Foundational Skills Training

A clear, predictable life for your dog — and an easier life for you

Life gets easier for everyone when your dog understands what to do. Instead of relying on constant cues or correcting behaviors you don’t want, my foundational training focuses on teaching predictable patterns your dog can rely on, and installing alternative behaviors that set them up for success.

The goal isn’t endless obedience reps.

It’s clarity, confidence, and a dog who can make good choices—even in tricky situations—without you having to micromanage every moment.

Why this approach works for humans, too

When your dog knows how to navigate daily life, you feel the difference immediately:

Less stress, less frustration — Your dog isn’t guessing, and you aren’t constantly redirecting.
Real-life reliability — Skills hold up on walks, around guests, and in busy environments.
A calmer household — Predictable routines reduce anxiety for both species.
More freedom — A dog who can settle, disengage, and respond thoughtfully gives you more flexibility.
A stronger relationship — You’re communicating, not battling.

This is training that supports your whole life with your dog—not just your training sessions.

Is This Program Right for You?

Foundational skills training is an excellent fit if you:

Want daily life with your dog to feel smoother and more predictable
Value a training approach rooted in respect, welfare, and understanding
Want behaviors that work in the real world, not just structured sessions
Prefer teaching your dog how to think—not just how to “obey”
Are ready to practice with your dog between sessions
Want to prevent future behavior issues through strong communication and routines

If your dog is experiencing aggression, fear, or anxiety, please contact me about Behavior Support instead. These cases require a separate initial consultation and a coaching-based approach for safety and success.

How Training Works

1. Reach Out for a Discovery Call

Click below to schedule a free Discovery Call where we’ll chat about your goals and I can answer any questions you may have before we get started.

2. The Initial Session

We begin with a 60–75 minute session to understand your dog’s personality, learning history, environment, and your goals.

This session sets the foundation for your training plan and starts the learning process right away.

3. Ongoing Training Options

Coaching Sessions – You learn to train your dog

Most clients choose this format because it teaches long-term skills you can use forever.

We work together so you understand the why behind the behavior and how to support your dog in real life.

Day Training / “Done-For-You” – I train the dog for you

Perfect for busy schedules or dogs who need concentrated practice.

I work directly with your dog, then we hold transfer sessions so you know how to maintain the behaviors.

Offered as 1–3 week packages.

Schedule your free Discovery Call!

Initial Foundation Session

Every training journey starts here. This session gives us the time and space to understand your dog as an individual and set you up with a clear, thoughtful path forward.

During your Initial Session, we will:

Talk through your dog’s current behaviors, developmental stage, daily routines, and unique needs
Clarify your goals so we can tailor training to your lifestyle and what matters most to you
Break down what’s driving the behaviors you’re seeing, and how to prevent unwanted patterns from continuing
Introduce foundational skills and predictable patterns that help your dog feel confident and know what to do
Start hands-on practice, so you leave with tools you can begin using right away

You’ll finish this session with a solid understanding of why your dog behaves the way they do, a plan you can feel good about, and the first steps toward smoother days and better communication.

This is the groundwork we’ll build on—whether you choose Coaching, Day Training, or a blend of both.

$150 for 60–75 minute session

Coaching Sessions

I’ll guide you, step by step, as you train your dog.

Personalized Coaching: I’ll teach you how to train your dog using force-free, positive reinforcement techniques.
Hands-On Learning: You’ll build skills and confidence as you work with your dog directly.
Flexible Scheduling: Train at your own pace with my ongoing support along the way.
Deepen Your Bond: Strengthen your relationship through effective communication and teamwork.
Custom Solutions: Tailored to your dog’s needs, whether it’s leash manners, polite greetings, or settling in the home.
Long-Term Success: Learn the "why" behind the training so you can maintain good behavior for life.

Perfect for dog parents who want to be hands-on in their pup’s training journey but need professional support along the way!

Details

1-2 sessions with you and your dog per week

45 minute sessions

Written homework will be provided for practice between sessions

$90 per session

Day Training

I light the way, you enjoy the journey.

"Done-For-You" Training: I do the hard work, so you don’t have to! Your dog learns essential manners while you go about your day.
Faster Progress: With professional training sessions, your dog will improve quickly and reliably.
Custom-Tailored Training Plan: Focused on the behaviors that matter most to you—leash walking, polite greetings, recall, and more.
Convenient & Stress-Free: No need to find extra time in your busy schedule—I’ll handle the training for you.
Skill Transfer to You: I’ll show you how to maintain and reinforce your dog’s new skills for long-term success.
A Well-Mannered Companion: Enjoy life with a dog who listens, behaves, and is ready for any adventure!

Ideal for busy individuals and families who want a well-trained dog without the time commitment of daily training.

Details

3 sessions with your dog per week

45 minute sessions

A transfer session with you as the last session of each week

offered as package

Day Training Packages

Day training is a great option if you want your dog to get focused practice without needing to be hands-on for every session. I work directly with your dog to build skills, confidence, and predictable patterns, and then we hold transfer sessions so you know how to maintain and use those new behaviors in daily life.

Because every dog learns at their own pace, results can vary — but in general, more time means more opportunities to solidify and “proof” behaviors. A longer package allows us to practice skills in different contexts so the behaviors hold up in the real world, not just during training.

1-Week Foundation Builder

Perfect for introducing new skills or jump-starting behaviors your dog already has a little familiarity with.

Includes:

3 day-training sessions
1 owner transfer session

Key Benefits: Introduces foundational behaviors, helps your dog start practicing predictable patterns

$400

2-Week Skill Strengthener

Ideal for dogs who need more repetition, structure, and support to generalize a behavior.

