Dog Training services

---

I take a holistic approach to training and aim to not only teach basic commands, but to also incorporate socialization and behavior modification training, when needed, to produce a well rounded companion for you. I use positive reinforcement techniques in combination with other facets of operant conditioning and play to maximize clarity of dog-human communication, while also keeping learning fun for your dog. As such, each program will be customized to address the needs of you and your canine companion. 

My private on-leash basic obedience program is designed to give you and your dog the tools to learn six basic on-leash commands: “Sit-Stay,” “Down-Stay,” “Place-Stay,” “Come” (recall), “Leave It,” and “Heel.” Training sessions are held at your home to start and then typically move to nearby public locations as we progress. Each session generally goes 60-90 minutes in length, depending upon the focus of the session and your dog’s engagement level. 

For this program we will typically use a variety of training equipment—a flat collar, a training collar, a raised bed, a 5-6’ nylon leash, a treat pouch, a training clicker, and a 30’ nylon long line!  I can supply you with any needed equipment at reduced rates. This program is intended for dogs six months of age and up.

Take your dog's obedience skills to the next level with our advanced off-leash obedience training program. I can teach your dog more complex commands and behaviors, such as off-leash training and recall. Dogs who have successfully completed the Basic On-Leash Obedience Program (or an equivalent) can enroll in this more advanced off-leash training program. In this program you and your dog will learn how to properly introduce and use a remote training electronic collar to achieve reliable off-leash obedience. Having reliable off-leash communication and obedience will allow your best friend to enjoy all of the joys of free ranging exploration and play while also providing you with the peace of mind of leash-free control. Price includes a Dogtra 280 remote training collar! (You may choose to upgrade to another Dogtra collar model for an additional fee.)

Socializing and training your puppy early is key to their development. I can help socialize your puppy to other dogs, people, and environments in a safe, effective,  and controlled manner. Obedience training can also begin as soon as you bring your puppy home and will get them started right away on a path to a mutually fulfilling life with you. 

My puppy training program is designed for puppies from 8 weeks to 6 months of age. You and your new furry best friend will participate in one-on-one training sessions of approximately 1 hour in length. Training will include instruction on the 6 basic commands taught in my regular on-leash obedience package (see above), as well as guidance on crate training, potty training, and proper socialization.

For this program we will typically use a variety of training equipment—a flat collar, a slip lead, a raised bed or cot, a 5-6’ nylon leash, a treat pouch, a training clicker, and a 30’ nylon long line.  I can supply you with any needed equipment at reduced rates and bring it directly to you as needed.

Does your dog have behavioral challenges like aggression, fear, jumping, barking, mouthing, leash reactivity or counter surfing? Our behavior modification programs can alleviate these issues and more by teaching your dog impulse control, inhibition, and more appropriate behaviors.

When your dog is behaving badly, I can help! I am experienced in addressing a wide range of behavioral problems. Because behavioral issues and their causes can vary greatly, each behavioral modification plan is customized to your dog’s needs. 

I will conduct an initial behavioral assessment in order to observe your dog’s behavior first hand and conduct an in-depth interview with you to get to the root of the problem before deciding upon the appropriate approach. The cost of the behavioral assessment will be credited toward the cost of any purchased training program of six or more sessions.

Prices vary depending upon the complexity and estimated length of the training program. Keep in mind that because every dog‘s issues, history, temperament, and learning curve are different, and success depends upon the degree of dedication and consistency of follow through by owners, the rate of progression and length of behavioral modification training can be difficult to predict with precision.

Are you or a family member with a disability in need of a well trained service dog to assist them in their daily life?

The service dog program will provide you with a highly trained Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant service dog able to perform tasks intended to assist with a disabled individual’s specific needs. I have experience training service dogs to assist those with autism, hearing deficits, mobility issues, seizures, and more. 

The process begins with a detailed interview of the individual seeking a service dog and their family to determine what tasks will be needed to assist with the disabled individual’s particular needs. The prospective handler will then go onto our waiting list as we work to find a dog well matched to that person’s needs.  We will match the prospective handler with a temperament tested puppy or juvenile dog that will then go through a thorough socialization, obedience, and task training program custom designed to meet the individual’s needs. 

Once training is complete I will deliver your fully-trained service dog and provide a multi-day handler training program to teach you how to properly work with your service dog and maintain its training.  Training time is generally 12-18 months from the time a dog is matched with the individual. Prices vary depending upon the complexity of the tasks to be trained and begin at a base price of $17,500.  Travel and delivery expenses to locations more than 50 miles from Saint Petersburg, FL are additional.