Squirrel Dog Consulting

I charge $45 per session. Sessions run about an hour. I am currently offering a package of five training sessions for $200.

In most circumstances my main focus is teaching YOU to teach your dog. When we first meet (or before), I'd like to learn about what you are looking for, and hear any relevant history (e.g. for aggressive behaviors it helps to know the history of when/where they started and anything that may have triggered it). From there I like to watch how you interact with your pup. Depending on your goals, sometimes I have a lesson already planned, or it may be more effective to choose training tasks as we go. I can send a follow-up written report of our sessions if desired outlining what we have learned. I request that you and your pup practice what we talk about each day, even if we don't meet.

I have been researching and studying dog training and dog behavior since 2014. This includes written research through books and publications as well as actively participating in group and individual training courses. Influenced by authors such as Millan, Woodhouse, McConnell, McMillan, Sylvia-Stasiewicz, and Dunbar, my method of "dog communication" combines positive reinforcement with socialization and relationship/alpha/pack research.

I had learned about dog training when I was young, and also somewhat during my college education (BA in Psychology (the human type)). I then became extremely involved after a Rottweiler joined my family in 2014.

I have helped owners and pups of all types - from puppies to older dogs, from manners and tricks to complex behavioral issues.

Recently an elderly lady with mobility issues found herself acting as the primary caretaker for a rambunctious, large (and still growing) puppy. I have been teaching her ways to communicate with the puppy, calm him down, and assert herself enough to keep him from walking all over her (literally and figuratively). We have had three sessions so far (one per week). She is already able to calm him down and get him to focus on communicating with her in positive ways.

Depending on what you are looking for, there are lots of options available in Central Oregon. I mainly do individual sessions (though I might start an outdoor, off-leash group class this fall). Other group classes are available, and may be a good option (or addition) if additional socialization is part of the training needs for you and your dog.

1. It is beneficial if you already know what goals you aim to achieve through the training. 2. Think about any history which might help me understand your situation. 3. How much time are you able to spend on training and socialization with your dog? Practicing what we learn together on your own time is an important part of being successful in training.