Assessment
All training programs start with an Assessment. This appointment allows me to get to know you and your dog, and put together an individualized training plan. You'll receive plenty of information, including a prognosis for how much training your dog will need, and get started with the first steps toward your goals.
How It Works
The assessment lasts up to 3 hours, and is prorated based on how long we actually need. A deposit of $250 for 2 hours (the most common length of time needed) is required.
If the appointment ends up taking longer than 2 hours, the extra time (in 15 minute increments/$31.25) must be paid for at the end of our meeting. If the appointment is shorter, you will receive a prorated refund.
For clients in my service area (Vacaville, Fairfield, Davis, Dixon, Winters), we will meet in your home. For clients outside my service area, you will come to my home in Vacaville. We can also meet via video to facilitate social distancing, or for dogs who are very fearful or aggressive.
We will start with a thorough discussion of your dog’s history (including medical issues) and current routines and behavior. We will then discuss both your short term and long term goals for training.
I will put together a holistic training plan, give a prognosis as best as I can*, provide recommendations for immediate interventions that will help, and, if time and energy are still available, we can begin training exercises.
*It is impossible to fully predict how quickly an individual dog will progress with training, as it depends not just on my skills as a trainer, but also on the influence of the dog’s underlying genetics, health, and environment, as well as the owner’s skills and commitment. However I will draw on both my direct experience and what I have learned from other trainers to give you an estimate.
Some behavioral issues only require this one appointment. For example, a potty-training plan can be drawn up quickly, and then it's up to the family members to implement it. For most issues, however, continued training guidance is necessary via Private Lessons.
I will follow up the assessment with an email containing resources (articles, videos, podcasts, referrals, etc).
I do all of my scheduling and client paperwork online. You can use the links above and below to schedule an appointment and sign up for the client portal.
Preparing for the Assessment
If it is safe to do so, please record a few videos with examples of your dog’s unwanted behavior. (NOTE: If the problem behavior includes any aggression, DO NOT intentionally provoke your dog to attack or bite.) We will review any videos together during our appointment.
If you fear that your dog might bite a stranger at the door, or has ever bitten a stranger in the past, your dog must be secured away from the front door before I arrive. We will discuss how to facilitate a safe introduction during the appointment.
Think back on incidents of your dog’s problem behavior. Write down details about a few typical incidents, including when, where, and with whom they occurred. If the behavior has gotten worse since it started, write down a timeline of symptoms as best as you can. We will review these incidents during the appointment.
I strongly recommend having a method of taking notes on hand for the discussion points and immediate interventions.
I will follow up the assessment with an email containing resources (articles, videos, podcasts, referrals, etc). However your own dog’s training plan may include details or nuances that are different from the standard resources, and that is where written notes are very helpful.
You are also welcome to record videos of myself doing demos with your dog as a way of taking notes.
Don’t hesitate to reach out (email preferred) if you have any questions about the training assessment. I look forward to meeting you and your dog!