Dog Educated

Dog Educated offers various training programs including Group Classes, Private Training, Workshops & Seminars, and The Family Dog program. Group classes are held at their facility and include Puppy Kindergarten, Basic Skills, Intermediate Skills, and Clicks for Tricks, with week one typically being an online orientation followed by in-person sessions.

Private training is available in-home or on-site, offering customized plans and expert counseling for specific issues or for those who prefer one-on-one formats. Day Training is also an option where trainers work with the dog while owners are busy, requiring only an initial consultation and a final transfer session. The Family Dog program is a specialized package for families with kids and a dog, including six in-home sessions, an online family video training program, and weekly homework emails. Workshops and Seminars focus on specific topics in animal learning and behavior, with seminars being people-only educational classes and workshops being hands-on classes with dogs.

Pricing Summary

Group classes range from $120 for a 4-week course to $250 for a 6-week course. Private training includes an initial consultation for $175, with subsequent sessions priced at $100 per hour. The Family Dog program is $600 for six private sessions, an online family program, and weekly homework emails. Payment must be made in full upon registration or at the first class. All classes and training services are non-refundable. Services purchased expire after one year from the date of purchase.

Policies

For group classes, waivers must be signed, and week one is an online orientation. Make-up sessions for missed classes are not offered, but video demonstrations and written plans may be provided. If a family member is unwell or diagnosed with COVID-19, clients must inform Dog Educated and not attend class, with the option to attend via Zoom. Masks are currently optional but subject to change. If mandated closing occurs, classes transition to Zoom with no refunds.

General policies state that payment must be made in full upon registration. A minimum of 7 days’ notice is required for a refund on class cancellations, minus a $50 service charge; otherwise, all classes and training services are non-refundable. For private appointments, a 48-hour cancellation notice is required, or the session is forfeited. Private training sessions can be rescheduled up to 2 times. Services purchased expire after one year. Dogs that are sick or recovering are not permitted in class. Dogs with a bite history must disclose this and may need to wear a muzzle. Children under 16 must be supervised by an adult who is not the main handler, and children under 5 are not encouraged to attend. All dogs must remain on leash unless instructed otherwise, and no dog-dog interaction is permitted without permission.

Dog Educated is a dog training business dedicated to providing professional and humane training services in an unregulated industry. They emphasize that their trainers are formally “dog educated,” having acquired comprehensive education in applied behavior analysis, Pavlovian conditioning, client counseling, animal behavior, and critical thinking from rigorous academic programs.

Their training philosophy is entirely free of aversive methods, ensuring that dogs are never hurt, scared, or intimidated. Instead, they motivate dogs by leveraging positive reinforcement and things the dogs naturally desire.

Dog Educated offers a range of services for both new puppies and adult dogs with existing behavior concerns, from common issues like jumping and counter-surfing to more serious challenges such as fear and aggression. They are committed to providing effective, efficient, and humane training methods, coupled with supportive and proficient coaching for dog owners.

Accomplishments

The trainers at Dog Educated have acquired comprehensive education in applied behavior analysis, Pavlovian conditioning, client counseling, animal behavior, and critical thinking from “The Academy for Dog Trainers,” described as the most rigorous, advanced academic program available. Lisa Skavienski graduated from Karen Pryor Academy in 2013 and The Academy for Dog Trainers in 2016, also holding certification in separation anxiety under Malena DeMartini and being a certified member of the Fear Free Pets Program. She participates in an ongoing case study group and is on the Academy for Dog Trainers’ presenters panel.

John Cicolella graduated with Honors from The Academy for Dog Trainers in 2017. Allison Fitzsimmons graduated with honors from The Academy for Dog Trainers in 2020 and became a Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer through Julie Naismith’s program in 2021, also being Fear Free Certified. Elissa Orlando graduated from The Academy for Dog Trainers in 2021 and is a Fear Free Certified Professional trainer.

How to Get Started!

To get started with private training, clients can email Dog Educated to set up an initial consultation. For group classes, clients can check the schedule online and sign up for the class that best fits their needs, with payment made upon registration. For Intermediate Skills and Clicks for Tricks group classes, clients are asked to email to express interest. The Family Dog program also requires contacting them for more information.