Force-free training is one way to describe the type of positive reinforcement training that involves non-aversive, non-forceful techniques (hence ‘force-free’) to teach your dog. This form of training helps you to co-exist better with your dog on a daily basis while preserving your amazing relationship with them.

We cover general manners, impulse control (anti-jumping, calm greetings, settling in public, etc.), basic obedience cues, crate training, new puppy training (biting/nipping, socialization, potty training, etc.), leash walking, separation anxiety, and more.

We use science-backed and reward-based methods of positive reinforcement to train, which means we utilize different forms of reinforcement (such as food/treats, toys, tactile/pets, getting to say hi to someone, etc.) as well as cue markers (such as a clicker). We do not use or recommend the use of prong collars or e-collars/shock collars. Such devices are aversive techniques that don’t solve the root of the problem but only temporarily treat the symptoms of unwanted behaviors.

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. Your trainer will also send detailed notes from your session, including your training plan and explanations of any exercises and basic cues they teach you.

The initial in-home session is $145 and 75-90 min long. Follow-up in-home sessions are $90 per session and are each 60 min long.

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

We accept payment via credit cards via our booking system, or via Venmo to the RCDT business profile.

Depending on what your goals are, the amount of sessions you need can differ from others (e.g. puppy obedience can take just a few sessions, whereas leash walking or decreasing barking/inappropriate behaviors can take a bit more time to work through).

You can choose to do as many sessions as you’d like or as many as your trainer recommends for you. There is no requirement or limit, but you always have the choice of adding on additional sessions as you or your trainer see fit.

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 we encourage practicing between sessions!

We strongly encourage clients 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. We are available via email to answer our clients’ questions between sessions, and we pride ourselves on having an open line of communication.

We do our best to answer emails within 48 hours.

In addition to working with animals for over 10 years, owner and trainer, Laura, is CPDT-KA certified (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed). This certification means that she upholds 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 we 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!

We 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, we 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.