Private Dog Training Lessons

Private lessons

Private lessons are appropriate for any age dog, from puppy to senior. You may choose a private lesson over a group class based on scheduling; if your dog is nervous in a group setting; if you are nervous in a group setting; or if you have specific concerns that aren’t addressed in a group setting, like leash reactivity or manners with visitors.

Common issues addressed in a private lesson are leash issues (such as leash walking or reactivity); door manners; reactions to visitors; fearfulness of new people; resource guarding; territorial issues; and intra-household issues, to name a few. Check the behavior modification page for information on how I work with dogs that have those more significant behavior concerns.

All new clients will start with an Initial Session, which (with some, few exceptions) are held virtually. Follow up sessions can be held virtually or in person, depending on your location. More info below.

Why Virtual Lessons?

I transitioned to virtual initial sessions for the sake of flexibility, convenience, and accessibility.

Virtual training eliminates the need for travel, which saves time and reduces stress for you and your dog. Once you’ve learned some skills for meeting new people in your virtual session to implement in person, it makes future in-person follow up much easier.

Virtual sessions can be scheduled more flexibly to accommodate everyone’s busy schedules.

Virtual training (and all of my training!) focuses on teaching you, the owner, how to train your dog(s) - which leads to stronger, longer lasting results. Since I am not physically present to handle your dog, you have to learn how to communicate effectively and therefore, will build a better bond.

Virtual training has less distractions. Your dog does not have to deal with a stranger coming to their home or have to deal with going to a new place (and neither do you!). Dogs that are reactive, anxious, or aggressive tend to feel more comfortable learning in their own home.

Virtual training is more cost effective. I am able to charge less for virtual training as I do not have to travel and can schedule more appointments in a given time frame!

I use my own dogs to demo specific skills, will go over video examples, and we can accomplish just as much as we would (often more) in person.

I don’t necessarily need to “see” your dog’s behavior - or even meet your dog. (In addition, the presence of a new person can be inhibiting to some dogs - similar to how children behave differently when around strangers!). By obtaining a detailed history from you and using my experience with other dogs or similar cases, we can work without ever meeting in person. Or, some people choose to start virtually and then meet in person later on (depending on your location). Alternately, virtual training is accessible to those living in remote areas.

Virtual lessons are held via Zoom or Google Meet.

What to Expect

Click below to contact me to schedule an initial appointment (the initial session is required for every new client)
or to ask questions!

Once an initial session is scheduled with me, I will send you a link to confirm your appointment as well as complete some intake forms and pay a deposit. Please read the polices included in the registration.

During the first appointment we will go over all of your goals, I will obtain a detailed history, and establish a training plan, which also includes management plans and enrichment activities.
You will receive notes from the session and any relevant handouts via email within 3-4 days after the first session.

Expect your initial session to be about an hour and a half, and follow up sessions to be 45 to 50 minutes.

In-person and Virtual Lesson Pricing

Initial Session
$140 Virtual / $175 In person (with some exceptions, most Initial sessions are held virtually).

Virtual Follow Up Lesson $80 / In-person Follow Up Lesson $100

Why I do not do lesson packages: I used to! But I have changed my mind… not everyone has the time or money to purchase a package upfront, and not everyone needs that. I will recommend however many follow up sessions that I think will help you reach your goal - for some people, that is very few, so a cookie-cutter package is not one-size fits all. Instead I prefer to offer my follow up’s at the same pricing I would do if you were to buy a package, but offer them individually to be scheduled as often as you’d like. (Please note that I do packages for Separation Anxiety. Check that page for details here.)

To schedule your initial appointment

click here

You can also email dogologywny@gmail.com or click the button below

Dog training and behavior in WNY