Contented Canines

Contented Canines offers several training programs designed to address various needs. The process typically begins with a free 30-minute phone consultation, following the submission of an online assessment questionnaire. For a more in-depth start, a Behavior and Training Assessment is available for $195, providing a two-hour in-person session to identify issues and recommend a plan, along with one month of CO-OP access.

The Group Foundation Training program, priced at $295 for 5 sessions, focuses on dog psychology, canine communication, and establishing leadership, including a booklet, cot, and leash. For more personalized attention, the Private Foundation Training program is offered at $695 (in-studio) or $850 (in-home), providing over 8 hours of structured training, written materials, a leash, and a premium dog cot, with flexible scheduling and the option to include the whole family.

For those with limited time or dogs needing a behavioral reset, the “Jump Start” Foundation Training is a 10-30 day Board and Train or Day Training model, ranging from $1450 to $3550. In this program, the trainer initially trains the dog’s foundation basics, followed by a 2-hour go-home lesson and three follow-up sessions to train the owner. Additionally, Private “A La Carte” Training Services are available for specific behavioral or training issues, requiring a separate assessment consultation. All training programs grant access to the Contented Canines CO-OP, which provides supplementary resources like training homework, video series, pre-recorded Zoom classes, and various guides.

Pricing Summary

Contented Canines offers a free 30-minute phone consultation. A Behavior and Training Assessment costs $195 for a two-hour private session, which includes one month of access to the CO-OP. Group Foundation Training is priced at $295 for 5 sessions, including a booklet, cot, and leash. Private Foundation Training is available for $695 in-studio or $850 in-home, encompassing 8+ hours of training, written materials, a training leash, and a premium dog cot. The “Jump Start” Foundation Training, a 10-30 day Board and Train or Day Training model, ranges from $1450 to $3550, and includes a go-home lesson and follow-up sessions. Private “A La Carte” Training Services vary in price based on objectives and require a separate assessment consultation. All training services include access to the Contented Canines CO-OP Facebook group.

Contented Canines is a dog training business led by Colonel Tom Kelly, who transitioned into dog training after a 30-year Army career. The business focuses on a relationship-based training strategy, aiming to understand the world from the dog’s point of view to influence their choices and behavior. They also integrate key elements of the Training Between the Ears (TBTE) system.

Contented Canines specializes in training and rehabilitating behaviorally challenged dogs, helping them become well-mannered and contented family members. Beyond dog training, Tom Kelly coaches pet owners on how to create a more successful home environment for their dogs, emphasizing that small changes in human behavior can dramatically impact a dog’s behavior.

The business offers a range of services including private and group training, in-studio and in-home options, and intensive board and train or day training programs. All training programs include access to the Contented Canines CO-OP, a resource group providing training homework, video series on dog language and play, pre-recorded Zoom classes, and guides on puppies, health, socialization, and more. The goal is to build a balanced relationship of mutual respect and trust, resolving frustrations for both dogs and their humans.

Accomplishments

Colonel Tom Kelly, the trainer at Contented Canines, began his dog training career after a 30-year tenure in the Army, initially as a hobby helping shelter dogs. He trained with Cesar Milan, completing his Fundamentals I course in 2014 and continuing to volunteer at TCW Fundamentals I classes annually. In 2015, he graduated from Starmark Academy for Professional Dog Trainers, an intensive 3-month residential program, as a Certified Dog Trainer and Canine Behavior Specialist.

Tom Kelly has furthered his education by learning from nationally recognized trainers such as Heather Beck, Martin Deeley, Mark and Stephanie McCabe (Training Between the Ears), and Nelson Hodges. In June 2021, he was certified as a Relationship Based Trainer by the Canine Human Relationship Institute (CHRI). He is a member of the Greater Columbia Obedience Club and advises the board of the NOMA Bark Park. Professionally, he is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) and regularly attends their annual education conference. Contented Canines has helped over 800 dogs.

How to Get Started!

To begin training with Contented Canines, prospective clients are required to fill out an online assessment questionnaire. After submitting the assessment, they can schedule a free 30-minute phone consultation. For those interested in an in-person private consultation, payment of $195 is required after the assessment questionnaire has been submitted.