Beyond Obedience, LLC

Programs begin with a virtual initial consultation to assess behavior and create a customized plan. Follow-up sessions (virtual or in-home) reinforce skills and address progress. Day School offers 3–5 in-home training sessions for puppies, with the trainer working while the owner is away, followed by a debrief. Early Planning consultations help families prepare for a new pet or adjusting to a new baby. All programs emphasize owner education and use science-based, humane methods. No group classes or board-and-train services are offered.

Pricing Summary

Initial virtual consultation: $250 (1.5–2 hours). In-person initial consultation: $300 (daytime) or $350 (evening/weekend). Follow-up virtual sessions: $125 each; in-person follow-ups: same pricing structure as initial. Day School packages: $525 (3 sessions), $625 (4 sessions), $725 (5 sessions). Travel beyond 15 miles incurs a $2/mile round trip fee. Packages expire after 3 months of inactivity.

Policies

Pre-paid packages expire after 3 months of inactivity. Travel beyond 15 miles from Appleton, WI incurs a $2/mile round trip fee. In-person sessions require a key or code for access if owner is not home. No refunds for packages. Appointments are scheduled via virtual intake and payment submission.

Beyond Obedience, LLC is a canine behavior professional service led by Kirstin Zaspel, MS, CPDT-KA, offering customized virtual and in-home training solutions using safe, science-based, and humane methods. They focus on behavior modification and training for dogs with issues like reactivity, fearfulness, resource guarding, leash pulling, barking, and house training, emphasizing education for owners as the key to long-term success. Unlike traditional trainers, they do not offer group classes, board-and-train, or service dog training, instead specializing in one-on-one consultations and day training programs tailored to the dog’s needs and the owner’s lifestyle. Their approach prioritizes understanding the dog’s behavior through environmental and historical analysis, and they collaborate with veterinarians to address underlying medical causes of behavioral issues.

They provide virtual initial consultations as the first step, followed by optional in-person follow-ups, and offer a Day School program for puppies needing foundational skills without owner presence. All training uses positive reinforcement techniques, and clients are guided to use high-value treats and maintain consistency at home. Their services are designed for families seeking to build a stress-free, trust-based relationship with their dogs through evidence-based methods.

They serve clients in the Fox Valley area, primarily within 15 miles of Appleton, WI, and offer flexible scheduling during weekdays and evenings.

Accomplishments

Kirstin Zaspel holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Animal Behavior from the University of Wisconsin and a Bachelor’s in Biology from St. Olaf College. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) through CCPDT and has over 25 years of experience working with dogs since 2008 as a private behavior consultant. She collaborates with local veterinarians and is a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).

How to Get Started!

Begin by contacting Beyond Obedience with a brief description of your dog’s behavior issue. Complete the online Intake Form, submit payment for the Initial Virtual Consultation via their website, and receive a Zoom link for your scheduled appointment. A recording and handouts will be provided after the session.