Understanding Fido, LLC

Training begins with a 60-minute consultation to assess the dog’s needs and environment, followed by customized sessions in-home, in the community, or virtually. Programs include private, semi-private, and small group formats. The Baby Basics package targets puppies under 6 months with up to six sessions. Pre-Pooch-Preparation offers virtual guidance for new dog owners. Field trips build confidence in real-world settings. Sessions focus on behavior modification, obedience, and bonding, with ongoing support tailored to each family’s pace and goals.

Pricing Summary

Initial consultation: $100. Private sessions: $85 each or $240 for a 3-session package. Semi-private sessions (two dogs/handlers): $100 each or $270 for a 3-session package. Baby Basics puppy package: $475 for six sessions. Pre-Pooch-Preparation and virtual sessions: $85 per 60-minute session. Full payment due at first session for packages. Additional fees apply for multi-dog households or extended consultations.

Policies

Payment is due at the time of each session. Full payment for training packages is due at the first session. No cancellation or rescheduling policy is explicitly stated in the provided content.

Understanding Fido, LLC, is a dog training business founded by Amy Cranmer, a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) and Family Dog Mediator (FDM), who provides positive, rewards-based training services in-home, in the community, and virtually. Amy helps puppies and adult dogs build confidence, reduce reactivity, manage separation anxiety, and strengthen their bond with their humans through compassionate, science-backed methods. With over 20 years of experience volunteering and fostering for rescue groups, Amy specializes in helping families navigate challenging behaviors in rescued and high-energy dogs. Her background as an occupational therapist informs her holistic, observational approach to training, allowing her to tailor strategies to each dog’s unique needs and family lifestyle. Virtual sessions are available for clients outside her service area or for dogs with fear-based issues, making her services accessible to a wider range of pet owners.

Amy offers private, semi-private, and small group sessions, including puppy-specific programs like Baby Basics and Pre-Pooch-Preparation for new dog owners. She also provides field trips to train dogs in real-world environments and supports families with multi-dog households. Her training philosophy centers on understanding canine behavior, respecting individual boundaries, and using clear, consistent communication to create lasting change.

Amy is committed to ongoing education, having completed advanced courses in aggression and separation anxiety from leading experts like Michael Shikashio and Dr. Moira Hechenleitner. Her own dogs are certified therapy animals, and she actively participates in community education and rescue advocacy. Understanding Fido is dedicated to helping every dog and owner succeed with patience, empathy, and proven techniques.

Accomplishments

Amy Cranmer holds a CPDT-KA certification from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and is a certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM) through L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology. She completed advanced training in aggression and separation anxiety from Michael Shikashio and Dr. Moira Hechenleitner. Her dogs have earned certifications from Therapy Dogs International, Pet Partners, and the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen program. Amy has volunteered with rescue groups for over 20 years and has led community education events and media appearances with her therapy dogs.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients begin with a 60-minute consultation ($100) to assess the dog’s needs, discuss goals, evaluate the home environment, and receive immediate strategies. A detailed summary with next steps and resources is provided after the consultation. Clients may then choose private, semi-private, or virtual sessions based on their dog’s needs and lifestyle.