A Better Dog 4U

Training is delivered through personalized in-home sessions tailored to the dog’s personality and needs. Sessions are typically 30–60 minutes long, with a focus on short, 2–5 minute training bursts followed by playtime to maintain engagement. Owners are taught how to continue training daily using the 2-Minute Dog Training Program. Training covers basic obedience, behavior modification, and specific issues like leash pulling, reactivity, jumping, and resource guarding. Multiple behaviors are addressed one at a time to avoid confusion.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is described as very reasonable for one-on-one, full-hour in-home sessions. Specific rates are not listed, but clients are encouraged to contact for details. No packages or tiered pricing are explicitly mentioned.

Policies

No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policies are stated. Clients are encouraged to contact directly for scheduling and support.

A Better Dog 4U is a dog training business based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, offering in-home dog training services for all breeds and all ages, from puppies to senior dogs. They specialize in basic obedience, puppy training, leash training, behavior modification, and training for reactive dogs using science-based, reward-based, and personality-driven methods. Their approach emphasizes building trust and communication between dogs and their owners, with training sessions tailored to each dog’s individual temperament and needs. They also provide a 2-Minute Dog Training Program to help owners reinforce skills daily without formal sessions. The business focuses on humane techniques, avoiding physical punishment and instead using positive reinforcement, verbal markers, and relationship-based training. In addition to training, they offer extensive free educational resources for dog owners on topics like housebreaking, socialization, safety, and responsible ownership.

Their trainers work directly in clients’ homes to ensure training occurs in the dog’s natural environment, which improves retention and real-world application. They serve clients across Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities, and their services are designed to be accessible, affordable, and ongoing, with follow-up support available by phone.

The owner, Mike Albee, has over 50 years of hands-on experience and draws from decades of professional training, rescue work, and collaboration with behaviorists and breeders to inform his methods.

Accomplishments

Owner Mike Albee has over 50 years of first-hand experience in dog training and behavior, working alongside professional trainers, behaviorists, rescue organizations, and reputable breeders. The business has been operating since 2005 and maintains a comprehensive library of free educational articles for dog owners.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can contact A Better Dog 4U by phone or through their website to schedule an initial consultation. Training begins with an evaluation of the dog’s personality and behavior, followed by a customized in-home training plan. A free initial consultation is offered.