Q: How does scheduling work?
A: I am available to schedule private lessons Wednesday through Saturday. For our lessons, we can meet at your home or a dog-friendly public location, when your dog is ready to work with real time distractions and challenges. You may schedule as far out and as often as you’d like to train but I generally encourage about a week between lessons so that you can practice.
Some packages do have specific requirements, such as the Mani/Pedi package, see that page for details.

Q: What are your qualifications?
A: The dog training industry is unregulated, meaning that anyone can open a dog training business and advertise that they are a professional. That’s why certifications are so important! I have had my knowledge and skills tested by completing the CATCH Canine Trainers Academy Master Course (CCDT), as well as completing a knowledge assessment through the Certification for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA). I am current on my certifications and continuing education units, because staying current on science is very important to me.

Q: What is the cancellation and reschedule policy?
A: I require 2 days notice for both, rescheduling as well as cancellation. Any less than 2 days notice may require a lesson deduction from your package. I am flexible and understanding in the case of emergencies but frequent reschedules may require that we re-assess.

Q: Are payment plans available?
A: Yes, I can accommodate payment plans for packages of 4 or 10. Payments are due every 2 weeks until the plan is paid off. 4 lessons can be split into 2 payments. 10 lessons can be split into 3 payments. This option does require a payment plan contract.

Q: Do you use positive reinforcement? (R+)
A: All of the training I do with my clients utilizes positive reinforcement based methods, meaning that I like to set the dog up for successful repetitions and reward the behaviors we like (or the closest approximations) to build a strong reinforcement history.

Q: Do you use aversive tools? (prong collars, e-collars, choke chains, shaker cans, spray bottles, etc.)
A: Rather than utilizing discomfort, pain, intimidation, dominance tactics, or physical punishments, I train utilizing positive reinforcement, strong management practices, behavior modification, counter conditioning, and desensitization to stimuli.

Q: What payment methods do you take?
A: I can only take payments via Venmo at this time

Q: What is your refund policy?
A: Due to the nature of being a small business, I cannot accommodate requests for refunds on any services already rendered. You may request a refund for remaining lessons, if you are dissatisfied, within 48 hours of receiving your first lesson.

Q: What if I am not ready to commit to a training package?
A: I can do single lessons upon request but do not feel that one single session is likely to make lasting impact on most any dog’s behavior. Single lessons are available with the option to upgrade to the appropriate package at no additional cost, if done within 48 hours of the first lesson.