We provide individual (one dog and up to four family members) dog training evaluation/consultations upon specific request.
Sometimes the need is due to a dog with aggression issues- resource guarding, barrier defense, dog over-reactivity and/or human over-reactivity- where it may be impractical to be in a group dog training class. Or, if a dog owner needs to focus on specific problem-solving, this may be a good option too. We also have folks who want to start their new puppy or new adult dog in training so they can learn how to begin, and then they join our Basic Obedience/Good Manners group classes when they are ready.
We do our Individual Trainings at the Des Moines Fieldhouse (where we also do our group classes). This one-time, 90-minute private session is $250, which includes discussion and problem-solving, guidance regarding dog behavior and obedience training, dog training equipment discussion and demonstrations, Q and A, and handouts to take home. And of course, we do training with the dog as well- we generally begin with Sit-Stays, Heeling (walking on leash), and Recalls (coming when called), among other basic commands and good manners, such as No Bark, No Bite, No Chew, No Jump.
We will discuss how important it is to be a “Kind, Calm, Confident” pack leader and to have a “Leadership Lifestyle” with the dog and family.
If you are in need of this type of session, please contact me first at SunstarAmericanBulldogs@msn.com – emails are usually best to begin, as sending me the following information (you can copy and paste in an email to me) about your dog and your needs will assist in my being able to develop a specialized program for you and your dog, and to determine the best and most productive route to accomplish your goals:
Please tell me all about your dog- type/breed(s), age, gender, altered, health updates- vaccines, parasite control, etc.- and any health issues. What caused you to choose your dog, how long have you had him/her, what is your dog’s history prior to your getting him/her and where/whom you got your dog from. Also, if you have recently contacted the breeder/rescue/shelter, etc. where you got your dog and asked them about the issues you are having, what they recommend. Please make sure you have recently had a vet exam and that your dog is healthy, or if there are issues, that those are currently being treated (untreated health issues can cause behavior issues.)
If you have had dogs before, please tell me about them too.
Please tell me all about your living situation- family members (who is involved with training and caring for your dog), roommates, relatives, and visitors. Does your dog get along with your other pets if you have them, what type of pets. Your work schedule, home schedule, your dog’s time alone, type of family activities, house set-up, and type of yard- how large, fenced, etc. Where does your dog sleep. Do you use kennel crates, baby gates, exercise pens to confine your dog for short periods, when you are home and when you are gone. Does your dog ride in your vehicle successfully.
Please tell me how your dog spends his/her time- feeding schedule and type of food and treats, playtime and training schedule, types of toys you use. Also, schedule of walks out and about- how long and how far, and can you walk with your dog by your side on a loose leash. Does your dog come immediately to you when called. Does your dog play with other dogs at home, in the neighborhood, or at off-leash dog parks, and do you use a dog walker service, dog sitter, doggy daycare, etc.
Please tell me what issues caused you to reach out to me today- describe each issue and how long it has been going on, is it increasing, what training and tactics have you tried, what type of training equipment- collar, harness, leash, treats, bitter spray, etc.- do you use. Has your dog had basic obedience and good manners classes, and/or other types of training, and if so, when and where and with whom, and how did you and your dog do at the time, and since.
Please also provide the following contact info, if applicable: your veterinarian, doggy daycare/dog walker/dog sitter, boarding kennel, groomer, breeder/shelter/rescue group, dog trainer, and any others.
Once I receive the above info from you, I can reply via email and then we can talk about how we can develop a specialized training program for you and your dog.
We can also discuss scheduling a date/time that works for everyone once I consult with Fieldhouse staff, as we do need to work around other community programs and classes in the building. After that, you may register with them www.desmoineswa.gov 206 870 6527 once everything is confirmed.
Please know that in this private session, I will provide you and your family with the guidance and tools you will need to deal with your dog in a productive, efficient, humane manner. However, the success of this training will depend upon YOU (and your family) following the guidance given, and maintaining the proper environment for the lifetime of your dog! There is no corner-cutting or quick-fix, especially with aggression issues- as we say, dog training class should really be called dog owner training class…the success will rest on your shoulders.
Thank You, I look forward to hearing from you!
Jan Magnuson
SUNSTAR All-Breed Dog Training