Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about my services? You'll find answers to the most common questions here. If you don't see what you're looking for, contact me directly.
Getting Started
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Behavior Assessment (In-Home: $325 | Virtual: $310)
60-minute evaluation of your dog's emotional state, environment, and learning needs
Detailed written plan (15–30+ pages) with step-by-step instructions
Safety guidance, management strategies, and homework checklist
Email support for clarification
Best for: Dogs with fear, anxiety, reactivity, aggression, or complex behavioral concerns
Training Session (In-Home: $125 | Virtual: $100)
60-minute hands-on coaching for obedience, manners, skill-building, follow-up, or targeted problem-solving
Includes guided practice, adjustments to your plan, step-by-step instructions
Verbal guidance with text follow-up
Best for: Straightforward obedience needs, skill-building, or ongoing support after an assessment
Tip: Take notes during sessions so you remember all instructions, cues, and exercises
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Single sessions: Flexible, targeted help for specific issues. Ideal if you have a focused question or problem you want addressed immediately.
Packages: Recommended for ongoing work, complex behavior concerns, and structured progress. Packages save money per session, provide accountability, and allow for step-by-step progression. All packages include structured guidance, homework, progress tracking, and ongoing support.
Available Packages:
Starter Support Package (3 sessions): $349 – Hands-on coaching and troubleshooting for early skill-building or specific issues
Core Training Program (5 sessions): $549 – Builds engagement, real-world skill practice, and consistent progress tracking
Behavior Modification Package (8 sessions): $849 – Long-term support for reactivity, fear, anxiety, or complex emotional responses
Upgrading from single sessions: If you've already booked individual sessions and want ongoing support, your previously paid sessions may be credited toward the total cost of a package. This means your prior payments are subtracted from the package price, so you only pay the difference.
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Most clients begin with a Behavior Assessment to ensure your sessions are focused and effective from day one. If you're still unsure, book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your dog's challenges and determine the best next step.
About the Trainer
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I have over 20 years of animal care experience, including several years as a Veterinary Technician. I follow LIMA principles and continue to pursue ongoing education in canine behavior and training techniques.
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Yes, I carry comprehensive business insurance including general liability and animal bailee coverage to protect both my clients and their dogs during training sessions.
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Yes! You can read client testimonials on my Reviews page. If you'd like to speak with a past client directly, let me know during your free consultation and I can connect you with references who have given permission to be contacted.
Training Methodology
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It depends on your dog. I use all four quadrants of operant conditioning, starting with positive reinforcement (food, praise, play) and incorporating additional tools and techniques when they're the most effective option for your dog's needs.
Tools I use include e-collars (remote training collars), prong collars, slip leads, and muzzles. All tools are introduced gradually with proper conditioning and owner education. Nothing is used without your understanding and consent.
Tool recommendations are made during your assessment based on your dog's temperament, learning history, and training goals. Some dogs never need tools beyond a flat collar and treats. Others benefit from clearer communication that tools provide. My job is to recommend what will help YOUR dog succeed—not follow a one-size-fits-all approach.
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I follow LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) principles, which means I start with the least intrusive methods that will be effective for your dog. Positive reinforcement is my foundation but I'm not limited to one approach. My approach is positive first, not positive only.
This means some dogs thrive with food rewards and encouragement alone. Others need clearer boundaries, structure, and communication to feel secure and make progress. I use what works for each individual dog, which sometimes means incorporating tools and techniques beyond treats and praise.
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Treats are used when appropriate to reinforce desired behaviors. I teach how to effectively use treats and transition to praise, play, or environmental rewards to prevent treat dependency. The goal is for your dog to respond reliably even when treats aren't present.
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Yes, but only when it's safe. During the first assessment, I determine whether services can be delivered safely. Sessions may be declined or discontinued if a dog poses an unmanageable safety risk to people or other animals.
I work with aggression toward people, other dogs, resource guarding, and bite-risk concerns. Management, safety protocols, and owner education are prioritized in all aggression cases.
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Yes! Puppy work focuses on:
Emotional regulation and confidence-building
Controlled socialization
Preventing fear or reactivity before it develops
Foundation skills (sit, stay, recall, leash manners)
House training and crate training
Clear communication between owner and puppy
Starting early gives puppies the best foundation for a lifetime of good behavior.
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Yes, I work with service dog prospects and owner-trained service dogs. This includes foundation skills, task training, public access preparation, and behavior problem-solving. Service dog training requires a significant time commitment and is discussed during your assessment to ensure realistic expectations.
