Group Training Classes
Group training classes are taught through Alaska Dog Sports. I am instructor for a variety of classes including Puppy I and Puppy II, Beginning I and Beginning II, Proofing, Street Smarts, Rally Novice, Rally Advanced/Excellent, Show Handling and Novice Prep. Please visit the Alaska Dog Sports website for more information about these classes or to enroll.
Private Training Sessions
If group classes don’t meet your needs, there are alternatives! Customized training to fit your specific needs or schedule are available. If you have a dog with behavioral issues that are best addressed in a private session or your schedule does not allow for the typical once a week class schedule, please contact me. I offer private sessions that can cover a variety of topics such as:
- Puppy development and behavior (potty training, puppy biting, jumping and introduction to basic obedience skills)
- Handler skills / competition skills (understanding dog behavior and communication and training techniques; obedience/rally/conformation)
- Aggression and other behavioral issues
- Building confidence (fear, timidness, anxiety)
In person Initial Behavioral Assessments/Continuing Sessions: Initial assessments are for those dogs that have behavioral issues (biting, jumping, aggression, fear, lack of self confidence, lack of self control, etc.) and are an opportunity for the trainer and owner/handler to meet and discuss the type(s) of assistance needed, the dog’s background and history, explore the issues and determine what goals and objectives the owner has for dog. Where this assessment occurs depends on the issues needing to be addressed: sometimes they are done in a neutral setting outside of the owner’s home and sometimes in the owner's home. Typically the owner and the dog both attend this first meeting which lasts approximately 1 to 1.25 hours, but occasionally I may want to meet with just the owner first. Informational handouts, resources and information will be provided at initial assessment and throughout any continuing training sessions. After the initial assessment, a training plan will be developed and presented to the owner within approximately 2-4 days. The training plan will outline informational/learning topics for owner to increase their understanding of behavior and exercises/lessons for the owner and dog to address the issues outlined at assessment. The training plan will outline the curriculum for several (2 to 4) ongoing sessions.
I encourage all prospective clients, especially those who's dogs are displaying aggressive types of behavior to read "BEHAVIORAL ISSUES WITH THYROIDITIS: THEORY AND CASE REVIEW" by W. Jean Dodds, D.V.M. paying close attention to the yellow highlighted paragraphs. I highly recommend a visit to your veteranarian for a complete medical exam, thyroid testing (a full thyroid panel as opposed to the simple T4 test), and that you obtain a copy of your vaccination record for my review.
Initial Assessment Cost: Please contact us for rates.
Ongoing Sessions Cost: Ongoing sessions are packaged. Advanced payment for a minimum package of sessions is required (minimum number will be based on the issues being addressed; please contact us for rates).
Phone Consults: For those owners who are in need of assistance but who do not live in or have easy access to the Anchorage area, phone consults are available. Training ‘by phone’ can be very difficult...I am not present in order to see the dog’s actions and reactions and the handler’s methodology, actions and reactions. However, guidance and information may help you to deal with the issues you may be facing. Informational handouts and resources will be provided.
Phone Consult Cost: $30 and typically last 30 minutes.
Private Obedience Training Sessions: Private training sessions are available. For those owners seeking assistance with basic or competition obedience skills, puppy behaviors, attention, leash walking, etc., the cost is $40 per session. Sessions run 45 minutes to an hour.
