Question 1

How do I know which package to choose?

Accepted Answer

We suggest you prioritize any fear, anxiety, or aggressive behavior first. It is generally important to address these issues before they worsen, plus we can't come teach manners skills to a dog who is aggressive toward strangers, for instance. Read through the Services & Rates tab and choose the one you think is the best fit. Then click the red button and you can add brief details in the message so we can help adjust the package as needed.

Question 2

Do you have references available?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can start on the Client Comments tab to see some info as well as review pages on Google, Yelp, and Facebook. If you would like to message with a previous client, let us know and we will connect you. We have clients who have worked virtually as well as in-person.

Question 3

How do I pay you?

Accepted Answer

Once you select your appointment times, we hold them for 48 hours and send 2 messages. One has your paperwork and one has your invoice. You complete and e-sign paperwork online and pay your invoice online to confirm your spot. We review everything, then you get calendar confirmations. If we don't hear back within 48 hours, your spot is released, so please let us know if you don't see both of the 2 messages.

Question 4

How do I set up the room for a virtual session?

Accepted Answer

There is a video below if you'd rather watch than read, but here are some quick tips:   * for a manners or behavior modification intake, it's just a regular video call and we don't need your dog, but read on to learn about details * for a separation anxiety intake, set up near a door where you can exit your home and have both a laptop and a phone signed in * choose a space that is bright but not back lit, e.g. with a big window behind you, which makes it hard to see you and your dog * choose a space where you can move around * have a container full of lots of high-value, pea-sized treats, preferably at least 2 kinds, like chicken breast and string cheese; containers are better than bags to avoid crinkle sounds * have a bowl of water for your pup * have a harness and leash ready to use * be ready to log in several minutes early in case you run into tech issues * use a laptop for best view by the trainer, and tilt so we can see the floor * if you use a phone and a tripod, use a landscape/horizontal view instead of portrait/vertical or your dog ends up off frame frequently

Question 5

How do I set up my dog to be successful in a lesson?

Accepted Answer

* Avoid overexercise and playdates prior to your session * Grooming and vet visits should follow training, not be scheduled the night before or morning of training * Feed a partial meal or skip a meal if mealtime is close to your session * Use follow up links and articles in the Video Refresher Library (found in the Blog menu)

Question 6

What's your travel radius?

Accepted Answer

Virtual services are available everywhere. In-home services may be available in these neighborhoods within the Baltimore metro area depending on whether your availability is a match to the trainer for that part of town and your exact location. Laurie is on maternity leave so that will also impact most travel areas in bold throughout the summer. Owings Mills, Randallstown, Reisterstown, Glyndon, Pikesville, Stevenson, Lutherville, Timonium, Cockeysville, Hunt Valley, Roland Park, Riderwood, Ruxton, Mt. Washington, Towson, Sparks, Monkton, Phoenix, Jarrettsville, Glen Arm, Kingsville, Perry Hall, Parkville, Forest Hill, and Hydes. We do not work in most of Baltimore City other than areas just over the county line, although Tanzi is near all the private schools on Northern Parkway fairly often from September to early June. Contact us to ask about any areas not listed and if we don't work there, we can usually provide a referral to a trusted colleague. Not all trainers work in all areas or at all times you may request, so if we can't provide a trainer in your area at the time you need us, please search "MDSPCA trainer referral list" for reputable options.

Question 7

Why is dog training so expensive?

Accepted Answer

The cost of a session includes your trainer's time and expertise, travel to and from your home, and  slice of overhead expense. Overhead includes a long list of expenses required to run a business including the cost of insurance, hosting a website, continuing education, administrative work, legal and accounting fees, taxes, and so on. If it's out of your budget to do private lessons, we can suggest options including group class and DIY work via webinar, podcast, blog, book, you name it. Just ask!

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