Force-free training is one way to describe the type of dog training that involves non-aversive, non-forceful techniques (hence ‘force-free’) to teach your dog the skills to be confident, happy, and calm. This form of training helps you to co-exist better with your dog on a daily basis by improving your ability to communicate with them in a way they actually understand!

It depends on your goals! I can cover general manners, jumping, calm greetings, settling in public, basic cues (sit, leave it, etc), crate training, new puppy training (biting/nipping, socialization, potty training, etc.), leash walking, separation anxiety, and more.

I am able to teach my students how to use lots of different tools in my training sessions, depending on what their goals are. To name a few:

• Enrichment toys and activities (lick toys, shredding toys, chew toys, sniffing/foraging toys, etc.)

• Harnesses and leashes

• Various forms of rewards (food/treats, toys, physical touch, fun activities, etc.) as well as cue markers (like a clicker)

• Brushes, nail clippers, various grooming tools

• Basket Muzzles

I do not use or recommend the use of e-collars/shock/vibration collars or prong collars. Such devices are stress-inducing punishment techniques that don’t solve the root of the problem, but only temporarily treat the symptoms of the unwanted behaviors, and they result in multiple bad side effects like lack of agency, increased fear, and shutting down, etc.

Initial sessions are 75-90 min long, depending on the topics we need to cover. The first session is longer than subsequent sessions because it is dedicated to forming a comprehensive training plan and a daily management plan to make sure that your goals are being achieved. We spend some time talking about your dog’s history, daily schedule, routine, and habits. We also go over some cues and exercises for you to work on going forward to address whatever your goals are. I also send detailed notes and assignments after your session, including your training plan and explanations of any exercises and basic cues I’ve taught you.

An initial in-home session is $145 and 75-90 min long. Follow-up sessions are 60 min long and come in packages.

I offer 3-packs of follow-up sessions at a regular rate, and 5-packs & 8-packs of follow-up sessions at a 10% discount, and we can schedule them at whatever rate you’re comfortable with (they do expire after 6 months).

In-Person Session Package Pricing:

• 3-pack of 60 min in-person follow-ups = $330

• 5-pack of 60 min in-person follow ups = $495

• 8-pack of 60 min in-person follow ups = $795

An initial virtual session is $120 and 75-90 min long. Follow-up virtual sessions are $75 and are each 60 min long.

I can accept payment via credit cards via my website, or via Venmo to the RCDT business profile.

Depending on what your goals are, the amount of sessions you need can differ from others - for example, teaching basic cues can take just a few sessions, whereas loose leash walking or decreasing barking/inappropriate behaviors can take a bit more time to work through.

No matter what your training goals are, you’re always going to get just as much as you put into it, so that’s why I always encourage lots of practice between sessions!

I strongly encourage my students to ask questions and keep in contact between sessions because your dog is likely to learn and change along the way, which means your plan may need to change! Clear communication between sessions can really set your dog up to succeed. I’m available via email to answer my students’ questions between sessions, and I do my best to answer emails and questions within 48 hours.

In addition to working with animals for over 10 years, I am CPDT-KA certified (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed). This certification means that I use methods that uphold the values of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). You can find more information on the values of CCPDT here.

CCPDT also requires that certified trainers follow the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) policy, which means I reduce as much stress as possible while finding the most positive, least forceful way to work with each dog. If you have questions on training methods, please reach out!

I ask for at least 24 hours notice to reschedule any in-home or virtual sessions so that we can fill that spot with another client. If you give notice within 24 hours and we cannot fill the spot, you will lose 50% of your session fee. If you only give notice within only 5 hours, you will lose 100% of your session fee.

After your payment has been processed, I have a no-refund policy. Any exceptions to this policy require a valid emergency reason & will be determined on a case-by-case basis. If approved, the refund will not include any credit card processing fees.