Training

My training philosophy is grounded in three core pillars...

Positive Reinforcement

Rewarding behaviors we want to see more of, rather than punishing mistakes. This helps dogs learn faster, feel more confident, and enjoy the training process.

Consent and Choice

A strong relationship is built when dogs feel safe and respected. By honoring their consent and giving them choices, we reduce stress, increase cooperation, and create genuine trust.

Whole-Pet Wellness

Behavior is deeply intertwined with nutrition, enrichment needs, baseline health status, genetics, and environment. I look beyond the outward behavior to support your dog from the inside out.

Training Philosophy

I believe training should never be about force, fear, or intimidation. All beings - humans, dogs, cats, fish, snakes, elephants, and any other species you can name - deserve to be treated and taught with kindness, patience, and respect. I utilize humane, compassionate methods that have been scientifically proven to be effective, with far less physical and psychological risks compared to training methods that utilize compulsion, pain, and fear.

Methods and Techniques

Training is never one-size-fits-all. Every dog learns differently, and every family has unique goals and needs. I utilize a variety of research-backed techniques to create a customized plan for your unique family, such as:

Marker Cues - Help to provide clear communication so that your dog knows exactly what they are being rewarded for.
Shaping - Rewarding small steps towards a larger/more complex behavior or goal.
Capturing - Rewarding your dog for displaying a desirable natural behavior, such as laying down.
Lure-and-Reward - The use of food, toys, or an established target to guide dogs into a position, and then reinforcing with a reward.
Consent Cues - Teaching dogs to participate in training and care voluntarily. For example, choosing to step onto a mat for nail trims instead of being forced.
Enrichment-Based Learned - Incorporating sniffing, foraging, puzzles, games, and movement into training to keep things fun and engaging.
Desensitization - Gradual exposure to something that a dog finds scary, starting at a level they can handle.
Counter-Conditioning - Changing the dog's emotional response to something they dislike by pairing it with something they do like.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

The first step of starting a training program is a comprehensive consultation, where we lay the foundation for success. Here's what you can expect during your consultation:

A deep dive into your dog's health, behavior, training, and general history
Thorough review of your family's training goals, including your top priorities, frustrations, and dreams for your dog
Observation of your pet in the home environment
Identification of potential underlying stressors, such as pain, fear, or lack of energetic outlets
Management and introductory-level training techniques that you can start using right away

Training consultations are always required before starting a training program to ensure I have a detailed understanding of your pet, household, current routines, housemates, relationship, goals and expectations, and other important factors that can impact or influence the training program.

What to Expect During Training Sessions

After your consultation, you will have the option of scheduling your first training session. Each session includes:

Hands-On Training - I'll work directly with your dog while also coaching you, ensuring you feel comfortable replicating the exercises on your own.
Clear Explanations - In addition to showing you the how, I also explain the why. When you understand the reasoning, you become more confident and consistent.
Step-by-Step Progression - Each week, we'll add a little more difficulty to our practice so that your dog is challenged while still staying successful.
Problem-Solving, Together - If something isn't working, we adjust! I'm here to help troubleshoot and adapt the plan to your dog's needs and your lifestyle.
Real-Life Practice - We'll discuss how to apply skills from training sessions into everyday situations in a way that feels natural (not like homework).

What's Included with Training

Every client receives resources designed to make training smoother, clearer, and more effective, including:

Customized Training Binder
- Handouts applicable to your family
- Session recaps and homework
- Progress trackers
- Space to record notes, success, challenges, and questions
- So much more!
Access to my Barkcuterie Box
- Want to try a new type of treat for your pet but don't want to risk wasting money on something they don't enjoy? I keep a wide variety of training treats in my supplies box at all times for your dog to sample from.
Holisticlly-Minded Guidance
- Multi-factoral considerations when addressing behavior challenges
- Referrals to trusted vets or specialists if indicated
Ongoing Support
- Email/Text access between sessions for quick questions or troubleshooting
- Adjustments to your plan as your dog grows and learns
- Recommendations for toys, equipment, and more to support your training goals

Pricing

Consultations - $60

Single Training Session - $125

Four Training Sessions - $450

Six Training Sessions - $600

How to Get Started

To schedule your consultation, please text Megan at 253-315-9086 or email loveofdogaz@gmail.com

Remember...

Training isn't about having a "perfect" dog. It's about creating a happy and healthy partnership where your dog understands how to succeed, and you feel supported every step of the way. My goal is to give you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to bring out the very best in your dog - all while making the process fun and rewarding for you both.

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