Direct Your Canine Dog Training

Training begins with an intake form and an initial in-home evaluation to assess the dog’s behavior and owner goals. Programs are customized and delivered in ongoing weekly sessions focused on obedience, puppy development, or behavior modification. Clients receive homework exercises to practice between sessions, with email and text support available for questions. Training progresses from basic commands to advanced skills and real-world distraction-proofing, with emphasis on building a strong relationship and clear communication.

Pricing Summary

Pricing details are not publicly listed on the website. Clients must complete an intake form and schedule an initial evaluation to receive a customized quote based on their dog’s needs and training goals.

Policies

No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policy is stated on the website. Clients are expected to put forth consistent effort between sessions, and the trainer is available for questions between sessions but cannot enforce compliance with home exercises.

Direct Your Canine Dog Training is run by Millie Stone, a dog trainer who specializes in helping dog owners build strong relationships with their dogs through ethical, enjoyable, and effective training. Millie offers personalized training plans tailored to each dog’s unique learning style, using a balanced approach that combines positive reinforcement with occasional negative reinforcement when necessary, always followed by a positive to ensure the dog associates the behavior with a good outcome. She provides services for puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs, focusing on obedience, puppy socialization, and behavior modification for issues like fearfulness, reactivity, biting, and leash pulling. Millie emphasizes the importance of proper play, clear communication, and consistent expectations to prevent problem behaviors from becoming ingrained. She also educates clients on the proper use of training tools such as slip leads, prong collars, and e-collars, ensuring clients are fully comfortable and informed before using them. Her training philosophy centers on the belief that a strong human-dog relationship is the foundation for lasting behavioral change.

Millie has spent over two years shadowing more than 20 trainers and working hands-on with her own highly reactive German Shepherd, Sergeant, whom she helped overcome severe fear and aggression despite professional recommendations for euthanasia. Her experience is rooted in real-world problem-solving rather than formal certification, and she focuses on practical, individualized solutions that work for each dog and owner. She offers in-home training sessions and encourages family involvement to ensure consistency in training.

In addition to training, Millie provides dog sitting and drop-by let-outs for clients. She does not offer boarding, grooming, or daycare services. Her approach is highly personalized, and she prioritizes safety, ethical training, and owner education to help clients succeed between sessions with guided exercises and ongoing support.

Accomplishments

Millie Stone successfully rehabilitated her own German Shepherd, Sergeant, from severe fearfulness and aggression despite professional recommendations for euthanasia. She has shadowed over 20 experienced trainers and developed unique, individualized training methods through hands-on experience with diverse dogs.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must first fill out an online intake form. After submission, Millie will text the client directly to discuss goals. If she determines she is a good fit, an initial in-home evaluation is scheduled, during which the client must bring their dog, a secure leash and harness or collar, treats or toys, and any family members involved in training.