Let's Get Started!  E-mail Susan@pupDOGS.com

E-mail us to get started:  susan@pupdogs.com

Private Consultations

​Private Dog Training & Behavior Consultations​

​​Private Training is tailored to your individual needs and is a great way to start, whether you have a new puppy or serious behavior concerns.  During your Home Visits or Online Training sessions, Susan Ward will explain, demonstrate, coach, answer questions, and provide one-one feedback to every client.  ​


By choosing a CPDT-KSA certified behavior specialist, you can be confident you are working with someone who has the skills to help you achieve your goals using dog-friendly techniques.  Susan uses humane, non-confrontational methods, based on scientific methods known to work.  ​

Home Visits:  

​We serve the West Twin Cities Metro area.  Some of the locations included are Bloomington, Chanhassen, Chaska, Eden Prairie, Edina, Excelsior, Golden Valley, Hopkins,  Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Plymouth, St. Louis Park, Wayzata.  If you're not sure, just e-mail us!

  • Home visits will be charged a $50 travel fee for distances that are more than 30 minutes driving time from Susan's Minnetonka location.  You are welcome to check your location by e-mailing your address to susan@pupdogs.com


Online Visits:  

There are many reasons why online training is a better option than meeting in-person for many dogs and their people.  

  • The distraction of having an unfamiliar person in the house can be stressful for dogs.  Whether the dog is anxious or excited, it takes time to help them calm down and get ready to learn.  
  • With the reduced distractions, more training can be done in less time.
  • It gives you the advantage of one-on-one training help without the expense of a home visit.
  • For more information about online training, click here:  Online Training


​

HOW TO GET STARTED:

1.)  E-mail susan@pupdogs.com to schedule a date and time to meet.


2.)  Initial Behavior Consultation (60-90 minutes): 

  • This time is focused on helping you understand what may drive the behavior your dog is exhibiting, set goals, and begin management and foundation skills so your dog doesn't continue to "practice" the unwanted behavior.  


  • With few exceptions, the Initial Behavior Consultation is held online rather than your home:​  Why?  It's more effective.  Your dog's behavior will not be affected by an unfamiliar person in the home.  That makes it easier for you to learn the skills necessary to help your dog.  Think of this as taking a driver's ed. class before getting behind the wheel. In cases of aggression and anxiety, the online consultation allows us to put safety measures in place before meeting for training sessions.


  • Home Visit:   $200
  • Online Visit:  $150  


3.)  Training Sessions(60 minutes):

  • During the initial behavior consultation we will outline a training program to reach your individual goals.  I'll have recommendations, but we'll work together to decide how many sessions will work for you and your dog and what makes sense with the issues being addressed.


  • Home Visits:   $150 per hour
    • Package of 3 sessions:  $425
  • Online Visits:  $110
    • Package of 3 sessions:  $315


  • PUPPY JUMP START PACKAGE
    • For puppies under 6 months of age.
    • 3 one-hour training sessions.
    • An Initial Behavior Consultation is NOT required to start.  However, many new puppy owners have a lot of immediate questions and challenges.  If you would like extra time on the first visit, we can schedule a consultation and follow up with the Puppy Jump Start Package.
      • Home Visits:   $350
      • Online Visits:  $300


4.)  Payment will be accepted at the time of the appointment. 

  • Cash, checks, and all major credit cards are accepted.

Private Training Policies:


CANCELLATION POLICY:
Cancellations / rescheduling must be made no less than 48 hours in advance of the appointment.  Client will be billed at the normal appointment fee for any “no shows” or cancelled appointments with less than 48 hours’ notice.   Please give as much notice as possible to allow someone else to be scheduled in your allotted time slot.  


Weather Cancellations:  In the event of bad weather, you will be contacted by text, e-mail and/or a phone call to reschedule. 



TRAINING SUPPLIES:

  • High value treats:  These are not the treats that you regularly use.  We want something special.  Some possibilities include chicken, cheese, hot dogs, lunch meats (not ham).  The following are my favorites.  They are available at most pet stores and online:
    • Instinct Freeze-Dried Boosters 
    • Wellness Soft Well Bites  
    • Any kind of freeze-dried treats.  Size and consistency vary, so you'll want to find a variety that you like.
  • Dog Food:  Please bring this in addition to the above-mentioned treats.
  • Treat Bag:  You need something that holds treats and allows you easy access.  A Ziploc bag or pants pocket is cumbersome at best and will throw your treat timing off.  Fanny packs can work, but I prefer a treat bag that I can clip to my pants and has a magnetic opening (vs a drawstring).  My favorite is the “Trek-n-Train” by Doggone Good.
  • Dog Training Clicker
  • Mat or Rug for your dog
  • Collar or Harness and a Leash:  You will need a buckle or martingale collar or harness.  We do not use metal collars including choke chains or prong collars.  Have a regular 6-foot leash, not a retractable long line.

​​​​​Susan Ward, CPDT-KSA

Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge & Skills Assessed