Train My Dog and Me

Training begins with a 60–90 minute initial consultation to assess the dog’s history and set goals. Clients then choose between private sessions (weekly, in-home or park-based), day training (in-client home or at Sam’s home with his dogs), or group classes through HRA. Day training includes daily in-home or facility-based sessions with walks and integration with Sam’s dogs. Owners must participate weekly to reinforce learning. Programs are customized and typically last 3–6 sessions for private training, or 2–4 weeks for day training.

Pricing Summary

Initial consultation: $195. Private sessions: $125 per 50-minute session. Day training programs last 2–4 weeks, five days a week, with pricing based on location, priorities, and consultation findings. Group classes are offered through the Humane Rescue Alliance, not directly by Sam. Sliding scale available for those committed to training but unable to pay full rates.

Policies

Day training requires an initial consultation and is highly selective, with only one client dog accepted at a time into Sam’s home program. All programs require owner involvement for training to “stick.” Sliding scale payments are available for those committed to training but facing financial hardship. No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policy is stated.

Train My Dog and Me is a dog training business led by Sam Matlick, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). Sam offers science-based, dog-friendly training methods focused on building a strong relationship between the dog and handler. Services include private in-home or park sessions, day training (both in-client home and at Sam’s home with his trained dogs as assistants), and group classes taught through the Humane Rescue Alliance. Sam’s unique advantage lies in his use of well-behaved rescue dogs—Tahiti, Doshi, and Cocoa—as training assistants to model good behavior, especially for reactive or anxious dogs. He also offers sliding scale payments for clients committed to training but facing financial constraints. Sam is deeply involved in the dog training community, holds multiple certifications, and has extensive experience working with behaviorally challenged dogs through volunteer work at the Washington Animal Rescue League.

Sam’s training philosophy emphasizes understanding the dog’s strengths and weaknesses, using management, alternative behaviors, and positive incentives. He works with dogs of all ages and sizes, from puppies to seniors, and addresses a wide range of issues including separation anxiety, reactivity, leash pulling, jumping, and barking. His day training programs are highly selective and require an initial consultation, ensuring personalized, hands-on support.

In addition to training, Sam provides Canine Good Citizen and Puppy STAR evaluations, and his dogs are certified therapy and trick dogs. He is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and other canine organizations, and he holds a certificate in Pet CPR and First Aid.

Sam’s approach is family-centered, involving all household members in the training process to ensure consistency and long-term success. He also checks in with clients to adjust methods as needed, fostering lasting behavioral change and trust between pets and owners.

Accomplishments

Sam Matlick is a CPDT-KA certified trainer with extensive hands-on experience since 2010. He volunteered with the Humane Rescue Alliance, training behaviorally challenged dogs and teaching shelter classes. He is an AKC Canine Good Citizen and Puppy Star evaluator. His dogs—Tahiti, Doshi, and Cocoa—are certified CGC, therapy, and trick dogs. He holds a Pet CPR and First Aid certificate and has participated in multiple advanced training camps including Camp Gone to the Dogs.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must schedule an initial consultation ($195), which lasts 60–90 minutes and includes a full assessment of the dog’s history, family dynamics, and training goals. This consultation is required before enrolling in private sessions, day training, or any other program.