See Spot Sit, LLC

Unfortunately, due to a large backlog of current cases and the long wait times clients experience to schedule lessons, I am not accepting any new private clients at this time. Please contact me for a referral.

See Spot Sit, LLC, offers private instruction for basic household obedience and manners training. Most typical dog behaviors (such as chewing, barking, jumping up on people, etc.) can also be addressed during the course of private training, although some problems (depending on severity) will benefit from a focused behavior counseling program. We are also able to provide specialized training for tasks such as competition obedience, agility, preparation for therapy dog work, or personal assistance. Whether you just want to teach your dog to sit on command or retrieve the laundry from the dryer, we can help you! We welcome clients (and dogs!) with disabilities. Some (limited) ASL is spoken.

See Spot Sit, LLC, does not offer any type of "protection" training and will never train a dog for this purpose.

What are the advantages of private lessons vs. a group class?

• Content. A group class will typically have a set curriculum which tries to address the typical needs of a broad population of owners and dogs. Private lessons are tailored to your specific needs and desires. The first thing that we do in setting up a private training program is make a list of your goals and objectives for your dog.
• Individual attention. In private lessons, you have the undivided attention of the instructor.
• Pace. Private lessons proceed at your own pace. Like people, dogs do not all learn at the same rate. Frustration frequently arises in group classes when you and your dog have not yet mastered a skill, but the class has to move on to the next exercise. Students often feel that their dogs are "stupid" or that they can't learn, when what they really need is more time, some individual help, or possibly even a different technique.
• Environment. Group classes are not the place for aggressive dogs, and may not be a constructive learning experience for shy, fearful, or poorly socialized dogs. While it certainly is desirable to teach your dog to pay attention and respond to you in the presence of other dogs, your dog may need more gradual exposure than suddenly being thrust into a room with several other dogs. Other-dog distractions and remedial socialization can be provided in private lessons.
• Convenience. Private lessons can be scheduled at your convenience, rather than on a fixed day and time which may not mesh with your work and family schedules. For example, some people find that they need more time to master each lesson, and prefer to meet every few weeks rather than every week.

Where are private lessons held?

In general, private lessons are held at our premises. Instruction for basic obedience and most normal household situations (staying off of furniture, leaving food alone, etc.) can easily be accomplished here and reinforced at home. In special cases, a home visit can be arranged. Please note, however, that there is an additional charge for a home visit and the wait time for a home visit can be 6 weeks or more.

How much do private lessons cost?

The rate for private lessons for 2008 is $75 per hour. Packages of four lessons can be purchased for $250; however, there is no refund for lessons sold as a package, and the lessons must be completed within six months or they will be forfeited. Cancellation of a scheduled lesson must be made 24 hrs. in advance to avoid being charged for the lesson.

Will you keep my dog and train it for me?

No. For most people and most situations, this option makes very little sense. If you and your family do not learn the requisite skills, any progress your dog makes on training or behavior issues while away will quickly be lost. Particularly for behavior issues, the learning is not likely to transfer. For example, although your dog will soon learn to stay off the couch while here, if he has been accustomed to getting on your couch whenever he feels like it at home, he will almost certainly hop right back on your couch when he returns home. Training is a gradual process which depends on consistency, repetition, and incremental improvement. No one can make your dog into Lassie in a week, or even a few weeks. You must learn the skills needed to shape your dog's behavior, and be prepared to apply them yourself.

©2002-2008, See Spot Sit, LLC
rev. 13 Jan. 2008