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Yes, BetterDog comes to your home for training. They believe that since a dog's behaviors—both good and bad—happen at home, training should occur in that environment as well. This allows them to see your dog's natural reactions and address issues where they actually happen. The only exception is if the training is specifically for situations outside your home​.

BetterDog’s training motivation system prioritizes trust, respect, and consistent behavior over treat-based rewards. Their Dynamic Marker System (DMS) relies on verbal, physical, and emotional reinforcement to shape behaviour effectively. Here’s how they motivate dogs in order of priority: Verbal Praise – Using calm or enthusiastic tones to reinforce good behavior. Touch Praise – Petting to affirm correct actions. Play Praise – Engaging in immediate play to celebrate success. Food Praise (Treats) – Used strategically, not as a primary reward. Do you Use Treats? Yes, but selectively. Treats are used for changing associations, not bribing. For example: If a dog is nervous about the crate, a treat might be placed inside to create a positive experience. After a stressful event like nail trimming, a treat can be given at the end to leave a good final impression. However, treats are not used as a primary training tool—BetterDog focuses on building a balanced communication system where the dog responds out of respect, not just because you have food in your pocket​.

Anyone who regularly interacts with your dog should be involved in training. This includes: All family members (adults and kids) Babysitters, dog walkers, or pet sitters Extended family members (e.g., Grandma, Uncle Joe) if they help care for your dog Mandatory Attendance: The first training session is required for everyone to ensure consistency and alignment in handling the dog. After the first session, involvement can be adjusted based on who needs additional guidance. BetterDog's approach ensures that everyone in the household is on the same page, speaking the same "training language," which prevents confusion and accelerates progress​.

The Mandatory Initial Training Session is a required 3-hour, in-home session that lays the foundation for your dog's training. It must be completed before purchasing any training packages​. What’s Included? ✅ Personalized Training & Education – Tailored to your dog’s specific needs. ✅ Hands-on Exercises – Reset your relationship and establish clear communication. ✅ Immediate Practical Skills – Walk away with actionable techniques to improve behavior. ✅ Training Plan – A structured roadmap for moving forward. Why Is It Required? Ensures all owners understand and apply consistent training methods. Introduces BetterDog’s Dynamic Marker System (DMS) for clear communication. Prevents common mistakes that slow progress. After completing this session, you can choose additional pay-as-you-go or unlimited training options​.

BetterDog doesn't rely on gimmicky tools or unnecessary gadgets but instead focuses on clear communication and proper handling. However, they do recommend specific equipment to support training. Recommended Equipment: A Properly Fitted Collar A flat buckle collar or martingale collar (for dogs prone to slipping out). No retractable leashes—control is key. A Sturdy 6-ft Leash Leather or nylon—something durable and easy to grip. Avoid flexi-leads (retractable leashes) as they encourage pulling. A Long Line (15-30 ft) Useful for recall training and practicing commands at a distance. A Training Crate (if applicable) Helps with house training and giving the dog a safe space. Not used as punishment. The BetterDog Dynamic Marker System (DMS) This isn’t a physical tool, but it’s the backbone of their training—using verbal markers, body language, and structured reinforcement. Muzzle (for Severe Cases) If your dog has a history of aggression, they may recommend muzzle training as a safety measure. Minimal Treat Use Treats are used for association-building, not bribery. The focus is on verbal praise, touch, and play as primary motivators​. Their training philosophy emphasizes technique over tools, ensuring that whatever equipment is used, it's done with clarity, fairness, and consistency.

BetterDog’s training approach is designed for efficiency and real-world success, not endless in-home visits. How Often Do We Visit? ✅ We come to train – each session gives you the tools and knowledge to work with your dog. ✅ You get homework – practice is key, and we stay in touch via email, phone, or text for support. ✅ Work for a week or two – depending on the skill. If you hit a plateau, feel stuck, or need clarity, book your next session. Do You Need Weekly Sessions? There are 52 weeks in a year, and honestly, only a handful of clients ever need more than 10 in-home sessions. Most clients build lasting skills quickly, then reinforce them at our community events—a great way to maintain progress and hang with other awesome dogs. Need More Frequent Training? If you and your trainer decide back-to-back lessons are necessary, we’ll schedule them—because progress matters more than a rigid schedule​.

How Fast Does BetterDog Training Work? Training results depend on your effort and consistency—but most clients see changes immediately. Instant Improvements (First Session) ✅ 80% of clients notice a change after the very first session. ✅ Examples: Your dog stays back from the front door instead of charging. They sit calmly in a room without being told. Pulling on walks? Often improved in one session. Short-Term Progress (Weeks) 💡 Consistent daily training = faster results ✅ With daily effort, major improvements can happen in weeks. ✅ If you only train during problem moments, it will take months. Long-Term Results (Months to a Year) 🐕 The more consistent you are, the quicker your dog learns. ✅ High engagement: Breakthroughs in weeks. ✅ Minimal effort: Could take a year. 💡 Bottom line? Your dog is ready to learn—your effort determines the timeline​.

