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We can help you with...
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Puppy training and socialization
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Fear and anxiety
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Reactivity toward people or other dogs
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Separation anxiety
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Resource guarding
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Jumping/mouthing behaviors
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Leash-walking
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Impulse control
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Basic manners and foundation cues
We are currently offering sessions online.
In addition to the issues listed above, I can help you address a variety of behaviors your dog may be struggling with. I specialize in positive reinforcement and clicker training methods, and prioritize providing personalized attention to each private client I work with.
Services include puppy packages, behavior consultations, and in-home private coaching or day training sessions in Richmond, El Cerrito, Albany, Berkeley, Kensington, Piedmont, and the surrounding East Bay. I also offer online virtual behavior consultations and coaching sessions. We can meet through apps such as Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime. If needed, we will also use recorded videos of your dog to assess and treat your dog's behavior outside of the home.
All sessions begin with an Initial Consultation. Rates and details for each training option are listed below.
Initial Consultation
$175 for 1 hour
I will gain as much information about your dog as possible and assess your long and short-term goals. You will be given immediate practical advice to manage and prevent the behaviors from getting worse. I will then create a training plan tailored to fit both your dog's issues and your family's needs. From there, we will discuss what kind of private sessions would be the most beneficial for your dog- a puppy package, private coaching, or day training, all described below in more detail. A $10 travel fee/session may apply for locations beyond listed service areas.
Private Coaching
$150/session
After we've met at the Initial Consultation, we can set up private coaching sessions where I coach you how to train your dog based on his/her invididual needs. Typically sessions are once a week at your home and last 1 hour. This is a good option for owners who have the time and ability to work consistently on their own with their dogs.
Puppy Package
$90-$115/session (depending on package)
Our Puppy Packages include all the benefits of foundation training and proactive socialization to prevent puppies from developing behavior issues when they grow up. You will have access to exclusive Puppy Start Right videos (see sample Health and Handling video here) and a personalized curriculum based on the Puppy Start Right book. Training packages include socialization to different kinds of people, dogs, cats, vet visits, grooming, novel sounds, and field trips to a variety of places.
We are also able to offer full coverage for potty breaks to make sure your puppy's house training and positive reinforcement training methods remain consistent by collaborating with Doggy Lama Pet Care, one of the most highly rated and positive dog walking services in the East Bay. Plus, if you'd like to continue with group dog hikes or need a trustworthy pet sitter once your puppy grows up, you can easily transition to Doggy Lama's group hikes or pet sitting services. Learn more and sign-up for your Puppy Package here.
Day Training
$110-$130/session depending on consultation assessment
After we've met at the Initial Consultation, I will be able to determine if day training is a good option for your dog. Day training is ideal for your dog to learn more quickly, and perfect for busy professionals or families. I come to your home to personally train your dog several times a week. We then schedule owner-update sessions where I show you what skills your dog has learned and how to maintain them. Typically, a minimum of at least 3 sessions/week allows for optimum results, and each session lasts 1 hour. Day Training helps your dog learn faster and cuts down on the confusion when first learning a new behavior. You can benefit from a professional's quick mechanical skills and ability to read your dog accurately, in order to effectively achieve progress and minimize stress for both of you!
Photos by Sachiko Eubanks and GNS Photos
Getting Started
Before signing up for sessions with ANY trainer, it is important to understand how they will be teaching you to train and interact with your dog to make sure it is a good fit. Below are a few articles and videos that show the type of positive reinforcement training I use with dogs. With Choose Positive Dog Training, you can rest assured knowing that your dog is being trained with up-to-date researched methods using positive reinforcement and clicker training principles. If you feel comfortable with these methods after reviewing the information below, I'd love to hear from you to discuss setting up an Initial Consultation.
Articles
by Victoria Stillwell
Most of the dog-owning public has long been misled into thinking that treating dominance is the key to solving most dog behavior problems, when the reality is quite different... Dogs are not on a quest for world domination. They are not socialized wolves who are constantly striving to be ‘top dog’ over us, and they are not hard-wired to try and control every situation.
Progressive Reinforcement Training
by Dogmantics Dog Training
A type of animal training exists that involves no forms of intimidation, confrontation, violence, reprimands, or domination. This non-violent type of training has gone under many names: “Clicker Training,” “Positive Training,” “Positive Reinforcement Training,” and “Reward Training,” among others. There is a need for a more specific, more accurate, more inspirational term.
Videos
Courtesy of Sarah Owings
Here's is a compilation of success stories and inspirational moments, showing that clicker training is not just for tricks!. Each of these dogs were trained with 100% force free, reinforcement-based strategies. No "pack leader" needed!
Courtesy of Kikopup
I can empathize with pet parents who may be thinking "I am all for positive reinforcement, but what am I supposed to do when my dog is doing something I don’t want her to do?!" A simple effective solution is to choose a positive, friendly noise that you can use to get your dog’s attention, called a positive interrupter. You can also read Choose Positive Dog Training's blog article about the Positive Interrupter.