Hair of the Dog

Andrea, a Catch Canine Certified Trainer, provides 1:1 private dog training sessions addressing common issues such as leash walking/reactivity, manners and obedience, introductions for two-dog households, introducing dogs to babies, recall, and separation distress.

Perfect Puppy Training Packages are available for puppies aged 8 weeks to 5 months, consisting of 3 or 5 private in-home sessions. These sessions cover topics like how dogs learn, communication techniques, socialization, cooperative care, play, crate training, structured alone time, house training, nipping/biting, and jumping.

A Pre-Puppy Consult is offered as a virtual or in-person, hour-long session for prospective dog owners. This consultation covers essential topics such as selecting a breeder, health testing, breed personality traits, ensuring a rescue dog is a good fit, and basic items needed before bringing a new dog home. Virtual training sessions are also available for follow-up after lesson packages are completed.

Pricing Summary

Private dog training sessions/consults are $180 each. Packages include 3 private sessions for $510 (expires 3 months) or 5 private sessions for $825 (expires 5 months). Virtual training sessions are $60 for 30 minutes or $120 for 60 minutes.

Perfect Puppy Training Packages for puppies 8 weeks to 5 months are $480 for 3 private in-home sessions or $700 for 5 private in-home sessions (both expire 3 months). A Pre-Puppy Consult is $150.

Small group walks are priced per walk based on frequency: $22 for 4-5 walks/week, $24 for 3 walks/week, $26 for 1-2 walks/week, and $32 for no regular schedule. Private walks are $24 for 20 minutes and $34 for 30 minutes.

Boarding is $95 per evening. Adventure hikes are $90 for a 2-hour hike. Discounts include 50% off per walk for a second dog in the same household. Additional 50% charges apply for evening (after 5pm) and morning (8am-10am) walks, as well as for weekend walks. Additional dog and holiday surcharges apply for boarding. All prices are subject to NY state sales tax (8.875%) and are non-negotiable.

Policies

For dog walks, cancellations or rescheduling requests must be confirmed by email 24 hours prior to the scheduled walk. If less than 24 hours notice is given, the walk will be charged in full.

For training sessions, payment is due in full at the time of booking, and rescheduling requests require 48 hours notice.

For boarding and overnights, bookings are not confirmed until a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of 25% is made, with a 50% deposit required for holidays.

Hair of the Dog is a Brooklyn-based, woman-owned, and boutique dog training and pet care company established in 2005. They offer private and group dog training lessons, small group dog walking, and personalized boarding services. The business is insured, bonded, and professionally CATCH certified in dog training, as well as CPR/First Aid certified.

They specialize in helping urban dog owners with challenges like leash manners and “urban etiquette,” focusing on positive reinforcement and mental stimulation during outings. Their services aim to ensure pet safety and happiness, providing individualized attention and training reinforcement.

Beyond training, their small group dog walks include treats, water bowl refresh, towel-offs, and a journal with photos and notes, with lunch and medication available upon request. Boarding services are provided in their home, accommodating a maximum of four pups at a time, including multiple walks, off-leash park time, and mental enrichment.

Accomplishments

Andrea, the founder and trainer, holds a BA in Urban Planning from the University of Pittsburgh and an MS in Education from Brooklyn College. She is CATCH certified in dog training (CCDT certification received in February 2020) and is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator.

Her continuing education includes workshops such as “Dealing with Difficult Dogs” and “Professional Dog Training Skills,” a mentorship at Brooklyn Dog Training Center, and various CATCH webinars on topics like socially awkward dogs, mat training, fearful dogs, capturing/shaping/luring behaviors, and resource guarding. She has also attended a Leash Reactivity workshop and Raising Canine Webinars on topics like “Home Alone” and “Shaping Relaxation.” The business itself is insured, bonded, and CPR/First Aid certified.

How to Get Started!

Clients can get started by contacting Hair of the Dog via phone or email, or by using the contact form on their website. For small group walks, they are currently accepting new clients who require 3 or more walks per week. For boarding services, a trial night stay is required, and it is recommended to reserve at least two months in advance due to high demand. For private walks, clients are advised to call or email for availability.