Before Your Private Training Session

Thank you for signing up for our Behavior Consultation / Private Training.

Please remember to have plenty of high value treats ready for our session. We recommend a treat pouch to keep treats within easy reach. If you have a dog who is less food motivated and more toy motivated, have some favorite toys ready to go.

For in-home training:

IF your dog struggles with visitors at the door – either overly friendly and out of control or aggression issues toward strangers – please have your dog safely secured elsewhere when I arrive. Secured in the backyard, closed in a room, secured in a kennel, etc. We will discuss how to help your dog greet safely.
If your dog is ok at the door, it is fine to have them greet me at the door.
For our initial consultation, we will find a spot to sit and review your registration form and discuss things in more detail before we get started with your dog. A quiet spot is best, so please have televisions, radios, etc. turned off so that we can focus.
If you have not yet paid, please note that we are NOT able to process credit card payments in person. You may pay via credit card on our website BEFORE we meet, or you may pay by cash or check when we meet.

For training at The Light of Dog:

When you arrive, there is parking to the right next to the barn as well as behind the garage/barn – look for the Customer / Visitor Parking signs.
I will meet you in the parking area, so if you do not see me, please wait in that area for me.
Please do not approach the house, the sunroom or the backyard as we do not want to get the boarding dogs riled up!
If the gate is closed when you arrive, please wait patiently. We might just be running a bit behind – or you might be early! If it's past time for our meeting, and the gate is still closed, you might need to drive to a spot up the road where you can get service – sometimes one of us just has the time to meet mixed up!
If the weather is cooperating, we do most of our work outdoors. We usually go to the outdoor fenced training yard. We will walk with your dog on leash to that space. Once there, most dogs are able to be off leash in the fenced area while we talk.
If the weather is not cooperating, we will work in the barn.
We recommend dressing for working outdoors, which in cooler weather means layers are best as the temps can change from the start to finish of the session!
If you have not yet paid, please note that we are NOT able to process credit card payments onsite. You may pay via credit card on our website BEFORE we meet, or you may pay by cash or check when we meet.

For virtual training:

We normally work via Zoom and will send you the link to your session when we get it set up. Please keep your login info handy so you can find it when we meet. If you have scheduled a 5 session package, we will use the same link for all sessions.
Please be sure that your audio and video are turned ON when you get logged in.
For the initial consult, we will primarily be talking through everything. If we have time, we might get started having you actually work hands-on with your dog.
When we are ready to have you work directly with your dog, you will need to be able to turn your camera toward a place where I can see you and your dog. If you have a blurred background setting or some other setting, please be sure to turn that off so that I can see you interacting with your dog.
If you have not yet paid, we must receive payment before we meet. Please go to the Shop Page on our website and choose the correct option for payment.

Please remember our cancelation policy:

If you need to cancel a private session, you must give a minimum of 48 hours notice. Sessions canceled less than 48 hours before the appointment will be charged at the regular rate.
Packages must be completed within one year from the date of the signed agreement. Any sessions unused during that time will be forfeited. There are no refunds.

Beyond Training: The Light of Dog Experience

In addition to our private dog training, we have much more going on at The Light of Dog:

Group dog training classes: We offer a diverse range of classes at our farm and other venues.
Peak Power Dog Treats: Produced on our farm in small batches in our USDA-licensed kitchen. So healthy and delicious, people call them “Puppy Crack”. You’ll want to eat them, too! But please, save them for your dog.
Home-style dog boarding: People have joked that if reincarnation's real, they’re coming back as a dog—just so they can board with us on our farm!
Juvenile Delinquent Dogs – The Complete Guide to Saving Your Sanity and Successfully Living with Your Adolescent Dog: Much like human teenagers, dogs go through an adolescent stage that can really test an adult's patience. Discover how to effectively navigate this challenging period in our book.
Power Tugs Dog Toys: We make functional products to fill the gaps from products we don't find in the market already, which includes our tug toys.
Private Dog Park Rental: We’ve transformed 6.5 acres into a slice of doggy paradise—complete with open spaces to run, trails to explore, parkour obstacles for the adventurous, and breathtaking views. It’s a place where dogs can truly feel free, and their humans can soak up the joy of seeing them thrive.
Dog Gear Swap: An easy and fun way for dog owners to recycle old, outgrown gear—and maybe discover the perfect new treasure for their pup!
Events: Join us for regular events where dogs and their humans connect, explore, and enjoy the magic of our farm! With stunning views, scenic trails, and exciting dog parkour obstacles, it’s the perfect setting for fun and friendship.
Content Library: We have an extensive knowledgebase with text, video, infographics and other tools to help dog owners positively impact the lives of their pets. Start your search on our website home page.