PRIVATE COACHING

Customized coaching to help you achieve your training goals.

PRIVATE COACHING: IS IT THE RIGHT FIT?

At this time, we are accepting a limited number of private coaching clients, and only those who are the best fit for this service and our approach.

Before applying for private coaching, we encourage you to watch this short video that will help you decide whether our training approach aligns with your goals and values before investing your time and energy into the process.

Private coaching is the ideal option for:

  • Complex behavior concerns

  • Reactivity towards other dogs

  • Fear and anxiety

  • Concerns with multiple dogs in the home (fighting, resource guarding)

  • Service Dog training (available only with Michelle Wieser)

Private coaching is best suited to owners who:

  • Are committed to force-free, positive reinforcement-based training methods.

  • Understand and support that we do not use aversive tools or methods, including choke collars, prong collars, or electronic (shock) collars, as these tools can worsen fear, anxiety, and aggression.

  • Understand that behavior change takes time—especially when addressing fear, anxiety, or reactivity.

  • Have the time and willingness to consistently implement training and management strategies between sessions.

  • Have realistic expectations about outcomes and understand that progress is rarely linear.

  • Prioritize safety of other people and dogs, and understand that some goals may not be realistic or appropriate.

Cases we're not currently accepting:

  • Severe aggression toward people or a significant bite history involving humans. These cases often involve significant underlying behavioral, medical, or psychological factors and require a higher level of support. We may refer you to your primary veterinarian and/or a veterinary behaviorist to ensure a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan.

  • Separation anxiety is a highly specialized area of behavior, and we refer these clients to Certified Separation Anxiety Trainers (CSATs) who work virtually.

  • Concerning or unsafe behavior toward young children require specialized support and are best addressed by a Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator (FPPE), who has specific training in child–dog safety, management, and behavior modification in family settings. Many FPPE professionals offer virtual services.

  • If your dog falls into any of these categories, we are happy to help point you toward appropriate, qualified support.

AVAILABILITY & LOCATION

  • Private coaching appointments are generally available during weekday daytime and evening hours.

  • At this time, we do not offer private coaching on weekends.

  • Programs must be purchased at the time of booking and will expire if not used within 3 months.

  • Due to fuel costs and time constraints, we do not travel to country residential locations past Robert Service Way or Crestview. Please contact us to confirm whether we can attend your home location or if an alternative meeting location is recommended.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Use the Contact button to inquire about private coaching.

    Provide plenty of details about your situation. We love details!

  • Once you have signed the contract and paid for the program, we will connect with you to schedule the lessons.

  • During the first lesson, we will discuss your dog's history, behavior, and your training goals.

  • You will receive homework emails designed to help you meet your goals.

  • We will use force-free, science-based behavior modification strategies to create behavior change without causing pain or stress for your dog.

PROGRAMS & PRICING

Contact us if you're not sure about your training goals and length of the program.

Behavior Consultation $225

  • 1-hour session / behavior consultation

  • Detailed training, management and enrichment recommendations

  • Recommendations for additional training to address your goals (group classes, additional private lessons)

  • A 1-hour consultation is not sufficient for resolving complex behavior issues.

3 Private Lessons $525

  • 1, 1-hour behavior consultation

  • 2, 1-hour coaching sessions

  • Management and training strategies designed to reduce stress and create behavior change using humane, science-based strategies

  • Detailed weekly homework and goal setting

  • Email support between appointments

LOCAL REFERRALS

If we are not the right fit for your needs, we are happy to refer you to another qualified professional.

We only recommend trainers who use force-free, evidence-based methods, hold well-recognized professional certifications, and participate in ongoing continuing education.

At this time, the only local trainer we confidently refer to is Head To Pawsitive (Alexandra Rochat, KPA-CTP, CVT, Elite FFCP-V, LSHC-S).

WHAT OUR CLIENTS THINK

Need more details? Get in Touch.

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