Includes:

6 day-training sessions
1–2 owner transfer sessions

Key Benefits: Strengthens behaviors, builds duration, improves reliability in everyday contexts

$750

3-Week Real-World Ready

The most effective option for dogs who benefit from practice in a variety of contexts. This package gives time to introduce skills, strengthen them, and start proofing around increasing distractions.

Includes:

9 day-training sessions
2-3 owner transfer sessions

Key Benefits: Proofing in various environments, builds confidence and real-world reliability

$1,100

Let's get started!

Why choose in-home Day training over Traditional options

Day training is more than just “someone trains your dog while you’re away.” Unlike a typical board-and-train program, your dog stays in the comfort of home, surrounded by the people, routines, and environment they know best. This reduces stress and makes it easier for behaviors to generalize to everyday life.

I come directly to your home, so you don’t have to worry about drop-offs or pickups each day. While I work hands-on with your dog, you participate in transfer sessions to learn how to maintain and reinforce skills long-term. This means the results are designed to stick in your real life, not just in a training facility.

Your dog gets the benefit of consistent, structured practice while living in their familiar environment, learning to make good choices and respond reliably to everyday situations. At the same time, you gain confidence and hands-on skills to support and sustain their progress.

In short, day training gives you:

A dog who learns where they actually live, so skills transfer immediately.
Reduced stress and anxiety for your dog, because they remain in their own home.
Owner involvement that ensures behaviors last long-term.
Convenience — no daily drop-offs or travel.

Real-world reliability, rather than “obedience in class.”

FAQ

What foundational skills do you teach?

Foundational training focuses on everyday skills that help your dog navigate the world confidently and predictably. These include:

Sit
Down
Name Game (engagement / attention to you)
Polite Walking (on leash)
Recall (coming when called)
Settle (on a mat or designated spot)
Targeting (hand/foot or object)
Wait (at door / threshold)
Give/Take (trading for items)
Leave It (ignoring or disengaging from items)

Every skill is taught with intention:

Predictable pattern → opportunity for choice → reinforcement that builds lasting behavior.

These aren’t just “obedience cues.” They’re practical life skills that help your dog learn routines, make good choices, and problem-solve in their daily environment.

Can I do both Coaching and Day Training?

Absolutely — and the best results can come from combining the two.

Each format supports the other, and choosing both can give you a powerful mix of professional hands-on training and human education so everyone stays on the same page.

If you start with Day Training:

Your trainer (me!) does the foundational teaching for your dog in your home, building skills efficiently and reducing the time and effort you need to put in during the learning phase.

Then, we add Coaching Sessions to:

Show you how to maintain and use the behaviors in real life
Transfer communication skills from me → your dog → you
Troubleshoot anything that feels tricky
Help you build habits and routines that support your dog’s success

This ensures the training doesn’t “live with the trainer” — it becomes part of your everyday life.

If you start with Coaching:

You learn how to train and communicate with your dog, building teamwork and understanding from day one.

Then, we can layer in Day Training when:

You’re short on time
Your dog needs more repetitions than you can reasonably do
You want me to accelerate progress on a specific behavior
You hit a plateau and want professional hands-on support

This keeps momentum going and takes pressure off during busier seasons of life.

In short:

You’re never locked into one format.

You can mix and match based on your schedule, your dog’s needs, and where you’d like support. Many clients appreciate having both options because life (and dogs!) aren’t one-size-fits-all. Let the format work for you instead of forcing yourself to fit into a rigid plan.

How long does training take?

Training isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your dog’s age, genetics, learning history, environment, and confidence all affect how quickly skills develop. Some dogs pick up new behaviors in a week; others need more time to practice, generalize, and build reliability in different settings.

For young dogs or puppies, I often recommend thinking of training as an ongoing relationship, not a one-time service. As they grow through developmental stages, new challenges and learning opportunities naturally come up, and continued support helps you navigate each phase smoothly.

What I can guarantee is that we’ll set clear goals, track progress, and adjust the plan based on your dog’s individual needs—not an arbitrary timeline.

Can you guarantee results?

No ethical trainer can guarantee specific results because dogs are living beings—not machines—and behavior is influenced by many factors, including consistency at home. What I can guarantee is that you’ll receive force-free, evidence-based training tailored to your dog’s needs, and that I’ll support you every step of the way.

How often should we train?

Most clients train weekly or biweekly, depending on goals and availability. For young dogs, consistent sessions over time help support healthy development and prevent problem behaviors from taking hold. We’ll choose a schedule that fits your routine and your dog’s learning pace.

Do I need to be present for training?

For coaching sessions, yes—you are the learner as much as your dog.

For day training sessions, you do not need to be home. I work directly with your dog, then we hold transfer sessions so you can confidently maintain the new skills.

Can you do Day Training with dogs who are nervous around people or have behavior concerns?

Yes — but only when it’s safe and your dog is comfortable.

Day Training requires your dog to willingly interact with me and feel secure during our sessions. If your dog is fearful, unsure about new people, or has a history of snapping, lunging, or other behavior concerns, we’ll begin with Coaching Sessions.

This allows us to:

Build trust at your dog’s pace
Help you create a safe, supportive environment
Reduce stress by keeping you involved as the familiar person
Give me time to assess whether hands-on Day Training is appropriate and safe

Once your dog shows they are comfortable with me and the situation is safe for everyone, we can transition into Day Training and I can work more directly with them.

Your dog’s emotional safety and wellbeing always come first.

We go at their speed, not a schedule.

What’s the difference between foundational training and behavior support?

Foundational training focuses on everyday life skills like polite walking, settling, coming when called, and basic household manners.

Behavior support is for dogs experiencing fear, anxiety, reactivity, or aggression and requires a separate initial consultation. This ensures the plan is safe, thorough, and tailored to more complex emotional needs.

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