Training and behavior Services
do you feel overwhelmed and out of your depth with training? does your dog do things that confuse you? Are you brand new to dog ownership and need guidance?
The dog training field is unregulated and riddled with conflicting, murky advice. It can be hard to know where to turn when you and your dog are facing challenges, or simply trying to start your life together on the right foot. I am Morgan Jenkins, an experienced and qualified professional who has been working with dogs for the past 15 years. I am a licensed Family Paws Parent Educator with a passion for dog and baby/child safety. I am dedicated to helping humans and their dogs move toward a happier and healthier relationship. My approach will be tailored to you and your dog but will always be informed by the current best practices according to behavioral science. This means using methods and techniques that build trust, promote learning, increase confidence in dogs and handlers and most importantly, produce results. I am committed to lifelong continuing education, ensuring that I bring the most up to date information to the work I do with you.
What does training with me look like?
My goal is to help you to enrich your relationship with your dog by enhancing your understanding of how dogs think and learn, and by prioritizing their overall wellbeing. Together we can evaluate and attain your training goals through a compassionate and science-informed positive reinforcement approach. While working together I’ll explain the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of our training so that you feel empowered to practice even when you’re on your own and you’ll develop the skills to maintain new behaviors going forward. You will gain the knowledge you need to meet your dog’s needs and nurture your relationship sustainably. By taking a “big picture” approach to your dog’s wellbeing and behavior we can improve not only his quality of life, but yours too!
While navigating unwanted behaviors can present challenges, it is important to me that the training journey we embark on together feels good for you and your dog. I strive to set my students up to succeed and grow rather than looking for ways to penalize them for their mistakes. For this reason, I don’t train with punishing equipment (prong collars, choke collars, electronic collars, slips leads etc) or use harsh corrections. Punishment such as this is not necessary for learning and can actually slow down progress by creating stress for your dog and undermining the foundation of trust and cooperation we work so hard to build. For more insight on my punishment-free stance, you can view the position statement of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior here. We will use food rewards, praise and play (as well as anything else your dog loves) to reinforce your dog and build strong new behaviors you’ll rely on for years to come. I take it as a strong endorsement that my canine clients are always ecstatic to see me- that’s the way it should be!
Our time together can be customized to your needs, but training packages typically consist of in-person sessions supplemented with virtual support. During our sessions I prioritize demonstration of the training concepts as well as practice time for you so that we can refine things like timing and technique in real time. Virtual support is available between sessions, whether that’s via email, call or text. I have additional information to share in the forms of write ups and videos on the concepts we’ll be working on and am always expanding my library of resources. I encourage all of my clients to reach out to me if they have questions or hit a roadblock so we can work through it together. Everyone learns differently and I’m here to support you and your dog on your training journey!
What can you help me with?
I can help you to build new behaviors, reduce unwanted ones and improve your daily experience with your dog. Many behaviors can be modified or adjusted with simple changes to the home or routine. Together we can evaluate your dog’s daily life and identify areas that need to be addressed in order to make everyone’s life a little more peaceful.
New puppy support
Leash manners
Leash reactivity
Basic obedience cues
Reducing unwanted behaviors
Recall (both to name and to an emergency recall cue)
Confidence building in shy or nervous dogs
Enrichment consultations
Decompression walk demonstration
At this time, I do not take separation anxiety or aggression cases. If your case falls outside my area of expertise, I will happily refer you to a colleague if I know of one who would be a good fit.
training services
free 15 minute discovery call
This is a preliminary discussion that allows us to get to know one another but does not include a training plan or specific training advice
1 hour training consultation (zoom) $90 / (in person) $100
package of 4 sessions $400
4 in-person training sessions
Personalized training plan and post-session summary notes
Virtual check ins between sessions via email or text
Ideal for basic skills that can be built over a few sessions or for skill maintenance
Includes one 30 minute zoom session to be used as an SOS between sessions, or for assistance once package has been completed. (Must be used within 3 months of final session, cannot be used for new behavioral concerns)
package of 6 sessions $600
6 in-person training sessions
Personalized training plan and post-session summary notes
Virtual check ins between sessions via email or text
Ideal for building more advanced behaviors, puppy support, addressing multiple issues, etc
Includes two 30 minute zoom session to be used as an SOS between sessions, or for assistance once package has been completed. (Must be used within 3 months of final session, cannot be used for new behavioral concerns)
drop in day training starting from $80/session
A 1 hour session where I work on skills with your dog in a 1-on-1 capacity during the work day
Ideal for building behaviors more quickly in conjunction with a training plan, maintaining existing skills, counterconditioning and desensitization sessions
Can include neighborhood outings or trips to practice skills in specific environments
Subject to availability, must have completed a consultation or be an existing client to book
monthly memberships available, inquire for pricing
Includes a higher degree of contact and support between sessions and unlimited video review
Allows you to build the ideal customized package to meet your and your dog’s needs
