You already love your dog. Let's make it easier to live with them too.

Manners Training

Life with an active dog isn't all sunshine and rainbows.

If your dog has boundless energy, big opinions on everything, or is a bit too smart for their own good, then you’re in the right place.

We get how draining it can be to love a dog who’s “a lot.”

We also know how delightful your dog can become when they’re understood, taught the right skills, and given the right outlets.

Let's create a life you both can enjoy.

Maybe you’re ready to actually enjoy beachside strolls with your dog or a chill pup by your side on the patio.

Or maybe you’ve brought a boisterous new rescue pup into your life, and you’d like to set some positive ground rules in a way that builds your bond together.

Either way, we’ve got you. We’ll help you see how brilliant your dog actually is underneath all the chaos.

Get clear guidance from a certified trainer

Scattered advice from the internet only goes so far, and haphazard training rarely sticks when your dog actually needs it.

Getting your dog to listen, especially in real life-scenarios, takes a personalized approach. We’ll help you find the missing pieces that could be holding you back from your dream life with your dog. 

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We're a good fit if...

If you want your dog to behave better, but you also want them to live a happy, fulfilled life, you’re exactly who we’re here for.

We do our best work with owners who are genuinely invested in their dog’s wellbeing, beyond just “fixing” a behavior in the moment. (If someone promises a quick fix in dog training, it’s usually to good too be true!)

Our training is built on positive reinforcement, which means your dog learns through fun and success rather than fear or force. It’s better for your dog, better for your relationship, and it really works.

We're On Your Team, Even Between Sessions

Rather than see-you-and-leave-you, our programs are designed to keep you moving forward with a unique level of trainer support.

Jumpstart Packages

Your trainer works directly with your dog multiple times a week to jumpstart your dog's learning. Your dog makes progress even if you can't train everyday.

Trainer Chats

Bonus reservable 15 remote sessions included in each package. Whether you've hit a sticking point with your dog, or just need a trainer's ear, we're there.

Shared Training Log

Check in with your trainer through a shared Training Log. Get clear next steps, an accountability partner, and quick troubleshooting help when you need it.

Post-Grad Packages

We're invested in your long-term success. Lighter-touch support options after your core package is complete help you carry your new skills into the future.

Give yourself a headstart

Ready for some serious support?

Our Jumpstart programs pair you with a certified trainer who works directly with your dog, so you can step in to a better-behaved pup and the joyful relationship you’ve been waiting for.

Every Package Includes:

Custom Training Plan

Every client gets a plan built around their dog specifically. We'll tailor a plan for your goals and how your dog learns best.

Resources & Handouts

Additional resources, insights, and how-to's that are most relevant to you and your dog

Shared Training Log

Easy communication with your trainer for quick feedback, next steps, and progress updates. No waiting a week to find out if you and your dog are on the right track.

Trainer Chats

Weekly mini-sessions reservable through Zoom. Get unstuck, get clarity, and keep moving forward between appointments.

Access to Follow-Up Packages

Graduates have access to continuing packages and our Post-Grad Support membership to keep progress going long after your package ends.

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"We had decided to train our rescue dog with Mara and we had an amazing experience with her! ...She has helped us not only train our dog better but understand our dog and make progress for life."
Ashley and James, Hana's Parents

Private Manners Training

Start Right Session

All new clients begin with a 1-hour Start Right Session, at your home or virtually. We’ll get to know each other and discuss your dog’s behavior in-depth.

You’ll leave with:

  • Personalized management and enrichment plans for immediate relief and well-being
  • A fuller understanding of your dog’s behaviors
  • An overview of the most effective training approach to address your dog’s behaviors
  • Clarity on which package best suits your goals
Investment: $180

Note: A free Intro call is available before booking a Start Right Session. Chat with a trainer to learn if we’re a good fit, no commitment required.

Coaching

Train your dog with a certified trainer in your corner
Best for:

Owners ready to be their dog’s primary trainer with expert guidance along the way.

How training happens:

Meet with your trainer for weekly train-together sessions, at home or around town.

The real magic of behavior change happens as you practice together with your dog during each week.

While you practice between sessions, keep in touch with your trainer through your shared Training Log and bonus Trainer Chats (check-in calls).

What’s Included:

  • 4 or 8 Weekly Coaching Sessions

And:

  • A personalizsed training plan and relevant resources
  • Two ways to ask questions, get next steps, or have training videos reviewed:
    • Shared Training Log with your trainer
    • Weekly Trainer Chats, reserveable 15-minute mini coaching sessions via Zoom to keep momentum going between sessions
  • Access to Post-Grad success packages after completion
4 Weeks: $660
8 Weeks: $1280

Jumpstart

Your trainer jumpstarts your dog's listening skills
Best for:

Owners who love the idea of a behavior expert stepping in to do the heavy lifting and making sure every week of training counts.

