Get a customized plan, weekly lessons, and direct, daily coaching from Erin and Jake so you always know exactly what to do. No matter where you live.
For anyone who's looked at us and thought “I probably need to work with a trainer one-on-one... I wish you lived closer so I could hire you!"
Private Virtual Training
Goodbye, self-doubt and information overload. Hello, peace of mind
What is this, the 1900s?*
A lot of people assume that to hire a dog trainer, you have to drag your pup off to class at the local pet shop or get someone to come over to your house for a few pricey sessions.
But the trainer’s physical presence was never the most valuable part of the experience.
The real value is having a professional look at your situation, figure out exactly what’s going on, and walk you through a step-by-step plan for what to do about it.
These days, all of that can be done really well virtually. No need for a stranger in your living room.
(*apologies, my fellow old people. Writing that hurt me as much as it hurt you. Remember when “millennial” sounded futuristic? Pepperidge Farms remembers)
We'll handle the logistics. You handle the fun part.
It’s easy for pet owners to get so bogged down in the minutiae and analysis-paralysis of dog training that they can’t even enjoy their dog. If you’re the one in charge of everything, you might experience things like:
- Being so stressed out that you’re always frustrated and impatient with your dog.
- Decision fatigue and the exhaustion of information overload.
- Spending more time researching dog training than hanging out with your dog.
- Constant background anxiety of “am I doing this wrong? Am I forgetting something?” that stops you from bonding with your dog.
- Being so focused on raising your puppy right and preventing future behavior problems, that you wake up one day and realize Sparky is all grown up… and you never got to experience any of the magic of puppyhood.
- Training for weeks, months, or even years without making any progress - because you’re using methods that aren’t the right fit for your situation, prioritizing the wrong thing, leveling up too fast, or overlooking key ingredients.
We get it. Been there, done that, designed a program to help our fellow dog owners avoid all of that.
We’ll handle the boring bits and the decision-making. Including but not limited to:
- Creating the plan (with your input, of course)
- Breaking said plan into realistic daily steps
- Figuring out what methods to use, what to prioritize, what to skip, and what save for later
- Determining when to level up
- Monitoring the dog's behavior for warning signs
- Deciding what to train, how often, how long to train for - and sometimes even as specific as what room of your house to train in
- Coming up with plan B if plan A doesn’t work
- Determining WHY something isn’t working and how to fix it
- And if you want: keeping you accountable so you actually, ya know, do the thing
The only thing we can’t do is train your dog for you - but that’s a good thing
Since you’ll be the one implementing the plan, your dog will learn to listen to you right from the start.
You’ll be the clear, consistent, fun, trustworthy guardian/owner/leader/dog mom (pick your title of choice) whom Sparky will look to for guidance.
And the skills you learn through this program will translate to all other aspects of life with your dog, so you’ll be better prepared to handle whatever new challenges your journey throws at the two of you.
A note from one of our graduates
Henry and I worked through the Focus Fido coaching program with you awhile back now. I just wanted to reach out and let you know how helpful it was.
I've continued to work and build on the exercises we learned. My environmentally focused northern breed Chinook is now focused and engaged with me most of the time. I've been able to recall him at the dog park with a high success rate and he chooses to check in with me in highly distracting environments before running back to play again.
He has also started to respect older dogs boundaries and refocus on me when needed. He can now play respectfully most of the time with my older dog, Murphy. I've also been able to let him interact and hang out with a friends super mellow 8 year old one eyed Shepherd without any issues, which previously before the Coaching Program I would never have even attempted.
At his heart, he is still a spirited northern breed and I would never want that to change, but now he is choosing to engage at times in a more similar manner to how a handler focused dog like a Shepherd might. It's been really awesome to see and has really helped increase our bond and relationship.
Thank you so much!
what it's like to work with us
Weekly one-on-one coaching sessions via Zoom
At the first session, we’ll get to know you and your dog, map out a plan, and set up access to your Text a Trainer service (see below)
Every week, we’ll check in on how things are going, troubleshoot anything confusing or frustrating, and adjust your training plan as needed. We’ll also demonstrate exercises and talk through exactly what to practice during the coming week.
Bite-sized homework so you always know exactly what to do next
We’ll break your training goals down into clear, easy-to-achieve steps, and walk you through it one “homework assignment” at a time.
Unlimited "form checks" to make sure you're on track to get results
You’ll send us videos of some of your training sessions (and in many cases, we’ll work with you in real time as you train your dog over a Zoom session), and we’ll give you friendly feedback. We’ll let you know what to adjust and when to level up.
