M Plonsky K9 Behavior Consulting

Services include a 2–3 hour in-home Problem Evaluation with written report, followed by optional one-on-one training sessions scheduled weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Group classes are offered at Camp Bandy’s in 6-week sessions, six times per year. Training focuses on behavior modification, obedience, agility, and service dog skills, with customized plans based on individual dog and owner needs.

Pricing Summary

Problem Evaluation: $60/hour, plus $40/hour for travel outside Stevens Point/Plover. One-on-One Training: $60/hour, reduced to $50/hour after 5 hours paid; same travel fee applies. Payment accepted via cash, check, or PayPal (3% fee for PayPal transactions).

Policies

Payment is expected at the time services are rendered. No cancellation or rescheduling policy is explicitly stated.

Mark Plonsky, Ph.D., is a retired professor of experimental biopsychology with over 40 years of experience in animal behavior research and dog training. He applies scientific principles to dog training, emphasizing communication, relationship-building, and motivation through behaviors the dog enjoys. He offers in-home problem evaluations and one-on-one training sessions focused on basic manners, behavior modification, competitive obedience, agility, and service dog skills. He also teaches group classes at Camp Bandy’s in Amherst, Wisconsin. His training approach is rooted in positive reinforcement, as detailed in his article on force-free methods. He has trained multiple German Shepherds to advanced levels in AKC, NCDA, and Schutzhund/IPO events and has consulted on dog training curricula for educational programs.

Dr. Plonsky has been training dogs since 1992 and has presented to police K9 handlers, humane societies, and other professional groups. He helps clients with puppy and rescue integration, dog-to-dog introductions, and long-term behavior management. His services are tailored to individual needs, with written reports provided after evaluations and flexible scheduling for ongoing training.

He maintains a long-standing website with free articles on dog behavior and training, and his personal dogs have earned multiple titles in performance sports and service work, demonstrating his hands-on expertise.

Accomplishments

Ph.D. in experimental biopsychology; 25+ years of laboratory research with rats and other animals; taught Canine Behavior and Psychology of Learning at UW-Stevens Point; developed dog trainer curriculum for Penn Foster; trained multiple German Shepherds to CD, CDX, AX, AGII, Sch I, Sch II, and Demo Service Dog titles; consultant for movie “Nonames” (2010); presented to police K9 handlers, humane societies, and professional organizations since 1995.

How to Get Started!

Client engagement begins with a 2–3 hour in-home Problem Evaluation, which includes a detailed interview, observation of family-dog interactions, and assessment of the problem behavior. A written report is emailed or mailed within 7 days, followed by optional one-on-one training sessions.