Private Sessions

At Kavanaugh K9, my approach is centered around understanding and meeting your dog’s needs first. When a dog’s physical, mental, and emotional needs are fulfilled, they learn more effectively, feel better, and your relationship with them naturally improves.

I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Training with me is about building communication, trust, and clarity between you and your dog — not just checking off obedience boxes.

  • Each session is one-on-one, customized to your dog’s behavior and your goals, and typically spaced one to two weeks apart. You’ll be actively involved in each step, and you’ll receive ongoing support between sessions to help you stay consistent and confident.

  • Free phone consultation to start

    • Comprehensive behavior evaluation in the first session

    • 1 to 1.5 hour private lessons

    • Video tutorials of training exercises

    • Daily virtual feedback on your training videos and unlimited text support

    • Documents and resources to support your progress

  • I technically use balanced training techniques, which means I combine positive reinforcement with the thoughtful use of training tools, when appropriate. However, unlike many other balanced trainers, I will rarely jump to aversive tools from the beginning, and do not use them on every dog. Tools like slip leads, prong collars, and e-collars may be recommended depending on your dog and situation.

    My focus, however, is much more about your dog’s underlying emotional state rather than which tools to put on your dog.

    • Basic & advanced obedience

    • Loose leash walking

    • Recall

    • Confidence building

    • Behavioral challenges (Reactivity, fear, car anxiety, and more)

    • Muzzle conditioning

    • Relationship building

    • Trick training

    • Understanding your dog’s biological needs

    • Dog socialization & introducing new dogs

    • Play dynamics

    • Psychiatric service dog tasks (anxiety alerts, behavioral interruptions, DPT, panic attack response)

    • Intro to scent work

Day Training

Day training is available as a supplement for clients who are actively enrolled in a private session package and want extra support between lessons.

I come to your home while you’re away and work directly with your dog to reinforce the exercises and concepts we’ve introduced in your private sessions. I can also spend this time taking your dog on an enriching adventure.

Pricing: $70 per session
*A travel fee may apply depending on your location*

Please note: day training is only available as an add-on to private session packages.