Questions
Everything people ask before they call.
If yours isn't here, the call is free and Phillip answers it himself.
Money
What does it cost?
The phone consult is free. The Initial Assessment Visit is $125 for 45 minutes (free if you adopted in the last six months). Private lessons are $175 for 75 minutes. Community Outings are free for clients. Everything is per session; nothing is prepaid.
Are there packages?
Not right now. If one is added it will be published on the pricing page with the same plain numbers. You'll never be asked to buy one on the phone.
Is there a travel charge?
Not within Mooresville, Statesville, Davidson, Cornelius and Huntersville. Slightly outside? Ask; Phillip will tell you before you book.
Method
What kind of training is it?
Fear-free, reward-based training tailored to the dog. Health and stress level first, then food, play and clear communication, built around what your dog can do today. Phillip talks you through what a session looks like on the call so there are no surprises when he arrives.
Do you use prong or shock collars?
Ask Phillip on the call and he'll tell you exactly what equipment he'd suggest for your dog and why, before he comes out. Nothing goes on your dog without you understanding it and agreeing to it.
Why do you keep asking about my vet?
Because pain, thyroid, gut trouble, ear infections and some medications can look exactly like a behavior problem. Phillip isn't a vet. He asks the questions, and when the honest answer is 'see your vet first', that's the plan.
Do you take dogs with a bite history?
Tell Phillip the details on the first call. He'll say honestly whether it's a case he takes, whether a vet or veterinary behaviourist should be involved, and what safety measures he'd want first. The intake form asks the same question, and answering it doesn't disqualify you.
Logistics
Do you come to my house?
Yes. Every session is in your home or at the place the behavior happens. There is no facility.
Where do you cover?
Mooresville (home base), Statesville, Davidson, Cornelius and Huntersville. Nearby towns on request.
How soon can you come out?
Usually within a week or two of the call, depending on the season. Urgent situations (a new bite, a dog that's about to be returned) get moved up where possible; say so on the call.
What do I need for the first visit?
Vet and vaccination records uploaded via the intake form, the equipment you currently use, a hungry dog and some food it likes. Don't tidy the behavior up before he arrives.
Can my kids or partner join?
Please. Anyone who lives with or walks the dog should be in the session.
Adopters
How does the free adopter assessment work?
Adopted from a shelter, rescue or foster organization in the last six months? Book the call, upload proof of the adoption date via the intake form, and the 45-minute assessment visit costs nothing. Same visit everyone else pays $125 for.
What proof do you need?
Adoption contract, shelter receipt, rescue agreement or an email from the organization with the dog's name and date. A photo of it is fine.
What we don't do
Board-and-train?
No. Your dog stays home and you learn alongside it. The hard part of most behavior problems is you and your dog at your front door, and that can't be trained in someone else's kennel.
Group classes, day training, virtual sessions?
No, no and no. One format: private, in person, where the dog lives.
Boarding or day care?
No. Phillip's happy to suggest local places if you ask.
Next step
Start with a free 15-minute call.
Tell Phillip about your dog. He'll tell you honestly whether in-home training is the right next step, and what it would cost. No pitch, no pressure.
Adopted in the last 6 months? Your assessment visit is free. How it works.