Dog Training Classes

A Well-Trained Dog is a Happier Dog

The companionship of a dog is one of the greatest joys in life.

But when you decided to bring a dog into your life, apologizing with embarrassment as your too-friendly pet gleefully trampled the house-guests (again) was probably not part of the dream. And maybe you’d have more time for all of those idyllic long walks at the park if they didn’t involve being hauled behind your dog like an Iditarod sled.

You’re here because you love your dog and you’re committed to making things work. You want to give your dog a great life: Long walks in the park, trips to the beach and a comfortable day-to-day life together. You just need a little more control to make that happen. We’re here to help.

A well-mannered dog doesn’t need to spend their life in a crate (or an eternal sit-stay) because a well-mannered dog knows how to behave politely in a human world. Let’s turn your happy heathen-hound into a mannerly member of society.

Because here’s the secret:

Good dogs are born, but great dogs are trained.

Dog training isn’t about draconian commands, two-hour down stays and do-it-or-else ultimatums anymore. Modern dog training is about willing cooperation, not intimidation. It’s about teaching the dog to voluntarily do what you ask them to do, the first time you ask — and sometimes before you even have to ask.

I train with positive reinforcement because I know it’s possible to be both kind and an effective leader. At the end of the day, if you’re doing it right, dog training isn’t something you do to your dog. It’s something you do with your dog. After all, you didn’t get a dog because you wanted something to intimidate — you wanted a buddy!

You’d just hoped for a buddy who:

… Knew how to listen…

… Didn’t leave paw-print-shaped bruises on the house guests…

… Knew the difference between their chew toy and the heirloom furniture…

… Could walk on a leash comfortably without pulling hard enough to make you contemplate shoulder surgery every time a squirrel appeared…

… And could comfortably fit into a human world without being a nuisance.

You have a good dog already.  Let’s train a great dog together!

Our Dog Training Programs

Fixer Upper Package

The Fixer Upper program is exactly what it says on the label: a just-enough tune-up class for dogs who know most of the basics and just need to polish up that one problem behavior that has been driving you nuts. No bells, no whistles — just quick and effective solutions to garden-variety nuisance behaviors like jumping up on guests or pulling on the leash.

Because this three-lesson package is smaller than our full obedience programs and does not include a full curriculum, it is better suited to addressing one or two specific behaviors.

$300

Basic Obedience Program

Basic Obedience is a standardized curriculum with only our most requested lesson plans included.

In five weekly classes, we’ll teach your dog beginner obedience skills such as Attention, Sit, Down, Come, Leave It, Go To Place and Stay. You’ll learn one or two new skills each week and have homework to practice with your dog in between lessons.

Basic Obedience is a foundations class for in-home manners and general lifestyle skills.  This package is a great choice for newly-adopted dogs or for dogs who need a tune-up on their manners. This program is not suitable for resolving behavior concerns such as fear, reactivity or aggression.​

$500

Real World Ready Program

Real World Ready is by far our most popular training class. Your dog can learn to be as polite at the park or on the restaurant patio as they are in your living room.

This eight-week program takes a hybrid approach. In six weekly in-home classes, we’ll set the foundations for good manners and address your dog’s behavioral challenges at home.  For the the final two lessons, we’ll take our show on the road with two “field trips” to dog-friendly public places to take the dog’s skills to the next level.

Real World Ready was designed for dogs who will lead an active life out in their community. This program is not suitable for resolving behavior concerns such as fear, reactivity or aggression.

$750

“Natalie was absolutely wonderful with our nervous and reactive rescue pup. We followed her advice and through lots of positive reinforcement, we have a dog we can walk down the street without it being a total ordeal. We still have work to do but Natalie set us up with the tools to continue our training and manage our dog in the real world. She is up to date on the latest science-based dog training rhetoric and is empathetic to both dogs and their humans. Highly recommend Level Up Dog Training!”

Michelle and Phillip K

Parents of Jackie the Hound Mix

Ready for School?

Free initial consultations are my way of saying, “Thank you for doing your homework when picking a dog trainer.”

Our pets are our family. You wouldn’t hire just anyone to take care of your kid and I know that dog training can be just as personal. That’s why I like to think of these as an optional “parent-teacher conference” before the beginning of the school year.

This freebie meet-and-greet appointment gives us a chance to talk about your dog’s needs, what your future life will look like together and your goals for their training.  It will also give you an hour of my undivided attention, 100% for free, to ask any questions you have about how the training process works or which program would be the best fit for your family. You can choose between a scheduled phone call or a free in-home meeting at your convenience.

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Frequently Asked Questions