one or get behind on my responses. I prioritize communication with current students and then respond to emails from new potential students. I appreciate your patience and don't hesitate to send me a note to make sure I saw your email!
I specialize in working with dogs who are showing aggressive, reactive, fearful or anxious behaviors. My training is reward based and force free. This means that I will never intentionally do anything to scare, threaten or hurt your dog. I work from a positive reinforcement-based perspective because it is effective and doesn't have the same risk of long-term fallout as many punishment-based methods.
I use a prong/choke/e-collar/punishment with my dog. Will you still work with me?
Absolutely. If you are open to the learning process, trying other tools and listening to my recommendations, I will never deny someone help because of previous training tools or techniques. We are all doing the best we can with what we have available, and I am here to help you and your dog, not to judge!
Why is the initial consultation done virtually?
I switched my consultations to a virtual format initially because of Covid, but then discovered that an initial consultation done virtually was actually just as effective with a lot less stress for everyone. The initial consultation is usually all talking, so there is no need for me to be present with your dog, and since I focus primarily on aggression, anxiety, fear and reactivity, the virtual format is much safer and less stressful for the dog and humans.
Can I skip the consultation or do it in-person instead of virtually?
No, the consultation is required and it is always done virtually. If you need accommodations or help getting set up for the virtual session, send me a message and we will work out the best option.
How do I get started?
Step one is to fill out the wait list request form on the home page! That will send me your info and get you on my list. I'll contact you when I have availability so we can schedule your initial consultation.
When will you be able to fit me in?
Sometimes I can fit you in right away, and sometimes I have a multiple months-long wait list. It varies widely based on a number of factors - the best option is to fill out my wait list request and if I have a quick opening I will get back to you very soon! If you don't hear from me, you are welcome to follow up to check on when I may be able to get you in. If you need help sooner than I am available, I am also happy to make recommendations for other trainers.
What do your certifications/the letters after your name mean?
My certifications show a level of experience and education that gives me the ability to help you and your dog even with more concerning behavior issues. They are: Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, and Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge and Skills Assessed. All of these required a lot of education, extensive testing, and in-depth applications. They represent about 15 years of experience (I started my training career in 2008), hundreds of hours of conferences, webinars, seminars, reading, etc., and a big commitment to continuing that education even after I received the certifications. Dog behavior is a science and we are learning more about how our dogs learn and think every day, so I will always stay committed to continuing education to provide the very best training to every dog and person I work with.
Why do your certifications matter?
Dog training is an unregulated business - that means anyone can call themselves a dog trainer or behaviorist, even if they have no experience. Certifications from nationally and internationally recognized organizations and programs represent proof of both experience and education.
Can you help me find and/or train my dog to be a service dog?
Usually, yes! I have a lot of experience with service dog training and offer a number of service from matchmaking to find you the right dog to evaluating your dog to the extensive training process. Because it is such a long process (on average 1-2 years), I am only able to take a limited number of service dog clients at a time. My experience is primarily in psychiatric, mobility and hearing dogs, but I am also happy to discuss other needed tasks outside of these categories to see if they are something I am able to assist with.
Do you train basic manners/other training not listed on your website?
I do take basic manners clients on a limited basis. However, because there are so many great basic training programs in the area, I often refer out to some of the other wonderful trainers I recommend.
Should I do private coaching sessions or day training?
This is largely personal preference, but in some cases I will recommend one over the other. Private coaching sessions keep you involved in every step and teach you to communicate with and train your own dog so that you can continue the training when I'm not there. Day training gives your dog the opportunity to work with me one-on-one without you present, and then for us to meet once a month for a "transfer" session to go over what we've done and for me to show you how to continue to work with your dog. Both can be very effective options!
How many sessions will I need?
In most cases, I will recommend starting with at minimum a package of five sessions (either private coaching sessions or a month of day training). Behavior modification takes time and I want to get you as far along to your goal during our time together as possible! In many cases, more sessions will be needed, and they can be purchased up front or added on once the initial package is complete.
Do you offer payment plans?
I do not offer payment plans - the discounted package price is lower per hour because you are buying multiple sessions at once. However, I understand that the package cost can be a lot for many people, and I do allow students to buy smaller packages as they go, or even single sessions. (The cost per hour for a single session or smaller package may be higher.)
Can I call you to talk about my dog before signing up?
You are welcome to send an email through the contact form! My schedule is packed tight to help as many people and dogs as possible, so I often do not have time for phone calls unless they are from current clients. (Once you are a client, you will have my phone number for text messages as well as phone calls as needed.) I don't need to know your dog's history or a lot of detail about the issue until the initial consultation - that's part of what it's for! All of that said, if you think there are important details to let me know in advance, or feel it is very important that we have a discussion first, let me know and I'll see if I can schedule you in for a call.
Will you work with my dog if they have a bite history?
Absolutely! This is a lot of what I do when working with aggressive behaviors. I will require that you take safety precautions while we are training together to prevent further bites and will give you instructions on this in the initial consultation.
Why is separation anxiety only offered virtually?
Separation anxiety is treated much more effectively virtually - if I'm at your house for a lesson, it changes the entire scenario for your dog. I need to be able to observe your dog with you gone without them being aware of my presence. I am happy to help with any concerns or challenges you might have in setting up our virtual training.
Do you require masks be worn during training?
My safety policy for Covid typically follows current guidelines. At this time, I don't require masks, but am always willing to wear one when asked and may choose to wear one in certain higher risk situations or when numbers are higher. I am also personally vaccinated and will continue to keep up with that to minimize my risk of passing anything along to my students. Please feel free to ask if you have any concerns or specific needs!
Can you guarantee the training will work?
I do not offer any guarantees on the results of the training because dogs are animals, not robots, and even if we do everything right sometimes there are medical, genetic, environmental or other issues that persist. Your dog's behavior can also be heavily influenced by how you interact with them, and because I can only give guidance there and cannot control your actions or those of your dog, it would be unethical for me to guarantee results. What I will guarantee is that I will honestly communicate to you as we go through the process what seems to be working and what doesn't, and will make adjustments if we are not seeing progress happening. My goal is always for you and your dog to succeed together.
I sent you an email and I never heard back. Did you get it?
I probably did, but always feel free to follow up! I am a one-person business and I get a very high volume of emails, so I can sometimes miss one or get behind on my responses. I prioritize communication with current students and then respond to emails from new potential students. I appreciate your patience and don't hesitate to send me a note to make sure I saw your email!