One Smart Dog Training & Behavior

One Smart Dog offers a variety of training programs tailored to different needs. For behavioral issues like aggression, fear, reactivity, and separation anxiety, they require an initial virtual consultation to assess the dog’s behavior and create a personalized training plan. Follow-up sessions are typically in-person, except for separation anxiety cases which are entirely virtual. These programs focus on comprehensive behavioral assessment, individualized plans, gradual desensitization, counter-conditioning, creating a safe environment, management strategies, owner education, and ongoing support.

Day Training programs allow trainers to work one-on-one with dogs in their home and neighborhood while owners are away, with weekly owner transfer sessions to teach owners the skills. Specific day training options include Puppy Day School Power Start for young puppies and Polite Paws Basic Manners for adult dogs.

In-Home Private Training provides personalized programs in the client’s home, ranging from a 6-session Puppy Start Right program for puppies under 5 months to 3, 5, and 8-session packages for basic manners, intensive obedience, and advanced training like Therapy Dog Training or Canine Good Citizen preparation.

Group Classes are held at their facility and focus on building stronger relationships through communication and trust. Offerings include AKC STAR Puppy, Smart Dog Basics, AKC Tricks & Games, AKC Rally Obedience, Rocket Recall, Calm & Focused, Mastering Groomer & Vet, Silver Muzzles (for senior dogs), Public Pooches, and a Reactive Dog Webinar. Some group classes have a human-only orientation.

Pricing Summary

Initial behavior consultations are $175 plus tax for 60-90 minutes. Follow-up in-person sessions for behavior issues are $150 plus tax per hour. An in-person consultation for private training is $150 plus tax for 60 minutes.

Day training programs include Puppy Day School Power Start for $1550 (4 weeks, twice a week, 3 hours per session) and Polite Paws Basic Manners Package for $2,160 (16 total sessions over 4-6 weeks).

In-home private training packages are: Puppy Start Right (6 sessions) for $699 plus tax, a 3-session package for $400 plus tax, a 5-session package for $665 plus tax, and an 8-session package for $1060 plus tax.

The Separation Anxiety Package is $675 plus tax for a 4-week program, including an initial consult and four weekly virtual sessions.

Group classes are priced at $229 plus tax for 6 classes (AKC STAR Puppy, Smart Dog Basics) and $160 plus tax for 4 classes (AKC Tricks & Games, AKC Rally Obedience, Rocket Recall, Mastering Groomer & Vet, Silver Muzzles). A Reactive Dog Webinar is available for $39.99 plus tax. All packages are subject to 6.35% CT Sales Tax.

Policies

Full payment is required within 24 hours after dates are scheduled to confirm appointments. All sessions, lessons, and classes are non-refundable and non-transferable, and all sales and payments are final. No refunds are issued for unscheduled sessions or classes once paid.

One Smart Dog, LLC reserves the right to terminate a training contract if a danger to public, trainer, owner, or dog exists, with all fees remaining non-refundable. Contracts for ongoing training are automatically terminated if there is no client contact for 90 days, with no refunds for remaining sessions.

Services are not guaranteed, as dog behavior can change, and optimal results depend on owner participation in assigned homework. Clients are responsible for providing necessary training supplies. For private training, no-show sessions are forfeited, and a $25 no-show fee must be paid within 24 hours to continue training. For group classes, missed classes are forfeited, but a 30-minute private make-up lesson can be scheduled for a $35 fee. Dogs exhibiting disruptive behaviors (e.g., excessive barking, lunging, attempts to bite) may be removed from group classes, with no refunds. Children attending group classes must be at least 7 years old.

One Smart Dog is a dog training service located in Southern, CT, dedicated to transforming puppies and dogs into well-behaved, friendly companions. They offer customized training programs designed to address specific challenges and goals for both new puppies and older dogs needing behavior modification.

Their trainers utilize science-based, reward-based methods, including positive reinforcement, management, desensitization, and counter-conditioning, which are proven effective in modifying dog behavior. They explicitly state they do not use methods involving pain, fear, intimidation, or devices like choke chains, prong/pinch collars, or shock/e-collars.

A unique advantage is the owner, Dawn Lowery, being a Certified Family Dog Mediator (CFDM), which allows for a deeper assessment of a dog’s needs based on their Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self (L.E.G.S.). The business is fully insured and comes veterinarian recommended.

Accomplishments

Dawn Lowery, the founder and owner, has been training dogs since 2008. Her professional credentials include CPDT-KA, ACDBC (Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant – IAABC), CFDM (Certified Family Dog Mediator), Graduate of Animal Behavior College Dog Trainer Program, Certified Puppy Start Right Instructor- Karen Pryor Academy, AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and CATCH Academy Mentor Trainer.

She has been featured in various media outlets such as the New Haven Register, the Connecticut Post, Pet Talk with Lauren Collier, News Channel 12, and NBC CT Live, and NBC 30. The business is veterinarian recommended. Other head trainers, Kim Wisniewski and Sarah Lipecz, are also CPDT-KA certified.

How to Get Started!

To begin, clients with behavior issues such as aggression, fear, reactivity, or separation anxiety must first complete a 60-90 minute virtual initial consultation, which can be booked via an intake form. For those interested in private training, an optional 60-minute in-person consultation is available to discuss goals and suitable training packages. For general inquiries, clients can complete a quick online form or call the business directly. Inquiries are typically returned via email within 2-3 business days.