FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Pricing for private, in-home lessons is sold by package. We have packages of 2,4,6 and 8 lessons available, depending on whether your training needs are focused on one or two behaviors or on addressing numerous issues. Private lesson packages range from $200- $800. Pricing is not per dog if in the same family/household, and lessons can be tailored to multiple dogs in the household. Board & Train programs with immersive training residencies here, go home lessons and private follow up lessons range from $1200 to $4800
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I like to chat on the phone about the client's needs and goals, whether they are looking for private lessons or board and train programs, and what their scheduling and availability is like. I Will also discuss pricing at this time, once I have a better feel for what they need. If the client wishes to move forward, I will email paperwork and we will set a training start date and time.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I feel that dog trainers are ALWAYS learning- when you stop learning, it is time to find a new line of work. Keeping abreast of what is happening and what is current in your field allows you to better help clients and their pets, and keeps things innovative. Be wary of trainers who do not compete with their dogs, attend seminars, or immerse themselves in the dog-training world. They often have a very limited view of training and their toolbox may not be vast enough to help you. Because I compete with my dogs, I am constantly being exposed to the newest and brightest in training and trainers that are constantly striving for excellence. While competition may not be relevant to the casual pet-owner, it is relevant to the trainer of ANY kind of dog, whether it be show or pet, because it keeps you current and striving for excellence, and more importantly, it tests your training in a real-world environment. In addition, I am consistently educating myself with DVD seminars and training primers by some of the top trainers in the country, and I also attend live seminars whenever possible with top trainers. I have a vast library of training books which I can refer back to at any time. I am consistently attending and immersing myself in all-things dog and all canine related events that I can attend, keeping myself up-to-date on what is happening in the world of both the companion dog and the show dog. Lastly, I have attended several training classes under respected trainers of a wide variety with my own pets, keeping my ideas and training fresh. Beware of a trainer who claims they do not need to train with someone else or look outside their own organization or company. The best trainers are those that are balanced, and realize that ideas can be pulled from everywhere.