In-Home Private Client Coaching

For those who learn best one-on-one or have specific behavior needs. Includes email and phone support between sessions or for one month after each session, whichever comes first, and customized written resources after each session.

  • Pre-adoption consultation

  • Puppy preparation

  • Puppy manners and socialization

  • Adult dog manners

  • Solutions to common behavior problems

  • Behavior modification, in conjunction with your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist when recommended

For most situations, I recommend that you start with 3-4 sessions booked 1-2 weeks apart. This allows for any necessary assessment, building any necessary foundation skills, and learning how to apply those skills. You can pay at each session as you go or all at once.

Availability is contingent on COVID-related safety precautions requested by trainer, which may include working outdoors when possible, providing proof of vaccination, social distancing, and mask wearing.

First session (90 min): $185
Subsequent sessions (60 min): $155

“Head Start” In-Home Private Training

This is a package with a 13-session minimum. It includes a minimum of 3 sessions with your required participation (first, last, and one other in the middle); plus 9 other sessions where I work directly with your dog. In those 9 sessions, you are also welcome to participate or observe, but it is not required. 

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This service is not appropriate for human-directed aggression or aggression toward other animals in the household. It may not be appropriate, at least not initially, for cases involving aggression to animals outside the home.

Availability is contingent on COVID-related safety precautions requested by trainer, which may include working outdoors when possible, providing proof of vaccination, social distancing, and mask wearing.

This package can be customized within reason, and numerous clients have re-upped it multiple times to address new issues, to maintain training, to provide enrichment, etc.

13 “day training” sessions, including at least 3 transfer sessions: $1,950 ($150/session)

Online Training and Consultation

This option requires that you have a computer, Internet, and a webcam and download the free Zoom online meeting software. FaceTime or Google Meetings may be options as well. Topics that may be addressed include:

  • Basic manners instruction

  • Puppy preparation, acclimation, and training: we offer a special new-puppy package with multiple meetings per week with a per-session discount.

  • Pre- and post-adoption counseling

  • Housetraining

  • Counter surfing, jumping up, barking, and other common “nuisance” behaviors.

  • Foundation skills for loose leash walking

  • Foundation skills for leash reactivity

  • Preparing your dog for a new baby

  • Some fear and aggression concerns; online training can be especially good way to start when your dog is worried about visitors to the home.

  • Help with assessment of behavior problems and intervention design for pet owners and fellow training professionals

  • Mentorship of fellow training professionals

Don’t see your concern here? Contact us and we can discuss whether remote consultation makes sense.

Veterinary requirements will remain the same for remote and in-person training, in order to ensure that we are starting any behavior-change program with a foundation of good health.

First session (90 min): $180
Subsequent sessions (60 min): $150
New dog or puppy online “head start” package: 10 sessions over 3-4 weeks, $1,450 ($145/session)

Service Area

My primary service area for in-person work includes the north and near northwest sides of Chicago, as well as some nearby suburbs. I am based in Logan Square. I may work in additional areas of the city or suburbs depending on their distance from other, current clients.

Veterinary Requirements

Following are veterinary and vaccination requirements for both in-person and remote training:

Puppies up to 16 weeks of age:

  • Proof of post-adoption puppy wellness exam from your veterinarian

  • Proof of start of puppy vaccination series from veterinarian: age appropriate DHPP round and any other vaccinations recommended by your veterinarian

  • Proof of intestinal parasite screen with negative results from veterinarian. If screen is positive, note from veterinarian stating puppy is under treatment and parasite is not transmissible by humans.

  • Proof of rabies vaccination if 16 weeks or older

Dogs 4 months and up

  • Proof of wellness exam in past 12 months from referring veterinarian

  • Proof of vaccinations from veterinarian: current DHPP, rabies, and any other vaccinations recommended by your veterinarian

  • Proof of intestinal parasite screen in past 12 months (or more recently if stool is abnormal) with negative results. If screen is positive, note from veterinarian stating dog is under treatment and parasite is not transmissible by humans.

COVID-19 Policies (Updated October 2023)

I am fully vaccinated (two shots) and boosted (including the most recent booster) for COVID-19, and am conducting in-person sessions only with individuals who are also fully vaccinated and boosted. 

Please be prepared to provide proof of vaccination including boosters or third shots on request for all eligible household members. 

Please let me know if you have household members who are not eligible for vaccination and we can discuss options. 

I will wear an N95, KN95, KF94, or 4-ply surgical style disposable mask during all our interactions, indoors and out, and use hand sanitizer before and after each session.  

If we are working indoors, you and any other individuals present in the home must wear one of these types of masks as well. Masks should securely cover the nose and mouth. 

If you or a household member feels ill or learns of an exposure to COVID 19 before a scheduled session, please let me know as soon as possible. Please let me know even if you are testing negative on a home test, as in the current climate I cannot go into clients’ homes with any respiratory illness.

If you or a household member feels ill or learns of an exposure to COVID 19 that occurred up to a week prior to one of our session, please also let me know as soon as possible.

I will do the same for you.

My normal short-notice cancellation fees will be waived in the event of illness.

I reserve the right to refuse service or terminate a session or service with no refund at any time if COVID-19 safety policies are not followed. 

Services I Don’t Offer

Separation Anxiety: I do not currently take cases where the primary or only concern is moderate to severe separation anxiety. For help with separation anxiety, I recommend working with a veterinary behaviorist and/or a certified separation anxiety trainer.

Group Classes