FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions

BEHAVIOR CONSULTS

Are all initial Behavior Consultations remote?

Yes. All initial Behavior Consultations are held remotely via Zoom. You can read more about remote training here.

Are in-person sessions available after the initial Behavior Consultation?

Yes, in many cases. If in-person sessions are appropriate, you may choose sessions at my home (located in 60646) or your home. A travel fee applies to sessions in your home, and scheduling availability is typically more limited. I travel only to the locations listed at the bottom of every page of this website.

For some behaviors, I may suggest continuing remotely until we reach a certain point in the training. This is determined at the initial Behavior Consultation.

Separation anxiety isn't mentioned on your website. Can you help with that?

I'm sorry, I don't assist with training for separation anxiety, isolation distress, or similar separation-related issues, which are serious conditions that can result in severe panic when a dog is left alone. I'm happy to provide referrals for trusted colleagues that specialize in separation anxiety training.

My dog's behavior issue isn't mentioned on your website. Can you help with it?

When you submit the intake form, I will review it thoroughly to determine if I can help. If I can't assist, I will recommend a trusted colleague that can.

PUPPY CONSULTS

I just got a puppy or am about to welcome one into my home. What should I book?

For one-on-one guidance on socialization, potty training, crate training, nipping, chew training, and other top priorities for puppies under 15 weeks old, book a Puppy Priorities Consult. If you are also interested in hands-on training for basic skills, we can discuss a Board & Train program at the end of this consultation.

I think my puppy is aggressive. What should I book?

If your baby puppy is growling, snapping, or biting at people (more than puppy teething and exploring), please book a Behavior Consult. Aggressive behaviors are not common for puppies this age.

PUPPY BOARD & TRAIN

Will I still need to train my puppy after a Board & Train program?

Yes. With a Board & Train program, I take care of the hard part of installing new skills so you don't have to start from scratch. You will still need to practice with your pup to maintain the behaviors and building on those skills, which is essential for long-term success. Training is ongoing!

How many dogs do you take at one time?

I only take one dog at a time, but there may be a day or two overlap with another dog's stay. If your dog doesn't get along with other dogs, we will schedule the program to make sure there is no overlap.

My dog is uncomfortable with unfamiliar people. Is a Board & Train program still a good fit?

No. Board & Train programs are only for puppies 3-6 months old and who are happy interacting with unfamiliar people. If your dog is fearful of or reactive to strangers, please book a Behavior Consult.

Can I visit my dog at your home?

Absolutely! We'll need to schedule it, but I'll be as flexible as I can. In the off-chance that your dog struggles to settle back in after your visit, I will let you know.

Do you offer options for fewer days?

Seven days is the minimum for first-time Board & Train programs. I can accommodate shorter "tidy up" stays for returning clients.

VIP BOARDING

My dog has separation anxiety. Is VIP Boarding a good fit?

Maybe. This type of stay requires very special considerations, which I take very seriously.

Separation anxiety, isolation distress, and other separation-related issues are serious conditions that can result in severe panic when a dog is left alone. To host a dog with separation-related needs, I must be prepared to not leave the dog alone for any longer than the dog can handle. This might mean never leaving your dog alone throughout the entire stay.

I may or may not be able to accommodate this need, depending on several factors I consider. After you submit the intake form, I will be in touch to discuss the potential for a stay and additional details. Please provide thorough and thoughtful responses to all questions in the intake form.

How many dogs do you take at one time?

I only take one dog at a time, but there may be a day or two overlap with another dog's stay. If your dog doesn't get along with other dogs, we will schedule the stay to make sure there is no overlap.

Are there set times I need to drop-off or pick-up my dog?

When we schedule the stay, we will agree on the specific drop-off and pick-up times. The drop-off and pick-up days are both reflected in the total fee.

SCHEDULING & OTHER DETAILS

How does scheduling work?

To get started:

Click on the "Intake Form" button to open the intake form for the applicable service.
Answer thoroughly each of the questions and submit.
I will review your submission thoughtfully and be in touch by email within 2 business days. Don't forget to check your spam folder.

What is your refund policy?

All purchases and deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. This includes deposits and payments for Board & Train and VIP Boarding, which secure the specific days you book.

What if I need to reschedule a consultation or training session?

You may reschedule any consultation or session by selecting a different appointment using the "Reschedule Appointment" button in your email confirmation at least 48 hours before the scheduled appointment. If you notify me with less than 48 hours advance notice, or are not present at the scheduled time, the consultation or session is deemed forfeited and is not refundable.

Do session packages expire?

Yes. All sessions in a package must be completed within 60 days from purchase. Expired sessions that are not used in this timeframe are forfeited and not refundable.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule a Board & Train program or VIP Boarding stay?

At the time of booking, a non-refundable 50% deposit (for Board & Train) or payment in full (for VIP Boarding) is required to secure the specific days you book. Once a booking is made, those days are not available to others for Board & Train or VIP Boarding, and my availability for other services is affected as well. If you cancel the booking or wish to reschedule the days, this deposit or payment is forfeited. If you choose to reschedule, payment in full will be required to secure the new days you book. This payment is also non-refundable and non-transferable.

SA Question

BEHAVIOR AND TRAINING