Tree Frog Farm Dog Training

Tree Frog Farm offers a range of classes and private lessons designed to build a strong relationship between owners and their dogs. Group classes include Puppy Class (8-20 weeks, 7 weeks, $250), Family Dog Class (5 months+, 7 weeks, $250), and Puppy Class 2.0 (6 weeks, $200) for continuing puppy skills.

More advanced group options include Charm School for Dogs (10 weeks, $350, prerequisite: prior professional training), Canine Good Citizen Class (6 weeks, $200, prerequisite: prior professional training), and Agility Essentials (5 weeks, $150, prerequisite: prior professional training) leading to Agility Classes (5 weeks, $160). Specialty classes include The Confident Canine (4 weeks, $160) for fearful/anxious dogs, Canine Fitness Fun (4 weeks, $160), Noseworks (4 weeks, $160), Tricks Class (4 weeks, $160, with AKC Novice Trick Dog title opportunity), and Combo Fun Class (4 weeks, $160) which samples Noseworks, Tricks, and Canine Fitness.

Private lessons are available at $125/hour, with a package of four one-hour lessons for $450. They offer in-person lessons at their facility, in-home lessons with a travel fee, and distance learning via online technology for clients nationwide. Hybrid versions of Puppy and Family Dog classes are available for $480, combining group classes with two private lessons. Most group classes start with a dog-free orientation. Proof of a negative fecal exam within the past 2 months is required for Puppy Class and newly adopted dogs.

Pricing Summary

Group classes range from $150 to $350. Puppy Class and Family Dog Class are $250 for 7 weeks. Puppy Class 2.0 is $200 for 6 weeks. Charm School for Dogs is $350 for 10 weeks. Canine Good Citizen Class is $200 for 6 weeks. Specialty classes like The Confident Canine, Canine Fitness Fun, Noseworks, Tricks Class, and Combo Fun Class are $160 for 4 weeks. Agility Essentials is $150 for 5 weeks, and Agility Classes are $160 for 5 weeks.

Private lessons are $125 per hour, with a package of four one-hour lessons for $450. Distance learning is also $125/hour. Private lessons without handler are $125/hour plus mileage, or $115/hour if two or more lessons per week. Hybrid versions of Puppy and Family Dog classes, which include two private lessons, are $480. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to hold a class spot. For lessons scheduled for 4:30pm or later, a $100 prepayment is required for a one-hour lesson or the first lesson of a 4-pack. A minimum $10 travel fee applies for in-home lessons. Gift certificates are available.

Policies

Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to hold a spot in a class. For lessons scheduled for 4:30pm or later, a prepayment of $100 is required for a one-hour lesson or the first lesson of a 4-pack.

No make-up classes are offered, but clients are welcome to attend via Zoom if they cannot come in person. No refunds or credits are given after a class starts or after the first lesson of a 4-pack. Hybrid private lessons and 4-pack private lessons must be used within 4 months of the first meeting. Twenty-four hours notice is required for a lesson cancellation; less than 24 hours notice counts as a lesson and payment is required. Missing two lessons without 24-hour notice results in a 100% charge, and missing three may result in referral elsewhere.

Tree Frog Farm Dog Training is a facility located in North Yarmouth, ME, owned and led by Liz Langham. Their training philosophy emphasizes teaching the person to recognize dog signs and helping the owner train the dog to respond to human language, using reward-based training. They focus on maximizing learning in a relaxing atmosphere, prioritizing the companion dog.

They offer a variety of services including behavior counseling/modification for reactive dogs, fearful dogs counseling & evaluation, private lessons (at home or TFF), group training, rescue dog consultations, agility training, and dog wrangling for photo shoots. The farm also conserves and protects natural wildlife.

Accomplishments

Liz Langham, Owner & Lead Trainer, holds an AS in Animal Agriculture Technology from The University of Maine, a BS in Sustainable Agriculture with an animal science concentration, and an MS in Horticulture with a minor in qualitative sociology from Oregon State University. She has been training dogs since 1994.

Liz is a member of The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT.com) and a Certified SAFER Evaluator for two years, performing behavioral evaluations for organizations like ASPCA, ARL, CHS, and Tall Tails Beagle Rescue. She has conducted numerous demonstrations (e.g., LLBean Dog Days of Autumn, Pet Rock in the Park), school presentations, and seminars on canine body language and behavior, and has been featured in media like Maine Calling and Down East Magazine.

Cindy Ratner, an agility instructor, has been training and competing with dogs since the 1980s. Her dogs have earned numerous titles in agility and obedience, achieved national and regional top ten rankings, and performed therapy work, modeling for print ads and television commercials. Her Shetland Sheepdog, Shane, earned the ADCh title and placed 3rd in the Veteran’s Grand Prix at the 2005 USDAA National Championships at age 13.

How to Get Started!

To register for a class or schedule a private lesson, send an email to treefrogfarm@gmail.com. The email should include your full name, phone number, your dog’s name, age, breed(s), and the class you’d like to join. You may also include any additional information about your dog. A confirmation email will be sent upon registration. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your class spot. For certain private lessons, prepayment is required.