Training Multiple Dogs – How It Works BetterDog can train multiple dogs in the same household, but the approach depends on their individual needs and dynamics. Option 1: Train Together ✅ If your dogs have similar training goals, we can train them at the same time. ✅ Examples: Basic obedience, leash manners, impulse control. Option 2: Train Separately ✅ If your dogs have different challenges (e.g., one has aggression, one is just excitable), we may train them separately in the same session. ✅ This ensures focused attention and prevents distraction. Do I Need to Pay Twice? 💡 Nope! The Mandatory Initial Training covers all dogs in the home—we assess how they interact and create a plan. 💡 If follow-ups are needed, we’ll discuss the best approach—some families only need a few extra sessions, while others benefit from the Unlimited Plan. 🐶🐶 Bonus: Many owners with multiple dogs find BetterDog’s Community Events super helpful for reinforcing skills in a structured, social environment​.

The difference between Family Dog Training and Severe Behavior Training comes down to risk, intent, and intensity of the behavior. 🚨 Severe Behavior Training This is for dogs who present a serious risk to people, other dogs, or themselves. Your dog qualifies for Severe Training if: ✅ They have bitten a person or another dog (not just play mouthing). ✅ They’ve been labeled Dangerous by the city. ✅ They have tried to bite a child. ✅ They display aggressive behavior—not just lunging or growling, but actively seeking to attack. ✅ Severe fear-based reactivity that causes extreme distress or aggression. 💡 This program provides advanced behavioral modification to ensure safety and control. 🏡 Family Dog Training Most dogs fall into this category! This program is for dogs needing obedience and behavior refinement, but who do not pose a serious safety risk. Your dog qualifies for Family Dog Training if: ✅ They need help with basic commands, leash manners, or impulse control. ✅ They jump on guests, pull on the leash, or bark excessively, but are not aggressive. ✅ They need better structure and discipline, but aren’t malicious in their actions. Final Call? Thankfully, most dog reactivity falls under Family Dog Training. If you're unsure, your trainer will assess your dog in the Mandatory Initial Training and adjust accordingly​.

BetterDog’s Training Methodology BetterDog’s approach is built on clarity, trust, and consistent communication—not dominance, intimidation, or outdated training myths. Their methodology blends science-backed techniques with real-world practicality to create a dog that listens because they respect you, not because they fear you. 1️⃣ LIMA Protocol – (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) BetterDog follows the LIMA principle, which means: ✅ Start with the gentlest, most positive approach. ✅ Escalate only when necessary to provide clarity. ✅ Tailor methods to the dog’s unique temperament. 💡 It’s about humane, fair training that actually works. 2️⃣ Balanced Training Approach BetterDog uses both positive and negative markers to communicate effectively. ✅ Positive reinforcement rewards desired behaviors. ✅ Clear, fair corrections guide unwanted behaviors. ✅ No bribery, no intimidation—just communication. 💡 Example: Instead of constantly handing out treats, they use their Dynamic Marker System (DMS) to reinforce or correct behavior naturally​. 3️⃣ Dynamic Marker System (DMS) – A Clear Communication Framework DMS is BetterDog’s proprietary training system that builds trust and respect through: ✅ Binary Communication – Clear verbal markers signal approval or disapproval. ✅ Emotional Subtlety – Voice tone, body language, and consistency make commands crystal clear. ✅ Emotional Escalation Techniques – If the dog ignores a verbal correction, body language or environmental cues reinforce the message​. 💡 It’s like teaching your dog a language they instinctively understand. 4️⃣ Respect Before Training – You Learn First ✅ Before they train your dog, they train YOU—because half the battle is human behavior. ✅ You’ll learn how dogs process information and how to communicate effectively. ✅ Their step-by-step process ensures you become a calm, confident Dog Parent​. 💡 If your dog isn’t listening, it’s probably a YOU problem—BetterDog fixes that. 5️⃣ In-Home Training for Real-World Results ✅ Dogs learn where they live—so BetterDog comes to you. ✅ Training starts in the home and then expands to public spaces when needed. ✅ The goal? A well-behaved dog in ANY situation.​ Bottom Line: BetterDog’s method is practical, fair, and tailored to each dog. 🐶 No gimmicks, no treat dependency, no nonsense—just real training that works.

