Private Lessons

 

 

Private lessons are available for:
* Behavior Consultations
* Behavior Modification
* Problem Solving
* Obedience
* Agility
* Temperament Evaluation

 

Why Private lessons?
* Private lessons can be scheduled around your schedule, often our clients find that they need more time to master each lesson, and prefer to meet every other week rather than every week.
* The lesson plan is tailored to you and your dogs specific needs and goals.
* You set curriculum, you proceed at your own pace
* Private lessons are ideal if you do not feel comfortable participating in a group class.
* Group lessons may not be best suited for an aggressive dog or one that is shy or fearful. While it is desirable to teach your dog to pay attention and respond to you in the presence of other dogs, and people, your dog may need more gradual exposure.
* Private lessons are the ideal place to get help with Behavioral Issues such as house-soiling, chewing and destructive behavior, barking, fears, shyness, aggression, resource guarding, or that one "problem command" that you have not yet mastered but want to.
* Some of our clients find the benefits of taking group classes and private lesson simultaneously rewarding by progressing faster.
* All lessons are "tailored" to fit your needs and desired outcomes.

Where are the private lessons held?
For the most part private lessons are held at Taking the Lead. Training and instruction for basic obedience and most behavioral situations can easily be accomplished at our facility. If there are environmental-specific training issues, where it may be best to work with the dog at your home, an additional mileage may be charge based on the distance from your home Taking the Lead.

How long will it take? How many lessons will be needed?
Two things we can never tell you are:
1. Whether you will have a successful outcome.
2. How long it will take to address the problem.

The answers are dependent on too many variables; not the least of which is the time and effort you are willing and able to invest in your dog's future.

Do you board my dog and train it for me?
No - for most people and most situations, this option makes very little sense.

If you and your family do not learn the requisite skills, any progress your dog makes on training or behavior issues while away will quickly be lost. Particularly for behavior issues, the learning is not likely to transfer. Training is a gradual process which depends on consistency, repetition, and incremental improvement. You must learn the skills needed to shape your dog's behavior, and be prepared to apply them yourself.

If we train your dog; he listens and responds to us, ask yourself, what good will this do when we do not live with you?

Cost:
$45 per hour.  A 24 hour cancellation notice is required or you will be charged for your scheduled time.
To make an inquiry or arrange for a private lesson please call 269.781.7800 or email info@michigandog.com.

 

Pre-Purchase Counseling

 

Are you thinking about getting a dog or a puppy?
We can help you make informed choices before you take this life-altering step. Yes, your life will change dramatically if you become a dog owner. Most people research the purchase of aa new car longer than they do the decision to add a dog to their home. True a car may cost more, but most people only have their cars 5 years and dog live an average of 12-15 years. Basing your decision to get a dog on solid information can help make owning a dog an enriching experience that changes your life for the better. Adding a dog to the family for all the wrong reasons or buying the wrong dog can lead to heartache. Before you bring your dog or puppy home, let us help you determine if dog ownership is right for you and your family. Or what type of dog would make the best match.

Here are some of the questions we will help you answer:
* What are good/bad reasons for wanting a dog?
* How will our lives change if we have a dog?
* How much time does caring for a dog take?
* Can you adapt your schedules to care for a dog?
* How much does it cost to care for a dog?
* How do I find a reputable breeder?
* What do these kennel club designations mean?
* How do you read this pedigree?
* Does it matter which puppy we pick?
* What do you need to do to get ready for the new dog?
* What if you already have another dog/cat?
* When should training begin?
* How do you teach the new dog to behave in the house?
* If you have children. What age should the kids be before we get a dog?
* How much responsibility should your really expect from your child?
* Should we get a puppy or an adult dog? How old?
* Should we get a purebred or a mixed-breed dog?
* What about genetic health problems in dogs?
* How do I find a dog through a rescue or shelter and know they are reputable?
* What breeds or breed mixes would be good choices for our family?
* What questions should we ask the breeder or former owners?
* How do you prevent behavior problems, especially aggression or biting?
* . . . and much more.

Pre-purchase Counseling includes:
A coupon for a discount towards one of our groups classes must be used within the first 6 weeks that you have your new dog.

Cost:
To make an inquiry or arrange for a Pre-Purchase Counseling please call 269.781.7800 or email info@michigandog.com.