THE PIT CHIC Training , Boarding & Municipal Shelter

Evaluations are required before any training program to determine the appropriate method and customize a training plan, focusing on discussing needs and goals rather than actual training. Options include a free 30-minute phone consultation, a 60-minute in-person evaluation, and a 60-90 minute Board & Train evaluation.

The Puppy Management package is for puppies up to 5 months old and includes 6 one-hour private sessions covering potty and crate training, polite introductions, leash walking, basic commands (Come, Sit, Stay), engagement games, indoor/outdoor socialization, separation anxiety prevention, and building dog-to-owner communication.

Board & Train programs include a slip collar and lifetime access to the trainer via phone/email, with evaluations required prior to enrollment. E-collars are optional for an additional $200. Programs include a 14-day option for beginner foundation skills (SIT, DOWN, STAY, HEEL, PLACE, RECALL), loose leash control, potty training, and correcting habits like jumping and barking, with 1 in-home follow-up session. A 21-day program addresses moderate behavior modification, anxieties, crate training, breaking intense bad habits, building structured confidence, impulse control, thresholds, and neutrality, including 2 in-home follow-up sessions. The 28+ day program offers advanced behavior intervention targeting reactivity and aggression, encompassing all lessons from the shorter programs, with 3 in-home follow-up sessions. Dogs must be 4+ months old and current on specific vaccinations.

Day Training is offered Tuesday-Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, where dogs are dropped off to fine-tune obedience and behaviors. Dogs learn to socialize in a structured environment, engage in pack-style walks, polite play, and one-on-one field trips with a trainer. Required vaccinations include Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Lyme, and monthly preventatives.

Private Lessons are one-on-one customized sessions that encourage owner involvement in correcting behavioral concerns, obedience, impulse control, and bad habits. These lessons include a training collar and training pack, with an optional e-collar for an additional charge. Clients receive lifetime access to the trainer via phone/email and discounted daily walks or boarding. Lessons can be conducted in the client’s home, in public, or at the training facility.

Pricing Summary

Evaluations range from no charge for a 30-minute phone consultation to $70-$150 for a 60-minute in-person evaluation, and $100 for a 60-90 minute Board & Train evaluation. All evaluation charges are non-refundable. Dog walking costs $30 for 15-30 minutes, $45 for 45-60 minutes, and $70+ for a Train & Walk. Dog sitting is $60+ per night for overnight stays and $45 per day for no overnights, with an additional $15 per pet. Special appearance pricing varies. Boarding fees are weight-based, ranging from $35 for dogs up to 20 lbs to $65 for dogs 100 lbs plus, charged per full day with no half-day rates. An upcharge may apply for reactive/aggressive dogs. A 15% discount on all training is offered to veterans, military, veterinary professionals, registered rescues, and law enforcement. Registered rescues receive a discounted boarding rate of $35 per dog per day. A non-refundable $30 deposit is required for new boarding reservations. E-collars are available for an additional $200 for Board & Train programs and an additional charge for Private Lessons.

Policies

For boarding, a 48-hour notice cancellation policy is strictly enforced; otherwise, the full amount for the duration of the stay will be charged with no exceptions. Absolutely no refunds are provided on deposits or any service. New customers making boarding reservations are required to leave a non-refundable $30 deposit. Boarding is charged by the full day, and pick-ups the next morning will also incur a full day’s charge, as half-day rates are not offered. Dogs must be current on specific vaccinations for boarding, Day Training, and Board & Train programs, including Distemper/Parvo/Parainfluenza, Rabies, Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Lyme, and monthly preventatives.

THE PIT CHIC Training, Boarding & Municipal Shelter is a dog training business led by Keli, known as “Pit Chic” within the rescue community due to her dedication and expertise with bully breeds. The business offers personalized dog training services, including thorough in-home evaluations and customized training plans, with a focus on strengthening the communication bond between dog and owner for long-lasting results. They believe in using a variety of methods, understanding that a “one size fits all” approach does not apply to all dogs.

In addition to training, THE PIT CHIC provides comprehensive pet services such as dog walking, dog sitting (including overnight stays), drop-in visits, and special appearances for events. They also offer dog boarding with rates based on weight. The organization operates a municipal animal shelter and is affiliated with Rescue Buffalo, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to educating communities on humane animal treatment, promoting spaying/neutering and microchipping, and rehoming at-risk dogs by providing medical and training services.

Accomplishments

Keli, known as “The Pit Chic,” is a certified and veterinarian-backed professional with over a decade of professional veterinary experience and over 15 years of dog training, shelter, and rescue experience. Her professional training achievements include being an AKC CGC Evaluator, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, AKC Community Canine, Urban CGC, AKC ATT Evaluator (Temperament Test), and an AKC FIT Instructor. She is currently studying Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation and is a member of the IAABC. Keli has also obtained certificates from the 2024 Webster DCO/ACO Conference and the 2024 Maddies Fund / ASPCA Shelter Conference. The staff at THE PIT CHIC has extensive professional training and experience in shelter and rescue, with each member having a minimum of one year of professional animal care and handling experience. They are trained in accordance with ASPCA/ASV Shelter guidelines and NY AG&M regulations, and are required to maintain yearly continued education to stay up to date with NYS Shelter Standards.

How to Get Started!

To begin, clients must complete a submission form that requires details such as the dog’s name, age, breed, how the dog was acquired, how long the owner has had the dog, and a detailed message outlining all concerns. An evaluation is required prior to enrolling in any training program to determine the most appropriate training method for the dog and owner. This evaluation time is dedicated to discussing needs and goals and customizing a training plan, rather than actual training. A free 30-minute phone consultation is available, or clients can opt for a paid in-person evaluation. The trainer typically responds to inquiries within 7-14 days after form submission.