I also offer more advanced training for those pursuing Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) and Therapy Dog registration.
How many training sessions will I need?
I offer an initial 2 hour consultation with training, and thereafter, either individual 1-hour training lessons, or a 4 one-hour package of lessons. I recommend the initial 2 hour consultation with training plus the 4 one-hour package for puppies, and for adolescent/adult dogs that need obedience training.
The 4 one-hour package covers all the basic obedience a puppy or adolescent/adult dog needs. These lessons are designed to teach you how to teach your dog. You will need to practice often in a variety of situations and environments in order for your dog to become fluent with the learned behaviors.
Each dog is different, and how quickly your dog will become fluent in the behaviors you are focusing on depends on how often you practice, your dog’s breed, and how fast your dog learns.
Do you work with clients with their dogs in public settings?
Yes, I do. Once my clients have learned basic obedience, I am happy to schedule lessons where we meet in public settings such as Barracks Road Shopping Center to practice what they’ve learned with their dog in a new context. Many of my clients who are pursuing Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) or Therapy Dog registration take advantage of this service and find it extremely helpful.
Because many clients are working on teaching their dogs to behave politely on leash, I also schedule training lessons where I will walk with my client and their dog in the neighborhood, once we have covered the required basics. This way, I can teach my client the most effective way to get the desired behavior with their dog when going out for walks amongst other dogs and people.
Do you take aggression cases?
Yes, I do on a limited basis. I do not, however, take aggression cases where the dog is a dangerous dog that has severely bitten, or cases that have legal ramifications.
When do you schedule consultations and private lessons?
I offer consultations and lessons Monday – Friday 11AM – 4PM, with my first appointment starting at 11AM and my last appointment scheduled at 4PM.
Do you have dogs?
Yes, I do. Currently, I have 4 dogs.
I have a 9 year old German Shepherd, Sattva, that is a retired Therapy Dog. She did Animal Assisted Therapy from the time she was 2 years old till she turned 9. We worked in various settings, but she specialized in working with brain-injured people. We volunteered for many years at HealthSouth Adult Rehabilitation Hospital where Sattva was well-loved. I retired her recently after she had bloat and torsion.
I have 2 Yorkshire Terriers. Pookie is 9 years old and she was a Therapy Dog as well when she was younger. Unfortunately, due to health issues, I needed to retire her when she was very young. Toto is an 11 year old Yorkie that I rescued when he was 5 years old. Both of my Yorkies have given me considerable insight into working with Toy Breeds.
Last, but not least, I have an adorable, extremely dog-friendly, and comical 2 year old Standard Poodle, Zorro. He often works with me, helping my little puppy clients learn how to play with an older dog that is gentle. His nickname is “Uncle Zorro” because of his ability to help shy and fearful puppies feel more comfortable around dogs. Oftentimes, Zorro is the first dog these puppies meet and this gives them a positive association and added confidence with dogs. Zorro enjoys agility, Rally-Obedience, and taking long walks in the woods with his special Poodle friend, Baci.
Contact GoodDog! Training
Charlottesville, Virginia
434-293-5836
