Are designed for you.
New adults moving in, new home, pregnancy or newly adopted child, growing children, new puppy, newly adopted dog – everyone in the household needs time, patience, and information to adjust to these major changes. People can seek out information, but pets don’t know what to expect! Even the best dogs can act out or become withdrawn when they become stressed. Private services give you tailored support for your family’s specific needs. Or perhaps you simply prefer the focused assistance, in-depth education, and one-on-one attention of a personal coach. If you are thirsty for knowledge about, as well as training for, your dog, then this is a great choice for you.
Are available remotely.
Distance and circumstances do not have to be an obstacle to learning and training! Services are adjusted accordingly to achieve your goals – and, in fact, can be broken into smaller chunks for easier learning and practice, using a combination of live video, phone calls, shared videos and other materials, and regular communication. I also consult with and refer to other trainers, behaviorists, and veterinarians as needed to ensure that you get the support you need.
Contact Me about Private Services
Initial Consultations and follow-up packages are available for:
Expectant Families
Congratulations! Having a baby is an exciting time. However, though YOU know that you are preparing to have a child, your dog doesn’t! Some dogs may be more affected than others during this time, but all are aware that something is changing. Now is the time to help your dog adjust and to learn or solidify useful manners, while reassuring him that he is still a much-loved member of the family.
Click here for service details or REGISTER HERE.
Families with Babies and/or Toddlers
A growing baby means constant change for the parents, let alone the dog! Your pooch needs guidance and support to get through this confusing (sometimes downright scary, for some dogs) period of child development. Learn how to juggle life with dogs and toddlers and adapt to changing needs with confidence. Lay a strong, age-appropriate foundation for these newly developing relationships that are based on mutual respect and trust and Dog Awareness.
Click here for service details or REGISTER HERE.
Families with Older Children
With all the conflicting images and information out there, it’s hard to know the best way to raise children and dogs together while maintaining safety and comfort levels for all. I provide family-friendly solutions that are dog-friendly too, based on the latest science and force-free training methods. I engage willing kids through age-appropriate training games that help build their understanding, empathy, respect, and trust.
Click here for service details or REGISTER HERE.
New Puppy/Adopted Dog and Young Children
If you also have children in the house, an initial consultation is in order. There are so many more factors when children are involved! Carefully planned socialization is critical for puppies to develop into confident adults. Newly adopted dogs often need time to build trust while they settle into their new life. Though puppies and new dogs may quickly attach to an adult, they may be a little stressed about children in the home at first, needing some space. With all the conflicting information out there, it’s hard to discern best practices. Having a knowledgeable guide and coach can save you time and give you peace of mind that you are on the right track.
Click here for service details or REGISTER HERE.
Pre- or New Puppy/Dog Primer
This is a great option for people who are able be more focused on the newcomer. Raising a young puppy into a well-adjusted adult dog is a big responsibility. That first year shapes puppy’s ultimate comfort with the world and understanding of what is expected – and how you go about that matters. Newly adopted dogs come with their own needs for support. I will help you navigate through it all and give you practical advice for starting off strong and building trust and relationship with your puppy or newly adopted dog in your home.
Topics are adjusted to meet your individual needs but generally include:
- Pre-Puppy/Dog Primer: equipment purchases and placement, safety, family expectations, first days and weeks, puppy needs and development, house and chew training, and puppy body language, expectations and prep for older dogs
- New Puppy: the above topics, but prioritized to ensure that everyone is safe and to minimize development of undesired habits as you start to train your pup or settle your newly adopted dog into your home. Examples might include addressing immediate crying, biting, jumping, or escaping concerns, or excessive house training or chewing issues. The coaching provided by follow-up sessions can help you remember what to do and re-prioritize as your puppy/dog grows and changes. Click here for service details or REGISTER HERE.
NOTE: I still strongly recommend taking a Social Puppy group class (for pups under 5 months old) for learning time with your pup’s peers – see the AVSAB (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior) position statement on Puppy Socialization in the Resources section of my website.