Tara’s School for Dogs

Tara’s School for Dogs offers customized private lessons for puppies, adult dogs, and senior/disabled dogs, available in-home, outdoors, or remotely via Zoom. They provide specialized programs including Puppy Foundations 1 (six one-hour lessons covering AKC STAR Puppy, socialization, manners, house training, sit, down, stand, and targeting) and Puppy Foundations 2 (six one-hour lessons building on Level 1, including AKC Canine Good Citizen, loose leash walking, advanced stay, manners, leave it, release, and tricks).

Adult Dog programs, available as single lessons or packages, cover AKC Canine Good Citizen, transition support for rescue dogs, basic obedience (sit, down, come, stay), leash walking, and behavior problem resolution. Behavior modification techniques are used to address issues like jumping, barking, resource guarding, and separation anxiety through management, desensitization, and counter-conditioning. Additionally, a “Welcome Home Puppy” service offers pre-arrival consultations to help new owners set up their puppy’s living and learning space.

Pricing Summary

Rates for 2025 include: Single Lesson or Consultation (75 minutes) for $200. Behavior Modification Intensive (90+ minutes) for $250. Packages include a 3 Pack of One Hour Lessons for $510, a 5 Pack for $800, and a 6 Pack for $900. Puppy Foundations I or II are priced at $900. A Pre-Summer Sale for 2025 offers up to $200 off training packages, subject to location. Travel surcharges may apply for select locations.

Policies

Tara’s School for Dogs offers an easy cancellation policy. Clients are requested to reschedule lessons if they have been exposed to Covid or are not feeling well, in line with relaxed pandemic rules.

Tara’s School for Dogs, founded and owned by Mary Paranicas, offers customized private dog training lessons for puppies, adult dogs, and senior or disabled dogs. The business focuses on building a lifetime bond between humans and dogs through informative and fun classes, emphasizing positive reinforcement methods.

They provide training in various settings including in-home, outdoors, and remotely via Zoom, allowing clients to choose the best environment for their dog’s learning. Training can be tailored to specific needs, from basic obedience and manners to addressing complex behavior problems.

Unique advantages include Mary’s scientific background from her previous career as a clinical research specialist, her commitment to positive reinforcement, and her extensive certifications and professional affiliations. The school also offers specialized programs like “Welcome Home Puppy” for new puppy owners, which includes pre-arrival consultations to help set up the puppy’s living and learning space.

Tara’s School for Dogs also offers AKC award programs such as S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), and Advanced AKC Urban CGC. They also provide recommendations for various dog products and supplies through their “SHOPPING” section.

Accomplishments

Mary Paranicas, the Founder & Owner, holds a BA from Fordham University with a dual major in Natural Sciences and Psychology. She transitioned to dog training after a 25-year career as a clinical research specialist at Weill Cornell Medical College. Mary is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer with certifications from CATCH Canine Trainers Academy (CCDT) and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA). She is a member of The Association of Professional Dog Trainers, certified in pet first aid by the American Red Cross, an American Kennel Club (AKC) Evaluator, and a supporting member of IAABC. Mary is committed to continuing education and has volunteered at dog rescue organizations, also serving as a therapy team with her dog, Tara.

How to Get Started!

To begin training, clients can use the contact form to discuss their training needs and determine the most suitable package. A free phone consultation is available. The business states that training can start as early as the next week.