How training happens:

Your trainer puts in training “reps” with your dog to help make sure training gets done and to accelerate progress.

While you’re busy at work (or just living life), your trainer works directly with your dog three times a week, practicing new skills. 

As your dog masters each new behavior, you’ll learn how to take the reins during weekly Transfer Sessions.

We’ll meet with you throughout training, not just a handoff at the end, so you and your dog learn how to work effectively together as a team.

What’s Included:
  • 9 Jumpstart Sessions for your dog (3 days/week for three weeks)
  • 3 Transfer Sessions with you and your dog (1 day/week for three weeks)
  • 2 Follow-Up Sessions to ensure your dog’s skills transfer over to you and are maintained (1 day/week for two weeks)

And:

  • A personalized training plan and relevant resources
  • Report Card Log to follow along with your dog’s learning
  • Weekly Trainer Chats, reserveable 15-minute mini coaching sessions via Zoom to keep momentum going between sessions
  • Access to Post-Grad success packages after completion
Investment: $1820
(or $910/month for 2 months)

How Training Works:

1. Free Intro Call

Every client starts with a schedule a free 30-minute phone call with our trainer. Tell us about your dog, explore services, and learn if we’re a good fit.

2. Start Right Session

Next, we’ll plan your Start Right Session – an in-home or virtual assessment to meet you and your dog, review their behavior history, and build an action plan. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding both of your dog and the best next steps.

3. Get Training!

From here, you’re ready to embark on your training journey! You’ll start a package, learning skills for better behavior and a more joyful partnership. Post-Grad success packages are available after training to ensure long-term success.

Manners & Dog Obedience Training

Frequently Asked Questions

We often help with household manners and obedience such as:

  • cues like sit, come, and settle that your dog actually listens to
  • polite behavior like not jumping on you or guests
  • impulse control like waiting at the door or walking nicely on leash
  • reducing chewing or other destructive behavior
  • helping your restless dog actually relax
  • learning positive ways to communicate with your new rescue pup

 

If your dog already knows the basics, then the real fun beings! We’ll help take their skills on the road for:

  • peaceful cafe visits or brewery visits with your dog by your side
  • a dog who comes running when you call them, even at the park
  • a dog who chooses to engage with you over distractions
  • connection with you and focus in busy environments
  • trail skills for enjoyable hikes together

 

We also help with training specifically for puppies, and behavior issues like leash reactivity. If you have other training goals, let us know during your Intro Call.

We also offer support for dogs showing fear, anxiety, and aggression. However, these dogs need more than just to learn sit and stay. They need a thoughtfully-crafted plan than treats the underlying motivation and helps them to feel safer in the world. 

We accept behavior cases on a case-by-case basis. Let’s discuss your dog’s case – Schedule a free Intro Call to talk directly with a behavior consultant.

If your dog mainly barks or lunges on leash walks, learn more on our Leash Reactivity page

We work with dogs of all breeds, ages, and personalities – but we have a knack for bridging the gap between you and your workaholic or “high-drive” dog. If your companion has working dog DNA but nowhere to put it, we get it. Everyday life feels like a real challenge. We’ll help you understand your dog’s unique needs and put their intense motivation and energy to work for both of you.

A few basic behaviors on board can make living with your new dog so much more enjoyable. At your Start Right Session, we’ll give advice tailored to your dog, but here are some of our favorite behaviors for promoting calm and connection with your new dog:

  • Down stay and “Go to bed” cue
  • Attention or engagement games, both at home and in public
  • Basic leash walking skills and proper walking gear
  • A reliable recall
  • Addressing unwanted habits like jumping, chewing, nipping, or housetraining challenges
  • Crate and alone training
  • Exercise and enrichment games to meet your pup’s needs and help them truly settle
  • Empowering your dog through K9 Nose Work sniffing games

If your dog has been practicing one way of doing things for a while, it might take longer to change their mind than if we were starting fresh. But progress is almost always still possible. And the sooner we start forming the new habit, the better!

We emphasize positive reinforcement when teaching both dogs and people. We find the best progress happens when dogs are made to feel safe, their needs fulfilled, and learning is made fun. 

You can learn more about the JoyDog training methods on our About page

Ready for a joyful connection with your dog?

Let's talk about how we can make better manners a reality for your pup.