Training With Play

Training With Play offers customizable programs including Day Training (daily daycare with training), Board and Train (4-6 week immersive programs for obedience or behavior modification), Group Puppy Classes (6-week course for puppies 10–20 weeks old), and Private Lessons tailored to individual needs. Behavior Modification is handled by specialist Janine through a 6-week intensive immersion program requiring pre-screening. All programs emphasize building owner-dog communication, using play-based methods, and generalizing skills across environments. Clients receive follow-up guidance to ensure continued progress after training ends.

Pricing Summary

Private pet training: $125/hour; Specialized lessons: $150/hour; Group puppy class: $360 for six weeks; Board and train for pets: $4,500 for 4 weeks; Behavioral board and train: $6,500 for 6 weeks; Day training: $68/day; Behavioral consultation: $250 for 1.5 hours. Multi-session packages available upon request. No payments accepted through website; all scheduling and payments handled directly with trainers.

Policies

For Janine’s Behavior Modification Program, a non-refundable $3,000 deposit is required to secure travel and logistics, with the remaining $3,500 due at the start of training. Scheduled dates are firm and cannot be adjusted without written approval from Janine. No payment is accepted through the website; all scheduling and cancellations must be coordinated directly with trainers.

Training With Play is a dog training business based in Bozeman and Belgrade, Montana, serving the Gallatin Valley. They offer a unique Day Training Program that combines dog daycare with structured training, helping dogs return home tired and fulfilled. The business provides private lessons, group puppy classes, behavioral consultations, board and train programs, CGC certification, and dogsport competition training. Their philosophy centers on a respectful, ethical, and science-based approach that enhances the bond between dog and owner through play and positive reinforcement. Trainers Sarah, Kenzie, and Patrick bring extensive hands-on experience, academic backgrounds in animal behavior, and competitive involvement in IGP/Schutzhund. They specialize in working with all breeds and ages, including reactive, fearful, or high-energy dogs, and emphasize client education so owners can continue training successfully at home.

They also offer a specialized Behavior Modification program through Janine, a certified expert who travels nationally to work with dogs exhibiting persistent behavioral issues. Training is tailored to each dog’s genetics, history, and individual needs, with a strong focus on communication, confidence-building, and generalization of skills across environments.

In addition to training, they provide pet boarding, puppy training, and behavioral evaluations. All dogs must complete a profile with vaccination records before enrollment. Their services are designed for committed owners who are willing to participate actively in their dog’s training journey.

Accomplishments

Trainers hold academic credentials in Animal Behavior and Health, Fisheries and Wildlife Ecology, and have competed in IGP/Schutzhund. Patrick has trained show, working, protection, and service dogs, and served in the U.S. Marine Corps with working dogs. Kenzie has trained at a protection dog facility and competes in AKC and IGP events. Sarah has rehabilitated severely aggressive Belgian Malinois and competes in IGP. Janine is a graduate of the Michael Ellis School and has trained under leading experts including Karen Pryor and Marc Goldberg.

How to Get Started!

Begin by contacting Training With Play via phone or email to schedule an in-person consultation at their Belgrade facility. For behavior modification cases, the consultation determines if the dog is a good fit for Janine’s program. If approved, a video conference with Janine follows to finalize details. For other services, trainers will discuss goals and create a customized plan.