How Much Does Dog Training Cost?

 

The cost of dog training depends on how much you want to be able to do with your dog.

One of the most common questions we hear is, "What is the cost of dog training in Traverse City, MI?". The cost of dog training depends on several factors. You need to consider how much time and effort you want to contribute and how much direct help you prefer.

Also, how big are your hopes and dreams for the life you want to live with your dog? Do you want to include your dog in an active life? Off-leash hiking? Camping? Kayaking? Brunch on the patio downtown? Or do you just need a dog that is good around the house?

The most time effective and easiest solution is to do nothing at all about the problems you are having with your dog. Just live with it. There is zero cost and no time or effort on your part. It sounds crazy but this is the option a lot of people choose.

For a little more time and effort but still no financial outlay, you could watch a YouTube video, read a book, ask a neighbor for advice or watch an episode of Lucky Dog. Your results may be a mixed bag based on your skill and dedication. But if you are persistent, you could make some progress toward having a better-behaved dog.

For around $200 you can probably take a dog obedience class at a local big box store or through your local community education department. Lots of work on your part but not a very big hit to your budget. You will have help from your instructor for the length of your class, but that support usually ends on the last night of class. If you didn't make enough progress, you can usually sign up for another round of classes.

You could spend several hundred dollars to take private training sessions at a local training center. You will get more one on one attention, and if you do your homework, you could progress more quickly than in a group class. Guarantees are usually not included.

Love him or hate him, you can send your dog to world-renowned Caesar Milan for about $6,000 plus transportation costs. Only a little work on your part, and a big chunk of change, but you have the experience of working with a celebrity dog trainer.

Or for $230,000 you could buy a fully trained dog from Harrison K9 in North Carolina.

Yeah, I don’t know what to say about that one, either!

So, you can see that the cost of dog training varies widely depending on your needs, the level of quality you desire and the amount of the trainer's direct help and support you prefer.

Our Fresh Start program is designed for owners who want a high level of dependable results. We will be there to make sure your dog achieves the level of training you are working towards. If hiccups develop later, we will be there for you.

The extra benefits and client support of our program make it difficult to compare us to other trainers in the area based on price alone. We are not a cheap and easy solution but we are also in it with you for the long haul.

And we get great results!

The fees for our comprehensive dog training program are in line with the excellent results, lifetime support and guarantees we provide.

So, if after trying DIY solutions and dog training classes, your dog is still not as well behaved as you had hoped for, don't give up! We would be happy to hear what you have going on and see if we may be able to help.

You can schedule a complimentary phone consultation right here.

Does My Dog Need Behavior Counseling?

 

A lot of dog owners wonder, "Does My Dog Need Behavior Counseling?". It is a common question and you are not alone. We offer solutions for dog behavior problems.

Some behavior problems can be very troubling, and owners often feel powerless in their attempts to fix them. This does not mean your problems are unfixable, if just means you have not found the proper solution yet.

Behavioral problems are the number one reason dogs are rehomed or surrendered to shelters. But most behavior problems are very solvable with proper training.

Don’t give up!

If your dog is showing signs such as aggression, fear, anxiety, phobias, or other strange behaviors, please consult with a qualified professional trainer for further information.

Many of these problems are training issues beyond the scope of your local obedience class instructor, making behavior modification training the best choice for resolution.

Schedule a call today to discuss if your dog needs behavior counseling and if our comprehensive program may be the solution for you.

Salty Dogs

"Why is my housetrained dog having accidents in the house?"

After spending ten years raising future Assistance Dogs, I know accidents can be one of the most challenging problems dog owners face.

Luckily, the problem sometimes has a very simple solution!

Dogs tend to get more treats during the holiday season; either as gifts or to distract them from the holiday hubbub of visitors and other activities.

Pig ears, smoked bones, rawhide, hooves and similar treats are usually very high in sodium. And increased sodium consumption can increase thirst which leads to increased water consumption.

Increased sodium consumption can increase thirst
which leads to increased water consumption.

And if you increase the intake, there is going to be an increase in output! Some dogs are unable to contain themselves as well as they normally would in this situation.

These kinds of treats can also give your dog an upset stomach and cause another kind of output that is even more unpleasant!

So, if you find yourself asking "Why is my housetrained dog having accidents in the house?", first consider possible dietary causes if your dog has been getting those kinds of treats.

Try limiting the suspected treats for a week and see if the accidents decrease. If so, consider switching to raw or un-smoked treats.

