M Plonsky K9 Behavior Consulting

M Plonsky K9 Behavior Consulting offers four types of services: Problem Evaluation, One-on-One Training, Expert Witness, and Talks/Presentations/Seminars. Problem Evaluation is a 2-3 hour detailed interview, ideally in the client’s home, focusing on managing and training to resolve behavioral issues, followed by a written report.

One-on-One Training sessions are 1-2 hours, weekly, biweekly, or monthly, covering basic manners, problem issues, competitive obedience, agility, Schutzhund/personal protection, and service dog skills. Group classes are also taught at CampBandy’s, running for 8 weeks with approximately 6 sessions annually. Additionally, the consultant assists clients with settling new puppies or rescue dogs and introducing dogs to other dogs.

Pricing Summary

Problem Evaluation and One-on-One Training are $60/hour, with an additional $40/hour for travel time outside the Stevens Point/Plover area. Reduced rates are possible for One-on-One Training sessions paid in advance, such as $250 for 5 hours. Payment is expected at the time services are rendered and can be made by cash, check, or PayPal (with a 3% fee for Goods & Services). Rates for Expert Witness services and Talks/Presentations/Seminars are negotiable.

M Plonsky K9 Behavior Consulting is led by Mark Plonsky, Ph.D., a retired professor of experimental biopsychology and an experienced dog trainer. He offers a unique approach by applying scientific knowledge to the art of dog training.

His services include Problem Evaluation, One-on-One Training, Expert Witness consultation, and Talks/Presentations/Seminars. He also teaches group classes at CampBandy’s and assists clients with settling new dogs (puppies and rescues) and introducing dogs to other dogs.

Dr. Plonsky emphasizes clear communication between owner and dog, fostering the bond, and using behaviors the dog enjoys to motivate appropriate conduct.

Accomplishments

Mark Plonsky holds a Ph.D. and is a retired Professor of Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he taught Canine Behavior and Psychology of Learning. He served as a Consultant and Subject Matter Expert for Penn Foster, developing a correspondence course for Dog Obedience Trainer/Instructors from 2000-2002. He was also a Field Instructor/Presenter for PAWS With A Cause from 1995-2005.

He has shown and titled multiple dogs to advanced levels in AKC Obedience, NCDA and AKC Agility, and Schutzhund/IPO. He has been teaching obedience and agility classes since 1992 and has given numerous presentations on dog behavior and training. He has also served as an expert witness/legal consultant.

How to Get Started!

To get started, clients can contact Mark Plonsky via email at k9consults@mplonsky.com or by phone at (715) 344-0023. The initial step for problem behaviors is typically a Problem Evaluation, which is a 2-3 hour detailed interview to gather information about the dog, its environment, routine, and the specific problem.