Waggin’ Tails Dog Training

Training begins with a 1–1.5 hour initial session and dog evaluation in the home. Sessions are then held weekly, lasting about 1 hour each, starting in the home and progressing to the yard and nearby areas as the dog gains skills. Training focuses on foundational behaviors, behavior modification, and real-world application. Clients can choose between individual sessions or discounted packages for ongoing training. Stephanie tailors each program to the dog’s specific needs, including reactivity, leash pulling, separation anxiety, and puppy manners, using positive reinforcement and customized games.

Pricing Summary

Initial session: $85 (1–1.5 hours). Individual sessions: $65 (1 hour). Training packages: 4-session pack for $240, 8-session pack for $440. Full payment for packages is due at the first session. All package sales are final with no refunds for unused sessions.

Policies

All private training package sales are final with no refunds for unused sessions. Payment for packages is due at the first session. Individual sessions require payment at the time of service.

Waggin’ Tails Dog Training is a private, in-home dog training service led by Stephanie, a compassionate and scientifically-sound trainer who focuses on building strong, positive relationships between dogs and their owners. She provides customized training sessions in the comfort of the dog’s home to minimize distractions and maximize learning, making it ideal for puppies, shy, fearful, or reactive dogs. Stephanie teaches foundational manners, leash walking, separation anxiety, barking, jumping, and recall using positive reinforcement techniques. She helps owners integrate training into daily routines and offers ongoing support to ensure long-term success. Her approach emphasizes understanding dog behavior, managing triggers, and teaching owners how to communicate clearly with their dogs. She also provides educational blog content on topics like tug-of-war, leash training, and training with treats to empower dog owners with knowledge.

Stephanie adapts her methods to each dog’s unique needs, whether it’s a large breed like a Bernese Mountain Dog, a reactive mutt, or a high-energy Giant Schnauzer. She helps clients achieve real-world results, such as loose-leash walking, calm greetings, and improved confidence. Her clients report dramatic improvements in their dogs’ behavior and their own confidence as handlers. She also supports training for dogs with complex issues like resource guarding and fearfulness, and helps puppies start training before they’re eligible for group classes.

All sessions begin in-home and progress gradually to low-distraction outdoor environments as the dog is ready. Stephanie is known for her patience, creativity, and ability to make training feel like fun games that strengthen the human-dog bond. She offers both individual sessions and discounted packages for ongoing training.

She serves the Salem-Keizer area and surrounding regions, with an additional fee for locations beyond a 20-minute radius.

Accomplishments

Stephanie has helped clients achieve AKC Trick Dog titles, resolve severe reactivity and separation anxiety, and build strong, joyful relationships with their dogs. Clients consistently note her adaptability, creativity, and ability to transform challenging behaviors into calm, confident responses.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients complete a New Client Intake Form, then schedule an initial 1–1.5 hour in-home session for dog evaluation and training plan development. The first session costs $85 and includes assessment of the dog’s behavior, household dynamics, and training goals.