Dog Behavior Consultation Sacramento

A dog behavior consultant is a dog trainer who focuses on behavior. Instead of just teaching sit and stay, they look at what your dog is showing you and what your dog is feeling, then use training to shift that behavior toward something healthier for your dog and your family. One thing to know: dog training isn't regulated, so anyone can call themselves a dog behavior consultant. Some have a certification behind the title and some don't, so it's fair to ask anyone using it why they chose it and what backs it up. Our trainers chose a different title, Canine Relationship Coach, but the focus is the same. Behavior cases are what we love.

The free intro call is a 30-minute phone call, and we don't see your dog. It's nitty-gritty: you tell us what's going on, we share some ideas, and we let you know whether we can help. Sometimes that's all you need. Struggling with potty training? We might give you a schedule to follow and see how it goes. Wondering whether to teach your dog to wait at the door? Yes, you should, and that might be the whole call. But if your dog bit someone yesterday and you want to know if it's a big deal, it is. We'll explain why and set up a consultation. The consultation is a one-hour, in-person session where we see your dog, assess the whole picture, and give you clear recommendations for what's next. Think of the intro call as a scheduled conversation instead of trying to catch us on the phone. You can book it on our calendar, and if you don't see a time that works, give us a call.

Wherever makes the most sense for your dog. That might be your home, a park, or somewhere out in the world where the behavior shows up. Sometimes we can meet near your trainer instead, and if you're able to meet your trainer where they already are that day, we've been known to offer a discount.

Our dog behavior consultation is $150–$200 for one hour, in person. The price depends on your dog's situation, which trainer you work with, and your location. Rates for behavior work vary from place to place. Every trainer looks at their local market and sets their own rate, so someone with the same skills in a smaller market may charge less. In general, expect a dog behavior consultant to cost more than a trainer who focuses on basic obedience. In the Sacramento area, we'd expect anyone doing behavior consulting to start around $150 an hour.

In most cases, yes, and we always prefer it. The consultation is our working interview: we get to know you and your dog, you get to know your trainer, and it keeps everyone safe. There are a few exceptions. If you have some dog-handling experience, you can drop into a group class, though we'd still like to talk with you first. And if you've already worked with us, or you come on a referral from someone we know and your trainer is comfortable, we may be able to skip it. When in doubt, book a free intro call and we'll tell you which makes sense.

Nothing, and that's okay. There's no pressure, and we will never push you to buy a package. Maybe our goals didn't line up, maybe the budget isn't there yet, or maybe you just wanted to understand what's going on with your dog. All of that is fine. And if you reach out a year later and want to get started, we can schedule your package then.