A Pawsitive Improvement

Training begins with a comprehensive intake questionnaire and consultation to assess the dog’s behavior and owner’s goals. Behavior modification programs focus on emotional issues with personalized plans including in-person or virtual lessons, daily assignments, video reviews, and email/text support. Scent Work programs are offered in Levels 1 and 2 with weekly group classes. The Service Dog Program involves a multi-step process: virtual intake, dog evaluation, foundation training, and ongoing support over 1–2 years. Training is customized, with no pre-trained dogs placed.

Pricing Summary

Initial intake and planning session requires pre-payment with no refund unless the case is declined. Service Dog Program fees range from $3,500–$10,000 depending on dog’s needs, distance, and tasks; $50 for initial virtual appointment and $50 for dog evaluation. Scent Work classes are 8 or 6 weeks long with fees not specified. Payment plans may be available for service dog training with third-party financing approval.

Policies

Pre-payment is required for the intake and planning session with no refunds unless the business declines the case. Service dog program fees are paid upfront in stages. Clients may opt out of communications at any time. Information collected is not shared or sold. Training may be conducted virtually or in-person based on the consultant’s assessment of the treatment plan.

A Pawsitive Improvement is a dog training and behavioral consultation business led by Christi Kirby-Baron, a certified professional with multiple credentials in dog behavior and training. The business specializes in addressing fear, reactivity, and aggression through applied behavioral analysis, focusing on the dog’s emotional well-being rather than just obedience. Services include cooperative care training to help dogs calmly accept vet and grooming procedures, AKC Scent Work classes for mental stimulation and sport, and a comprehensive Service Dog Program for individuals with disabilities. All training is conducted using positive, force-free methods, rejecting aversive tools like choke chains, prong collars, and e-collars. Training is offered via in-person sessions, video calls, and virtual classes, with personalized plans tailored to each dog’s needs. The business emphasizes collaboration with veterinarians and other professionals to ensure holistic care.

Christi is certified as a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), and is FEAR FREE Certified, ensuring evidence-based, compassionate approaches. The program is designed for dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors, and supports owners through ongoing support, video feedback, written assignments, and email/text communication. The Service Dog Program helps owners train their own dogs over 1–2 years, with no placement of pre-trained dogs.

Additional offerings include AKC Canine Good Citizen, STAR Puppy, Trick Dog, and Temperament Test evaluations. The business does not offer boarding, grooming, walking, or daycare services.

Clients can begin with a free consultation and intake questionnaire to determine suitability for services.

Accomplishments

Christi Kirby-Baron is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Accredited Dog Trainer (ADT), FEAR FREE Certified Professional and Coach, and an AKC Judge for Scent Work, Canine Good Citizen, STAR Puppy, Trick Dog, Farm Dog, Fit Dog, and Temperament Tests. She is Membership Manager and Continuing Education Program Manager for the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

How to Get Started!

Begin by completing the online Canine Behavior Intake Questionnaire. After submission, clients may book a free consultation. For the Service Dog Program, applicants must submit a formal application and undergo a virtual appointment and dog evaluation before proceeding.