FurBabies & Friends

Training is offered through private in-home lessons, virtual sessions, group classes, day training, and board-and-train programs, with packages available in 4, 6, 8, and 12-session options. Group classes are held in real-world Phoenix West Valley park environments, including six-week obedience, S.T.A.R. Puppy, and CGC-focused classes plus four-week specialty classes like scent work and tricks. Training follows the RESPPPECT framework, standing for Reward, Exercise, Socialize, Positive, Punctual, Patient, Energy, Consistent, and Trust, and is customized to each dog’s age and behavioral needs.

Pricing Summary

Initial private training evaluation is $75, with $50 credited toward training when the client moves forward with a training program. Private in-home training is $130 per hour, with packages available in 4, 6, 8, and 12-session options.

Six-week group obedience, S.T.A.R. Puppy, and CGC-focused classes are generally $250, and four-week specialty classes such as scent work and tricks are $150. Virtual dog training is available as a regular service.

Training pricing is published on their website.

Policies

Services are by appointment only; cancellation policies are outlined in their FAQ.

FurBabies & Friends is a licensed, insured, and bonded, woman-owned, 5-star rated dog training and pet care business founded in May 2018 and based in Glendale, AZ, serving Glendale, the Phoenix West Valley, and surrounding communities. They are primarily a mobile and in-home company: private lessons happen in clients’ homes, group classes run in real-world West Valley park environments, and limited boarding is provided in a private home setting. They do not operate a public walk-in training or boarding facility.

Training is force-free and built on positive reinforcement. They do not use prong collars, choke chains, or electronic collars, relying instead on food, toys, play, marker and clicker training, management, enrichment, and behavior modification appropriate to the individual dog.

Head trainer Kristie Halverson, an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator, created the RESPPPECT framework: Reward, Exercise, Socialize, Positive, Punctual, Patient, Energy, Consistent, and Trust. Specialties include puppy training, beginner through advanced obedience, leash manners, leash reactivity, fear and confidence building, recall, household manners, boundary and door manners, tricks, scent work, and Canine Good Citizen preparation.

Beyond training, they offer pet sitting, overnight pet sitting, dog walking, basic grooming, limited in-home boarding, pet transportation, pet waste removal, home checks, wedding pet attendant services, and pet photography. All pet care team members undergo background checks. FurBabies & Friends holds professional memberships in the Pet Professional Guild, the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, the International Association of Canine Professionals, and Pet Sitters International.

Accomplishments

FurBabies & Friends has earned more than 200 five-star client reviews across Google, Yelp, and Facebook since 2018 and holds a 5.0 Google rating. Founder and head trainer Kristie Halverson is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator, with professional memberships in the Pet Professional Guild, APDT, IAABC, IACP, and Pet Sitters International. The business is verified by the Glendale Chamber of Commerce and recognized for excellence in pet care and dog training across the Phoenix West Valley.

How to Get Started!

New dog training clients begin with a $75 private training evaluation, with $50 credited toward training when they move forward with a training program. The evaluation lets the trainer meet the dog, discuss goals, and tailor a training plan. Clients can contact them by phone or through the website to schedule.