Great Companions LLC

Great Companions offers a comprehensive range of dog training programs designed to build a positive working relationship between dogs and their owners using non-force, positive reinforcement methods, primarily clicker training. Their core program is “Foundations,” for dogs over 16 weeks, which introduces basic obedience skills like sit, down, stand, focus, and loose leash walking, and is a prerequisite for many advanced classes.

For puppies aged 9-16 weeks, they offer “Puppy Manners & Socialization,” covering early obedience, socialization, and common puppy challenges. Specialized classes include “Advanced Manners” for distraction-proofing, “Calling All Canines” for reliable recalls, “Tricks,” and classes addressing specific issues like “Jumping & Pulling.” They also offer “Cooperative Care” for husbandry procedures and “Holiday Manners” for guest interactions.

Dog sports and competition programs include C-WAGS (Rally, Obedience, Scent Detective Games), Agility (various levels), Treibball, and Intro to Parkour. They also provide “Confidence Building” for shy dogs and “Outbound Hound” for practicing skills in public. Additionally, they offer “Canine Good Citizen (CGC)” and “Therapy Dog Prep” classes, and an “ongoing” Reactive Class for fearful or reactive dogs, which requires prior private consultations.

Pricing Summary

Most 6-week group classes are $289, with a maximum of 6 dogs per class. Some specialized classes are shorter (3 or 4 weeks) and priced at $150 or $195 respectively. Phone consultations are available at $45 for 30 minutes and $80 for 60 minutes. Private lesson packages include Reactive (4 lessons for $475), Behavior (3 lessons for $375, or $475 for in-home), and Sports (3 lessons for $275). Membership packages for 2025 are available, including $2100 for eight 6-week classes, $2750 for unlimited classes within a year, and $775 for a 3-pack of classes. A $10 discount is offered for students who register and pay for a future 6-week class before their current one ends.

Great Companions LLC offers leading-edge techniques in canine training and behavior, owned and operated by behaviorist Ali Brown. They provide a wide range of group classes and private lessons for dogs of all ages and skill levels, focusing on positive, non-force training methods to build a strong, fun, and trusting relationship between dogs and their owners.

Their unique approach emphasizes clicker training and positive reinforcement, avoiding traditional methods that use pain, discomfort, fear, or intimidation. They aim to make training enjoyable for both the dog and the human, helping dogs learn to offer desired behaviors and even ask for training.

Great Companions offers over 30 different class choices, including specialized courses for puppies, basic obedience, advanced manners, and various dog sports. They also address common behavioral issues such as reactivity, fear, certain types of aggression, house training, separation anxiety, and excessive barking.

Accomplishments

Ali Brown, the owner and primary trainer, holds a B.S. in Psychology and an M.Ed. in Human Development/Behavioral Science. She became one of the first 100 Certified Pet Dog Trainers (CPDT) in 2001 and a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through IAABC in 2008. Ali was an APDT member for 15 years, serving on committees and the Board of Directors. She is a C-WAGS judge at all levels and a Scent Detectives judge.

Ali is an accomplished author, having written *SCAREDY DOG! UNDERSTANDING AND REHABILITATING YOUR REACTIVE DOG*, *FOCUS NOT FEAR, TRAINING INSIGHTS FROM A REACTIVE DOG CLASS*, and *THE BING BLOGS; CONFESSIONS OF A DOG TRAINER*. She also travels nationally and internationally delivering seminars on fearful and reactive dogs. Kailly Muthard, another trainer, is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP) and holds a Master’s Level in Social Work.

How to Get Started!

New clients interested in private lessons or reactive dog training are encouraged to call Ali Brown to discuss their dog’s needs and set up a training plan. Phone calls discussing individual dog issues lasting longer than 15 minutes will constitute a paid consultation. For private lessons or phone consultations, an $80 deposit is required to confirm the session. New in-home and reactive students are also required to download and complete a behavior history form.