The Better Companion, LLC

The Better Companion offers a variety of dog training programs structured as weekly classes, each lasting 60 minutes with an additional 15 minutes for transitions. Classes are designed for all pet dogs, starting from 9 weeks of age, and utilize positive reward-based methods. Class sizes are limited to a maximum of 8 dogs to ensure personalized attention.

Behavior classes include Puppy 1 – Preschool, Puppy 2 – Kindergarten, and a Puppy School Package combining both at a reduced rate. Further behavior training is offered through Foundation Class, Grade School, Junior High School, and C.L.A.S.S. Courses (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD levels). Specialized behavior classes address issues like shyness (Nervous Nellies), reactivity (Feisty Fido), loose leash walking, and reliable recall. Private lessons are available for Loose Leash Walking and general behavioral consultations.

Sports activities include Agility (Puppy, Beginner, Skills, Sequencing, Trialing Practice), K9 Nose Work® (Beginners, Intro to Odor, Elements), Freestyle (I, II), Treibball (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced), Trick Dog (Beginner, Intermediate), and Rally College & Practice. A Sports Sampler class allows dogs to try three different sports over a six-week period. They also offer Mushing lessons with an Iditarod veteran. The facility supports AKC’s STAR Puppy, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), and Canine Good Citizen Advanced (CGCA) programs, including testing.

Pricing Summary

To secure a spot in a class, payment must be received as soon as possible, as classes fill quickly. Payments are never lost; they can secure a spot, place you on a waiting list, be carried over to a later class, be fully reimbursed if a spot isn’t available, or lead to an overflow class being opened.

Payment options include online via a secure gateway, by phone with a credit card, by mailing a check or money order to “The Better Companion” or “BetCo”, or by stopping by the facility with cash, check, or credit card (by appointment). A $10 fee applies to returned checks. Discounts are available: a pre-registration discount of $10 if payment is received two weeks before class starts (using promo code PRE14), a $20 discount for signing up two dogs from the same household for the same class, and a $20 discount on certain follow-up obedience classes if enrolled in a current class (promo code provided by instructor, expires when current class ends). Specific class prices are listed for upcoming behavior and sports classes, ranging from $120 to $190.

Policies

For class cancellations, if The Better Companion cannot place a client in the paid-for class, a full refund is available for up to 60 days after payment. If a client cancels at least 5 days before the class start, the payment can be transferred to a different or later class without additional cost, or a refund can be issued with a $10 cancellation fee. Cancellations made less than 5 days before the class start will not receive a refund, and the client will need to pay again for a future class. For payments made via PayPal or credit card, if a refund is issued after 60 days from payment but before the cancellation deadline, an additional 5% will be deducted.

For drop-in class cancellations, 48 hours advance notice is required to avoid being charged. If a class is cancelled by The Better Companion due to weather or field conditions, clients will be notified via email and potentially phone, and reservations will be moved forward by one week. Clients unable to make the rescheduled class must notify The Better Companion at least 48 hours prior to avoid being marked off and charged.

The Better Companion, LLC offers comprehensive dog training, behavior modification, doggy daycare, and supervised playgroups. They provide classes for all pet dogs starting at 9 weeks of age, focusing on improving manners and strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners. Their training philosophy emphasizes positive reward-based methods, aiming for less frustration and more fun during the learning process.

Classes are held once a week for 60 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes for transitions. The limited class size, not exceeding 8 dogs, ensures more one-on-one attention for each student. The Better Companion is also an official vendor for Mat-Su Central School, allowing their classes to be integrated into a child’s school schedule.

Beyond training, they offer doggy daycare from Monday to Thursday starting at 7 a.m., and supervised open play times on Fridays in the evening. These play times are separated by size and temperament to ensure safety and help dogs develop social skills. Additionally, they sell various dog products, including training equipment, books on dog behavior, and mushing/skijor equipment.

Accomplishments

Claudia Sihler, the owner, holds CPDT-KSA and IAABC-ADT certifications. She is an “Affiliate Trainer” with the Animal Behavior Network. The Better Companion has been accepted into the class curriculum of Mat-Su Central School, becoming an official vendor. Claudia has extensive experience in agility, having trained her first agility dog in Germany, and continues to run agility with her own dogs. Frank Sihler, an Iditarod veteran, provides mushing instruction.

How to Get Started!

To begin, clients can register for a class online by clicking the registration link and following the prompts to choose a payment method. Prospective clients are welcome to visit the facility at any time before a class starts to familiarize themselves with the location. They may also observe a class from the waiting area, and an instructor will be available to speak with them when possible. The schedule is available online to check facility open times for classes and events.