If the accidents do not decrease, consult with your veterinarian to rule out urinary tract infections, kidney problems or other more serious causes.

Some of the special treats I use include raw beef marrow or knuckle bones (available from your local meat market) or stuffed Kong toys. You can also freeze the stuffed Kongs to make them last longer for your dog.

I reserve these higher value raw and stuffed treats for special occasions and usually offer them when the dogs are crated to make sure there are no jealousy issues.

For day to day use, I offer antlers, Nylabones or Kong toys like the Kong Dental Stick . 

I hope you find this information helpful!

Why Did the Dog Trainer Cross the Road?

I know how to safely cross the street!

Never have I been hit by a car or even had a near miss when crossing the street on foot. (While biking is another story!)

I know that you generally wait for the traffic light to turn green which also activates the WALK signal.  But I don't really need the walk signal. I know how to read the traffic pattern and can safely cross the street even if there isn't a traffic light or WALK signal. 

However, I recently learned I do not know how to cross the street while in Paris.

We did not have a car so we spent a lot of time walking. I knew they drove on the right side of the road like we did so thought all would be fine.

Well, let me tell you, I was wrong!

First off, Paris traffic is cray-cray! Take a look at this!

In the US we generally stop our vehicles outside the crisscross portion of the intersection. 

Some Paris intersections are set up to stop cars travelling in both directions right at the crosswalk where people are crossing.

Another thing about Paris is that people have a very small space bubble. The first few days I thought they were trying to run us over.

But they always stopped but only as far away as they needed to be.

It is not because they are rude.

A couple of times I stepped off the curb totally in the wrong and the driver stopped and insisted I continue. (Mercí beaucoup!)

French traffic lights are different from ours and are generally off to the side somewhere.

There are often two WALK/DONT WALK signals. One to get you to the island in the middle of traffic and another to get you the rest of the way across.

So, there is lots going on and then add in the distractions of being a tourist to one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in the world. I was a total country mouse in the city!

It was all very confusing! A lot of thought went into getting it right when it came to doing something I have taken for granted. I walked when the walk sign was green and didn't when it wasn't.

It was not unusual to be waiting for the WALK signal and there would go a Parisian strolling into the crosswalk without a care on the world.

That is because the locals can do more than just read the pedestrian signal. They know the traffic pattern; is this is a one-way street and how many of those six lanes of traffic are going to be headed this way. They also know where and when the cars are going to stop.

So, while I am pretty darn good at safely crossing the street in Traverse City Michigan, that is not a skill I have mastered in Paris.

With time and perhaps some instruction from a native who is fluent with the local customs, I would have made much faster (and safer!) progress.

And it is like that with dogs sometimes.

If you welcomed a new dog into your family recently, they may be struggling like a traveler in a strange land. Do think you might need training help for your new dog?

If so, I can help! I am fluent in canine AND human and can help eliminate confusion and frustration on both sides.

If you are ready for a Fresh Start with your new dog, you can schedule a complimentary phone consultation with me and avoid getting lost in translation.

Halloween Safety Tips for Dogs

Trick or Treating can be a lot of fun.

For people.

For dogs is can be a very scary time!

He is a pure bread dog!

There will be an unpredictable parade of odd-looking strangers yelling outside of your front door and maybe even knocking and ringing the doorbell. If your dog’s front door behavior is not so great on a regular day, it is likely to be even worse with all of the extra excitement of Trick or Treating.

When afraid, dogs can act out of the ordinary and may growl, snap or even bite at visitors. With all of the noise in the neighborhood, they may also bolt out the front door or escape your yard. Make sure your dog is wearing an ID tag with your current contact information just in case.

Consider crating your dog in a quiet room with some background music or television until the commotion of trick or treating is over. A treat-stuffed Kong or other special goodie may help distract your dog.

Chocolate can be harmful to dogs. If you are giving out treats instead of tricks, keep an eye on the snacks. And if you have trick or treaters in your family, make sure their loot is stored in a dog proof location. (It would probably be safest if Mom and Dad just went ahead stowed those Reese’s in their bellies! You know, for safety reasons!)

If your dog does ingest chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately!

And if you like to dress up your dog for the holiday, make sure the costume doesn’t block their vision or prevent them from moving comfortably.

I hope these hints will help you AND your dog to have a safe and enjoyable Halloween.

So you Want to Become a Dog Trainer?

