One-on-one instruction for you, your family and your dog. Use a private lesson for behavior problems, a jump-start on training, or extra help with a performance sport.
- Length About one hour
- Obedience & behavior $140 for the first hour in our facility, plus $25 for each extra 15 minutes
- Performance & skills $70 for the first hour in our facility, plus $25 for each extra 15 minutes
- Sales tax None on private lessons
- Includes Email follow-up after your lesson
Group class or private lesson?
Most basic obedience and household manners are covered in our small group classes. Puppy Manners and Beginning Home Obedience cover everything from housebreaking and crate training to mouthing, jumping up, stealing, barking and digging. Many fear, mouthing, barking and growling issues can be resolved in one of these classes, and some dogs whose behavior might be called “aggressive” (or reactive) can join a group class.
A private lesson may be the better choice if:
- Your dog would benefit from extra training with individual instruction outside a group class.
- Your family prefers one-on-one instruction, where specific issues can be addressed thoroughly.
- You have a hectic schedule, need a jump-start on your training, or have unique challenges.
- Your dog isn’t ready for a group. If a dog starts a group class but can’t settle within 15 to 20 minutes, a private lesson may be necessary.
Not sure what’s right for your dog? Send us a message.
Two kinds of private lesson
Obedience, manners and behavior problems
$140
First hour in our facility, plus $25 for each extra 15 minutes.
For obedience and manners, behavior problems, reactivity, dog and human aggression, and extreme anxiety. In these cases we often ask for a veterinary visit first, to rule out any underlying health issues before we meet your family and dog.
Performance and skill-specific instruction
$70
First hour in our facility, plus $25 for each extra 15 minutes.
Extra instruction outside class for students in competition obedience, agility, rally, breed ring, therapy dog, Canine Good Citizen and other classes. A great option if you’re coming to us from another program and joining our higher-level classes. Tailored to your needs.
Ask about discounts that may be available for long-term and performance students who need extra instruction outside their regular class. See all fees
What to expect
- We get to know your dog first. To help you reach your goals we need a thorough picture of your dog’s behavior, exercise, nutrition and health, and your family’s lifestyle. The more you tell us, the better.
- Bring the whole family if you can. Ideally everyone attends and helps fill out the questionnaire. If that’s not possible, let us know and we may be able to video the lesson (you’re welcome to bring your own video camera).
- Take notes. Your instructor gives you printed reference material and handouts, but a lot is covered in a short time and most people find extra notes helpful.
- You’ll go home with homework. After your instructor receives your homework, they follow up by email to make sure you’re on track and seeing the progress they expected, answer questions and offer more guidance.
A private lesson is like a doctor’s prescription. Your instructor gives you specific instructions to reach your goals, but it’s up to you and your family to follow through with the training, behavior modification, exercise and lifestyle changes.
How to book
Choose your questionnaire
Fill out the online questionnaire for obedience and behavior problems or for performance and skill instruction.
Fill it out
The obedience and behavior questionnaire is detailed, so allow 20–30 minutes; the performance one is short. Your answers are saved on your device as you go, so you can come back and finish later.
Send it
Press “Send questionnaire” at the end. It comes straight to us, and you’ll get a copy of your answers by email.
We’ll be in touch
We review your form and your availability, then reply with scheduling options and the name of your instructor.
Prefer a group?
See our manners and obedience classes or the class schedule.
Training for a sport?
Private instruction works alongside our sports and performance classes.