Walk A Pup

Walk A Pup offers several training programs tailored to different needs. The Polite Pup Program (PPP) consists of one-on-one private coaching sessions, starting with a virtual initial behavior consultation followed by in-person sessions at the client’s home or their Salem facility. This program focuses on foundation skills like attention, basic needs, trusted communication, name games, sit, down, target touch, puppy push ups, stay, recall, loose leash walking, “choosing to heel,” and place/mat work. Sessions are typically spaced about a week apart, building on successful skills and adding challenges like distance and distractions.

The “While You Work” Day Training program involves trainers working individually with the dog during the day, followed by private coaching transfer sessions with the owner. This program covers foundation basics, communication skills, generalization of behavior in various environments, and appropriate social skills.

Behavior Modification Programs are customized, individual programs designed for adolescent and adult dogs struggling with challenges such as fear, anxiety, reactivity, and aggression. These programs begin with a virtual Initial Behavior Consultation to assess the dog’s history, temperament, and behavior patterns, followed by an orientation on positive reinforcement and management practices. Subsequent in-person coaching sessions are provided with handout resources and unlimited email support.

Group Class Training is offered at Walk A Pup’s facility in Salem and Everydog Training Center in Danvers. Classes range from Puppy Beginner Basics to Advanced Adult Levels 1-4, with specialty clinics like Loose Leash Walking, Recalls and Proper Greetings, and Calm and Relaxation.

Play N Train Groups are a canine enrichment program that combines closely monitored free play with group and individual training sessions. Dogs are divided into big and small dog areas and grouped by play styles, with small group sizes (no more than 12 dogs and a 4:1 dog/handler ratio). Training time focuses on basic foundation skills, advanced exercises, sports, agility, nose work games, and enrichment activities, incorporating Pattern Games based on the Control Unleashes program and adhering to LIMA ethics.

Pricing Summary

The Polite Pup Program offers 5 sessions for $575 and 8 sessions for $875, including a virtual consultation and in-person sessions. The “While You Work” Day Training program costs $975, which includes an initial behavior consultation, 8 in-person sessions with the dog, and 2 transfer coaching sessions.

Behavior Modification Programs start with a virtual Initial Behavior Consultation for $125, with each follow-up in-person coaching session costing $125. A phone consultation is available for $45.

Play N Train Groups are $35.00 per session, with transportation available for an additional $5.00 each way. Play N Train Skills classes are offered once a month at no additional cost.

Walking options include a 15-minute visit for $18, a half-hour visit for $25, a half-hour solo visit for $25, and a full hour group visit for $30. The PuppyProcess, which includes two daily visits, is $46 per day. Monday through Friday discount rates are available.

Pet Sitting services include Cats & Small Mammals Daily Visit for $25/day, In home pet sitting for $65/day, and Overnight pet sitting for $85/night. A deposit is required for pet sits, and cancellation fees may apply.

Policies

A deposit is required for pet sitting services, and cancellation fees may apply. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies to all scheduled walks.

Walk A Pup, founded in 2008 by Dan and Yana Carlson, is a pet care business that offers dog training, walking, pet sitting, and play N train groups. As lifelong animal lovers, Dan and Yana built their dream into a valuable asset in North Shore’s pet care community.

Their mission focuses on creating calm, confident, well-mannered canine citizens through positive reinforcement techniques. They aim to build strong, lasting bonds between dogs and handlers by teaching trust and clear communication.

Walk A Pup is bonded and insured, and their staff is certified in Pet First Aid and CPR. They emphasize a positive relationship building between dog and owner, using an evidence-based approach in line with the LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) code of ethics.

Accomplishments

Dan Carlson is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT). He has years of training experience, including at the New England Dog Training Club in Cambridge, and continuously expands his expertise through seminars, workshops, classes, and continuing education programs.

Yana Carlson interned under trainers and behaviorists at the New England Dog Training Club and completed an Instructor Training Course in 2013 with Sue Sternberg, Pia Silvani, and Carolyn Barney. She also attends seminars, workshops, and continuing education courses. Walk A Pup is bonded and insured through the Business Insurers of the Carolinas, and their staff is certified in Pet First Aid and CPR.

How to Get Started!

To begin with Play N Train Groups, clients need to schedule a virtual Meet and Greet. For the Polite Pup Program and Behavior Modification Programs, the first step is a virtual Initial Behavior Consultation.