Logistics
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In-Home: At your home where your dog is most comfortable and real-life challenges occur.
Virtual: Zoom or Google Meet - available anywhere worldwide.
Real-World Training: Parks, trails, or other environments for practicing skills in distraction-rich settings.
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All sessions are 60 minutes unless we agree a shorter check-in is more appropriate.
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Simple obedience or manners: 1–3 sessions
Moderate behavior issues: 3–5 sessions
Complex behavior (reactivity, fear, anxiety, aggression): 5–8+ sessions
A realistic timeline can be provided during your initial assessment or consultation. Progress depends on consistency, environment, your dog's history, and owner follow-through.
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Yes! I encourage all household members to participate in sessions so everyone is on the same page with training. Consistency across all family members leads to faster, more reliable results.
If you have multiple dogs, let me know in advance so we can discuss whether they should be present or separated during the session.
Payment & Policies
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Venmo
PayPal
Cash
Credit/debit card (via Square)
Payment is due at the time of booking. If cash is easiest for you, you can pay when your session takes place.
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More than 48 hours notice: Full refund or reschedule at no charge.
Less than 48 hours notice: You will be charged a 50% cancellation fee.
Less than 24 hours notice or no-show: No refund. The full session fee is forfeited.
Emergencies happen. If you need to cancel due to an emergency, reach out as soon as possible and I'll work with you when I can.
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Packages are non-refundable after the first session has been completed. If you have not yet used any sessions from your package, contact me to discuss options.
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No. You can use your sessions at your own pace. There is no expiration date. However, I recommend scheduling sessions consistently (weekly or biweekly) for the best results.
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Yes. If you've already booked individual sessions and want ongoing support, your previously paid sessions can be credited toward the total cost of a package. You'll only pay the difference.
What to Expect
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Behavior Assessment:
I observe your dog's behavior, stress signals, and current skills
We discuss triggers, routines, environment, and history
I identify patterns and root causes of behavior
You receive a detailed written plan (15–30+ pages) with step-by-step instructions, management strategies, and homework
Training Session:
Hands-on coaching and skill-building
I demonstrate techniques and guide you through practice
You receive clear instructions for practicing at home
Follow-up support via text or email for clarification
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Very. I train you to train your dog. While I demonstrate and work directly with your dog when needed, the goal is to equip you with skills to continue training independently. Training is about building a lifelong relationship, not creating trainer dependence.
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Follow the homework plan provided. Practice consistently. Even just 5–10 minutes daily makes a huge difference. Track what's working and what's not, and reach out if you have questions or concerns before your next session.
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Success depends on consistency, environment, and your dog's history.
If progress stalls, I will:
Provide actionable guidance and troubleshooting
Adjust your plan if something isn't working
Refer to specialists (veterinary behaviorists, veterinarians) if needed
Some cases require medical intervention alongside behavior modification. As a former Veterinary Technician, I can help you identify when your dog needs veterinary support.
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Virtual sessions work well for:
Clients outside my travel area
Basic obedience or skill-building
Follow-up coaching after an in-home assessment
Owners seeking convenience or flexibility
Some cases—especially severe aggression, reactivity, or situations requiring hands-on safety management—are better suited for in-home sessions. I'll let you know during your consultation which format is best for your situation.
Safety & Requirements
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Yes. Dogs must be current on rabies vaccination for all in-person sessions. Proof of vaccination is required during intake before your first session.
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As the owner, you are responsible for your dog's behavior at all times. I provide safety protocols and management strategies to minimize risk, but ultimate liability rests with you. By booking services, you acknowledge that I am not liable for bites, injuries, or property damage caused by your dog.
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Sessions (virtual or in-person) are not recorded without mutual consent. If either of us would like to record a session—for personal reference, training documentation, or progress tracking—we'll discuss it in advance before recording begins.
Contact & Scheduling
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You can schedule directly through my online booking system, or reach out directly:
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Yes! I offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your dog's challenges and determine the best next step. This is a great way to ask questions and make sure we're a good fit before committing to a session.
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In-Home Services: Mansfield, CT and surrounding areas. Sessions beyond 10 miles from Mansfield, CT (06268) are subject to a travel fee of $0.67 per mile (round trip).
Virtual Services: Available worldwide—no travel fees.
Still Have Questions?
If you didn't find the answer you were looking for, I'm happy to help!
Book a free 15-minute consultation.