Coachable Canines

Coachable Canines offers two main training paths: Private In-Home Training and the Puppy Kickstart Board & Train program. Private In-Home Training requires a minimum of two sessions, with options for 2, 4, or 6 sessions (Puppy Package), and additional sessions for returning clients. These sessions are one hour long and include email follow-up, homework assignments, detailed training descriptions, and support between sessions.

The Puppy Kickstart Board & Train program is for puppies 9 to 16 weeks old, offering personalized training with one puppy at a time in the trainer’s home, which includes a large fenced-in yard. This program focuses on basic behaviors like name recognition, sit, down, leave it, wait/impulse control, targeting, and relaxing on a mat. It also includes enriching field trips, safe puppy play dates, and post-training guidance with a transfer session within 10 days of completion.

Pricing Summary

In-home training packages include: Two sessions for $260, Four sessions for $480, Puppy Package (6 sessions) for $720, and Additional sessions for returning clients at $140. The Kickstart Board and Train Program costs $2,200, with a $500 deposit required to hold dates and the remaining balance due at the end of training. Payments can be made via credit card, Venmo, or cash, and must be paid in full prior to or at the first training session. Packages expire one year from the date of purchase, and no refunds are provided for unused sessions.

Policies

A minimum of 24 hours notice is required for all cancellations or rebooking, otherwise the session will be forfeited. Payments must be paid in full prior to or at the first training session, accepted via credit card, Venmo, or cash. Training packages expire one year from the purchase date, and no refunds are provided for unused sessions. The trainer exclusively uses positive reinforcement methods and does not permit aversive tools like prong collars, shock collars, choke chains, or retractable leashes. Dogs must be current on all veterinarian-recommended vaccinations, with proof required during booking.

Coachable Canines, LLC is a dog training business owned and operated by Melissa Parker, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. The business specializes in puppies and adolescent dogs, aiming to enhance the quality of life for all dogs and their humans by coaching pet parents to communicate effectively and humanely.

Melissa’s mission is to relieve the stress of puppyhood and young dog behaviors, allowing owners to enjoy their time with their pets. She emphasizes force-free, positive reinforcement methods, ensuring no fear or punishment is ever used. This approach helps dogs become confident problem-solvers and fosters happy, healthy relationships between dogs and their families.

Accomplishments

Melissa Parker is a Certified Training Partner through the Karen Pryor Academy’s Dog Trainer Professional Course, where she learned force-free, positive methods. She is also a Fear Free Certified Professional. Her education includes a BS in Sport Management from the University of Illinois Champaign, Urbana, and an MS in Sport Administration from Florida State University. She has attended various ClickerExpo events and courses like Living and Learning with Animals and TAGTeach Foundations.

How to Get Started!

Clients can book a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss their challenges. For the Puppy Kickstart Board & Train program, an interest form is available, and puppies must have been in their home for a minimum of one week and be able to settle in a crate or pen when left alone. Proof of vaccinations is required during the booking process.