Sliding Scale Pricing

Dog training is neither ethical nor humane without also being accessible to all.

My prices reflect my education and experience, the care I put into each session and what comes before and after a session, and my deep commitment to continuing education. My prices allow me to continue offering excellent, skilled services and continuing support while helping to prevent burnout.

That being said, an inaccessible world means that not all can access that pricing despite having a high need for help. One affordable option is to take classes with me in-person at the Humane Society of Sonoma County. But that also is not accessible for all, especially those not in the Sonoma County, California, area. This is why I have sliding scale prices. Please read on for rate details, how to inquire about the sliding scale pricing, and who qualifies for sliding scale pricing.

Sliding scale text and image designed by Worts and Cunning Apothecary, and my application of these concepts is based on the adaptations by Up 2 Snuff and The Dog Behavior Institute. Thank you all for all of your work on this!

Sliding Scale Options

Reduced Price A

20% Price Reduction on all training services

Reduce Price B

40% Price Reduction on all training services

Sliding scale pricing does NOT affect the services you receive. You will still have access to customized training programs, support from me, and all other resources that are included in the training packages.

What do I qualify for?

I offer three pricing levels - Full Price, Reduced Price A, and Reduced Price B. The following text is coped from Worts and Cunning Apothecary, and can help you determine what you qualify for.

The highest dollar cost [Full Price] reflects the true cost of the class or service.It is the cost that the practitioner would charge all students in the absence of a sliding scale. If you have access to financial security, own property or have personal savings, you would not traditionally qualify for sliding scale services. If you are able to pay for "wants" and spend little time worried about securing necessities in your life, you have economic privilege and power in our community. This price is for you.

The middle cost [Reduced Price A] reflects the practitioner's acknowledgement that paying the full cost would prevent some folks from being able to attend, but who do not honestly find themselves reflected in either descriptions for the highest cost or the lowest.If you are struggling to conquer debt or build savings or move away from paycheck to paycheck living but have access to steady income and are not spending most of your time thinking about meeting basic needs such as food, shelter, medical care, child care, etc., you belong here. If you, however, can ask others for financial support, such as family members, partners, or friends, please consider using those personal resources before you use the resources of the sliding scale and limit opportunities for others.

The bottom cost [Reduced Price B] represents an honest acknowledgment by the teacher and practitioner that there are folks whose economic circumstances would prevent them from being a part of classes if there was not be a deliberate opportunity made for them to access services at a cost that is reflective of their economic realities. If you struggle to maintain access to needs such as health care, housing, food, child care, and are living paycheck to paycheck or are in significant debt, you belong probably belong here and you deserve a community that honors your price as equal an economic offering as the person who can pay the highest tier. Even when the lower tier is still prohibitive, I will work with folks to offer extended payment plans and other solutions.

There are a limited amount slots for products, services, and classes offered at the middle and lower end of the scale. Please be mindful that if you purchase a price at the lowest end of the scale when you can truthfully afford the higher ticket prices, you are limiting access to those who truly need the gift of financial flexibility. Being honest with yourself and your financial situation when engaging with sliding scale practices grows strong and sustainable communities. It also respects the work of teachers and creators, like myself, you have families to support and rent to pay. Additionally, when I am paid fairly, I am able to invest more time and resources to free and lower cost offerings.”

The image below also has criteria that can help you decide where your financial circumstance best fit.

I believe I qualify. How do I access a sliding scale option?

During your initial contact with ARF Behavior (either via email or our contact form), please indicate that you are interested in sliding scale pricing and which option you think applies best to your individual circumstances. In order to keep this program fair, I will send a short survey to honestly assess your financial situation and needs.

Sliding scale pricing is available on a limited basis every month for both reduced price options. If our current slots are filled, we will let you know when the next opening is.