FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Many trainers charge per session or for a package of training sessions. The problem with this model is that clients never know how much they will actually pay for training to meet their goals. This is a flawed strategy because there is no motivation for the trainer to actually meet the client's goals. Instead, it is in the trainers best interest to not meet the client's goals and as a result keep charging for more sessions. A better model is to charge based on meeting the client's goals for a flat fee regardless of how long it takes. That is why at Holland K9 Services we charge using this model. We will meet with the client, get a better understanding of their goals and write a contract with measurable goals clearly outlined. We will charge a flat fee based on those goals. Our pricing starts at $750.00 for advanced off leash obedience and unlimited sessions. For aggression and severe behavioral issues our pricing is $1,500.00 this fee also includes unlimited session and free follow-ups.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When we are contacted by a client we will begin with a phone consultation. During that consultation we get a general idea of what the client is trying to accomplish with their pet and answer any questions that the client may have. We make a valid effort to make sure that we are a good fit with the client. It is critical to set expectations during this initial contact about general pricing and what realistic goals can be accomplished through training. If the client wants to proceed with training we will either setup an in-person consultation to meet the dog and owner or create a contract and send it to the client. It isn't always necessary to meet with a client before starting training. For instance, if a client wants to begin training with a puppy that has typical behaviors, we can email a contract and schedule the training with the client. With more severe issues such as aggression or separation anxiety, we typically schedule an in-person consultation to make sure we feel confident that the behavior can be addressed through training. There is no universal method of training that will work with every dog in every situation. That is why at Holland K9 Services we build a comprehensive and tailored program for each of our dogs. This is a different approach than most training companies that only have one training program and if it doesn’t work with a particular dog than there is nothing they can do. All of our training is rooted in established animal behavior science. Not a gut feeling or some other non-qualified strategy. While a cookie cuter approach may work some of the time with some of the dogs , it will never build a dog that is consistent in every situation, every time regardless of the distraction.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a certified service dog trainer. I also have over 15 years experience working with a wide variety of breeds in competition level obedience, service dog training, and behavior modification. Before being a dog trainer, I was a corporate training manager with years of experience designing curriculums and delivering educational materials to adult learners. This experience has proven to be very beneficial when working with my clients.