HOW DOES YOUR TRAINING WORK? WE START WITH THE INITIAL CONSULTATION ($250). IF WE WANT TO MOVE FORWARD, EACH SESSION IS ONE HOUR ($175). PACKAGES OF FOUR 60-MINUTE SESSIONS ARE $600.
During the IC, we go over your concerns, goals, and priorities, make sure we all think working together is a good fit, and go from there!
WHAT IS REWARDS-BASED TRAINING? PURSUING REWARDS, AVOIDING DISPLEASURE.
Learning happens by going after things we want rather than avoiding things we don’t: optimism, encouragement, and the feeling of success lead to fast, lasting learning. We use what your dog finds rewarding, teaching them to “train us” to give the rewards faster and more often. It’s that simple.
WHAT IS YOUR METHOD?
INITIAL CONSULTATION: WHAT IS CAUSING THE UNWANTED BEHAVIORS AND WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?
Behavior change starts by eliminating the temptations to revert to old behaviors. Since we can’t control much of what goes on around us, we begin with what we CAN control, and changes there lead to changes in our dog.
REGULAR ONE-HOUR SESSIONS: TEACH NEW BEHAVIORS TO REPLACE OLD ONES.
Your dog will become more relaxed at home and outside. Reduced stress means better learning and retention. We start with as few distractions as possible so your dog can learn and move on. You’ll learn new skills, tools, and exercises to replace unwanted with wanted behaviors. Each plan is custom-made to your and your dog’s unique personalities, lifestyles, etc.
MAINTAINING WHAT WE LEARN VIA EXPECTATIONS, GOALS, AND PRIORITIES:
Throughout the process, we work on revising and adjusting our expectations, realistic goals, and priorities, based on how things are going and your dog’s ability to learn and adapt. We also expand to new, more challenging situations throughout the process, based on your goals and how your dog is adjusting.
HOW ARE YOU DIFFERENT FROM OTHER TRAINERS? TRAINING IS ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR DOG. RELATIONSHIPS NEED COMMUNICATION, CONNECTION, AND COOPERATION. THIS FOUNDATION WORKS LIKE FAMILY THERAPY AND PRODUCES FASTER, LASTING RESULTS.
My training is like family therapy for you and your dog. The overall goal is to help you and your dog feel safe, calm, and confident in any situation. We shift perceptions and experiences, and improve everyone’s quality of life. Progress, success, and permanence depend on the effort invested in the process. The good news is that my methods provide easy, fast, common-sense answers to seemingly complex, out-of-control behaviors! Just remember: We can’t change overnight, and neither can our dogs!
WHEN CAN I STOP USING TREATS? ASAP, WE’RE ALWAYS WORKING TO REDUCE TREATS.
It’s up to your dog what they find rewarding, not us. We use alternatives to food whenever possible. Rewards release calming chemicals to counter stress chemicals, and can “snap” your dog’s attention back to you much faster than other options. The more you practice NOW, the sooner you can cut back!
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED? IT’S UP TO YOU & YOUR PUP!
A therapist or a personal trainer can’t give us an exact number, and neither can a dog trainer. Changing animal behavior is less predictable than changing human behavior due to obvious language barriers. And results are based on your dog’s adaptability and your investment in the work. I can give a rough estimate, and I always start with a time- and money-friendly budget, rather than more. After the initial consultation, I often advise a package of four one-hour sessions. We can revisit this after the fourth session and re-up if you want!
WHEN & WHERE DO SESSIONS HAPPEN?
I provide in-person 1:1 sessions Friday, Sunday and Monday from 1pm-5pm (roughly). Sessions are held at your home, my home or in public space, depending on your location, our training goals and our current level of progress.
"Benji started showing fear behaviors out-of-nowhere and was cowering and darting around on walks. He would freeze up and not want to move. He ran to avoid his harness when he saw us get it out.
I am a kindergarten teacher and Benji once LOVED coming to class with me. But he even started showing fear and barking and lunging at kids during and after the SIP, after not being around them for months.
Our once easy going, fun loving pup was scared of everything and it was heartbreaking.
Cyd helped show us how to help him feel safe and confident again on walks as well as even how to help him feel ok around things like the vacuum cleaner!
Since our work with Cyd in SF, we moved to LA and the move sort of re-triggered his anxieties. Per her suggestion, we sought out the help of a Veterinary Behaviorist. The combination of his puppy prozac and Cyd's behavioral modifications has brought Benji back to the joyful dog he as before he started hiding in his fear!"
Addie Johnson, Los Angeles
