The Happy Hound Behavior and Obedience
Ranked #1 in Buffalo and #45 in New York
Service area: the Buffalo area
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Jumping on People
- Barking Excessively
- Resource Guarding
- Fearfulness
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- In-Home
- Board and Train
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
- Intensive Program
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Balanced Training
Equipment:
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Flat Collars
- ✓ Pinch Collars
- ✓ E-Collars
The Happy Hound offers Private Lessons, Board and Train programs, and Group Classes. Private lessons are hands-on, typically once a week at the client’s location, where the trainer guides the owner through the training process. These lessons are offered in packages of 3, 6, or 10, with individual lessons available for existing clients.
Board and Train programs involve the dog being fully immersed in a training lifestyle, working one-on-one with a trainer for several hours a day. These programs are currently offered under specific circumstances and are available in 2-week or 4-week durations. They include necessary equipment, go-home lessons, follow-up lessons, and unlimited email support.
Group Classes include “Client Exclusive Pack Walks,” which are 1-hour walks at designated locations, providing real-world training and exposure in a controlled group environment.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
An initial Evaluation is required for new clients and costs $120. Private Lesson packages include a 3-pack for $340, a 6-pack for $680, and a 10-pack for $996. Individual lessons are available for pre-existing clients at $120 per hour.
Board and Train programs are priced at $1800 (before tax) for 2 weeks and $3800 (before tax) for 4 weeks. Group Classes, specifically Client Exclusive Pack Walks, cost $10. Lesson prices do not include the cost of training equipment, which can range from $20-$50 for basic collars and $200-$300 for E-collars. A 50% deposit of the training fees is required to reserve a spot after an evaluation, with the remaining 50% due at the start of services.
Policies
Once an evaluation has occurred and a package is recommended, 50% of the training fees must be paid to reserve the dog’s spot, with the remaining 50% due when services begin. Lessons canceled more than seven days prior to the scheduled appointment will receive a 50% refund of the total anticipated cost.
Lessons canceled within seven days of the scheduled training date are not eligible for a refund. Evaluation fees can be transferred to a new date one time if the cancellation occurs within 72 business hours; otherwise, evaluation fees are non-refundable.
Testimonials
“Sending your dog to a stranger can be a difficult decision. The moment I saw our dog Anya with Sami, I knew we made the right decision. Her warm and compassionate demeanor was the perfect match for Anya. Sami’s knowledge of animal behavior is amazing! How she individualizes her training for the dog in front of her, is exactly what we needed for Anya. We knew Anya was a quick learner, has a tremendous drive to work, and good obedience. We just could never fully articulate or appropriately work on her one fault, until we met Sami. She said Anya was ‘insecure dominate’ and she nailed it! (Anya’s training was for socialization.) Sami taught us how to spot specific behaviors in Anya that we had been missing. Not only was she an asset for training Anya, she was an asset for training us to be better handlers. I would not be as confident as I am today walking into group classes or out onto the trial field with Anya if it was not for Sami’s help. We can never say, ‘Thank you!’ enough! If you are considering hiring a trainer, stop considering it! Sami is the trainer you need no matter what your goals are. She will take the time to not only support your dog, but also teach you how to make the most out of your life with your best friend.”
– Michael and Caitlin Montagnola
“I cannot recommend Sami’s dog training services enough! She worked with our rescue dog, Obi, who struggled with leash aggression and basic leash obedience. In just a few weeks, Obi gained the necessary confidence and structure to not only walk well on a leash, but off leash too. She also taught us the skills to reinforce his training which allowed us to form a well balanced relationship with Obi. Her impact is felt every day on our walks and we are so thankful for her expertise, patience, and support with his training. If you are considering dog training, connect with Sami… you will not regret it!”
– Ann Roberts
“I could not speak more highly of Sami and her skills and knowledge; look no further for someone to help you with your dog’s needs. I first met Sami last summer when my dog and I did a once weekly, 10 week training program with her. The goals of our training were to introduce my dog to an e-collar to improve basic commands and recall, dog reactivity while walking on a leash, and socialization. Sami worked with us to figure out what methods worked best for him and his personality which was very different than experiences we’ve had with other trainers having a “my way or the highway” approach. I honestly saw a confidence boost with him after the first week, being able to better communicate with him in what tasks I was asking of him. (Humans need training and practice too!) By the end of our 10 weeks we were able to focus more on socialization since he already had a working knowledge of basic commands prior to this. Seeing him be able to be off leash with another dog(s), having fun instead of being fearful and defensive, was priceless. After our 10 week program was completed we continued to see Sami for occasional single lessons and socialization lessons to maintain our progress.”
– Tory Trzyna
About the Trainer
The Happy Hound Behavior and Obedience is a professional dog training business led by Samantha Sodaro (Sami), the Head Trainer and Founder. They offer compassionate, experienced, and versatile training for both dogs and their owners.
The business has been servicing dogs and their families throughout the Buffalo area for over 5 years, addressing a wide range of issues from basic obedience to reactivity, severe aggression, and anxiety. Their mission is to help create healthy and lasting relationships between dogs and their owners.
The Happy Hound’s training methods focus on understanding canine behavior, establishing clear communication, and building healthy habits. They emphasize breaking down a dog’s behavior to understand the “why” behind it, which is key to manipulation. They are adaptable and not limited to one training approach or tool, tailoring their methods to each individual dog and owner.
Accomplishments
Samantha Sodaro (Sami) is the Head Trainer and Founder of The Happy Hound. She graduated from the University at Buffalo with a BS in Environmental Science, concentrating in Animal Behavior.
Sami gained her passion for training by working for and learning from experienced trainers in the industry, starting as a dog daycare attendant and advancing to a lead trainer. She has trained hundreds of dogs throughout her career and specializes in obedience, reactivity, aggression, and anxiety.
How to Get Started!
New clients are required to book an initial Evaluation before booking a training program. This 1-2 hour diagnostic session allows the trainer to meet the client and dog, discuss history and goals, and create a personalized training plan.
Based on this assessment, the trainer will recommend an appropriate training program, necessary tools, and a suitable lesson package (3, 6, or 10 lessons). Please note that The Happy Hound is currently not accepting new clients and advises checking back for updates on availability.
