Life is dog, Inc

Life is Dog offers various training programs including Private Dog Training, Group Dog Training, and a “Train Your Own Service Dog” program. Private training is designed to create or modify behaviors for puppies, young, and old dogs, using reward-based reinforcement methods. Programs include Bachelor’s Degree (basic to advanced manners, 4 weeks of sessions, 1 month of group classes), Associate Degree (basic manners, 3 weekly 45-minute sessions, 2 months of group classes), and a Reactive Dog Program (7, 30-minute sessions with two trainers and exposures). Weekly homework is required for private training programs.

Group Dog Training is a unique membership-style program with unlimited sessions during enrollment, allowing students to move through levels at their own pace. Levels include Foundations (Level 1 & Puppies Only), Intermediate Manners (Level 2), and Advanced Manners (Level 3), which prepares dogs for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test. Puppy Foundation Class focuses on basic manners, socialization, and behavior management for puppies aged 8-20 weeks.

The “Train Your Own Service Dog” program provides service dog coaching through professional trainers and a certified Service Dog Coach. This program involves over 120 hours of training and 30 public access hours, estimated to take 6-18 months. It consists of four phases: Foundations, Midlevel, Advanced, and Public Access, with assessments required to graduate to each phase. Training can be in-person or virtual.

Pricing Summary

Group Dog Training is offered as a monthly membership fee of $225, with a minimum commitment of 2 months. This provides unlimited sessions during enrollment. Private training prices include a Bachelor’s Degree program for $1,675, an Associate Degree program for $675, 45-minute private training at the facility for $95, and 45-minute in-home private training for $125 (within a 15-minute drive/4 miles). A Reactive Dog Program is available for $875.

For day camp, full days are $47/day and morning half days are $41/day, with a minimum of 2 days required. Service dog coaching sessions are purchased in phases, with a commitment to each 10-session phase discounted to $1,400. Additional single sessions for existing service dog students are $150 each. A CGC and public access testing fee is $150 for clients with a formal SDC relationship.

Payment for services is billed weekly through Pet Sitter Plus (PSP), requiring a credit card or ACH information on file, charged 24 hours after invoices are sent. Check payments are due within 7 days, with a $40 fee for returned checks.

Policies

Life is Dog uses a pet care app called Pet Sitter Plus (PSP) for client information, pet details, scheduling, and billing. Employees clock in and out of visits and send messages to clients. Payment is billed weekly through PSP, with credit card or ACH information required on file and charged 24 hours after invoicing. Check payments are due within 7 days, with a $40 fee for returned checks.

Two copies of house keys are required at the first meeting. The business is closed on major holidays including New Years Day, Presidents Day, Easter, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving and Day after, and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with special arrangements needed for holiday service.

Cancellations for walks require a minimum of the day prior by 10 AM, otherwise services will be billed. Excessive cancellations may lead to loss of scheduled time frames. Vacation visit cancellations require 2 weeks’ notice for a 50% refund; less than 7 days’ notice results in no refund. All pets must be up to date on required vaccinations and licensed. They cannot care for pets with aggressive behavior and retain the right to terminate services if there is a risk to walkers. In inclement weather, they walk in rain, snow, and sleet, but may ask clients to cancel if severe storms are impending to prioritize dogs who absolutely need walks. They will use best judgment for outdoor time in cold weather, spending the visit time indoors if necessary. Clients are advised to leave a towel for wet days. In emergencies, clients are recommended to provide a neighbor, friend, or family member with a key. If a walker is sick or requests time off, a substitute walker will be arranged.

Life is Dog Petcare is a dog training business owned and operated by Nance Moran and Dana Langley, both Certified Professional Dog Trainers. Their focus is on helping owners and their dogs build a lasting bond, offering a superior training and pet care model. They emphasize a science-based reinforcement dog training approach.

The business is located in Marlborough, MA, featuring over 7,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor day camp space and 1,500 square feet of dedicated training space. Beyond training, Life is Dog provides a range of pet care services including dog walking, puppy and adult day camp, and vacation visits for both dogs and cats.

They aim to provide peace of mind to pet parents by focusing on the health, safety, and happiness of the dogs in their care. The team is described as well-trained and interactive, managing group play and practicing basic obedience during day camp. They also offer specialized programs like “Train Your Own Service Dog.”

Accomplishments

Life is Dog Petcare is owned and operated by Nance Moran and Dana Langley, both Certified Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA). Nance Moran is also an experienced and educated veterinary technician, holds an MS in Biology, and has a long-term career as a Scientist, which supports their science-based reinforcement dog training approach. She holds a Diploma of Canine Behavior and Science Technology (DipCBST) for Behavioral Modification, is a certified Service Dog Coach (SDC), and an AKC evaluator. Dana Langley is an ABC Certified Dog Trainer.

How to Get Started!

For private training, clients can schedule a free phone consult. Trainers will evaluate the dog and discuss training needs at their Marlborough facility to determine the best program. For group training, clients register for the monthly auto-renew membership, then schedule classes using Acuity, and must complete a registration form before attending the first class. For dog walking, a free client consultation is offered where clients can meet their dog walker and a backup team member, introduce their pet, and discuss needs. Clients will receive a link and login to their online scheduling and billing portal (Pet Sitter Plus) to manage services.