Gooddogz Training

Gooddogz Training offers structured programs including Foundation 1 and 2 (5-session packages), AKC Canine Good Citizen (5 sessions), Therapy Dog (4 sessions), and AKC Star Puppy (6 sessions). Pop-up workshops focus on tricks, hind end awareness, and pattern games. Private training is customized for basics, manners, or behavioral issues. Behavior modification includes an initial consultation followed by ongoing sessions using BAT and positive reinforcement. Day training provides intensive 13-hour programs with family education. Remote services include video consultations and cyber training. All programs emphasize positive reinforcement, family involvement, and emotional safety for dogs.

Pricing Summary

Private training: $90 per session, $255 for 3 sessions, $400 for 5 sessions. Behavior consultation: $125 initial, $100 per follow-up session. Day training: $1,195 for 13 hours. Group classes range from $35 for pop-up workshops to $220 for 6-session programs (e.g., AKC Star Puppy). Cyber training: $90 per hour. Remote behavior consulting: $125 per hour. No PayPal accepted for day training. Prepayment required for behavior services. Mileage charges apply over 10 miles at $0.50/mile.

Policies

Behavior and private session bookings require prepayment. A 48-hour cancellation policy applies to behavior consultations; cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice result in full payment and forfeiture of the session. Day training is non-refundable and does not accept PayPal. All sessions are subject to availability and require booking through the online calendar.

Gooddogz Training is a professional dog training and behavior modification business led by Nancy Freedman-Smith, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) and Certified Behavior and Training Instructor (CBATI) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Nancy has 28 years of professional experience specializing in positive, motivational, and fun training methods, with a strong focus on fear-free, reward-based techniques. She helps dogs and families with issues like reactivity, fear, aggression, separation anxiety, and basic manners, using evidence-based methods including Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT). Nancy offers private training, group classes, remote video consultations, and day training at her studio in Westbrook, Maine. She also provides specialized programs for AKC Canine Good Citizen, Therapy Dog, Star Puppy, and trick training. Nancy is deeply committed to training the whole family, including children, and has experience working with rescue dogs, reactive dogs, and multi-dog households. She is a resident trainer at the Veterinary and Rehabilitation Center of Cape Elizabeth and has been featured in numerous publications for her expertise in dog behavior.

Nancy does not currently offer board and train services due to high demand for training and behavior sessions. She serves clients in-person in Greater Portland, Maine, and worldwide via video consultations. Her training studio is located at 28 Stroudwater St, Unit 1, Westbrook, ME, and she also uses satellite locations like Pet Quarters in Windham and outdoor venues for training sessions.

Nancy is a lifelong learner and emphasizes building strong foundations through positive reinforcement. Her approach is tailored to each dog’s emotional state and needs, with small class sizes and individualized attention. She has successfully trained dogs with severe behavioral challenges, including dogs previously deemed untrainable or recommended for euthanasia.

Accomplishments

Nancy Freedman-Smith is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through IAABC and a Certified Behavior Adjustment Training Instructor (CBATI). She is one of the first 20 trainers in the U.S. to earn CBATI certification. She has been a resident trainer at the Veterinary and Rehabilitation Center of Cape Elizabeth since 2016 and serves on IAABC’s Application Review Committee. She has trained over 300 dogs annually at a major chain store in the Northeast and has written for national publications including The Whole Dog Journal and Chewy.com. Her rescue dog Perry earned advanced trick and rally titles by 11 months old.

How to Get Started!

Client engagement begins with booking an initial consultation or training session via the online booking calendar. Behavior modification clients must complete a pre-screening process and pay in advance. For group classes, clients select and register for upcoming sessions. Remote clients can book video consultations or cyber training directly online. All services require advance scheduling.