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 give you 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 the mental load of it all.
- 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
After each session, we’ll send you personalized homework, which usually includes demo videos so you can see exactly how to do it.
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 some cases, we may work with you in real time as you train your dog on 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.
Training session 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
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