Ongoing guidance throughout the week
Instead of waiting until your next appointment when something confusing happens (which it will), you can text us via WhatsApp with questions, updates, or video clips.
A training exercise didn’t go the way you expected? Your dog did something weird and you’re not sure what it means?
Send us a message any time, day or night. We’ll respond within 24 hours on weekdays.
It’s like having your own personal dog training team in your pocket.
Swipe through for a look at what it's like to have a trainer in your pocket:
what you get
This is a high-support, hands-on coaching program designed to build your confidence and help you make actual progress with your dog. Not just during scheduled sessions, but in your day-to-day life.
our coaching programs
When you start your coaching journey with us, you’ll sign up for one of the following programs:
The Puppy Program
Wish you could actually enjoy raising your puppy, instead of just surviving it?
For all puppies under the age of six months
Raising a puppy can feel like juggling 50 different things at once. Training, socialization deadlines, preventing bad habits… It’s enough to turn anyone into a giant ball of anxiety.
With puppy coaching, we take that mental load off your plate. We create a plan, guide you step by step, and help you navigate everything from biting and potty training to bigger problems.
Program length:
Eight weeks
Cost:
$800 if paid in full, or two monthly payments of $450 (prices are in USD)
The Rescue Dog Program
Navigate the new-dog adjustment period with confidence
For dogs over the age of six months, whom you’ve had for less than three months
Adopting a rescue dog comes with unique challenges. Obedience class isn’t the right choice, but neither is a “puppy basics” program. We’ll put together a plan to meet their specific needs.
Who is this for?
- New rescue dog owners who want to make the transition as smooth as possible, for all members of the family
- Anyone struggling with their rescue dog’s behavior, from anxiety and fear to just “not listening”
- People committed to building trust and understanding with their new dog.
Program length:
Eight weeks
Cost:
$800 if paid in full, or two monthly payments of $450 (prices are in USD)
Focus, Fido!
Get your hyper or easily-distracted dog to chill out, focus, and do what you say
Our go-to starter program for dogs over six months old, whom you’ve had for at least three months.
For situations like:
- Your puppy has hit the teenage phase and you’re ready to move beyond puppy basics.
- You’ve taught your dog commands but they act like you don’t exist as soon as you leave the house together.
- You know you need to “train your dog” but you aren’t sure where to start, or obedience class is a struggle.
- You want to eventually tackle big projects like reactivity or therapy dog training, but currently can’t get your dog to listen in the presence of distractions.
Forget obedience class – you’ll learn how to actually communicate with your dog and build the kind of relationship that makes all training easier (and more effective) long-term.
Focus Fido is highly customizable. Whether you need help with advanced training like reliable recall and loose leash walking, or more foundational work to rebuild trust and connection, we tailor our approach to fit your needs.
Program length:
Eight weeks
Cost:
$800 if paid in full, or two monthly payments of $450 (prices are in USD)
Focus Fido is not for:
Directly addressing any kind of reactivity or aggression. This program is often a good place to start before you tackle those issues; successful reactivity/aggression work requires you and your dog to have the kind of skills and partnership taught in Focus Fido.
But it doesn’t include any kind of behavior modification or aggression counter-conditioning.
The Behavior Modification Program (Not currently accepting new clients)
Handle fear, aggression, and other complex behavior issues
For adult dogs whom you’ve had for at least three months
An intensive, three-month coaching service designed to address complex behavioral problems and help you and your dog live peacefully together.
We’ll work together to understand the root causes of your dog’s behavior and develop a plan to tackle it.
Program length:
Twelve weeks
Cost:
$1500 if paid in full, or three monthly payments of $550 (prices are in USD)
how do I get started?
Fill out an application, and we’ll get back to you soon!
You don’t need to choose a specific program (Puppy, Focus Fido, etc) first – we match you to the one that best fits your needs.
All of our currently-available private training programs are the same length and cost.
FAQ
The two can sound similar on paper – both give you access to training plans and direct support from Jake and Erin – but they’re very different experiences.
Let’s break it down:
PRIVATE COACHING
Intensive, “high-touch” support that eliminates all guesswork. Via Zoom and Whatsapp (texting), you’ll work closely with trainers who know you, your dog, and your exact situation.
With private training, we:
- Meet for weekly training sessions on Zoom, at a time that fits your schedule
- Create a custom training plan for you
- Break the plan into bite-sized homework so you always know what to do next
- Check in regularly to tweak things as you go
- Provide detailed feedback quickly (usually within a day)
THE MEMBERSHIP
Primarily a self-study, self-directed experience.
You get access to all our courses, plus group Q&As and forums where you can ask questions and even submit occasional training/behavior clips for feedback.
