PRIVATE TRAINING

Private sessions are often the most effective way to have a highly trained dog.  In private sessions, you (and your family) work one on one with a trainer to specifically focus on the issues that are important to you, on your own training schedule.

Private sessions allow specific situation to be "set-up" to be sure you can manage your dog in real life (for example, in group classes, we can answer questions about what to do when visitors come over, but in private sessions, we can arrange for your family and friends to enter the home while we are there to teach in real life!

These individualized sessions are especially useful for dogs with specific behavioral issues such as displays of aggressive behavior, fear reactions and dominance issues. 

You may also want to consider private sessions if your schedule or learning style doesn't lend itself to the group environment.

Sessions can be done in your home, our facility or "out and about" in the real world (veterinarian's office, the town green, dog parks, etc). Private does NOT mean isolated!  We are able to incorporate distractions by using staff dogs and finding other people as needed.

Since there is no set agenda, the entire family, including younger children, may be more involved during individualized sessions.   Children are able to participate in our Puppy Kindergarten groups, but in Beginner groups are limited to observation and working with their dogs at home under parental supervision (mostly due to the maturity and coordination needed during moving heeling exercises).  

Private sessions are generally sold by the package to insure human follow-through,  We find it takes at least 3 sessions for the people involved to get reasonably proficient with the skills needed. Generally by the fifth or sixth session, the real "aha" moments occur and there is a marked difference in timing and competence that makes the learning process much smoother.  Behavioral issues are able to be addressed in three sessions, but for full training, including any recall work (coming when called), we recommend six session packages.

ABC clients who have been, will be or are currently enrolled in training may purchase private sessions "a la carte" on an as needed basis at a discounted rate without the package pricing.  We highly recommend the mix and match approach of combining group and private sessions for group class members.  This allows for the economy and socialization of the group, combined with the reduced rate and individualized attention of private training.  The best of both worlds!

Private sessions can be scheduled almost any day, evening or weekend (except Fridays, we get ONE day off!).  Call for more information including prices and scheduling availability.

Maximum attention for maximum results!  Full range of training commands and manners, including, but not limited to:

• Basic commands: sit, down, stay, come, loose leash walking and heeling
• Manners: polite greetings, leaving things alone (including garbage, toys, the cat, your fingers, etc)
• Leadership skills for humans.  Canine psychology.  Control without force!
• Special behaviors" like go to and stay on dog bed, sit stays at door or during meals,
  
• Fun "tricks" can be incorporated such as spin (wipes paws), play dead, bow, etc.  Sometimes the seemingly silly behaviors increase motivation and learning for both ends of the leash!
  
• Intro to advanced training, hand signals, competition venues, etc.
• Your private sessions:  you choose the behaviors important to you!