Understanding Fido, LLC

Understanding Fido offers private, semiprivate, and small group training sessions, available in-home, in the community, or virtually. The first step for new clients is a consultation, lasting up to 90 minutes, which involves gathering information, assessing the dog’s needs, evaluating the environment, and introducing immediate strategies. Clients receive a detailed summary and resources after the consultation.

Training sessions typically last up to 60 minutes and focus on socialization, manners, and basic problem-solving for puppies and dogs of all ages. Specific programs include “Baby Basics” for puppies under 6 months, which is a 6-session package, and “Pre-Pooch-Preparation” for new dog owners, offered virtually. Small group training classes are also offered at various times throughout the year in community locations. The number of sessions needed varies based on individual dog and owner needs.

Pricing Summary

The first step for new clients is a consultation, which lasts up to 90 minutes and costs $100 for one dog. Additional fees and extended time apply for complex initial consultations for multi-dog households.

Private training sessions are $85 for a single session (up to 60 minutes), or $240 for a package of three sessions. Semiprivate sessions, for two dogs and two handlers from the same or regularly interacting households, cost $100 per session (up to 60 minutes), or $270 for a package of three. “Fido Takes a Field Trip” sessions, which are private field trips in community locations, cost $85 for a single session or $240 for a package of three.

The “Baby Basics” package for puppies under 6 months is a 6-session package costing $475. “Pre-Pooch-Preparation” is offered virtually for $85 per single session (up to 60 minutes). Payment is due at the time of the session, or full payment is due at the first session for packages.

Understanding Fido, LLC provides positive, in-home, community-based, and virtual training sessions to help dogs and their owners navigate daily routines with mutual understanding, confidence, and connection. They support developmental stages and unravel challenging behaviors.

The business is owned by Amy Cranmer, who draws on decades of experience from a prior career focused on observation, assessment, and shaping behaviors and skills, which refined her communication and team approach. She is dedicated to compassionate, humane, force-free, and rewards-based dog training techniques, constantly seeking out the latest research and continuing education.

Understanding Fido works with puppies and adult dogs, addressing issues from puppy basics to puzzling behaviors, separation anxiety, and reactivity. They also offer “Pre-Pooch-Preparation” to help new dog owners plan for a smooth transition, covering topics like Amazon lists, furniture arrangement, schedules, and community resources.

The business has a special affinity for rescued dogs, stemming from a 20-year relationship volunteering with and fostering for dog rescue groups. They aim to help dogs build confidence, enjoy mental stimulation, and strengthen their bond with their humans.

Accomplishments

Amy Cranmer, owner of Understanding Fido, holds degrees from Clemson University and the Medical University of South Carolina. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, a designation requiring hundreds of hours of client work, an extensive examination, and character references from veterinarians. She is also a Family Dog Mediator (FDM), having completed the L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation Professional Course.

Amy has completed intensive courses such as the “Aggression in Dogs Master Course” by Michael Shikashio and the “Separation Anxiety Program,” “Separation Anxiety Shadowing Program,” and “Advanced Separation Anxiety Shadowing Program” by Dr. Moira Hechenleitner. Her own dogs have earned nationally and internationally recognized designations from organizations including Therapy Dogs International, Delta Society (now Pet Partners), and the American Kennel Club (Canine Good Citizen). Amy is also the author of the children’s book “Gunny and the Magical Pack” and co-established the Gunny Grant, which provides financial assistance for pit bull spay and neuter surgeries.

How to Get Started!

To get started, new clients begin with a consultation to assess their dog’s needs. Clients can reach out by messaging, calling, or emailing to inquire about services, check if their neighborhood is within the service area, or request an appointment.