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The first session is an evaluation in which I can meet you and your dog and we can discuss the training program. This is my time to listen to what you have to say about your dog's unique situation, and your time to ask any questions you may have. The Evaluation costs $25, and may last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour-and-a-half. At this time it's important for me to observe your dog in his "natural habitat", doing the things that he usually does. In the following training sessions, however, I ask that whatever distractions are usually present (i.e. cats, TV, children, etc.) be removed to give your dog a chance to learn and to give you your money's worth. You will find my training style different from that of most other trainers. First, I am not the one doing the training, YOU are! It is my job to teach you how to teach your dog. You will participate in every step of his education. Why? Primarily because your dog will develop strong emotional ties to his teacher, and since he's your dog, I want him to tie to you. He will understand that you are putting effort into working with him, and he'll appreciate it! Next, we are trying to teach him to obey you, not me. When I leave at the end of a session, he needs to know that his real trainer is still there, and that it's your expectations--not mine--that he needs to live up to. Last, when you're an active participant in training, you can ask questions about anything we're doing, which will lead you to a better understanding and appreciation of your dog and dogs in general. Usually, a session begins with a brief discussion and review of the previous lesson (5-10 minutes). Next comes the actual training, in which I'll explain the technique and make sure you understand the "what and why" of it and we’ll practice the described techniques with your dog (30-60 minutes). For the remainder of the session, we may discuss training principles, do some Q&A, or practice one of several entertaining "exercises" you won't find with any other trainer. The goal of these exercises is to help you better understand your dog's feelings and motivations. Because my training is one-on-one, your dog receives all of my attention, all the time. This way, I can observe your dog's unique learning needs and adjust my teaching methods accordingly. The program is so flexible that I've never trained two dogs in the same way! A particular method that works wonderfully for one dog will completely confuse the next one. Dogs are as unique as people. They need the kind of flexibility that only individual training can offer. The cost for each training session is $35, which just covers my expenses. Or you have the option of purchasing a complete Paw-in-Hand Obedience package for $280; 10% off the total cost of paying lesson-by-lesson. You will have a hard time finding a comparable price for the kind of work I do. I believe every dog should have access to cruelty-free training, regardless of the owners' financial capabilities.
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