Patient Pup Training Packages
Home Schooling  Walking the Dog Special  Family Planning  Relationship Building  Virtual Trainer

Home Schooling
In-home training custom fit for you and your dog. 
    As part of your family, your dog needs to follow the rules of the house.  Unfortunately, a dog’s idea of how to live doesn’t always mesh with our human lifestyles.  Whether you want to address problem behaviors, basic training, or specific manners like furniture privileges or begging, I can create the curriculum to meet your needs.  
    On the first day of school, I’ll get to know you and your dog, and we’ll set goals for our lesson plans.  Four more class sessions will include homework with reading suggestions, exercises, tips and games especially designed for your dog; field trips to practice in the real world, and a final exam.

First Day of School Consult (1-1.5 hours) + 4 Class Sessions (1 hour each) = $325

Walking the Dog Special*
Working with you and your dog walkers to maximize your dog’s learning opportunities.
    Dogs learn faster when they get consistent messages from everyone they come into contact with.  This is especially important for bad leash manners, jumping and other inappropriate greetings, and rough play.  We’ll start out with an interview to identify the behaviors you want to change and to work on some basic techniques.  At our second session, we’ll continue to address the problems and add in activities you can use to target the unwanted behaviors.  After this session, I’ll meet with your Walking the Dog dog walker for two visits to train them to work directly with your dog on the issues you want to address.  You’ll receive a special journal (with exercises and helpful hints) that you and your dog walkers can use to record your progress, tips, and techniques side-by-side.

Consult (1-1.5 hours) + 1 Training Session (1 hour) + 2 Dog Walker Sessions* + Journal = $225    *dog walker fees not included

Family Planning
Assistance in adding a new dog to your home, from making the right decision to introductions to setting household rules.
    Whether you're adopting for the first time, haven't had a dog in awhile, or are adding a member to your existing pack, the first step to having a good dog is getting the right dog for your home.  We’ll start with an interview so I can get to know a bit about your family (two- and four-legged members), your lifestyle, and what you’re hoping for in a dog.  I’ll provide you with information on what to consider when adding a dog to your house, as well as recommendation on different breed traits that will or won’t work in your situation.  Next, we’ll visit a local shelter or rescue group to meet a few dogs and see how the “real thing” matches up with your expectations.  Don’t worry about finding the right dog on the first trip – it can take some time!
    Once you find the right dog for you (whether on that first trip or months later…) I’ll help you evaluate the dog and introduce him or her to your family members before you go through with the adoption.  Shelter workers and rescuers often know their dogs pretty well, but sometimes it’s helpful to have someone around who knows your family, too!  I’ll provide you with a preparation booklet and will be available for phone consultation to answer any questions you may have about preparing to get your new dog settled in.
    After the adoption, you’ll get two in-home sessions with your new dog: one within the first week after you’ve brought your new dog home, to work on techniques to get him or her adjusted to a new life with new rules, and the second within the next couple of months to address any behavior problems that may have shown up and to start off on the right paw with basic training.

Interview (1-1.5 hours) + Shelter Visit + Dog Evaluation + Pre-adoption Prep Booklet + Phone Consultation + 2 Training Sessions = $300

Adopting a Cat? I’m also available to help get your new feline friend become part of the family!  You'll receive a 1 hour in-home consultation before the adoption, a visit to the shelter (optional), and a post-adoption in-home session to answer any questions or concerns about your new kitty = $150

Relationship Building
Helping your dog adjust to new family members (human, canine, feline, or others!)
    Dogs don’t always react the way we hope they will to family changes, whether it’s another dog you’ve just brought home, a new baby, or a new significant other.  The best place to start is by preparing your home before your baby is born or your partner moves. We'll begin with an evaluation of your current lifestyle and tips on how to get your dog ready for the big adjustment (if you haven’t adopted your dog yet, see the Family Planning Package).  If the latest addition is already home, we’ll identify what your dog needs to accept the new family member and how to fit it into your busy schedule. 
    The initial consultation can take place before your dog’s new pack member moves in, or as soon as possible after the arrival.  Based on our meeting, you’ll receive a list of exercises and tips, followed by three more visits within those first three months to work on basic manners, family dynamics and whatever other relationship therapy your dog needs.

Consult (1-1.5 hours) + 3 Sessions (1 hour each) = $250

Virtual Trainer
Your own personal dog counselor by phone and email

    Sometimes you want practical advice and training tips, but don’t necessarily need an in-person session.  Available to anyone within the U.S., we’ll start with a phone interview, followed by six weeks of unlimited email advice and one additional phone call.  I’ll provide three custom-made lesson plans with exercises for you and your dog to address problem behaviors, brush up on basic commands, or learn tricks and games to increase your bond.

2 Phone Calls + Unlimited Email Advice (6 weeks)+ 3 Lesson Plans = $150

One Time Services
Personality Assessment   Troubleshooting  Anger Management  Dog/Cat Peace Treaty Negotiations  Instruction Manual

Personality Assessment
    Not sure exactly what you and your dog need?  Whether you’re wondering how to interpret your dog’s behavior, what to expect from a new dog, or how to make your pup a better citizen or more peaceful member of the household, sometimes it helps to get an experienced opinion.  I’ll get to know your dog in his home environment, where we’ll discuss in detail his history and lifestyle, and identify your concerns.  You’ll receive personality assessment of your dog, suggestions for next steps, and training tips to get you started while you decide if you want to pursue further training.

In-home Consultation (1-1.5 hours) = $75

 Cat Concerns?
I can help with cat behavior problems, too. Contact me for details and pricing. 

Add-on services
available once you've purchased a one-time service or package

Dog Walker Training* 
    Consistency can be one of the biggest factors in teaching your dog something new.  To make sure your pet is getting the same message from everyone who cares for her, I’ll join your Walking the Dog dog walker on a visit to show them the behaviors and techniques we’ve established during our other training sessions.

Dog Walker Session = $30 each (dog walker fees not included).

 

Refresher Courses 
    User-friendly materials will be provided with all of my training sessions, but sometimes a new question arises, or you and your dog need a little extra help.  You can add extra sessions onto an Patient Pup Package or schedule individual sessions anytime after you’ve become a Patient Pup client.

In-home Training Session (1 hour) = $75 each or 3 for $200 (price may vary if major changes have occurred in the dog’s life)