The Well-Mannered Dog Inc

The Well-Mannered Dog, Inc. offers fun, fair, and easy-to-learn handling techniques and behavior problem-solving. Private lessons are available by appointment, providing individualized attention. Group classes, when available, have limited enrollment to ensure individual attention and help dogs learn to focus amidst distractions. All breeds are welcome.

Specific class descriptions include: Well-Mannered Puppy Jumpstart (one-day, 2-hour seminar for 8-16 week old puppies focusing on socialization, basic commands, housetraining, and connection); The Well-Mannered Puppy Kindergarten (for 8-16 week old puppies covering socialization, basic commands like sit, down, off, bite inhibition, and play); The Well-Mannered Dog: Household Manners Level 1 (a 5-week class for dogs 16 weeks and older, teaching loose leash walking, lie down, stay, off, and go to bed); The Well-Mannered Dog: Household Manners Level 2 (a 4-week class for Level 1 graduates, focusing on attention and applying skills with distractions).

Additional walking skills classes are offered: Walking Your Well-Mannered Puppy Level 1 (a 4-week class teaching loose leash walking and preventing pulling/lunging for puppies); Walking Your Well-Mannered Dog Level 1 (a 4-week class for walking skills only, similar to the puppy version); and Walking Your Well-Mannered Dog Level 2 (a 1-day, 3.5-hour class for Level 1 graduates, applying walking skills in distracting environments). Vaccination records are required prior to class start, with specific requirements for puppies and older dogs. Dogs in heat or appearing ill are not permitted in class.

Pricing Summary

Payment in full is required to secure a spot in classes. As of July 1, 2011, a 6.35% tax is applied to all dog-related services in Connecticut. A package of six private lessons is available for $600.00 plus tax, which includes a free group class, valued at an additional $215.00. There are no make-ups or credits for missed classes due to limited student capacity.

Policies

Class dates are subject to change. There are no make-ups or credits available for missed classes due to limited student capacity, so clients are advised to check class dates carefully. Dogs in heat or those appearing ill (including recent spays/neuters, diarrhea, vomiting, eye infections, sprains, or structural problems) are not permitted in class; clients should call Toni to discuss any issues.

Vaccination records are required at least 7 days prior to the class start date for all dogs. Puppies must have their second series of vaccines, and a Bordetella vaccine is preferred if approved by their vet. Puppies without their second series of shots may attend class without their puppy until vaccinations are complete. Dogs over 5 months must have complete vaccination records at least one week before the first class. Aggressive dogs are not permitted in Household Manners Level 1, Walking Your Well-Mannered Dog Level 1, or Walking Your Well-Mannered Dog Level 2 classes.

The Well-Mannered Dog, Inc., led by owner Toni Kay-Wolff, provides dog and puppy training services. Toni is dedicated to helping owners enjoy their dogs in a safe, fun, and rewarding manner for both the dogs and their families. Her approach focuses on quick, effective, and enjoyable training techniques, adapting to the specific needs of each dog and owner.

Toni aims to make training “user-friendly,” emphasizing working with the dog rather than on the dog, and coaching owners to foster trust and strong relationships. The business offers private instruction, which can be conducted in the client’s home or at their training facility, and previously offered group classes, though these are currently unavailable. They also provide pet boarding services.

Toni utilizes a balanced training program that incorporates positive reinforcement methods, leash and collar work, and clicker training for interested clients. This comprehensive approach helps clients gain a deeper understanding of their dogs, leading to more relaxed, happier pets and stronger bonds within the family.

Accomplishments

Toni Kay-Wolff holds a B.S. in Animal Science from 1983 and worked as a veterinary assistant. She completed a four-year formal apprenticeship at a prominent indoor training center in NYC before founding her own dog training and boarding companies in 1992. Her ongoing professional development includes certification in behavioral studies at Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine and attending seminars with experts such as John Fisher, Sue Sternberg, Pia Silvani, and Martin Deeley.

Toni is a member in good standing of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP). Her notable accomplishments include serving as the dog training expert for “The Family Pet” on Cable News 12 for 10 years, co-founding and directing training for The Shelter Connection, and acting as lead trainer for shelter dog training programs at NYC Animal Care and Control and Peggy Adams Animal Shelter. She is also an evaluator and tester for the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test. Toni has been a guest speaker at events like the American Cancer Society Dog Walks, an instructor for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, and has appeared on national programs such as Prime Time Live, 20/20, and Good Morning America.

How to Get Started!

To begin, prospective clients can contact Toni for more information via email at dogtrnr@mac.com or by phone at 631-300-5868. Payment in full is required to reserve a spot in a class. Clients must submit their dog’s shot records at least 7 days prior to the class start date. For puppies, this includes having their second series of vaccines and, if approved by their vet, a Bordetella vaccine. Dogs over 5 months need complete vaccination records at least one week before the first class. Directions to the training facility are provided in the confirmation email upon registration.