Before N After Dog Training

5.0 Stars,38 Reviews
28 Grandview Terrace, Essex, CT 06426

Service area: Serves towns in Connecticut including Middletown, East Lyme, Old Saybrook, Chester, Clinton, Haddam, and surrounding areas within the central and eastern shoreline region.

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

  • Family Dog
  • Service Dog
  • Therapy Dog
  • Behavior Modification

Specialty Focus Areas

  • Puppy Training
  • Potty Training
  • Leash Pulling
  • Reactivity / Aggression
  • Jumping on People
  • Barking Excessively
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Biting / Nipping
  • Fearfulness
  • Recall

Training Formats Offered

  • Private Lessons
  • In-Home
  • Video Calls

Program Formats

  • One-Time Consultation
  • Sessions Package
  • Ongoing Weekly
  • Intensive Program

Types of Dogs

  • Small
  • Medium
  • Large
  • Giant
  • Herding
  • Sporting
  • Working
  • Hounds
  • Terriers
  • Doodles
  • Brachycephalic

Age of Dogs Trained

  • Puppy (<1 year)
  • Adolescent (1-2 years)
  • Adult (2-8 years)
  • Senior (8+ years)

Dog Training Methodology

Methods: 

  • Positive Reinforcement Only

Equipment: 

  • Clickers
  • Food Rewards
  • Harnesses
  • Flat Collars
  • Obstacle Courses

Programs are structured around personalized assessments and tailored plans. The Puppy Program spans 12 weeks with four in-home sessions, unlimited support, AKC Star Puppy and CGC prep, and a workbook. The Good Pup Program includes an initial home assessment, environment setup, temperament testing, and weekly training. Behavior consultations are 2 hours and focus on root cause analysis. Follow-up sessions are offered in packages of 1, 3, or 6 sessions. Programs are available in-home or via Zoom, with options for intensive 2-week programs and annual subscriptions for ongoing support.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

Initial consultation: $195 (in-home or Zoom). Puppy Program: $495 for Phase I, $400 for Phase II, $240 for Phase III. In-home follow-up sessions: $145 (1 session), $363 (3 sessions), $593 (6 sessions). Zoom follow-ups: $95 (1 session), $263 (3 sessions), $480 (6 sessions). Annual Zoom subscription: $550. Wellness Program: $145. Lifetime training package: $8,500. Intensive 2-week program: $1,800. Free 30-minute phone inquiry available.

Testimonials

Belinda is just fantastic! I have a rescue that was pretty darned smart and knew a few things, but as the owner, I needed help! Her knowledge of dog behavior and what owners need to do to be successful pet parents is amazing. She is so keyed in to how to train dogs that I have recommended her to our local pet store as well as some clients who have used her and are happy as well. She knows dog behavior and she knows how to help train the owners! I highly recommend her. She comes to your home, sees your dog in their surroundings, help teach you how to correct your behavior with the animal as well as their behavior, and I just can’t say enough about how fantastic she is. I would give her more than five stars if I could. Thank you, Belinda!
– Client

Belinda! You did an amazing job training our family! All three of our young kids absolutely loved learning from you. You were so patient and kind as you worked with them and our puppy Penny. Our kids wanted to teach Penny tricks and you had so many fun things to show them. We love you and miss you and appreciate everything you taught us. You made puppy training enjoyable, easy to understand and fun! Here we are almost a year later and our Penny pup is such a good girl. Teaching us how to work with her and how to be consistent has done wonders. We are so grateful for you and even though it took me so long to post a review at least I can report that your training sticks long term! I am glad you were part of our lives! Love you! The kids all say HI!!
– Client

Belinda was patient with our Minka, who is very high energy. In four sessions, Minka was placing, sitting, lying down, and staying on hand commands while we walked out of the room. Best of all, Belinda trained us to avoid reinforcing unwanted behaviors. We’re still working on loose leash walking, but we made more progress in four weeks with this style of training than we had made in three months with two other trainers. Be prepared to work at short daily sessions on your own with your dog, though! Her methods get results!
– Client

About the Trainer

Before N After Dog Training is a professional dog training business led by Belinda N. Ahern, a Master Trainer with over 16 years of experience serving the canine community. They offer scientifically proven, positive reinforcement-based training and holistic wellness services designed to build understanding, trust, and harmony between dogs and their families. Services include in-home behavior consultations, puppy programs, senior dog care, deaf or blind dog training, and specialized programs for small breeds, multi-species households, and service dogs. They also provide pet sitting, dog walking, and wellness coaching. Their approach focuses on root cause analysis, co-regulation techniques, and tailoring plans to each dog’s breed, age, and unique needs. They are veterinarian-recommended, certified, insured, and bonded, and their methods align with the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior and other leading organizations.

They offer both in-home and virtual sessions via Zoom, with flexible scheduling for mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Their signature Puppy Program and Good Pup Program include multi-session packages with unlimited email/text support, AKC certification prep, and personalized workbooks. They also provide temperament testing, animal actor certification, and therapy dog preparation.

Additional services include home pet sitting with daily visits, dog walking in multiple Connecticut towns, nutrition guidance, cooperative care training, and free downloadable resources like dog muffin recipes and puppy training ebooks. Their training is designed to be sustainable, with an emphasis on teaching owners how to communicate effectively with their dogs long-term.

Accomplishments

Belinda N. Ahern is a Master Trainer with 16+ years of experience. Business has been operating since 2009. Certified, insured, and bonded. Partnered with veterinary and behavioral organizations. Offers AKC-certified training paths and Animal Actor Certification. Featured in workshops and podcasts on canine behavior and wellness.

How to Get Started!

Begin with a free 30-minute phone inquiry to discuss needs and determine the best program. Followed by an initial in-home or Zoom consultation ($195) to assess the dog’s behavior, environment, and goals. From there, clients choose a tailored program such as the Puppy Program, Behavior Consultation, or Good Pup Program.

Before N After Dog Training featured image for this Dog Trainer
  • 17+ Years Experience

  • Insured

  • Free Consultation

Availability

  • Weekdays
  • Weekends
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening

Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 7am-2pm
Thursday: 10am-2pm
Friday: 11am-4pm
Saturday: 10am-3:30pm
Sunday: 10am-3:30pm

Certifications

  • Credentialed

Associations

  • AKC
  • APDT
  • IAABC
  • IACP
  • PPG

Languages

  • English

Other Services Offered

  • Pet sitter
  • Dog walker
  • Pet trainer

Location

28 Grandview Terrace, Essex, CT 06426

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