FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I have a base line fee for my clients. It's generally less than my competitors as I feel the fee must be affordable. If I work with two (or more) dogs - the baseline fee is usually 50% higher rather than doubled.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I have over 40-years of working with "problem" dogs and their people. I come to my client's to work with them and their dog in the home environment as that's usually the environment where the issues arise. I take 90-minutes to observe the dog's behaviors, the interaction between the dog and family members, work with the dog myself and work with my clients as they work with their dog. I develop a training program which will eliminate the issues for which I was hired. I leave my 30-page Foundation training guide for use in retraining. I write a narrative after arriving home, which is sent to my client as it contains what we did during my visit and extra information on how to work with their dog. I return in about 3-weeks to follow-up on our first visit and continue working with my client and their dog. My 2-visit program has helped hundreds of people learn how to better work with their dogs and work through the problem areas.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have taught people how to work with their animals for over 40 years. I began my work with animals at a riding stable when I was 15 years old. I worked with the horses, and taught new riders how to handle their mount. At 16, I began working with Veterinarians and later became a Licensed Veterinary Technician. I worked in the Veterinary field for 12 years. I then joined Federal Service where I taught Environmental Health programs to over 600 workers. I have attend hundreds of dog-related workshops and seminars over the years. I joined my local Dog Training Club where I taught Puppy Classes and assisted in the Novice, Open and Utility Classes. I tested for Certified Professional Dog Trainer and passed the evaluation. I'm a Certified Tellington TTouch Bodywork Practitioner, AKC STAR Puppy, CGC, CGC-A & CGC-U & Trick Dog instructor and evaluator. I am the Regional Director for the National Capital Therapy Dogs, as well as an instructor & evaluator, I hold a certificate in Pet First Aid / CPR. I'm a Purina Dietary Coach and am a CERT and DE SART trained Disaster Volunteer. I work with my own dogs and have titled in obedience, stockdog trials, rally trials, and titled multiple dogs of different breeds in conformation.