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What should you expect?
Changing your dog’s behaviour won’t happen overnight. But change is possible.
There will be some work involved.
In most cases behaviour change involves changing how your dog feels about something, which can be complex.
Couple that with the fact that your dog has taught himself how to cope with whatever is making him uncomfortable.
All that to say there usually isn’t a “quick fix”. You will need to set aside some time for training your dog.
Sometimes the training won’t look like we’re working on your problem.
That’s because behaviour problems develop for different reasons and we want to address the root of the problem. As the wonderful Ian Dunbar wrote: We can’t just put lipstick on the pig. 🙂
Committment matters.
The primary reason why training fails is lack of owner compliance. You should be prepared to allow for at least two – 10 minute training sessions every day.
I use easy-to-learn, fun games to train behaviours – you just need to add the time commitment to start changing your dog’s behaviour.
Training is conducted virtually via Zoom. An option for in-person training is available if you live within 20 km of Guelph, Ontario.
In some cases virtual training is recommended if your dog is particularly stress-y (new people in the house is extremely high stress), and for separation anxiety, which benefits enormously from not having an unfamiliar person visit the house.
We can make the decision on a case-by-case basis.
Support for your dog’s learning
After your session you will receive training notes as well as links to video demonstrations (if applicable) within 48 hours of our session.
If you have any questions regarding your training homework please don’t hesitate to drop me a note or give me a call.
I don’t recommend saving your questions until the next time we meet. This will slow down your progress.
My Fees
My fees are increasing January 1, 2026 to $425 (including HST) for a package of 3 sessions. This is a difficult decision and is the first price increase I’ve had since August 2018. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Fees can be paid via e-transfer or cash, and are due before your first session.
All three sessions must be completed within 6 weeks unless we make other arrangements. Training that is stretched over many weeks does not benefit you or your dog’s learning.
Students who have purchased a 3 session package can purchase individual sessions for $125 each.
FAQ’s
Why do you sell 3 sessions as a package?
My experience has been that for true changes in behaviour you won’t accomplish anything with a single session. So you won’t see any results and that just creates a dissatisfied owner and a dog who is still struggling.
Does virtual training really work?
Yes, it is even recommended for dogs who are struggling with reactivity, aggression, resource guarding and separation anxiety. Evidence shows that strangers coming into the house are usually highly stressful for dogs who tend to over-react in unfamiliar situations, and for dogs who are struggling with confidence.
Your services are expensive.
I appreciate that this is an investment. There is a lot of individual customization to my training based on my experience and my education, so I like to believe I am giving you the most efficient protocols to reach your training goals, backed soundly by the most current science.
I didn’t get a chance to train my dog since our last session. Will that matter?
Because training is progressive, it builds on new skills, so if you didn’t have time to train your dog you may not have the skills to move on to the next level.
How long do I have to complete my three training sessions?
I will honour your purchase for six months from the date of purchase but strongly recommend you complete the training within six to eight weeks. The reason is simply because stretching your training out doesn’t give your dog the chance to solidly learn new skills.
You know when someone says “I learned French but I never use it and now I’m not as fluent”? It’s the same thing for dogs. If you start and stop training and leave a few days with no training you can’t expect your dog to be as fluent with his new skills.