FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
For dog training, I charge $125 for the initial session. The cost of each session after the fist session depends on the number of sessions agreed upon and the distance that I have to travel to get to the client They range from $80-$125. The more sessions agreed upon, the less I charge per session. My business is mainly based in central Contra Costa County, and since traveling outside of that area often means that I spend more time traveling to and from the job than I do actually on the job, I charge more than I do for people in my immediate area. I am happy to give discounts, for dog training, to senior citizens and disabled persons. For pet sitting, I charge $60 per overnights, $25 per day for one 1/2 hour visit per day, $20 for each additional 1/2-hour visit in the same 24-hour period, $40 for one 1-hour visit per day, and $35 for each additional 1-hour visit in the same 24-hour period. I give a 10% discount for 10 or more days of contracted services. Those days do not need to be consecutive. I also give discounts for repeat business.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
For dog training, I start with a 2-3 hour consultation / evaluation,, which includes asking questions, evaluating the dog, coming up with a plan, discussing the plan with the client, and giving initial instructions to the client. For pet sitting, I provide a free visit to learn about what the client needs. At this visit, a contract for services is filled out, which is then e-mailed to the client.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
In 1991, I acquired a dog who became aggressive towards everything. I loved him dearly, and wanted to help him. I found CW Meisterfeld (now deceased), a man who had been using positive reinforcement techniques to help dogs with behavior problems since the 1940's. He helped me to turn my dog around. Then, I wanted to help others with their dogs. I love working through behavior issues with dogs, esp aggression. After I started doing training and behavior consulting professionally, I decided to add pet sitting services, as well. The two services go together really well.