So... How do I get started with training?
It might feel like an overwhelming task to address behavior concerns with your dog. Especially when you don't know what exactly you're looking for or what the best approach to training may be. It is important to us that you are confident in the service you are signing up for so we make it as simple as possible to get going with your most effective training plan.
Why is it important for training to be customizable?
Great question — and I’m so glad you asked.
Every dog, every owner, and every household is different. Because of that, training should never be one-size-fits-all. For example, if an owner comes forward looking for help with their 6-month-old puppy who needs fine tuning with potty training, it wouldn’t make sense to jump straight into behavior modification for barking. If the puppy doesn’t struggle with it, what makes that relevant? Training should always address what actually matters for the dog in front of us.
By customizing each dog-and-owner training plan, we’re able to focus on the areas where that specific team needs the most support. We prioritize foundational skills through basic obedience — things like structure, communication, and follow-through — so your dog builds a solid toolbox of behaviors they can rely on in real-world situations.
As those skills grow, something even more important happens: the relationship between handler and dog gets stronger. Clear communication builds trust. Consistency builds confidence. And confidence creates a calmer, more responsive dog — and a more empowered owner.
When training is customized, the results go far beyond obedience. The ripple effects show up in daily life, long after the sessions are over and eventually they become habit.
Don’t hesitate to show up for your dog in the way they need you to. That commitment makes all the difference.
Step 1
Choosing a dog trainer is a big decision — and you deserve to feel confident before committing.
A Free Connection Call is a no-pressure conversation designed to help you understand what working with Let’s Talk Dogs actually looks like. This is your opportunity to ask initial questions, share a little about your dog, and make sure our training approach aligns with your goals and lifestyle.
During this call, we’ll:
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Talk through what’s been coming up with your dog
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Discuss your goals and what kind of support you’re looking for
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Review how my training programs work and what they do (and don’t) include
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Decide whether scheduling an in-person consultation is the right next step for you
This call exists because training with your dog isn’t just a class or a quick fix — it’s a lifestyle shift. My goal is to make sure you fully understand what you’re signing up for and feel good moving forward, whether that’s with me or not.
*This is an optional first step so if you feel confident in scheduling an In-Person Consultation, you may skip to that as a first step too if you prefer.
Cost: Free
Format: Phone call
Purpose: Clarity, alignment, and next steps
Step 2
Training isn’t one-size-fits-all — and neither is your dog.
An In-Person Consultation is where everything starts. This session gives us the time and space to truly understand you, your dog, and your day-to-day life together before jumping into training. Rather than guessing or using a generic plan, I take a big-picture look at what’s been going on from both the human and dog perspective.
During your consultation, we’ll:
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Talk through your goals, concerns, and what you’re hoping life with your dog can look like
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Identify roadblocks that may be holding you back (often things owners don’t even realize are happening)
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Observe your dog’s behavior, temperament, and communication in real time
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Decide which training approach or program will best support your dog and your household
This is also your chance to ask questions, get clarity, and leave with a better understanding of why your dog does what they do — not just what you want them to do instead.
Consultations are relaxed, judgment-free, and designed to set you and your dog up for long-term success, not quick fixes. In-Person Consultations are mandatory in order to schedule any lessons.
Length: 1 hour
Cost: $50
Format: In-person
Step 3
Once we’ve completed your consultation, it’s time to put a plan into motion.
Scheduling your first lesson (or lessons) is where everything we discussed starts coming to life. By this point, we’ve identified your goals, your dog’s needs, and the best training path forward — now we begin building skills through clear, structured, real-world training.
During your lessons, you can expect:
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Hands-on coaching for both you and your dog
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Clear explanations of why we’re doing each exercise, not just how
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Training tailored to your home, lifestyle, and real-life challenges
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Support as you practice effective canine communication and leadership
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Guidance on what to work on between sessions so progress continues
Training is a process, not a single moment. Lessons are intentionally spaced to allow your dog time to learn, decompress, and build reliability — while giving you the confidence to lead with clarity at home.