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How the BetterDog Payment Plan Works BetterDog offers a self-financed, interest-free payment plan to make training accessible. Unlike a subscription, this is a commitment—Jon & Nancy personally finance your training upfront, and you pay it back over 12 months. How It Works: ✅ We take the total cost of your Unlimited Training Pass and split it over 12 months. ✅ You pay monthly until the balance is cleared. ✅ You can pay it off early at any time—no penalties. Not a Subscription—A Commitment If you stop paying after 3 months just because your dog is now awesome, you’re stiffing your trainer—they’ve already provided the service. If there’s any doubt about completing payments, choose to pay in full upfront. Why Do We Offer This? 💡 Jon & Nancy understand that finances can be tough, so they make training accessible by letting you train now and pay over time. This is a way to support owners who need quality training without upfront financial stress​.

How the Unlimited Training Package Works BetterDog’s Unlimited Training Package is designed for maximum support, zero stress—one payment covers as many training sessions as you need for a full year. Step 1: Complete the Mandatory Initial Training Before signing up, every client must complete the 3-hour in-home Initial Training Session. ✅ We evaluate your dog’s behavior and tailor a custom training plan. ✅ You get hands-on coaching and immediate solutions. ✅ After this, you can opt for the Unlimited Training Package. Step 2: Train as Much as You Need With Unlimited Training, you get: ✅ In-home training sessions—no limits ✅ Ongoing coaching as your dog progresses ✅ Access to community events to maintain skills in real-world settings 💡 The goal: You get all the support needed to achieve lasting results—without counting sessions or worrying about extra costs. Step 3: Payment Options Puppy Unlimited: $1,000 Family Dog Unlimited: $800 Severe Dog Unlimited: $1,300 Who Is This Best For? Owners who want ongoing guidance without worrying about per-session fees. Dogs with behavioral challenges that require consistent work. People who prefer structure and long-term support. This package is designed to give you the time, training, and support needed for real transformation—without the stress of extra costs​.

How the Pay-As-You-Go Process Works BetterDog’s Pay-As-You-Go option gives you flexibility—train as needed without committing to a full package. Step 1: Mandatory Initial Training ($400) Before booking individual sessions, you must complete the 3-hour in-home Initial Training. This session: ✅ Evaluates your dog’s behavior and your handling skills. ✅ Establishes clear expectations and a personalized training plan. ✅ Gives you hands-on training with immediate takeaways. Step 2: Schedule Training as Needed ($150/hour) Once you’ve completed the initial session, you can book hourly training sessions at home. ✅ No contracts, no pressure—schedule only when you need guidance. ✅ Sessions focus on troubleshooting, fine-tuning, and advancing skills. ✅ You get homework to reinforce lessons between visits. Step 3: Ongoing Support Between sessions, you’re not on your own—we stay connected via: 📞 Phone, text, or email for questions and check-ins. 📍 Community events to practice in real-world settings for just $20/hour. When Should You Book Again? After 1–2 weeks of practice (depending on the skill) If you’re plateauing, stuck, or unsure If new behaviors arise that need attention Most clients need only a few follow-ups to get long-term success. Some choose the Unlimited Package for peace of mind, but with Pay-As-You-Go, you control the pace​.

Step 1: Book Your Initial Training Session 📅 Your first step with BetterDog is purchasing the Initial Training Session. Once you book, you choose your date, and you’ll get direct access to Jon & Nancy’s calendar for scheduling. 🖱 Book Here: BetterDog Introductory Training Session ✔️ Once you’ve booked and paid, your session is confirmed! Step 2: Complete Your Forms 📝 Before your session, we need two quick forms to get all the necessary details about you and your pup. 👤 Human Form: Fill it out here 🐾 Dog Form: Fill it out here Why? These forms help Jon & Nancy analyze your dog's behavior and history in advance so your session starts with a running start—no wasted time, just results. Step 3: Your In-Home Initial Session 🏡 On your scheduled date, Jon & Nancy come to you for your private, in-home training session. 🎯 What happens? ✔️ Hands-on work with your dog ✔️ Education on training methods & strategies ✔️ Immediate behavior adjustments Step 4: What’s Next? 🤔 Option 1: Everything Was Fixed in One Session? 🎉 It happens (rarely, but it does)—if your dog’s behavior is fully corrected in just one session, congrats! No further training needed. Option 2: Huge Improvements, But You Want More 🚀 Your dog is already showing an amazing difference, and you want Jon & Nancy with you for long-term success. ✅ Solution: Purchase an Unlimited Training Pass Twelve months of training, as needed Personalized guidance to build your dog’s skills Flexible payment options (all at once or installments) Option 3: Pay-As-You-Go Support ☎️ Prefer training only when you need it? ✅ Call when you need a session, pay by the hour.