Private Lessons

Every dog is different. Private lessons give you and your dog personalized, focused training tailored to your specific goals — without the distractions of a group setting. Whether you're working on basic manners, building toward CGC certification, or preparing for therapy or service dog work, we meet you where you are and build from there.

Sessions are one hour, once a week, with time between lessons for you to practice at home. Because half the training is teaching you — not just your dog.

How It Works

Initial consultation — We'll talk about your goals, your dog's history, and what you're struggling with. This helps us build a plan that actually fits your life.
Weekly 1-hour sessions — Your place or ours. Each lesson builds on the last, introducing new skills while reinforcing what your dog already knows.
Homework between sessions — You'll leave every lesson knowing exactly what to practice during the week. Consistency between sessions is where the real progress happens.
Ongoing adjustments — If something isn't clicking, we change the approach. Training should work for your dog, not the other way around.

Training Packages

6 Weeks — Basic Obedience | $500

The foundation every dog needs. This package covers the core skills that make daily life with your dog easier and more enjoyable.

Bonding and attention building
Sit, down, stay
Leash manners
Recall (come when called)
Leave it / drop it
Door manners
Climb (place command)
Free (release command)
Introduction to e-collar/prong collar
Basic behavior modification (jumping, pulling, nipping, counter surfing, potty/crate training)

12 Weeks — Intermediate + CGC Prep | $900

Everything in the 6-week package, plus the skills needed to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen test and build reliable off-leash obedience.

All basic obedience skills (continued and refined)
CGC test preparation (all 10 test items)
Advanced recall
Advanced stay (duration and distance)
Off-leash heeling
Advanced place command
Continued behavior modification

Rebecca is an AKC Evaluator and can administer the official CGC test on-site when your dog is ready.

18 Weeks — Advanced + Specialty Training | $1,800

For owners who want to take training further — into public access, therapy dog preparation, emotional support animal training, or an introduction to service dog work.

All basic and intermediate skills (continued and refined)
Public access training
Introduction to Emotional Support Animal (ESA) training
Introduction to service dog training
Introduction to therapy dog training
Behavior rehabilitation (fears, phobias, anxiety, aggression)

This package is ideal for owners with long-term goals or dogs with more complex needs. It can also serve as a follow-up to a Board & Train for continued support at home.

What to Expect

Week 1 — We assess your dog, set clear goals, and start with foundational skills. You'll see how we train and learn the techniques you'll practice at home.
Weeks 2–4 — Skills start stacking. Your dog builds consistency, and you get more confident handling them. We troubleshoot anything that's not working.
Weeks 5–6 (Basic) — Refinement and real-world application. We proof skills in different environments and make sure everything holds up outside of training sessions.
Weeks 7–12 (Intermediate) — CGC-specific skills, off-leash reliability, and advanced commands. We'll track your dog's progress against the 10 CGC test items so you know exactly where they stand.
Weeks 13–18 (Advanced) — Public access work, specialty training introductions, and behavior rehabilitation for more complex issues. This phase is customized based on your goals.

Not sure which package is right for you? Start with the 6-week and upgrade anytime. Every package builds on the one before it.

Your Place or Ours

Private lessons can happen at our facility in Clinton or at your home. In-home sessions are especially helpful for:

Dogs with territorial or environmental behavior issues
Practicing door manners, crate training, and household routines in the space where they actually happen
Owners who want training to feel natural in their everyday environment
Follow-up sessions after a Board & Train, so skills transfer smoothly to your home

Who Are Private Lessons For?

Dogs of any age, breed, or experience level
Owners who want one-on-one attention and a customized plan
Dogs who aren't a good fit for group classes (reactive, fearful, overstimulated)
Families preparing for CGC, therapy dog, ESA, or service dog certification
Dogs coming home from Board & Train who need continued support
Owners who want to learn how to train — not just have someone else do it

Why Dalmatia BnB?

Tom Rose School graduate — professional, balanced training methods
AKC Evaluator — CGC testing available on-site
Master's degree in psychology — understanding how learning works applies to dogs and people
Adapted for deaf dogs — visual cues, hand signals, and e-collar vibration so every dog can participate
Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR certified — safety is never an afterthought
50+ dogs trained with a 100% behavior modification success rate
Real-world training — we train for your life, not a show ring