So, you want to become a dog trainer?

Yay!

The world needs more dog trainers who can help struggling dog owners resolve the problems they are having with their dogs. There are more than enough families who are having a hard time with naughty dogs to go around!

But how to actually become a dog trainer?

You could work your way through the 115 million! results on Google about how to become a dog trainer if you have the time and the patience.

But here is how to quickly become the best dog trainer you can be: Let The Universe always catch you training dogs. The end.

Start with Sit, Down and tricks to get the hang of timing your rewards and corrections.

Train your dog, friends' dogs, relative's dogs, shelter dogs, foster rescue dogs, raise service dog puppies, etc. and get good at addressing the three most common behavior problems: jumping up, pulling on the leash and not coming when called.

Do not spend your time studying dog training; spend your time doing dog training. You will not be very good at first but if you keep learning, you will get better.

Train dogs for free at first if you have to. When you can get better results, you can get better pay.

Create a social media page for your new business. Don't worry about a fancy name or a logo. "Jenny's Dog Training" is enough to get you started. Make videos and show your work so people can get to know, like and trust you.

You do not need to go to a fancy dog trainer school, join a franchise or get a "certification". There are many successful dog trainers out there who freely share their knowledge. Most aspiring dog trainers will not act on their advice. Be one who will take action!

Hint: if you love dogs but hate people, please do not become a dog trainer. Struggling people need trainers who can be kind and empathetic. Be prepared to learn how to deliver great customer service and run a business.

Speaking of running a business, business coaching is just as important as learning how to train dogs. Programs like Molly Rouse's P.E.A.K. Marketing Program for Dog Trainers can give you the tools to build a successful business while helping you focus on what you love—training dogs. I have personally used this program, and it has been a game-changer for my career.

The demand is high and the need is great so let's gooooooo!

Want to fast-track your journey? Check out the P.E.A.K. Marketing Program for Dog Trainers. As an affiliate, I may earn a commission if you join through this link, but I truly believe it’s the best way to grow your business and make a real impact without burning out.

(And if you are local, send me a PM and let's meet for some dogs and coffee networking!)

Toddlers Don’t Blow Up Mailboxes

And why you don’t need puppy training. Yet.

It’s true. They may be a little mischievous or get into trouble because they don’t know any better sometimes, but toddlers usually do not commit felony criminal mischief. Oh, we joke about the Terrible Two’s and the Tyrannical Threes but toddlers are mostly just cute little dickens.

This is what I keep in the back of my mind when people are telling me how well behaved their new puppy is.

The puppy follows them everywhere, pays attention to everything they say and other than mild behavior problems like chewing on things or not yet knowing where to go to the bathroom, they are mostly just cute little dickens.

But then the day comes when things change.

For puppies, this is usually right around sixteen weeks of age when they enter the exploratory development stage. They have realized that there is an amazing world out there full of fun things to explore. They start to exert their will and act independently.

Answering the Call of the Wild

This all makes sense when we look to the dog’s wild canid cousins. Young wild canids are tasty little snacks for all of the hungry predators in their world. There is safety in numbers so they tend to stick close to family members and don’t stray far from the den.

But once their motor skills are developed, off they go to explore the world! Not such a problem for wolves and coyote puppies; big problem for domestic canine puppies.

That puppy that used to follow you around the front yard is now darting across the street to visit the neighbor or to follow the jogger going by the house. Left unchecked, this behavior can turn into a game of chase, bite and wrestle. This is not the way you want to meet the neighbors! Or your local animal control officer.

When you bring your new puppy home, there are two possible courses of action. You can enjoy all the cute and fluffy adorableness of your new puppy and deal with the problems as they come up later.

OR. . .

You can get ahead of the curve and prevent problems before they even begin.

Learning Machines

Young puppies are wired for learning! Think about how much they have learned from birth until the time you take them home. And they can keep on learning! The first sixteen weeks of your puppy’s life are magical. This is the time to teach them what you expect from them as a full-grown dog.

You can teach many of these things on your own and the process is pretty simple. Reward the behaviors you want to see in your adult dog and correct the ones you don’t. There is no need to be overly harsh; just find a way to get your message across that is meaningful to the pup.

If your pup has gotten the jump on you and you want help getting back on track, we would love to talk to you. You can schedule a phone consultation with us here to talk to us about the problems you are having with your new puppy.

Our Fresh Start Puppy Training Program has helped Traverse City puppy owners just like you!