Science-based, empathy driven
Dog training doesn't have to be confusing. In fact, Darcy has it down to a science. We teach dogs and their people using evidence-based, empathetic methods, not only teaching the how, but also the why. Let Darcy help you reach your goals, whether you are looking to tackle manners, build confidence in your reactive dog, or pursue advanced titles.
Behavior experience
Training skill set
What to expect
Consultation
In a typical intake, we will discuss the "how did we get to this point?" without shame. I will want to know how your dog came into your life, her medical and social history, and both of your training backgrounds. But because I respect that a massive barrier to high quality training is budget, our intake is my ONLY flat-rate session. All subsequent sessions are kept to the scheduled hour for that reason. I want you to feel seen and heard, because living with and loving a reactive or aggressive dog can be challenging. Your unique challenges are my puzzle to solve with you.
Sessions
After our intake, a typical session will start with unpacking your wins and struggles, and then we will dive into new skills, and then we role play how to handle hurdles you might face in your upcoming week. Do you have dinner guests coming over? I might practice ringing your doorbell 10 times while we practice calm door greetings with your dog for the session. I also provide a visit summary. This is a written email with bullet points notes on what we have worked on, anything I recommended you buy to support your training, or any other details we agreed would be relevant to our work together.
More info
I believe no matter the breed, no matter the problem, training can be accomplished without a heavy hand. This mean I will never resort to using pinch collars, prong collars, or shock collars to punish your dog. Not only are those methods harmful, they actually can prevent effective, long term learning! I align my practice with the AVSAB position statement on humane dog training: "There is no evidence that aversive training is necessary for dog training or behavior modification".
Services
Consultations
Sessions
Availability
Currently available for afternoons and evenings, and flexible to work within your schedule. Dog training can, and should be easy to fit into bite-size pieces, around a busy life.
Days available to train
What to expect
Consultation
In a typical intake, we will discuss the "how did we get to this point?" without shame. I will want to know how your dog came into your life, her medical and social history, and both of your training backgrounds. But because I respect that a massive barrier to high quality training is budget, our intake is my ONLY flat-rate session. All subsequent sessions are kept to the scheduled hour for that reason. I want you to feel seen and heard, because living with and loving a reactive or aggressive dog can be challenging. Your unique challenges are my puzzle to solve with you.
Sessions
After our intake, a typical session will start with unpacking your wins and struggles, and then we will dive into new skills, and then we role play how to handle hurdles you might face in your upcoming week. Do you have dinner guests coming over? I might practice ringing your doorbell 10 times while we practice calm door greetings with your dog for the session. I also provide a visit summary. This is a written email with bullet points notes on what we have worked on, anything I recommended you buy to support your training, or any other details we agreed would be relevant to our work together.
More info
I believe no matter the breed, no matter the problem, training can be accomplished without a heavy hand. This mean I will never resort to using pinch collars, prong collars, or shock collars to punish your dog. Not only are those methods harmful, they actually can prevent effective, long term learning! I align my practice with the AVSAB position statement on humane dog training: "There is no evidence that aversive training is necessary for dog training or behavior modification".
Darcy B.
Darcy B.
Madison, WI