Private Lessons – An education in advanced training
Private lessons are a great way to strengthen your bond and gain control over your furry buddy. These one on one lessons are designed to help you understand, communicate to, and train your dog yourself under a Certified Foundation Dog Trainer's supervision. You will be amazed at how much you will learn! When I train your dog myself, I must only teach you how to be a good dog handler. These private lesson programs will teach you to be your dog’s handler and teacher – a far more rewarding experience.
A dog trained by you and Steve:
Will not need a big bag of treats to be bribed into listening.
Will not need to be spoken to sternly, yelled at, intimated, or manhandled to listen.
Will not need a leash attached when you need obedience.
Will not need to be told twice to obey their owner.
WILL listen to one soft spoken command in any environment with the most difficult distractions you can think of.
The best part is the training is humane, respectful, and a bonding experience for you and your dog.
When comparing our training programs to others please don’t confuse Brooklyn Dog Whisperer training with:
An ex police dog handler or military dog handler now working as a dog trainer.
A large dog training franchise with strange training gimmicks… like barking back at your dog! Or throwing loud discs on the floor!
Someone who learned only through reading books, online programs, or videos about dog training.
Someone who uses only outdated WW2 style “command and jerk” choke collar techniques.
Someone who took a private certification test based mainly on a multiple choice sit down exam.
A veterinary behaviorist that uses drugs or euthanasia as the fix for most problems
Unfortunately, there are no government regulated standards for dog training. Anyone can claim to be qualified or even certified. Some even have elaborate web sites with lots to say but nothing to show. The wrong choice can cause your dog unnecessary stress, limited results, and sometimes even a recommendation for euthanasia!
Below are some of my private training options and prices.
Training Consult
This is you and your dog’s first meeting with me, your trainer. In the consult you can expect:
- First, I will record your dog’s history, take an analysis of his behavior, and discuss the goals you would like to achieve with him.
-Then, I will go over a detailed plan on how we will reach all your goals using a combination of behavioral modification, training, and management.
- After, we will do some hands on exercises to get you started
This consult is also slightly modified as an option for someone to get on the right track with a new puppy that doesn’t have the time to attend weekly puppy classes. This is called a “puppy consult”.
For most obedience and aggression problems follow up lessons will be required.
The consult generally lasts about 4 – 5 hours depending on the complexity of your goals.
Cost -
$250
Follow up lessons
Follow up lessons generally last between 2 – 2 1/2 hours. During these lessons we work on specific exercises that you will learn to practice on your own that will bring you toward your training goals. Total number of sessions vary on dog and handler, with the number of lessons usually somewhere between 10-20. I usually work with dog and handler, or handlers if you are a couple or family, once per week to allow plenty of time for practice. 2 Dogs, no problem. Same pricing applies, yet the total number of lessons may increase. I ask for no commitment or up front deposit. We are result oriented trainers and it is entirely up to the client as to when and how often they wish to book. Most clients work with us once a week to leave plenty of time for practice as we move forward.
Cost -
$100 per lesson
Full Off-Lead Control Package
This private lesson package is designed for someone who is committed to having their dog fully trained the right way without cutting corners. Your dog will do all exercises outlined on and off leash around distractions. This package can be customized for a dog that needs aggression rehabilitation, confidence building, or preparing for more advanced training such as personal protection or assistance dog training.
Exercises Include:
Lead and people manners
Attention to name
“Climb” and stay on objects
“Sit” stay
The one hour plus “Down” stay around distractions
“Come” when called in the presence of distractions
Go to “place” mat and stay
“Heel” on leash (walking controlled on left side of handler)
“Heel” off leash around distractions
“Leave it” – disengage with object, animal, or person
“OK” – permission to engage with person, object, or animal
“Free” – release from all commands
This package includes:
1 – consult
16 – Private lessons
Cost -
$1,600 (payment in full in advance)
Personal Protection Dogs
Here is a great blog post by Mike D'Abruzzo, my mentor and creator of the Foundation Training System on personal protection dogs. You can look out for yours truly taking bites in some of the videos. It was all part of a normal day over at K9-1.
