Privates – Training & Behavior Assessment/Consultations

I do in person private training lessons to address training issues, to prepare for therapy work, raise a great puppy, help with crate training, jumping, teach your dog to calm/relax or build a better bond and relationship with your dog. I also do remote/phone consultations for housetraining problems and other behavior issues.

The majority of my work is in the area of behavior. I do behavior consultations/assessments for more severe behavior problems in dogs such as dog/dog aggression, leash reactivity, fear, anxiety and human directed aggression. The consultation will provide a framework for management, discuss next steps/options, assess for risks, and provide additional reading and resources for dogs exhibiting more severe issues. With severe behavior issues, there will often be multiple sessions.

I have worked with many area veterinarians, daycares and other professionals and am well known and respected for my work with canine behavior and aggression. I also have over 2 decades of experience in a shelter environment and do rescue and foster.

Please note I only take a set number of new clients per month based on my caseload and schedule. Also a high level of client commitment is required to work through these cases.

I am currently offering in-person sessions in Waukesha as well as virtual consultations for clients outside the area or those who prefer remote support. Below is an overview of my services, appointment details, and answers to commonly asked questions.
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TRAINING: For puppies or adults to teach the basics like focus, recall/come and more. I also help clients prepare for therapy work. $125 per session.

BEHAVIOR: For challenges like fear, anxiety, trauma, aggression – please read all information as I do not take on all new clients and a sincere desire and commitment is required for behavior cases. $250 for initial assessment/consultation. Follow up appointments are $150.

*For more information on the difference between training and behavior cases, read my blog at https://carolscaninetraining.com/training/does-my-dog-need-training-and-socializing-for-his-behavior-issue/
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PHONE CALLS
If you requested a phone call, please note that while I aim to make time for calls, the demand for my services often limits my availability. I prioritize speaking with behavior clients prior to booking to understand their goals and explain my approach. However, due to time constraints, phone calls are primarily reserved for current clients. I appreciate your understanding as I manage these demands. I do my best to contact all clients via phone within 1-2 weeks.
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VETERINARIAN REFERRALS
If you were referred by a veterinarian or another trusted professional/business (e.g., daycare), I do prioritize these cases.
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APPOINTMENT AVAILABILITY
• Behavior Appointments: Typically book 3+ weeks out.
• Training Appointments: Usually available within 1-2 weeks.
New Client Appointment days (In-Person)
• Mondays and Thursdays: Afternoon and evening slots available (1:00/1:30 PM, 3:00 PM, and 5:00 PM) at Petlicious Dog Bakery, Waukesha, WI (just off I-94).
Note: Evening appointments fill quickly, but I can offer more flexibility on times and availability for phone or virtual sessions. Late morning appointments (11am) can often be accommodated on Mondays.
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SERVICES
Behavior Assessment/Consultation
• These detailed, holistic sessions are for issues like fear, anxiety, aggression, resource guarding, reactivity or other behavioral concerns.
• Duration: 90-120 minutes
• Cost: $250 (Follow-up sessions: $150 if booked within 45 days).
• Available in-person or virtually.

Training Session
• Ideal for basic skills like coming when called, jumping, leash manners, or strengthening your relationship with your dog.
• Duration: 60-75 minutes
• Cost: $125
• Available in-person or virtually.

Phone Consultations
• Training Consultation:
o Topics include crate training, housetraining, or basic manners.
o Cost: $50 (30 minutes), $90 (1 hour), $1/minute for additional time.
• Behavior Consultation:
o For more serious issues like reactivity or aggression. Provides guidance, a framework, and next steps.
o Cost: $125 (1 hour). $80 (30 minutes).

Leash Reactivity (Barking/Lunging or as I call it “Big Emotions” on a walk)
• Requires a Behavior Consultation ($250) followed by at least one working session ($150).

Puppy Priority (Preschool)
• For puppies 6 months and under, focusing on early training and relationship-building.
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Cost: $150 (or $175 for a shared session with 2 puppies).

Training “PLUS”
• For current or past class clients with a solid training foundation and/or a minor behavioral challenge.
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Cost: $175

Behavior Relief/Help ASAP (Emergency Phone Session)
• Provides immediate guidance, management tips, and next steps for urgent behavior issues.
• Duration: 30 minutes
• Cost: $80 ($1/minute for additional time).
• This session does not replace a behavior assessment/consultation but can be helpful in sorting through the issue and next steps.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

In-Home Sessions
I currently do not offer in-home sessions due to scheduling demands. Exceptions may be made for clients in Waukesha County with an added travel fee.

Do Behavior Cases Require In-Home Observation?
No. A thorough behavior history, video submissions, and the assessment itself provide all necessary information without deliberately triggering the behavior.

Will you take on my case?
I only take on a set number of new clients each month and do not take on all cases I receive due to the demand for my behavior services. For that reason, with behavior cases particularly, a strong client commitment to working together is a must for success.

Will I Need More Than One Session?
Behavior issues typically require multiple sessions. The number of sessions depends on factors like the dog’s age, history, and severity of the behavior. Progress requires consistent, daily work and may involve lifelong management. While results take time, many clients achieve excellent outcomes with dedication.

What to Expect During a Behavior Consultation
• During the consultation, we will take a background history, conduct an initial assessment, and discuss recommendations for in home management and how to modify your dog’s behavior in the future.
• Consultations include educational materials and actionable steps.
• Consultations are 90-120 minutes in length with you and your dog

How Do I Book?
Complete the “contact” form on the website at https://carolscaninetraining.com/contact-me/ and include your availability for the time options listed above for a consultation. For behavior cases, I will follow up with a free phone call to better understand your goals and challenges.
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CREDENTIALS & EXPERIENCE
Why is this so important? Training and behavior are an unregulated industry in Wisconsin. There are many businesses trained in marketing without certified professionals who will take your money with promises to “fix” your issue in 2-3 weeks or via board and train only to slap a shock collar on your dog and create more fear and anxiety in your dog. Not only do these behaviors usually return in a few months (because you can’t treat fear and anxiety with more fear, pain and correction) but the behaviors usually are much worse!

I bring over three decades of experience and hold multiple certifications, including:

• Certified Behavior Consultant (IAABC): One of only 4 certified in Wisconsin.
• Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CCPDT): Training puppies through adult dogs for over 30 years.
• Trauma-Informed Approach Practitioner: Specializing in a trauma-informed approach, practitioners take into consideration the impact of trauma on the brain, learning, and behavior of all beings. Guardians gain an understanding about how trauma can manifest and impact their dogs’ mental well-being, as well as their responses to the environment and things in their world.
• Certified Family Dog Mediator™ (FDM): Applying integrated science and ethology for a deeper understanding of canine behavior.
• Therapy Dog Evaluator/Assessor: I am an assessor for the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, a national organization committed to certifying dogs for therapy work.
• Certified Meditation Teacher
• Misc: I’ve also fostered dogs for 20+ years, served as Behavior Manager at Elmbrook Humane Society for two decades, and continue to work with challenging, shy, or high-energy dogs. I also have extensive continuing education each year beyond my certifications.
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Again, please note I do not take on all behavior cases and inquiries that I receive and only take a set number of new clients each month. This allows me to best service my clients. For this reason, I also do request a serious desire to do the work, follow up and commitment from clients especially on behavior cases and willingness to work beyond the assessment/consultation.