Canine Assist

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About

I'm a Certified Professional Dog Trainer with over 25 years of dog training experience, with both pet dogs and working dogs. For pet dogs I charge $120/hour for lessons and $1400/week for board and trains. My service dog clients pay $18,000-20,000 over time, which is about one third the going rate for professionally trained service dogs. Service dog training is a longterm project and there are many different training and payment options. I'm professional, reliable and resourceful. I try to remain flexible in my programs. I don't have a storefront or expensive overhead to support, and I go to my clients or bring their dogs to my facility. I am happy to train your dog while you're at work during the day. My board and trains include pick up and delivery, as well as midway and drop off lessons to show the owners the new skills their dog has and how to reinforce them. I have years of experience training pet dogs, service dogs, search and rescue dogs and detection dogs for government agencies. I can work with dogs of any breed or size, using techniques from food reward to remote collars.

Overview

Hired 45 times

Background checked

3 employees

14 years in business

Business hours

This pro hasn't listed their business hours.

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, and Zelle.

Social media

Facebook

Services offered

Dog training package

Puppy training

General obedience training

Therapy or service dog training

Dog size

Small (16 - 25 lbs)

Medium (26 - 40 lbs)

Large (41 - 70 lbs)

Extra large (70+ lbs)

Dog training type

Private lessons

Board and train

Projects and media

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.

Great 4.8

21 reviews

5

95%

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1

5%

Read reviews that mention:

Michael W.

Aug 9, 2020

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Hired on Thumbtack

Great trainer, deep knowledge, and works with you to achieve your goals. Working with my daughter who has a terrible disability, and is really helping her complete the training of her service dog. Very happy.

Details: 1 - 2 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • Therapy or service dog training • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location

Canine Assist's reply

Thank you Michael. I hope Gideon is doing well in college! Jen

Dog Training

Linda N.

May 27, 2016

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Hired on Thumbtack

Dog Training

Kathy L.

Jul 11, 2015

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Hired on Thumbtack

The experience with thumbtack has been great. Your recommendation of Jennifer Prentiss has been very good. Jennifer and I met and she gave me very good instructions on how to train my dog further and we do plan to meet again and keep in contact throughout his training.

Dog Training

Joan P.

Nov 1, 2014

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Hired on Thumbtack

Jennifer Prentiss has been just great. She took on a difficult situation with a young family suddenly struck by serious illness, and a new puppy who needed training badly. The young couple were not able to provide enough training, and Jennifer was asked to help them. She has been very patient and flexible with scheduling appointments, and is making progress already with the four month old husky. We are hoping that with the right training, he will grow up to be a helpful and reliable service dog, as one of the owners has lost much of his sight, and also a good companion.

Dog Training

Rachel B.

Aug 3, 2022

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Hired on Thumbtack

We sent our blue heeler, Karev, to stay with Jen for 2 weeks of training. He left a high-energy and anxious dog, in his breed's nature, but returned with the trained skill for his anxious reactions, thanks to Jen. He has maintained her reward/command system. Our goal was for him to improve his socialization skills and he returned with much improved abilities. I've already recommended Jen verbally to others we know.

Details: 1 - 2 years old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • Board and train at a facility • General obedience training • Barking • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training

Credentials

Background Check

Jennifer Prentiss

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Pet dogs and service dogs are priced differently. For pet dogs I charge $120/lesson and $1100/week for board and trains. The average length of a board and train is two weeks. This includes pick up and drop off, along with a lesson at drop off. Service dog training is a longer process that includes (often) finding the right dog, obedience, public access training, service dog tasks and education regarding service dog laws. From beginning to end my service dog clients pay $18,000 over time, depending on the complexity of the tasks the dog needs to learn. I have different payment options for this. I also have a program where I help an owner self train their service dog when they are able. I meet with the client every few weeks to guide the training process, evaluate and solve any training issues.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Generally we have a phone call to discuss what the dog needs to work on and how I can help. We discuss methods the client would like to use and any health issues the dog has. We then schedule the best times available.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
In order to maintain my CPDT-KA certification I have to do 30 hours of continuing education in a three year period. I love to learn new techniques. I also have a biology degree from the University of Virginia and experience working as a veterinary technician. I have apprenticed with wonderful trainers and serve as a mentor for others.