Escape the Crate, LLC – Dog Training and Behavior Modification
Ranked #1 in Bethany and #3 in Connecticut
Service area: Classes are held in Milford, Watertown, and Prospect, CT. Instructors also teach in Bethany and formerly in Shelton, CT.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Competition / Agility
- Behavior Modification
- Therapy Dog
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Jumping on People
- Potty Training
- Fearfulness
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- Video Calls
- Private Facility
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
- Senior (8+ years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
Escape the Crate, LLC offers a structured progression of dog training classes, starting with Beginner 1, which covers fundamentals like housebreaking, chewing, mouthing, loose-lead walking, and jumping. Beginner 2 refines these skills, focusing on verbal cues with duration and distractions, loose-lead walking without pulling, and reliable recall from a distance.
Intermediate 1 is for dogs that have mastered Beginner 2 skills, requiring minimal jumping, control entering/exiting, loose-leash walking, and no reactivity to other dogs. New offerings include Intermediate with Agility Games, which boosts confidence and improves handler focus and off-leash control, and Intermediate Plus for advanced heelwork and distance training.
They also offer Agility Foundation Games for fun, open to those who completed Beginner 2, and a Trick Training Class to teach tricks like Roll Over, Shake, Nose Target, Paw Target, Sit Pretty, Spin/Turn, and Backing Up. Private and online lessons and consultations are available for specific issues or personalized help.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
No refunds are given for classes missed. Clients purchase private lessons or spots in classes after creating a Pet Profile ID.
Policies
Escape The Crate, LLC requires dogs to be vaccinated against Rabies as per CT State Law, with proof required prior to the first class. Vaccinations against distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and Bordetella are also recommended.
The business reserves the right to remove or refuse a dog from any program if it’s deemed inappropriate. No refunds are given for classes missed. Participants are expected to abide by the rules and policies set forth by Escape the Crate, LLC.
About the Trainer
Escape the Crate, LLC offers dog training and behavior modification services, emphasizing force-free training methods to build trusting bonds between owners and their pets. They provide both private and group lessons designed to help resolve common issues and advance obedience skills.
Their programs range from foundational obedience for new puppies and dogs to more advanced skills, including agility games and trick training. They also offer specialized behavior modification for issues like fear, reactivity, and aggression.
In addition to training, Escape the Crate, LLC provides pet sitting services in a home environment, aiming to eliminate stress for pets and owners by avoiding kennels. They focus on a positive and fun approach to training, helping owners and dogs enjoy their lives together.
Accomplishments
The instructors at Escape the Crate, LLC possess notable credentials and experience. Janis Copes is an honors graduate and Mentor Trainer for Animal Behavior College (ABCDT), a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), Pet Professional Guild (PPG), and a supporting member of the International Association of Behavioral Consultants (IAABC). She is also an AKC Canine Good Citizen Instructor/Evaluator and has experience with Animal Assisted Therapy Services, including training Emotional Support Animals.
Evelynn Linden is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), and a Fear Free Certified Professional with over 20 years of experience. She has served as lead trainer for Danbury Animal Welfare Society and worked with organizations like Petco, Best Friends Animal Society, and ASPCA. Tyler Slapikas is also an honors graduate of Animal Behavior College (ABCDT).
How to Get Started!
To get started with Escape the Crate, LLC, clients need to create a Pet Profile ID by completing an online form. This profile collects information about the dog owner, the dog’s details (name, age, breed, weight, spay/neuter status, housebroken status, flea/tick prevention, social behavior with dogs/children, fear/reactivity/aggression signs, special needs, microchip info), and veterinarian information (vaccine status, rabies tag/expiration, vet name/address).
For private lessons, the form also asks about specific issues, reasons for private lessons, and preferred training days/times. Once the profile is created, the Pet Profile ID is used for checkout when purchasing private lessons or spots in group classes.

Contact Information
Certifications
- ABCDT
- CPDT-KA
- CDBC
- Credentialed
Associations
- APDT
- PPG
- IAABC
- AKC
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Pet sitter
- Pet boarding service