Motivated Canine LLC

Motivated Canine offers two primary training programs: Board & Train and Private Lessons.

The Board & Train program is designed to be between 4-6 weeks in length, with most programs typically ranging from six to eight weeks, and more severe cases potentially requiring three months or more. Dogs live with the trainers in their home, receiving daily training, socialization with the trainers’ dogs and cat, and public outings. All necessary training equipment is provided, along with a go-home training packet. The program includes private lessons both before and after the board and train stay, and clients receive lifetime training support. During the stay, clients receive frequent updates via direct messaging and social media, and there is at least one in-person training session mid-program. A two-hour go-home session at the client’s house is included, along with a customized training packet and as many follow-up lessons as needed. Alumni are also eligible for free quarterly group classes, day training, and standard boarding.

Private Lessons are offered in-home and are designed for owners to learn alongside their dogs. These sessions are flexible, can be scheduled online, and generally last 60 minutes, though they will take as long as needed. They cover on or off-leash obedience, basic pet training, sport dog training, and behavioral issues.

Pricing Summary

The Board & Train Program is priced at $4,600. This program focuses on delivering lasting results tailored to the dog’s needs, working for as long as necessary to achieve desired goals, typically ranging from six to eight weeks, but potentially up to three months or more for severe cases. All equipment, including collars, e-collars, and leashes, is provided. There is a firm no refund policy for this program.

Private Lessons cost $200 per lesson. Packages are available: a 6-lesson package for $1,000 and a 10-lesson package for $1,600.

Policies

The business has a firm no refund policy for their Board & Train program.

Motivated Canine LLC is a husband and wife dog training duo based in Northern Delaware. They aim to help owners and their dogs live harmoniously together through personalized training, believing that every dog is different and training needs to be customized. They are the only Training Without Conflict® Certified Dog Trainers in Delaware.

Their services cover a wide range, from basic obedience like leash manners and potty training to advanced obedience, off-leash training, and addressing severe behavioral issues such as leash reactivity, resource guarding, and aggression. They emphasize developing a strong relationship and bond between owners and their dogs through motivation and play, helping owners discover what motivates their dog to succeed. They also offer dog boarding and day training for existing clients.

Accomplishments

Chris, one of the trainers, apprenticed under a local master dog trainer for four years starting in 2018. He attended dog training seminars focusing on learning theory and animal behavior. Prior to pursuing dog training full-time in October 2023, he was employed as a sworn Animal Control Officer for the State of Delaware for four years. In July 2024, Chris became the first and only Training Without Conflict® Certified Dog Trainer in Delaware.

Gabby, the other trainer, has competed in dog sports with her Border Collie, Sketch, and her Siberian Husky, Opie. She is also an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator and continuously seeks further education within the industry by attending out-of-state seminars.

How to Get Started!

To get started, clients can schedule a free consultation. For the Board & Train program, every program begins with a consultation for an assessment to develop a training plan. This is followed by private lessons before the dog comes to board, which are crucial for owner education and building a relationship with the dog. During these initial lessons, owners practice leash handling skills and e-collar use on the trainer before working with their own dog. After the board and train, a go-home session at the client’s house is conducted, and follow-up lessons are provided as needed.