Humane Domain

Training programs are structured in progressive 6–7 week group classes, including Basic Manners (Refine Your Relationship), Advanced Manners (Enrich Your Relationship), Puppy Kindergarten, Therapy Dog with CGC, Agility, Scent Detection, and Tricks. Each class builds skills incrementally with increasing distractions and duration. Private sessions offer customized behavior modification plans. Flexible “Bits and Pieces” sessions allow owners to schedule training as needed without committing to a full course. All programs emphasize positive reinforcement and include follow-up support.

Pricing Summary

Group classes range from $110 to $229 for 4–7 week programs. Private “Bits and Pieces” sessions are $40 per 30–45 minute appointment. Behavior consultations with Debbie Winkler are $95 for 70 minutes, with longer sessions available for complex cases. No refunds after class begins; no exchanges for other classes or private sessions.

Policies

Classes cannot be exchanged for other classes or private instruction. No refunds are given after a class begins. Dogs must be people-friendly and dog-friendly to join group classes; reactive dogs are directed to private training. Owners must postpone sessions if their dog shows signs of respiratory illness (coughing, sneezing, discharge). Owners feeling unwell must not attend group classes or private sessions and may make up missed sessions. No communal water bowls; air is filtered and premises disinfected daily.

Humane Domain is a dog training and behavior counseling business based in Marriottsville, Maryland, offering group classes and private sessions focused on humane, positive reinforcement methods. Founded by Debbie Winkler, a certified behavior consultant and CPDT-KA with over 25 years of experience, the business provides training programs ranging from basic manners to advanced skills like agility, scent detection, and therapy dog preparation. They emphasize customized training plans tailored to each dog’s needs and owner’s goals, with experienced instructors including CPDT-KA certified trainers and specialists in puppy socialization, behavior modification, and nutrition. Humane Domain also supports animal-assisted therapy by donating 15% of class proceeds to Our Future Hope, a nonprofit that trains assistance and therapy dogs. Their facility is a large barn on a working farm, allowing off-leash training in a safe, controlled environment.

They offer structured 6–7 week group classes such as Refine Your Relationship (Basic Manners), Enrich Your Relationship (Advanced Manners), Pupriety (Puppy Kindergarten), and specialized courses like Rally, Tricks, and Agility. For those with busy schedules, they provide flexible “Bits and Pieces” sessions at $40 per 30–45 minute appointment. Private consultations are available for behavior issues including reactivity, fearfulness, and aggression, led by Debbie Winkler. All training methods are rooted in positive reinforcement, with no use of harsh corrections.

Additional services include animal behavior counseling for cats, parrots, and horses, nutritional counseling for pets, and resources for pet enrichment and training careers. They prioritize health and safety with daily disinfection, no communal water bowls, and policies requiring sick pets or owners to postpone sessions.

Accomplishments

Debbie Winkler, founder and lead behaviorist, is a CPDT-KA and IAABC-CDBC with over 25 years of experience. She helped create the first national certification for dog trainers (CPDT) through APDT and served as president of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She has volunteered with rescue organizations, served on the Baltimore Vicious Dog Hearing Board, and trained assistance and therapy dogs for over two decades. Multiple trainers hold CPDT-KA certification, including Lindsay Hebert and Jody Broughton.

How to Get Started!

Owners can choose a class from the website and register online, or contact Humane Domain by phone or email to discuss their dog’s needs. For uncertain cases, they are encouraged to consult with Debbie Winkler, the certified behavior counselor, to determine the best program. Private consultations can be scheduled directly for behavior issues.