Frequently Asked Questions
Program Questions
How much does it cost?
For a full cost breakdown, see Service Area & Pricing.
I have two or more dogs. How do you work with multiple dogs?
Training typically needs to start with one dog at a time. Later in their training, it is important to bring all dogs together as our goal is to eventually get your dogs to train in an environment that looks like their everyday life. This includes having their doggy siblings around!
If your dogs are distressed being separated from each other, we can work with them in the same area. Sometimes this can significantly increase the time required for training. Typically, we will need to be even more deliberate about what to prioritize for each week so that the training plan remains doable for you and your dogs.
I do not charge by dog, but by session.
If you'd like to chat about that with your specific dogs, please either email me or schedule a phone call.
How do I get started?
Fill out the Intake Form here.
I process your form in 2-3 days and contact you with any questions I have. I want to make sure I'm a good fit for you and your dog!
I then send you a link to schedule and purchase your Intro Lesson. During the Intro Lesson, I discuss my best estimates for what the timeline of your training program would look like. You do need to complete the Intro Lesson before enrolling in a six or three session package.
Which program is for my dog?
Honestly, I have simply split the different behaviors into different programs as an exercise to help you get a better idea of the outcomes and timing for various behaviors. As to what program your dog specifically fits into, it doesn't particularly matter! The pricing is the same for everything, and your dog's specific training plan will be personalized.
There are some target behaviors that I currently do not take as follows:
Strong aggression towards people. If your dog has a bite history against people, we will need to talk to see if I'm the right trainer for you. The circumstances of the bite(s) and the intensity of the bite(s) matter greatly. If your dog barks or lunges at new people but will then open up, the coaching track may be appropriate. Please contact me!
Conflict between pets in the same home - this is currently outside of my wheelhouse
Separation anxiety. I can certainly help with mild separation distress, but if you are dealing with separation anxiety, a fantastic option is Malena DeMartini who certifies trainers in tackling separation anxiety, and most separation anxiety training is very effective when done virtually.
Service Dog Training. I am not experienced with service dogs.
Please contact me with specific questions
Scheduling Questions
We'll be gone for a week during training. Is that ok?
Yes! When you sign up, you'll simply sign up for your weekly meetings around the times you'll be gone. Any more than a week and it might be best to schedule for before or after. Please contact me to talk about that scheduling.
If you will be gone and your dog will be in boarding, I do not suggest continuing daytraining at that time. Boarding is generally very stressful for dogs and stress isn't great for learning!
Can I reschedule?
Yes, so long as I get 2 days notice you can reschedule your appointments at any time with the Breely Scheduler. If you need to reschedule closer to the date, please contact me directly
How do I schedule training?
To schedule your Intro Lesson, you first need to fill out the intake form. Once I recieve and process your intake form, I will send you a link to my scheduling system (Breely) where you will be able to pick an open date and time on my schedule for the lesson.
For the training program, you will also be able to choose the dates for your weekly meetings. I do require all meetings to be scheduled at time of purchase, but Breely allows you to reschedule easily if needed.
Training Questions
Do you offer other training than the specific behaviors you list?
Yes! I most work with specific behavior issues, but have a wide background. The specific behaviors listed are primarily just examples. If you're not sure, please contact me to ask!
What's your training philosophy? Do you use e-collars and/or prong collars?
I am a LIMA (Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive) trainer. Some other training philosophy labels that likely fit me are "Force-Free" or "Purely Positive" (although that really is a misnomer!).
For a full discussion of what that means to me, and what that will look like in training plans, you can click here.
I do not include e-collars and/or prong collars or similar in my training plans. If you're currently using that equipment, that is ok! My goal will always be to phase out intentionally aversive equipment. Depending on the dog and the situation, it might not be my first priority. I take my cues from the dog and what is most critical to work on.
What does a training plan look like?
Each plan is custom in terms of specific exercises as every dog responds differently, and every human does too! After each weekly meeting, I send you a weekly training plan in a Google Doc. Each weekly plan will give you exercises to work on, a suggested frequency and amount of time for that exercise, and typically which exercise is the highest priority.
You will likely get 3-5 exercises to work on each week. Most exercises are done for less than 5 minutes and the goal is to aim for 5 times a week. Some exercises do take longer, or need to be done more frequently but I aim to work with your time and schedule as best as I can while still having effective training.
Each exercise links to a tutorial that I have written, or that is available on the internet. And I promise that anything I write will never use generative AI. Everything you receive will be written directly by me, or all external resources will be reviewed and then sourced appropriately.
What is reactivity?
Reactivity doesn't have a universal definition, so here's mine:
A reactive dog has bigger responses than typical to specific triggers. These responses are detrimental to the dog's life.
Reactivity, while often used as a synonym for aggression, isn't always aggressive. Reactive dogs can show excitement, nervousness, anxiety, and/or aggression. Reactivity can look like a dog baring their teeth and growling when seeing another dog. Reactivity can also look like a dog jumping up, spinning, whining, and pulling hard when they see a person. The key is that the reaction is too much and creates stress in your dog's life, and yours!
What training exercises will we learn?
The exercises and games you learn will depend on what works for you and your dog. I've given some examples in each of the training programs, but please always feel free to contact me to ask more about specifics.
Based in Saline, Michigan
Also serving Ann Arbor, Milan, Yspilanti, Pittsfield, Clinton, Tecumseh, Chelsea, and more.
For complete service area, click here
Contact Info
Want to sign up for training? Fill out the intake form:
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