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SERVICES 

DESIGNED FOR YOU

 

Does your dog have some habits or behaviors that you want to address or learn how to work with? Or maybe your dog does some things that you weren’t concerned about before, but changes in your life necessitate addressing those behaviors now? New adults moving in, new home, a pregnancy or newly adopted child, growing children, new puppy, newly adopted dog – these are all major transitions that come with uncertainty and stress, even for us humans, even when we understand and are excited about what’s happening. Our pets need help with all of this too! Even the best dogs can act out, become anxious, or seem withdrawn when they become uncertain and stressed. 

 

Whether your dog was a group class star pupil that never quite “got it” at home, is new to your home, or is facing changes to the home and family, I can help. With no judgement (but lots of humor!), I can teach you how to help your dog be their best self. I can help you prepare for smoother life transitions, and help you develop the confidence to know how to calmly and confidently support your dog when they do get stressed. Together, we will figure out how to build communication effectiveness and create routines that invite including your dog while maintaining safety and setting up everyone in the house for success. Ultimately, my goal is to help you strengthen that precious bond with your dog through deeper understanding, empathy, and mutual trust.

AVAILABLE REMOTELY

 

Distance and circumstances are not 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 materials, and regular communication. I also consult with and refer to other trainers, behaviorists, and veterinarians, as necessary, to ensure that you get the support you need.

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START WITH A FREE PHONE CALL

Interested in learning more? Ready to get started? Let’s talk! Use my contact form to send me a message, or text me, or simply leave me a voice message. Give me some options for calling, and I will get back to you ASAP to chat for up to a half hour about what’s going on and what the next steps look like – even if my recommendation is to help you find another trainer that’s closer to you or has the expertise you need (I don’t resource guard). NOTE: I take pride in responding quickly, usually in 24-48 hours. Technology and other circumstances have interfered with that before, so please reach back out if you haven’t heard from me.

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INITIAL CONSULTATION

This is our time to discuss what is going on, address safety concerns, ask and answer questions, and for me to formulate a plan of action specific to your puppy or dog and household. It includes: Assessment, education, initial management recommendations and training exercises Pre- and post-visit communications and materials sharing (both ways) A follow-up phone call check-in Follow up report and training plan, and recommendations for additional private or group training. Consultation may include a combination of in-person and remote meeting, broken up by hours or days, depending on what we decide together will be most effective Duration is usually 2-2.5 hours. Cost is $250 Travel time of 35 minutes or less by car is included

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ADDITIONAL ALL ACCESS SUPPORT

Pay once, up front, for concierge service – no separate fees for phone calls, emails, messages, or videos and pictures sent to me for review.  Receive timely answers and support videos and materials to keep you moving toward your goals. Post-consultation packages provide you with ongoing coaching as you implement changes, learn and practice new skills, improve performance, and shape your dog’s overall behavior over time. Having a coach to clarify details, address concerns, and help you stay on track sets everyone up for success. You have unlimited access to me for the duration of the package – including written analysis of your submitted photos and videos, plus as much communication support as you need. Use of live time (in person or video meeting) is tailored to your needs and learning style. While in-person visits are usually a full hour, live remote time can be scheduled for as little as 15 minutes to check and receive coaching on a single skill. Each hour of live time comes with 1 month of All Access Live time in a package can be used up quickly or spread out, according to needs, without losing those months of access – especially important around pregnancies and new babies, when needs can unexpectedly and rapidly change! Pricing reinforces people for up-front commitment 😉 1 hour + 1 month = $180 2 hours + 2 months = $340 ($170 per live hour) 3 hours + 3 months = $450 ($150 per live hour) 4 hours + 4 months = $550 ($137 per live hour) 5 hours + 5 months = $650 ($130 per live hour) Pricing per hour for additional support after a package is customized based on the original package price per hour and the client’s remaining needs and goals

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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. 

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 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. 

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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. 

NEW PUPPY/ADOPTED DOG AND YOUNG CHILDREN

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. 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. 

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PRE- OR NEW PUPPY/DOG PRIMER

This is a great option for people who are able to be more focused on the newcomer. Raising a young puppy into a well-adjusted adult dog is a big responsibility. That first year shapes the 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.

 

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

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AREAS SERVED

 

Remote Services Available
Areas Served In Person (travel fees may apply):

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All of Essex County, including Andover, Beverly, Boxford, Danvers, Gloucester, Hamilton, Lynn, Lynnfield, Manchester-By-The-Sea, Marblehead, Middleton, Rockport, Rowley, Saugus, Somerville, Topsfield, Wenham, West Boxford

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All of Middlesex County, including Arlington, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Cambridge, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Fells, Lexington, Lincoln, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Somerville, Stoneham, Sudbury, Tewksbury, Wakefield, Waltham, Watertown, Wayland, Westford, Weston, Wilmington, Winchester, Woburn

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Additional: Boston, Charlestown, Chelsea, East Boston, Revere, Winthrop

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