This step is about consistency, follow-through, and learning how to communicate in a way your dog truly understands.
Step 4
As training progresses, things start to click — for both you and your dog.
This is the stage where consistency and communication begin paying off. You’ll notice your dog responding more clearly, making better choices, and recovering faster when things feel challenging. Just as important, you’ll feel more confident, more in control, and less unsure about what to do in the moment.
Results may show up as:
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Improved focus and engagement
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Better leash manners and responsiveness
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Clearer understanding of boundaries and expectations
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Calmer behavior in familiar environments
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A stronger relationship built on trust and communication
Progress isn’t always linear — and that’s normal! This phase is about learning how to work through challenges without frustration, knowing you have a plan and support along the way. This is where training stops feeling overwhelming and starts feeling empowering.
Step 5
This is what it’s all about.
When you lead with effective canine communication, everything changes — not just your dog’s behavior, but your daily life together. Walks feel more enjoyable. Time at home feels calmer. Expectations are clearer. Your relationship becomes more connected and more fun.
At this stage, clients often experience:
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Increased freedom and confidence with their dog
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Less stress and more trust in everyday situations
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A deeper understanding of their dog as an individual
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Tools they can use for life, not just during training
But training doesn’t end here — it evolves. You’ll walk away with skills, awareness, and confidence that carry forward long after our sessions are complete. None of this isn’t about perfection. It’s about communication, leadership, and building a life that works for both ends of the leash.
Step 6
Life After Training — Ongoing Support & Community
Graduating a training program doesn’t mean you’re on your own — it means you’re officially part of the Let’s Talk Dogs community. Once you and your dog complete your program, you’ll continue to have access to support, resources, and opportunities designed to help you maintain progress and keep growing together long-term.
As an LTD graduate, you receive:
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10% off all future training and boarding services
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Free troubleshooting support via phone or email for questions that pop up after training
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Access to Pack Outings, scheduled seasonally or based on interest, for continued socialization, structure, and real-world practice
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Alumni Tune-Up Sessions: Discounted or occasional group refresher sessions great for maintaining leash skills, neutrality work, or proofing commands. Keeping things low-pressure, and high value.
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Priority Scheduling: Early access or priority booking for pack outings, boarding, or limited training slots.
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Referral Thank-Yous: Receive a discount or free pack outing for referring friends to LTD services.
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Additional educational content access like short videos, PDFs, or emails covering common post-training topics like adolescence regressions, new environments, or adding a second dog.
Dogs don’t live in a vacuum — life changes, environments change, and new challenges can pop up. This step ensures you always have a place to turn, guidance you trust, and opportunities to reinforce the skills you’ve already built. Training may have an end date — support doesn’t.
Can I purchase training in packages?
Absolutely! Training packages are a great option for teams who want consistency, structure, and a little savings along the way.
When you purchase sessions as a package, you’ll receive a discounted rate compared to booking individual sessions. More importantly, packages allow us to build momentum — each session builds on the last, giving your dog time to practice, progress, and truly understand what’s being asked of them.
Training isn’t a quick fix, and real change happens through repetition, follow-through, and clear communication. Packages help support that process while keeping things simple and stress-free for you.
Example Package Breakdown
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Single Session:
One 60-minute private session — great for tune-ups or troubleshooting specific behaviors. -
4-Session Package:
Ideal for foundational obedience and early behavior goals. Allows us to introduce skills, reinforce them, and adjust as your dog progresses. -
6–8 Session Package:
Perfect for dogs working through bigger challenges or owners who want long-term support and accountability. This option gives us time to build strong habits and confidence on both ends of the leash.
Packages are flexible and fully customizable — we’ll always tailor the plan to your dog’s needs, your goals, and your household lifestyle.
If you’re ready to commit to your dog’s success, a training package is one of the best ways to do it.
