Frequently Asked Questions

I come to you—training begins in your home or on your property to build strong foundational skills in a familiar, low-distraction environment. Once your dog is ready to begin proofing learned behaviors and working through new distractions, we transition to public settings. Training sessions may take place in a variety of dog-friendly locations, both indoors and outdoors, such as public parks, trails, cafés, Home Depot, Tractor Supply, and local pet stores.

We typically teach behaviors using positive reinforcement via food, so please plan to have treats available during sessions. I recommend avoiding hard, cookie-type treats, as they take longer for dogs to chew and may create crumbs that can be disruptive during training. Instead, choose soft, chewy treats that are easy to break into small pieces—strong-smelling treats are often especially effective.

You will also need a reliable collar and leash or a high-quality slip lead. There is no need to purchase new equipment in advance; we are happy to work with what you currently have.

Because every dog and handler team has unique training needs, we will discuss any potential equipment recommendations as they arise and collaborate to determine the best options for both you and your dog.

I am a balanced trainer who utilizes all four quadrants of operant conditioning. Desired behaviors are initially taught through a variety of positive reinforcement methods—such as treats, toys, play, and affection—to build enthusiasm and engagement in the learning process. Once the dog has a clear understanding of the behaviors, we layer in negative reinforcement, most commonly through the use of a slip lead. This provides clear, tactile feedback that helps the dog better distinguish between correct and incorrect responses, resulting in improved communication and greater clarity within their obedience training.

Sessions are typically scheduled once per week; however, I prefer to tailor all aspects of training—including scheduling—to each individual family. At the end of each session, we will schedule the next appointment, allowing you to determine how much practice time you need between sessions.

That decision is entirely up to you. While each package includes a set number of sessions, this should be viewed as a general guideline rather than a fixed outcome. Behavior change takes time, and the effectiveness of training depends largely on the owner’s consistency and follow-through with the material covered in each session. For some clients, a single package may be sufficient, while others may benefit from additional one-on-one coaching through continued sessions.

Clients outside a 15-mile radius of my base location in Port Orchard, WA are subject to a travel fee. Travel fees account for the additional time that must be blocked off per client to accommodate travel between appointments, tolls, and related expenses. Because client distance directly impacts how many sessions can be scheduled in a single day, an additional travel fee is required.