My Philosophy on Dog Training
Every dog is different! My goal is to approach each individual dogs’ needs, assess where the dog is mentally and emotionally, their relationship with their owner, their drive and motivation, and the owner’s goals. I love building confidence in dogs and learning individually what makes them tick. My approach is to teach foundational communicational skills with the dog and owner with the least aversive methods possible first. I want to make sure both dog and owner understand what is being taught and why. Forming a solid foundation is so important! From there, proofing and refining these behaviors help solidify what is taught and create a stable, reliable dog. Initially, I establish a language with the dog through classical and operant conditioning. “Paint a correct picture” each and every time. Consistency is key! My desire is to give each dog the tools to understand and live peacefully in the world around them, building confidence and engagement with their owner, and the ability for the dog to think, process, and respond in a healthy way.
“Should I do Private Lessons or Board & Train?”
The specific needs of your dog may dictate which option would best serve their training goals. To understand the difference between the two services, here’s a comparison of what to expect.
Private Lessons
$400 / 5 sessions
I offer one-on-one hourly lessons with you and your dog to troubleshoot specific issues and to teach you, the owner, how to handle and raise your dog in the context of your family setting. I recommend an initial set of 5 weekly lessons to help educate you on how to work with your dog and problem solve in your unique setting. This is a great option for new puppy owners or those who have recently adopted a dog and want to be hands-on with implementing training techniques. Contact me to schedule a consult!
Basic Obedience Boot Camp
$1,000 for a 2-week board-and-train. FREE consult prior to booking!
Great for young dogs and dogs new to training! I’ll start off with an initial, in-home consult to meet your family and your dog. The initial consult session is free and will be a slower-paced observation time for myself as I watch the dog and your relationship in your home environment, talk with you about your needs, and ask questions. This initial session is important to set the stage for a future curriculum.
For any new board and train, I recommend a minimum of 2 weeks (14 days) to establish a solid obedience foundation. The length of training required, and what can be accomplished, depends in part on the dog’s unique needs and prior experience and capacity to learn. In most cases, 14 days of training is not adequate to ensure higher level obedience such as off-leash reliability; the owner will be required to do follow up training to reach that goal. I offer a free go-home lesson and one free follow-up lesson after the 2-week board-and-train to teach the owner what the dog has learned and make sure the transition goes smoothly.
This option is NOT recommended for dogs with fear issues or complex social behavior issues who require more patience and time to train.
Advanced Board & Train
$5,000 for 1 month of training. FREE consult prior to booking!
This is a great option for refining reliable obedience in any circumstance, teaching more advanced skills such as off-lead reliability, working through leash reactivity, behaviors in the house, crate training, environmental anxiety, and other specific issues your dog may be exhibiting. This service comes with free follow-up training for the lifetime of the dog. I currently do not offer rehabilitation for truly aggressive dogs (having harmed a human or other animal).
Day Training
$75/day (drop-off before 8am)
For clients who have completed either 5 private lessons or a board-and-train. Drop off your dog at my home while you’re at work and I will keep up your dog’s training throughout the day. Training outings possible depending on where the dog is in its progress and training needs.
Training Phone Consults
$15/15 minutes. For established training clients only.
For clients who have completed either 5 private lessons or a board-and-train. Need a quick consult or instant feedback on a training issue? I can voice or video call over the phone with you, the owner, to work out issues you may be experiencing with your dog in real time. This is a great resource to troubleshoot what you’re working on, ask for advice, or get feedback on training. This wouldn’t be recommended to troubleshooting more serious issues that would require extensive hands-on or in-person education. Book in 15 minute increments at $15/15 minutes.
Testimonials
I can’t tell you how much we appreciate your work with Zeeboi! You literally saved his life by getting him out of here and giving him some life skills.
Michaela is LITERALLY the reason we have our awesome dog, Zeke. He came to her as a foster from KHS with lots of anxiety and behavioral concerns. We met Zeke after he had been training with her for a few weeks and he was already a very different dog than had been described to us. She was able to address his particular issues with compassion, care, and patience, and we are the lucky beneficiaries of her hard work.
Pepper loved boot camp. She has learned so much. Amazing! Love Dirigo. Can’t praise enough the progress Pepper has made. Michaela is fantastic so patient so consistent so dedicated. Pepper loved her. We do also. Thank you Michaela!
Nalley loves his accommodations at Dirigo when I travel. I know he’s safe, will be loved and well taken care of. Michaela is a pro with all under her care. Before we get to the driveway, as soon as we pull on her street, he starts getting excited and when he gets out of the car he can’t wait to get to the door and see her. It’s his home away from home.
Michaela does a great job working with all breeds of dogs. She most recently helped me out with dog walking services while I traveled. She was easy to communicate with, prompt, and followed all instructions. Plus, my pups love her!
I most certainly do recommend Michaela/Dirigo!!!!! When we couldn’t take our Carta to her, when we had to find sec choice, we dropped her off & I cried, I’d never cry with Michaela! She’s absolutely amazing in so many ways – love, patience, knowledge, experience & more whether boarding, training, or grooming!! She’s one of our big baby’s best friends!!!!
I highly recommend Dirigo Training and Boarding, I used them for training during my first year with my Airedale Terrier puppy and it has made THE WORLD of difference. She now listens, she’s obedient, she’s calm, she’s responsive, she is a pure angel. It is so worth it. I now feel comfortable taking my Airedale anywhere and she is an absolute delight. Same cute personality, just better behaved. I also have used Dirigo multiple times for boarding and she always comes back safe and happy. I trust Dirigo whole heartedly with my pet.
My doggos, Gracie and Holly, absolutely love boarding with Michaela at Dirigo Training & Boarding! They get plenty of exercise outside in their big play area and lots of loving and treats! We will always board there! Thank you for taking such good care of my babies!
I’m so thankful and blessed you helped me and Barkley. You have a special talent and I’m very grateful for your help.
