Behavior Training For Dogs

Family Companion Dog Training includes four 2-hour sessions scheduled 1–2 weeks apart, covering sit, stay, recall, leash walking, door manners, and more. Behavior Training addresses aggression, anxiety, and fear with sessions up to two hours, starting with an assessment and ongoing follow-ups. House Training and Bite History programs are customized per dog. A new puppy package offers three 90-minute sessions for puppies 8–16 weeks old. Training uses frequent, short, positive reinforcement sessions integrated into daily life.

Pricing Summary

Each training session is up to 2 hours and costs $180.00, with no advance payment required. Pricing is flat-rate regardless of the number of dogs in the home. A 10% discount is available for active or retired military and seniors 65+. Supplemental services include 30-minute Walk & Train ($30), 60-minute Walk & Train ($60), 30-minute in-home practice ($50), and custom pet concierge services priced by request.

Policies

No advance payment is required; training is pay-as-you-go. Appointments are booked 2–3 weeks in advance. No cancellation or rescheduling policy is explicitly stated.

Behavior Training For Dogs is a professional dog training business based in Atlantic Beach, Florida, offering in-home, one-on-one training for dogs of all ages. Founded by the late Bob Hammesfahr and currently operated by Susan Gillespy, the business specializes in positive reinforcement methods to build trust and respect between dogs and their owners. Services include family companion dog training, behavior modification for issues like aggression, anxiety, and biting, house training, and specialized training for dogs with a bite history or those preparing for service roles. Training is personalized, conducted in the client’s home, and designed to be relaxed, fun, and effective. The business also offers supplemental services such as Walk & Train sessions, in-home practice sessions, external environment training, and pet concierge services including pet taxi and home check-ins.

Susan Gillespy, the lead trainer, holds a Master’s degree in counseling, is a Certified Force Free Trainer, and is a Knowledge-Assessed Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through CCPDT. She is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Jennifer Palhete, another certified trainer, brings over 30 years of human resources and animal care experience to the team. Both trainers are educated through Animal Behavior College. The business does not use physical force, dominance, or punishment-based methods.

Military personnel (active or retired) and senior citizens (65+) receive a 10% discount on all training courses. Training is available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays with appointments at 9:00 am, 12:00 noon, 3:00 pm, or 6:00 pm. A new puppy package is available for puppies aged 8–16 weeks, consisting of three 90-minute sessions focused on potty training and care.

Accomplishments

Susan Gillespy is a Certified Force Free Trainer, a Knowledge-Assessed Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through CCPDT, holds a Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of North Florida, and has over 40 years of professional training and competition experience. She is a member of APDT and IAABC. Jennifer Palhete is a certified trainer through Animal Behavior College and a member of APDT.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients should contact the business via phone or email to schedule an initial consultation. The first appointment includes an assessment of the dog’s needs, development of a training plan, owner education, and beginning initial training.