Training without Force, Pain, or Fear

Some of the issues I can work on with you and your dog:

  • Basic skills (sit, stay, down, wait, drop, leave it)

  • Puppy socialization

  • Recall (coming when called)

  • Leash reactivity (barking and lunging while on leash)

  • Leash manners (pulling)

  • Crate training

  • Potty Training

  • Chewing, destructive behaviors

  • Jumping/rude greetings

  • Excessive barking

  • Inter-dog behavior (manners at the dog park)

  • Resource guarding

  • Separation anxiety

  • Reactivity to runners, bicycles, skateboards, scooters

  • Handling and grooming issues

 

what is “Force-Free Dog Training”

Force-free dog training means that I only use positive reinforcement in training. Positive reinforcement usually means treats, but can also include praise and play as a reward. 

I DO NOT employ the use of fear or intimidation, pain or physical punishment, or aversive equipment such as pinch collars, shock collars, or choke chains.  No judgment if you are currently using these tools - but working together, our goal will be to teach you how to replace corrections and painful tools with reward-based training.

For fearful or anxious dogs (and many reactive dogs) we will be employing trauma-sensitive training strategies.

This is how it works: 

  • Message me here and I will send you an online questionnaire so I can learn more about your situation and goals.

  • Schedule a 60-90 minute consult at your home (or at a local park) so I can meet and assess your dog, discuss your goals, and get started on some basics.

  • I follow up with an email detailing our course of action/plan and some “homework.” You can also email or text with questions after our consult.

Some dogs and their people only need to meet with me once, while others require more help.

COST: INITIAL CONSULTS are $175 for a 75-minute session (Initial consults for recently adopted dogs from Family Dog Rescue in Sonoma or Grateful Dog in SF are discounted at $130).

Training Coach 

  • We meet every 1-2 weeks in your home and in a local park to work together on specific skills and behaviors with your dog.

  • I  explain, demonstrate, and then coach you through training different skills and addressing common behavior problems.

  • I teach you how dogs learn so that you’ll know how to train your dog without my help in the future.

  • Email or text support between sessions

  • Requires an initial 60-75 minute consult

    COST: $160 for each 75-minute session

    Coaching package of 4 sessions discounted at $650.

Remote (Virtual) Training

  • Meet via Zoom to work together on specific skills and behaviors with your dog.

  • I  explain and coach you through training different skills and addressing common behavior problems.

  • I teach you how dogs learn so that you’ll know how to train your dog without my help in the future.

  • Email or text support between sessions

COST: $125 for each 60-minute session