private lessons

Private coach style behavior modification appointments are for you if:

• You have multiple dog/animal households. ***If there are additional dogs need specific training beyond basic manners, training fee may vary. Trainer will discuss at initial consult.

• Your dog is fearful or timid and would not do well in a group setting

• Your dog has aggressive tendencies and shouldn't be in a group setting

• Your work schedule makes attending group classes impossible

What to expect:
Our Behavior Modification Private lessons are custom tailored coach style training.
(see 4 types of training on our About page) https://www.creatureconnections.net/abourourtraining

Initially we send a Questionnaire that will give me insight into your pups current understanding of basic commands, and give the trainer some understanding of the household and any behavior problems you are currently experiencing with your pup.

Next up and prior to our first meet, we require participation of the whole family in a two online pre-recorded video presentations to understand some of the science behind dog training.

What you will learn during the 2 video lectures 1.5 hrs:

• Development as your dog ages and what to expect

• Mistakes that are made during the process of dog training

• Proper play and exercise

• Enrichment and nutrition

• Body Language and how your dog communicates with you

• Principles of your communication with the dog.

• Advanced understanding of how the consequences to behavior matter to the dog.

What happens during our one on one 1.5 hour hands on consultation/evaluation

• Discussion regarding key points of the questionnaire and further elaboration from family members regarding the pup

• Q/A relating to the video lecture

• Evaluation of the dog in question and their behavior with family members and the trainer

• Evaluation of the dogs communication (aka body language)

• Evaluation of the communication skills of the individual family members

• Evaluation of the environment and any existing management strategies

• Evaluation of current nutrition, feeding schedules, and the use of enrichment during behavior modification program.

• Trainer will give basic management strategies to the family regarding the most important behavior struggles with the dog.

• Trainer will give basic communication skills training to the family. AKA, we will work on how you communicate with the dog, and we will teach you how to mark and reward the behaviors you are looking for.
  We will work on Recall (Come), Name Game, and integrate this communication skill with basic manners such as Sit and Down.

• We will also explain some of the behavior modification concepts that will need to take place to change behavior, and what skills we will be leaning on during the process.

The Behavior Modification Plan
Once the evaluation is completed, the trainer will prepare a written synopsis of our 1.5 hour consultation/evaluation.
We will also prepare a behavior modification program that will outline the process and the recommendations for modifying the behavior in questions. We will prepare goals, define each task, timeline and skill required and we will provide a proposal for these services.

Follow up
Each lesson once the program starts comes with written homework, access to me via email, or phone conversation after each lesson if needed. (Optional video conference $50 per 30 min session)

Aggressive Dogs Welcome
Private socialization, obedience & training for aggressive, shy, or wild dogs. We use scientific behavior analysis to determine the trigger for the dog's unwanted behavior. Then, we use a combination of management, counter conditioning, alternative behaviors, and calming techniques to change behavior. Dogs with a Bite history will need a Veterinary Health evaluation and possible evaluation by a Veterinary Behaviorist.

Bonus gift bag
Our Behavior Modification process package comes with a treat pouch, treats, lick matt (enrichment toy), chew

Travel Charges
May apply for private lessons outside of Billerica, Burlington, Wilmington, Tewksbury, Bedford or beyond our typical 5 mile radius. Rate of $50 per 1/2 hour of travel time per lesson.