Training services
Let’s resolve behavioral concerns together using humane, effective, and compassionate methods you can feel good about. After each full training session, you will receive notes and resources to continue working on behavior plans at home. Training can be done in-person within our service area of Sonoma and northern Marin Counties, or virtually if you are located outside of our service area or prefer to learn virtually. All training program content is tailored to your individual needs. Fill out the contact form to get started.
Initial Consult
Before all training programs or bundles, an initial 75-minute consultation session is required to outline all of your concerns and needs. The consultation session fee is $225 and includes getting started on basics (including handouts and homework) and the development of a personalized plan for your dog or puppy which will be emailed to you after the consultation. During the consultation, if we suspect that there are any physical, nutritional, or other wellness needs that might need to be addressed, we will discuss options for addressing those before or while proceeding with a behavioral training program. Addressing wellness concerns first is required by Dr. Susan Friedman’s Humane Hierarchy. Read more about my methods here.
Roots & Shoots | The puppy program
Congratulations on your new puppy! Whether you’re here to proactively give your puppy a head start or dealing with common puppy problems like nipping, chewing, jumping up, or house soiling, this package is for you. We can give your puppy an excellent head start together and proactively prevent common issues, and solve existing ones. Together we will learn how to build a deeper bond with our puppy, appropriately and safely socialize your puppy, and address house training, chewing, foundations of handling (AKA cooperative care) , and any behaviors you are struggling with. This package is for puppies 5 months and younger at time of first session.
This package is for: New puppy parents!
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4 private weekly 60-minute sessions (in person or virtual)
3 private 30-minute virtual sessions between in-home sessions. Don’t feel “stuck” between sessions - take videos of challenging training moments and we’ll review it together. Or we’ll work on shorter training topics.
Puppy socialization instructions, checklist, and responsible how-to
Investment: $1050
Branching Out | The (new) adult program
Have you just adopted a new adult family member and not sure where to start on your learning journey together? This program is for you!
Together, we’ll set your new pal up for success by working on foundational training, what is enrichment is and why your dog needs it (and how to make it fun for you, too!), proactively preventing problems in the new home, helping your dog settle into their space, and address any challenging behaviors your dog came pre-loaded with. Some behaviors we might work on (depending on your needs) include loose leash walking, handling enjoyment, counter surfing, polite greetings, settling in public, and anything else you want to work on.
This package is for: Newly adopted dogs. Guardians who are new to training and want to learn basic skills, as well as address some basic problematic behaviors. Guardians who are happy with a mix of full (in-person or virtual) and short (virtual) sessions for support to stay on track.
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4 private 60-minute sessions. These can be weekly, every other week, or every 3 weeks - we’ll make it work for your schedule.
3 private 30-minute virtual sessions between in-home sessions. Don’t feel “stuck” between sessions - take videos of challenging training moments and we’ll review it together.
Investment: $1050
Session packages & a la carte option
Frustrated by barking? Jumping up? Nipping? Leash-pulling? Walking your dog at odd hours or avoiding routes to keep your dog from reacting to triggers? Feeling stuck and unable to progress in solving these problems? Your dog isn’t like the one you grew up with and you’re not sure what to do? Relief is on the way!
Consults (see above) can be followed by recommended session bundles, the length of which will be determined following you consultation depending on the needs of you and your dog. Each training session is hands-on and skills-based, and will last 60 minutes. The number of sessions suggested depends on the number and types of behaviors you want to work on. Some possibilities are listed below, but will depend on your dog and your goals.
You can also schedule a la carte sessions if you aren’t quite ready yet for a longer term commitment.
Session packages are for: Guardians who need help troubleshooting challenging behaviors or learning the basics of positive reinforcement training. Guardians of new dogs or dogs that have been in the family for years. Unless you have a newly adopted puppy, most clients find that session bundles meet their needs.
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*Common packages are listed below. Following your consult, our recommendation for training program length will be provided. Larger bundles have a lower per-session rate.
2 sessions: $390 (core foundation behaviors: recall, loose leash walking, drop, sit, etc.)
4 sessions: $770 (solid foundation behaviors and some problem-solving or advanced skills)
8 sessions: $1520 (solid foundations plus in-depth problem solving or building a larger library of advanced skills)
A la carte option: Individual sessions are $200/each
Day Training
If you don’t have the time to devote to weekly sessions, this option is for you. I will work directly with your dog in one-hour sessions and then transfer their new skills to you. During the initial consult session (see above), we will determine how many sessions you might need to increase likelihood of achieving success with all desired behaviors. Some examples of day training bundles are listed below.
Day training is for: Guardians who have busy schedules and can’t devote the time needed to their dog’s training in weekly sessions, but know that their dog needs some support.
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Basics Day Training Bundle: $975
4 training sessions + 1 transfer session
Work on foundational behaviors, like sit or down, recall foundations, loose leash walking, polite greetings, etc., based on what your needs are.
Advanced Day Training Bundle: $1900
8 training sessions + 2 transfer sessions
Work on foundational behaviors as well as more advanced or challenging ones.
Not sure what will help you reach your goals? We’ll come up with the best options after an initial phone call and consult.