Off Collar
Ranked #4 in Alexandria and #27 in Virginia
Service area: Off Collar currently services Alexandria, VA, including zip codes 22301, 22302, 22303, 22304, 22305, 22306, 22307, 22310, 22311, 22312, 22314, and 22315.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Puppy Training
- Fearfulness
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- In-Home
- Video Calls
Program Formats
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adult (2-8 years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Balanced Training
- ✓ Other
Off Collar’s dog training utilizes the “Leadership Through Understanding” method, designed for reactive, anxious, or challenging dogs. This hybrid coaching approach combines personalized one-on-one sessions with online resources, offering customized training plans and ongoing support. The program guarantees a massive change in dog behavior or a money-back refund.
The training process involves five steps: building focus to keep the dog’s attention on the owner, honing communication for clear understanding, reinforcing new behaviors to replace old habits, strengthening bonds for excited engagement, and reintroducing the dog into daily life for calm, connected behavior. Students receive access to a premium behavioral blueprint and two coaching calls per week.
Puppy training (for dogs 2-8 months old) focuses on ensuring a well-rounded puppy, building a strong bond, stopping unwanted behaviors, and involving the whole family, with a combination of online and in-person sessions. Adult dog training (for dogs 8+ months old) teaches new behaviors, helps owners leave the house confidently, gives dogs more freedom and happiness, and builds a healthier bond, also with a combo of online and in-person sessions.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Off Collar offers various pet care services with specific pricing. An Intake Meeting is $25 for 30 minutes. Pack Walks are $75 for 2 hours, Decompression Walks are $35 for 30 minutes, and Short Dog Walks are $25 for 15 minutes. An additional dog rate is $22 for 30 minutes.
Kitty Care is $30 for 30 minutes, with an additional cat rate of $5 for 30 minutes. Drop-in Visits are $45 for 45 minutes, and Almost Overnight stays start from $150 for 3 hours.
Holiday visits incur a $20 surcharge per visit on Federal Holidays, and a nonrefundable deposit is required two weeks prior to holiday service. A $15 fee applies for last-minute service requests. If supplies need to be picked up, a $23 per hour delivery fee plus the cost of items will be charged. Walking memberships are available, offering discounted rates, priority booking, and on-demand booking for private walks.
Policies
Reservations are confirmed upon receipt of a final invoice/confirmation via email. For pet sitting services, a 50% deposit is due five days before service, with the remaining balance due on the day of service. Holiday pet sitting requires a 100% deposit at the time of booking.
For non-holiday cancellations, dog walks require 24 hours’ notice, and other scheduled services require 72 hours’ notice; otherwise, the full price for the visit will be charged. No refund is given for missed services if the client has canceled more than three times in a month, except in cases of extreme emergency agreed upon by both parties. During holiday periods, cancellations 14 or more days in advance receive a 50% deposit back as credit, 7-13 days in advance receive 25% deposit back as credit, and 6 or fewer days receive 0% deposit back.
An initial consultation is required for all new pet sitting clients at a cost of $25. Pet owners are solely responsible for pet-proofing their homes and property; Off Collar is not liable for injuries sustained by free-roaming pets. Pets are advised to wear ID tags and remain inside or confined for safety. Doggy doors should be locked and blocked during service.
Off Collar maintains client confidentiality and will not disclose personal information or travel dates without written permission, though pet photos may be used for marketing with pet names only. If friends or family will access the home, their names, dates, and times must be provided in advance; unexpected persons will result in the sitter leaving and reporting to authorities. Off Collar is not responsible for damages incurred when anyone other than their staff has access to the home.
Clients must provide safe access to their homes, including clearing sidewalks and steps. If out of town during a snowstorm, the sitter will arrange for walkway clearing services, with the fee added to the client’s invoice. Last-minute service requests are subject to a $15 fee and are only provided to clients with a key on file, confirmed by invoice/email. A $23 per hour delivery fee plus the cost of items applies if Off Collar needs to pick up pet supplies. Off Collar does not keep client keys; they are dropped off at the end of service, and clients are advised to use a lockbox or hidden key. Off Collar does not provide 24/7 “constant care” boarding or have dogs stay with sitters; all services are in the client’s home.
About the Trainer
Off Collar is a dog training and pet care business founded by Lauren Tracy, a Canine Behaviorist and certified Dog Behavior Modification Trainer. Lauren grew up surrounded by pets and is passionate about building a forward-thinking brand focused on the relationship between pets and their caregivers. The business aims to empower dog owners to foster a deep bond with their pets through understanding, communication, and leadership.
Off Collar provides dog training services, including Reactivity Training, Puppy Training, and Adult Dog Training. Their “Leadership Through Understanding” method combines personalized one-on-one sessions with online resources, offering tailored training plans and ongoing support. They address the root cause of behavioral issues to transform canine behavior, promoting trust, respect, and an unbreakable bond.
In addition to training, Off Collar offers comprehensive pet care services. These include Dog Walking (Private, Pack, and Decompression walks) and Pet Sitting (Drop-in Visits, Almost Overnight stays, and Kitty Care). All services are provided in the client’s home, as they do not offer boarding.
A key advantage is their commitment to hiring highly qualified staff who undergo extensive screening, vetting, and training, including pet first aid certification. The business is fully bonded and insured, providing peace of mind to pet owners. They also offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for their training programs.
Clients can manage services through a user-friendly app that provides visit reports, GPS tracking for walks, and easy scheduling and payments. Off Collar’s mission is to make every moment with your dog a joy, whether on or off the leash, by providing a nurturing and safe environment.
Accomplishments
Lauren Tracy, the owner of Off Collar, is a Canine Behaviorist and is certified as a Dog Behavior Modification Trainer.
How to Get Started!
To begin dog training, clients are encouraged to schedule a call. For pet care services, new clients can complete an online form to check availability and schedule an initial consultation, which is required before the first service visit for pet sitting clients and costs $25. Existing clients can log into their account via the Time to Pet portal or mobile app to schedule services.

Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Morning
- Afternoon
Certifications
- Credentialed
Misc Features
- Women-owned
Other Services Offered
- Dog walker
- Pet sitter