What is an Introductory Session?
An Introductory Session is a great way to get familiar with me, my approach to working with people and dogs, ask questions about dogs and their behavior, get ideas on what to get started with right away, and decide if my approach feels right for you and your dog.
This is a discussion based session, meaning we will be going over information in a conversational format and may not be doing hands on work with the dog during the session. Due to it being discussion based, the session can be done virtually (over Zoom or over the phone). If the session is done virtually clients are welcome to send in short (2 minutes or less) video clips of their dogs so I can see what their dog is like. Video clips can be showing any concerning or challenging behavior clients would like to discuss, or every day life clips with the dog (feeding, walking, hanging out, the dogs playing, company coming over, barking out the window, etc.).
In person sessions can be done at my facility outside of Chetek, a neutral location such as a park in Chetek (weather dependent), or in the client's home (travel fee of $1.00/mile for one way applies). Dogs coming into my facility will need to be current on their vaccines (Rabies, Distemper, Bordetella or for young puppies two Distempers plus a week out, Bordetella) and a flea/tick preventative.
There are two main ways to do an Introductory Session: a free Group Introductory Session via Zoom or a One on One Introductory Session for $100.
In a Free Group Introductory Session, I will start the session by going over my approach and how that generally applies to people and their dogs. I will then open up the session for participants to ask questions about their dog's behaviors, how to get started, services, etc.
In a One on One Introductory Session, I will go over my approach, ask questions about the dog(s), people, life with dogs, goals, etc., answer questions, discuss how I would get started with the dog(s) and people.
What we typically go over in an Introductory Session:
- Relationship: role, resources, relevance
- Interactions we share with our dogs and their importance/effect on behavior
- State of Mind, Emotional Regulation
- Fulfilment: mentally, physically, emotionally/familial
- Things we do in sessions, classes
- Things to work on/implement at home right away
- Answer questions about: my approach, how my approach may apply to client, how to get started, etc.
- General concept exploration on topics such as communication, relevance, boundaries, relationship, life with dogs, etc.