Zippity Do Dog Training and Behavior Modification

Zippity Do Dog Training and Behavior Modification offers a range of programs for puppies and adult dogs, focusing on manners and behavioral modification using the Family Dog Mediation and L.E.G.S. model. Training is provided through direct 1:1 in-home or virtual sessions, with owner coaching.

For puppies, “Puppy 911” includes a pre-puppy consultation and two training sessions covering crate training, routines, potty-training, and puppy biting. “Puppy Manners Level I” is a 6-week program focusing on basic skills like sit, down, hand targeting, place, and addressing jumping and bite inhibition. “Puppy Manners Level II” is a follow-up 6-week program for advanced safety skills, including stay, loose leash walking, engage/disengage, leave-it, and reliable recall.

Adult dog programs include “Let’s Go!”, a 5-week program for loose leash walking and safety skills. “Charm School” is a 6-week program covering basic life skills like sit, lay down, go to place, stay, release, and loose leash walking. “Finishing School” is another 6-week program for advanced skills such as recall, leave-it, and ignoring distractions. These adult programs are for dogs 6 months and older without fear or reactivity issues.

For behavioral issues like aggression, reactivity, and resource guarding, a non-refundable in-home consultation and assessment is required, followed by a comprehensive, non-negotiable training plan. Dogs with a bite history may require muzzle training. The approach for reactive dogs uses counter conditioning and desensitization to change emotional responses. Additionally, they offer “Family Paws Parent Education” programs for expectant parents, including a group online course, a package with a private consultation, and an expectant parent package of eight sessions. Postpartum dog walking services are also available.

Pricing Summary

Behavioral issues like aggression and reactivity require a $125 non-refundable in-home consultation and assessment. Family Paws Parent Education programs range from a $48 Group Online Course to an $600 Expectant Parent Package (eight 1-hour sessions), with a package including a private consultation for $125. Postpartum dog walking services are available for $25 (30-40 minutes). Adult Manners programs include “Let’s Go!” (5 weeks, $475), “Charm School” (6 weeks, $575), and “Finishing School” (6 weeks, $575). Puppy Manners programs include “Puppy 911” (3 sessions, $395), “Puppy Manners Level I” (6 weeks, $575), and “Puppy Manners Level II” (6 weeks, $575). Pricing for reactive dog training varies based on needs, skill building, and anticipated sessions. Discounts of up to 15% are offered through “Project tRade” for trading in old force-based training equipment like choke, prong, or shock collars.

Policies

For behavioral issues, a $125 non-refundable in-home consultation and assessment is required, leading to a comprehensive and non-negotiable training plan. The trainer will not make guarantees regarding training outcomes due to variables such as dog breeding, temperament, owner commitment, and future life experiences. If a dog displays aggressive behavior, an assessment will be made, and recommendations will be offered. Dogs with a bite history will require muzzle use before training can begin.

Zippity Do Dog Training and Behavior Modification specializes in Family Dog Mediation and dog-centered training informed by science, emphasizing a philosophy of not hurting dogs, “not even their feelings.” They provide skills and manners training for puppies and adult dogs, utilizing the Family Dog Mediation and L.E.G.S. model. This includes foundational and safety skills such as leave-it, drop-it, loose leash walking, polite greetings, and recall.

Training is conducted through direct 1:1 sessions in the client’s home or virtually, with owner coaching. The business also supports expectant parents with dogs through The Dogs & Storks Program® and The Dogs and Toddlers Program™, along with offering postpartum dog walking services. They specialize in challenging issues like anxious, fearful, and reactive dogs, providing training and management plans for low confidence, fear-based aggression, leash reactivity, phobias (e.g., light and shadow chasing), and resource guarding, integrating regular manners training into these plans.

Zippity Do Dog Training accepts all dogs of all ages and sizes, without discrimination, welcoming pit bulls, pit bull-type dogs, and large breeds. They aim to help owners build a deeper connection with their dogs by providing tools, resources, and understanding the “why” behind behaviors, empowering owners to help their dogs live more harmonious lives. They are committed to continued education to stay informed on current behavioral approaches, ethical practices, and positive reinforcement techniques. The trainer, Lee Desmarais, is a “positive based,” “force-free,” “aversive-free” trainer and a Certified Fear-Free Professional, adhering to ethical guidelines and humane practices defined by various professional organizations.

Accomplishments

Lee Desmarais is a graduate of the Karen Pryor Professional Dog Trainer Program, a Certified Dog Trainer (CDT-KSA) through INTOdogs, a licensed Family Paws Parent Educator, and a Certified Level-1 Applied Behavior Analysis Accredited Practitioner (ABAP-1). She has completed 60 hours in Dr. Susan Friedman’s Learning and Living with Animals course and holds a certificate in Emotional CPR (eCPR) through Behaviour Aid.

She is also a Licensed Family Dog Mediator through Kim Brophey’s L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology Professional Course® and holds a certificate of completion in Michael Shikashio’s Aggression in Dogs Master Course. Lee is a Certified Fear-Free Professional. She is an organizational member of INTOdogs, the Pet Professional Guild, the International Initiative for Force-Free Dog Trainers, and Progressive Reinforcement Training. Lee has contributed her expertise to the #1 Best Selling dog training book, “Positive Training for Aggressive and Reactive Dogs: Proven Techniques to Help Your Dog Recover from Fear and Anxiety.” She has also been featured in “Decoding Your Canine Summit,” “The Herald News,” “Gunnel Pups,” and “Pit Bull Synergy.”

How to Get Started!

For behavioral issues (Aggression, Dog-to-Dog Reactivity, Leash Reactivity, Resource Guarding), a $125 non-refundable in-home consultation and assessment is required. This includes a professional follow-up report with a comprehensive, non-negotiable training plan. Dogs with a bite history require muzzle use before training begins.

For Adult Manners programs, clients can fill out an “Adult Intake Form.” For Puppy Manners, a “Puppy 911 Registration Form” or “Puppy Training Registration Form” is used. The initial step for “Let’s Go!” is a 15-minute behavior screening by phone. Consultations, whether in-person or virtual, offer a follow-up summary including observations, recommendations, management strategies, and a training plan/proposal with cost, with an average turn-around time of 7-14 days. The business is currently booking new clients for Puppy and Adult Manners into April 2025, and for Leash Reactivity and other Behavior Modification issues into the first week of April 2025.