Frequently Asked Questions

I’m so glad you asked! The Dog Training world is unregulated, meaning literally anyone can charge you for Dog Training Services! People who don’t take the time to educate themselves on animal behavior could be are using outdated (Dominance Theory was debunked 50 years ago!) and dangerous methods that harm animals and their families. I am committed to Continued Education, I have multiple Certifications and am pursuing more, and belong to several respected professional Organizations. Check out the details here!

I do, although you don’t need one to start working with me. I offer a free 30-min phone consultation for new clients who want to see if they are within my service area, if you’re not sure if you should purchase Private Training or Behavior Consultations, and if you have any specific questions holding you back from booking with me. This is NOT a training session, and no advice will be given during this call.

Payment for sessions is due when you book your appointment. No refunds will be issued. If you can’t make your appointment, you can reschedule up to 48 hours in advance. Sessions that are not rescheduled that result in a No Show will not be given credit towards a new session. Because space is limited, Board and Train Bookings require a 50% deposit to save your dates and are not transferable to other dates or refundable.

Virtual training by video is very effective! Sessions are 90% talking no matter what, and often a video session is preferred so your animal is not distracted by me or a new place.

In Person sessions are offered only within a specific service area. If you live outside this radius or you prefer Video, choose Virtual Sessions. If you live outside the area but are willing to drive, some clients choose to do that, we can agree on a place to meet within my service area.

Behavior Consultation is only available via Virtual Sessions. This allows me to help a greater number of families and their animals, and is ideal for the data intensive experience of Behavior Modification. These sessions are recorded and the recordings are made available to you.

I use positive, reward-based training. That means I don’t use – or teach my clients to use – any aversive, punishment-based techniques. This is in line with what the most current scientific evidence shows about Behavior and Learning Theory. You never need to use Punishment to teach you animal, and doing so has a risk of what we call fallout. Fallout is when punishment creates and worsens behavior problems, especially Reactivity and Aggression. Every Animal Learns The Same. Positive Reinforce works for dangerous zoo animals, and it will work for your animal as well.