Private training is available for people who want a well-behaved, well-trained dogs that they and their friends can enjoy being around. A well trained dog should be able to accompany you on your day-to-day errands, join you in dog friendly stores and outside coffee shops and restaurants. A well-trained dog should be a pleasure to be around. At About Dogs LLC, we show you how to accomplish this using fun, easy, fast, and efficient methods emphasizing positive, reward-based training. Two recently published scientific studies (see Blackwell et at. 2009 & Herron et al. 2009 on the "Dog Science News" page) showed that training using positive, dog-friendly methods was associated with fewer behavioral problems in dogs.

At About Dogs LLC, our emphasis is on training the family companion rather than training for the competition ring or best in show. Our goal for our clients is to have a dog who is "best in home."

Training Options

All training is scheduled at your convenience and appointments are in your home. We offer the following packages. All education and training is designed to meet to individual goals and needs.

Puppy Head Start Training is for proactive puppy guardians interested in getting their relationship with their new puppy off to the right start. Dr. Ward will show you how to incorporate your new puppy into the home and nip problem behaviors before they ever have a chance to start. She will address relationship fundamentals, housebreaking, puppy proofing your home (and saving it in the process!), dealing with destructive behavior, chewing, and more. This consultation is sure to be both fun and educational for everyone involved.

Basic Manners Training will get you started training your adolescent or adult dog. Lessons cover teaching your dog how to sit, stay, lie down, come when called, walk without pulling and more. Individual problem-solving sessions will help you to correct unwanted behaviors. Basic Manners gives you the tools you need to help develop the correct relationship with your dog and it lays the foundation for more intensive training. Typically 4 to 6 45-60 minute sessions are needed.. A copy of Dr. Ward's book Relationship Training for a Well-Behaved Dog is provided.

Advanced Manners builds on behaviors introduced in Basic manners by adding in duration, distance, and distractions to training. We will be working on exercises in local parks, dog-friendly business establishments, and downtown. Advance Manners is for guardians who want to maximize their dog's potential and develop a truly dependable companion. The number of sessions needed will depend on each persons' individual goals.

Individual Problem Solving is designed for people who want to address specific or specialized behaviors such as jumping up when greeting people, pulling on the leash, steeling food off the counter, running off when called to come and others.

Brush-Up Training is for people who have taken Basic Manners or Advanced Manners and some time has passed since they trained with their dog. They may need 1 or 2 sessions "brush up" sessions to get started again working with their dog again.