In the membership, we give detailed replies to your questions, but response times may be a few days.
We’ll cheer on your progress as you go, troubleshoot problems, help you make sense of confusing things that happen with your dog, and give you tips on what to try next. We can’t create a plan for you or give you daily homework.
Using a gym analogy, you can think of it like this:
Private training is like having a personal trainer who designs a program for you, closely monitors your progress, and walks you through everything step-by-step.
The membership is like having a gym membership. An affordable way to get access to the “equipment” you need, group “classes” (aka our live Q&As), and a supportive community. But you’re ultimately responsible for charting your own course and deciding what to do each day.
All of our currently-available coaching programs are eight weeks long, with the “clock” starting the day of your first Zoom session.
Since this is a one-on-one program, not a group program, there’s no specific start date. When you join, you can pick any start date within two weeks of registration.
We recognize that dog owners seeking training help are often stressed out, tired, and full of complicated emotions. And you’re having a hard time juggling all the things as it is, even without adding a camera to the mix!
We’ll work with you to make sure the filming thing is as easy and non-intrusive as possible.
You’ll record some of your training sessions so we can check your form, and determine when you’re ready to “level up.”
Not necessarily every training session – just enough so we can follow along and get a sense of how it’s going.
We also sometimes ask clients to film clips of playtime, walks, interactions with other pets, and any “weird” body language the client isn’t sure about. This helps us get to know their dog and pick up on any potential warning signs the client didn’t notice.
Yep! So far we’ve had clients from the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, Germany, and Spain. The time difference has never been much of an issue.
That’s something we’ll determine at your first Zoom session. It largely depends on the type of behavior issue we’re working on, and your unique learning style.
Some people do best training their dog on camera, and getting live demonstrations and immediate feedback from us (just like what would happen at an in-person coaching session).
Others prefer to spend the Zoom sessions just talking through their current challenges, troubleshooting, taking notes, and discussing the next step. They can then work through their training homework on their own and send us the footage later.
Most of our clients find that this initial eight-week program is enough to get them on track, but you’re welcome to continue if you’d like.
If you’re dealing with complex issues like food aggression or aggression between your dogs, two months is a good start but it won’t be enough to completely resolve it.
Additional coaching packages can be purchased at the same reduced rate later on.
Thanks for asking!
Broadly speaking, our methods fall into the force-free category. We’ve found this to be the most effective way to build a strong bond with your dog and get them to WANT to listen to you, while minimizing the chances they’ll develop aggression-related behavior problems.
Just like toddlers have meltdowns when they’re cranky and overtired, most of the really annoying (or infuriating) things puppies do is a result of them feeling frustrated, confused, overstimulated, or having a need that isn’t being met.
So the first step in achieving harmony with your little gremlin is to think teamwork:
“I know this is hard, Sparky, but we’re gonna figure it out together!”
Then start teaching them how to ask for what they need, break down training into baby-friendly steps, and structure their routine so they get all their needs met.
We teach you how to properly use positive reinforcement (like food, play, and real-life rewards), to teach your puppy exactly what you want them to do – while avoiding common mistakes that cause positive reinforcement to fail.
We also teach you how and when to use enrichment, exercise, redirection, and management to further improve your puppy’s behavior and create good habits.
Where appropriate, we use desensitization, habituation, and counter-conditioning to help puppies build confidence and overcome fear or aggression issues. We go at the dog’s pace and do not force them into situations they aren’t ready for. (In technical terms, we don’t use “flooding”)
All together, this approach will drastically improve your puppy’s behavior. They’ll bite less and listen to you more.
If any of that sounds daunting or made your eyes glaze over, don’t worry – we’ll break this down into easy steps and show you exactly how to do all this. Our methods aren’t just puppy-friendly, they’re human-friendly, too.
We do not use: Aversives like spray bottles, scary noises, collar corrections or physical punishment. Because while those methods sometimes work to stop unwanted behavior in the short term, they often create worse behavior or even aggression in the long term, and make it harder to build a strong bond.
But if you’re already using aversive methods? No worries! When you join our program, we meet you where you’re at and we can help you gradually remove the need for those corrections.
Of course. In fact, we encourage it. Everyone can attend the coaching sessions and work through the homework together.
For the Text a Trainer service, we’ll set up a Whatsapp group chat and any family/household members age 18+ can be added, so they can ask us questions directly and submit training homework as well.
Sure! The most efficient way to do that is to just fill out the application, because we’ll need that information to to answer your questions anyway. There’s no pressure or obligation to join after applying.
But you’re also welcome to email us at contact@3lostdogs.com
