Virtual Dog Training

Ethical | Force-free | Wellbeing-focused | Supportive

Dog training can be done virtually—and it's just as good!

During the first few months of the pandemic, dog trainers worldwide discovered just how effective virtual training can be.

We now know anything that can be trained in person can also be trained virtually!

Not only is virtual training equal to in-person training, but sometimes it’s more effective. It’s amazing for dogs with stranger sensitivities, or who are easily overwhelmed with too many new things.

Anyone who resonates with my approach can train with me, no matter where you’re located or what behavior challenges you’re facing. I look forward to meeting you and working together!

A close up of a white woman with dark hair pulled back facing the camera while holding a tan American Bully who is kissing her face.
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We can address all of the following (and more!) through virtual training:

  • Leash reactivity (dog reactivity, human reactivity) & leash issues

  • Stranger danger & sensitivity to guests in the home

  • Fearful/nervous dogs and their various challenges

  • Separation anxiety / separation-related behaviors

  • Challenges in multi-dog and multi-animal households

  • House manners like polite greetings, polite behavior during dinner, etc

  • Bringing home a new dog - bonding, training, etc

  • Switching from “balanced” training to positive training and moving away from prong collars, e-collars, etc.

Behaviors I work with virtually…

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Virtual Client Testimonial

All virtual private lesson packages include the following:

  • Two dogs sit on the sidewalk facing up at the camera and smiling. On the left is a tan American Bully wearing a pink harness, and on the right is a German Shepherd mix with a big ear flopping out to the side wearing a teal harness.

    Free initial chat

    Before we get started, you have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more. We’ll do this via email or a scheduled phone call, whichever you prefer. It’s also a chance for us both to make sure this is the right fit before we move forward.

  • A white woman waves at the camera looking slightly downward and at the bottom of the screen are icons indicating that she is on a video chat.

    Live virtual lessons

    You’re not missing anything! Virtual lessons stretch the trainer to coach efficiently and clearly, and that’s a skillset I’ve worked hard to develop. You’ll get all the coaching, troubleshooting, and support as if I was right there in person with you.

  • A blonde pit bull with cropped ears faces the camera with his tongue hanging out. He is wearing a teal harness and smiling. He is standing in the grass.

    Daily support

    At the beginning of our time together I’ll set up a private chat for us where we can text each other and share videos and photos. We make more progress when we stay in touch between lessons instead of holding questions for our next one!

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To me, “ethical training” means that our training efforts enhance a dog’s wellbeing without causing harm in any form. Not just a net positive, but positive experiences and life changes all the way around.

Virtual Private Lesson Packages & Prices

  • A brown pit bull with white markings sits on a bench with a city street as a backdrop. She is looking at the camera with her head tilted and ears perked.

    3-lesson package: $390

    Ideal for dogs without complex behavior issues and need a few new skills and troubleshooting. Also a budget-friendly starting point.

  • A golden retriever wearing an orange bandana and a teal vest sits on a wooden bench painted teal with a city backdrop.

    6-lesson package: $720

    An ideal option for dogs without complex issues who need to learn several different skills. More lessons can be added on later if desired.

  • A gray pit bull with white markings, perked ears, and a stuck lip is sitting in the grass looking directly at the camera.

    9-lesson package: $1,035

    The longer packages are for situations such as complex behavior issues, multi-dog homes with several challenges, or folks who have several training goals.

  • A black pit bull with white markings and perked ears wearing a red flower on her collar sits on concrete facing the camera and raising one paw into the air with her tongue out.

    12-lesson package: $1,340

    Ideal for folks with dogs who have multiple complex behavior issues and would like to secure training in advance. I’ll let you know if this applies to your dog.

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Feedback from Virtual Training Clients

A German Shepherd-type dog stands at the top of wooden stairs looking at the camera. He is surrounded by tall grass, trees and a blue sky, his ears are perked up and his tongue is out.

Looking for one-time help?

If for any reason you’d like to begin with a consultation, we can do that! for folks who would like to talk with me and receive a customized advice. We’ll meet for 60 minutes via Google Meet (video chat) and talk through your situation, your dog’s behavior, your goals, and more.

I’ll share customized training and management recommendations to help you start moving forward and keep everyone safe at the same time. You’ll also receive a written recap of my recommendations within 24 hours.

Cost: $75

(Sliding scale is available - please inquire if you’d like to use this option)

Click here to book instantly
Three dogs sit on a trail in a wooded forest, all three wear harnesses and are facing the camera smiling. One is a merle and brown dog, ones is a beagle, and one is a white pit bull.

What you can expect from me:

  • Kindness and empathy for dogs and people

  • Fully customized training and advice

  • A commitment to stay open-minded and to solve problems with creative solutions

  • Compassionate training methods that never use force, intimidation, coercion, pain or fear to motivate a dog.

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FAQs

What kind of training is this? (Methods/techniques)

The future of dog training is force-free. That means we’ve moved away from methods that use force, domination, intimidation, coercion, pain, and fear to motivate a dog to change their behavior. Yes, you absolutely CAN train a dog without those methods—that’s what I do.

We will use food and fun as primary reinforcers, and we’ll also pay attention to what your dog finds motivating in any particular scenario. Everything is customized to your dog and situation.

We’ll use tools like a harness and long leash to keep your dog safe, but we don’t attempt to communicate using tools. Dogs are always communicating with us through their body and behavior. We’ll learn to hear them and we’ll teach them how to hear us.

Overall, the goal of my training approach is to develop a healthy relationship and a rapport based on cooperation, not control.

How often do we do lessons?

It depends on a variety of factors such as where we are in our training progression, what your goals are, what your availability is, how fast your dog learns and changes, etc. Typically lessons at the beginning of training are weekly, that way we can get the ball rolling, and then as time goes on they’re spread out a bit more (every 2-4 weeks).

ALSO: ALL packages come with access to (and support from) me between lessons! Staying in touch between lessons helps you make the most progress during that time, that way we’re fully ready to move forward at our next live lesson.

Can virtual training really do the same thing as in-person training?

Yes!!! Not only can we do the same thing, but sometimes virtual training can do it better. Consider a dog who is REALLY stressed by the presence of strangers in their home. They do much better with virtual lessons, at least in the beginning.

Even outside behaviors like walking behaviors can be addressed through virtual training. Sometimes it takes a little creativity, but I’m committed to finding a way, and we always do!

What if I have multiple dogs? Is it more expensive?

The price is the same no matter how many dogs you have; however, we will need to prioritize our efforts, and you may need more lessons so we can get to each dog.

What if my dog won’t take food?

That’s something to work on first. We’ll get your dog taking food and feeling good about it, and we’ll also incorporate whatever else your dog finds motivating—typically enthusiasm, fun, engagement, play, toys, etc. One way or another, we can get them motivated without resorting to starvation, force, coercion, intimidation, pain, fear, etc. We will do it ethically.