Caitlin’s Dog Training

Service area: North Eastern Pa.,Lehigh Valley Pa.,Pocono Pa.,Monroe County Pa.,Carbon County Pa.,Lehigh County Pa.,Northampton County Pa.,Bucks County Pa.,Berks County Pa.,Montgomery County Pa.,Schuylkill County Pa.,Allentown Pa.,Bethlehem Pa.,Easton Pa.,Reading Pa.,New Hope Pa.,Doylestown Pa.,Quakertown Pa.,Lansdale Pa.,Stroudsburg Pa.,Philadelphia,Pittsburgh,Erie,Upper Darby,Scranton,Bensalem,Lancaster,Lower Merios,Abington,Bristol,Altoona,Haverford,Harrisburg,Levittown,York,State College,Wilkes-Barre,Washington,New York,Jackson,Mount Laurel,Pottstown,Hazleton,Dearborn,Atlanta,Coopersburg,Detroit

Caitlin’s Dog Training offers a variety of programs tailored for puppies and service dogs, focusing on in-home coaching and positive, game-based methodology.

The initial 90-minute session introduces clients and their puppies to the methodology, covering practical training games for “Sit,” “Come,” and “Drop It,” housebreaking strategies, and tips for managing puppy biting and teaching house rules.

Puppy training packages include:
– **Pre-Puppy Training Package**: Includes 2 pre-puppy visits to prepare the home and prevent common issues, followed by 5 weekly 50-minute sessions and 2 x 30-minute day training visits. Focuses on basic manners and early impulse control.
– **Puppy Training Basics**: Consists of 5 weekly sessions and 2 x 30-minute day training visits, teaching basic manners like sit, down, come, stay, bed, and walking nicely on a leash. This package includes lifetime support with free monthly half-hour review sessions.
– **Puppy Training Pro**: A 12-session package meeting twice a week, covering basic and advanced manners, polite behaviors in practical situations, and attention around distractions. This package provides 1-year of support with free monthly half-hour review sessions.
– **Day Training (2 Weeks)**: An intensive program where trainers come to the client’s home 4 days a week for 2 weeks (8 days total) to jumpstart the puppy’s training foundation, encourage socialization, and teach appropriate manners. Owners are then coached on how to continue the skills.

For Service Dog training, they offer private coaching, group outings, and board and training. They assist clients in choosing the best breed, finding a breeder, and assessing a puppy for specific needs. For Psychiatric Service Dogs, a recommendation from and active work with a healthcare professional for at least one year is required. They also provide guidance on advanced concepts for partially trained service dog prospects. Group classes, referred to as “Doggie Workouts,” are available for 4 weeks on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-7 PM.

Pricing Summary

An initial 90-minute in-home session costs $120. After this introductory session, 1-hour sessions are available for $75, or $65 depending on the package. Group classes are priced at $200 for 4 weeks.

Package options include:
– Pre-Puppy Training Package: $895 for 5 sessions, 2 day train visits, and 2 pre-puppy visits.
– Puppy Training Basics: $895 for 5 sessions and 2 day train visits.
– Puppy Training Pro: $1400 for a 12-session package.
– Day Training: $1400 for a 2-week program.
Payments must be made within 48 hours of booking to secure a spot. Accepted payment methods include Venmo, Cash App, cash, and check.

Caitlin’s Dog Training is a business founded on the core value of “first, do no harm” when training animals. Caitlin, the owner, provides in-home puppy raising packages and Service Dog coaching, utilizing up-to-date, effective, and modern training techniques. Her mission is to help every person become their own “Dr. Dolittle” by teaching fun, interactive lessons, accurate skills in interpreting animal body language, and how to identify and reinforce desired behaviors, while avoiding long-term, cognitively damaging techniques.

The business specializes in raising and boarding puppies as young as 12 weeks of age, helping to set foundations for a lifetime of fun. Caitlin’s Dog Training is noted as the only independent trainer in the Lehigh Valley specializing in Service Dogs, capable of helping raise Mobility, Autism, Hearing, Diabetic Alert, PTSD, or Seizure Response dogs. They teach training techniques that make dogs feel good by building them up rather than breaking them down, offering effective, long-lasting, and compassionate training customized to fit both the dog and the household.

Beyond dogs, Caitlin also works with other animals such as parrots, macaws, and cats. The training is conducted in the client’s home, providing a full-service approach for the lifetime of the dog, acting as a family coach to guide owners and their dogs on their journey together.

Accomplishments

Caitlin’s passion for animals began at age 15, influenced by “Doctor Dolittle,” leading her to volunteer at local parks and recreation departments. She gained extensive experience at rescues, zoos, and aquariums, eventually pursuing a Zookeeping career. Since age 16, she has consistently traveled across the US annually to attend conferences.

Caitlin holds an Integrative Animal Biology degree with a minor in Psychology. Her professional experience includes roles such as Avian Care Specialist at SPCA, Behavior Education Coordinator for Florida Parrot Rescue, Avian Care Team at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, Exhibit Educator at The Florida Aquarium, and a 10-month intensive internship at Steve Martin’s Natural Encounters. She also served as a Trainer/Keeper for reptiles, large hoofstock, and carnivores at The Lehigh Valley Zoo, and was a foster home for dogs needing behavioral rehabilitation at Paws 2 Freedom. She is a member of The Pet Professional Guild and a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator.

How to Get Started!

To begin private puppy training, clients can book an initial 90-minute introductory session. For service dog training, interested individuals must complete an online application form providing their name, contact information, type of dog needed, age of the recipient, desired tasks, and location. If deemed a good candidate, an application will be emailed. A free phone consultation is also available to discuss needs.