Freak On A Leash Dog Training

Freak On A Leash offers a variety of training programs including in-home training, group classes, day training, and workshops. In-home training provides personalized, reward-based coaching for essential manners and behavior challenges like aggression, anxiety, and fear. Group classes offer socialization, manners training, enrichment, and competitive dog sports in a supportive environment, with small class sizes typically 4-5 dogs.

Day training allows professional trainers to work one-on-one with dogs in various settings, with options for 60-minute or 3-hour intensive sessions over 2-3 weeks. Workshops are one-time sessions targeting specific skills such as tricks, impulse control, focus, and cooperative care.

Specialized programs include Puppy Train and Play (half-day program focusing on foundational skills, socialization, and husbandry), Great Start Puppy (8 weeks to 5 months), Level Up Puppy, Teenage Tyrants (6 months to 3 years), Basic Manners, Beyond Basic Manners, Canine Good Citizen (CGC, CGCA, CGCU) preparation, Therapy Dog preparation, and various dog sports like Scent Work, Agility, and Rally. They also offer additional in-home private sessions for existing clients.

Pricing Summary

Pricing varies by program type and length, with detailed information available upon contact. They offer Behavior Modification packages (Standard: Initial Session & 5 Follow Up Sessions; Intensive: Initial Session & 9 Follow Up Sessions) and Foundations & Manners packages (6-Session, 10-Session). Group classes run for 5 or 6 weeks, with bundle savings available. Canine massage is offered at 15 min ($15), 30 min ($30), and 45 min ($45), with cash payments preferred. Payment plans and alternative options are available for special financial circumstances.

Policies

A 24-hour cancellation is required for canine massage appointments to avoid a fee. The business states that it is unethical to provide guarantees about the behavior of living beings, but they guarantee exceptional client service, expert training, and a commitment to science-based methods.

Freak On A Leash Dog Training is a locally owned and operated business with over a decade of experience, committed to ethical, compassionate, and welfare-based dog training. Their team of dedicated and experienced trainers specializes in using positive reinforcement techniques, adhering to Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) standards, and avoiding intimidation, fear, force, or harmful methods. They focus on understanding and addressing the root causes of behavior issues to achieve lasting change.

They offer a comprehensive range of services including puppy training, manners and obedience, and behavior modification for issues like aggression, fear, and anxiety. Training options include personalized in-home sessions, group classes held at their 2,500 square foot facility, day training, and specialized workshops. Additionally, they provide canine massage services.

Freak On A Leash prides itself on staying current with the latest science in the field, ensuring effective and empowering training. They emphasize building a strong, trusting relationship between dogs and their owners, aiming to help bring calm into chaotic households and enable dogs to confidently navigate life.

Accomplishments

Freak On A Leash has been voted #1 Virginia Beach’s Best Dog Trainer by Sniffspot.com and recognized as one of the Best Virginia Dog Trainers in 2022 and 2023. They are also a Winner of Neighborhood Faves in 2021, 2023, and 2024.

The trainers are certified through respected independent credentialing organizations such as the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), and Karen Pryor Academy (KPA). They hold certifications including Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Certified Behavior Consultant Canine – Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA), Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), Family Dog Mediator (FDM), and Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP).

Trainers regularly attend workshops and seminars, including ClickerExpo, Dogs with Big Feelings, Applied Behavior Analysis, Michael Shikashio’s Aggression Cases from A-Z, Aggression in Dogs conferences, and Living and Learning with Animals. They have over a decade of experience helping dogs with behavior challenges and are AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluators, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Instructors, and AKC Temperament Test Evaluators.

How to Get Started!

To get started, clients can book a free phone consultation with a certified dog trainer. During this call, the team will take a thorough history of the dog and its environment, discuss the issues, determine the best path forward, and begin implementing immediate strategies. Training starts at the initial session.