Call me at 916-968-3111 for gentle, positive reinforcement (force free), reward-based Dog/Puppy Training (by phone or in-person), Leash Training, Agility Training and Dog Walking in Carmichael, Fair Oaks and the surrounding regions of Sacramento, California.
Dog training by phone is available every day of the week. Same day, emergency, evening and weekend appointments are also available.
Call The Pet Agency for availability at:
Dog Training
Customized, In-person training and guidance to Create and Maintain a Lasting Bond between You and your Dog.
Individualized, force-free, positive reinforcement, non-confrontational, reward-based Dog Training and behavioral consults are available at your home, our training center or other convenient location where you most interact, walk and/or play with your dog.
My training method (for all training categories) and overall approach is founded on evidence-based concepts, such as reward-based behavior modification and environmental enrichment, learned during my Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Human and Canine Life Sciences program (from Bergin University) and through the application of core Fear Free training principles.
Behavioral Issues Assessment/Training
My focus during problem behavior training is to help you understand your dog's behavior, emotions, feelings and needs and equip you and your family with the knowledge, skills, techniques to meet those needs so you can change your dog's adverse emotional responses to external environmental triggers. This multi-faceted training approach will help reduce/eliminate undesirable behaviors and condition desirable behaviors so you can enjoy your pet more.
Each behavioral training engagement is individually customized to you and your dog's unique wants, needs and requirements. Prior to applying any behavioral techniques, I gather a detailed history of your dog's background, behavior issues/triggers, living environment, family interactions and other factors so I can create a unique training plan that will focus on the techniques most likely needed to achieve a successful outcome (such as enriching the environment or a specific behavior technique like desensitization).
To rule out a chemical imbalance or other physical/medical issue/condition with your dog that may be causing the undesirable behaviors, I recommend a full exam be performed by a veterinarian prior to starting any training addressing behavioral issues.
General Dog Handling/Management Training
My general dog training sessions focus on dog handling and management skills such as leash training, elimination training, crate habituation and basic proactive behavior commands (such as sit, wait, come, walk, drop it, leave it, take it and watch me).
Specialized Training Categories
If you would like specific, customized training such as for puppy socialization, agility training, scent work or service/therapy dog training, see below for those services.
Telephone Training
Telephone training appointments are also available. If you would like a phone training appointment, please contact me by telephone or text at 916-968-3111 so I can set up a time that works for both of us. Most phone training appointments last about 30 minutes to an hour.
Puppy Preschool Class/Puppy Training
We provide customized puppy preschool class for puppies 7-12 weeks of age who are up to date on vaccine boosters and who have written health clearance from their veterinarians to attend class.
Puppy preschool is the single most important time to socialize puppies to prevent behavior problems down the road.
Please call me at 916-968-3111 if you would like more information about available puppy training and classes.
Agility Training
I provide relaxed and fun, reward-based agility training where your dog can learn to run a course, around pylons, over jumps, up and down slides and even learn how to swim. Agility training is available on an appointment basis.
Scent Work Training
Scent work training where I can train your dog to identify specific scents is provided on an appointment basis.
Service Dog/Therapy Dog Training
I also provide Service Dog/Therapy Dog training on a customized basis that works around your schedule. Please call me 3 months in advance for details and times at 916-968-3111.
Training Outcomes/Effectiveness
Training duration and effectiveness for all categories of training vary from dog to dog depending on the frequency, intensity and severity of your dog's issues, past history (previous owners, was your dog socialized in the first 8-12 weeks of puppyhood), current physical health status (as verified by a veterinarian exam), general temperament, the commitment and consistency of the dog owner/handler in applying recommended techniques as demonstrated during training sessions.
No one can guarantee a pet's problem behaviors can be fixed, resolved or remain resolved. No amount of training can resolve a dog's behavioral issues caused by ongoing medical problems (such as persistent pain, infections, and/or chemical imbalances).
For highly complex cases with multiple concurrent factors that require a multi-disciplinary, team-based approach, I may recommend the UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Behavioral Service for an evaluation.
Price Ranges
General Commands Training, Leash Training and Specialized Category (Agility, Scent, Service, Puppy) Training ($150 - $190 per hour session).
Behavioral Issues Training ($180-$350 per 1-1.5 hour, in-person session) (prices vary depending on the severity and number of your dog's issues, the number of dogs (pets) involved, as well as the amount of preparation, research, planning and follow-up required to attempt to address/correct problem behaviors). Usually at least two sessions (an evaluation session and a hands on training session) are needed to make improvements in your dogs behavior.
Phone training ($120/hour session)
(in-person prices apply to the Carmichael and Fair Oaks CA regions). Current IRS standard mileage rates apply for any in-person training location more than a few miles beyond the Carmichael and Fair Oaks CA regions.
Training Agreement
Each training engagement needs your approval to a brief training agreement (that includes terms and a liability acknowledgement) prior to starting any training sessions. I will send the agreement electronically by email or text for your review. Inform me if you need a paper version of the agreement so I can print it out for you to read and sign.
About Me - Training / Experience / Education / Certifications
Michelle is a Fear-Free Certified Animal Trainer. The Fear Free certification has equipped me with the capability (as your dog trainer) to work in partnership with veterinary teams to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress and improve a dog's emotional wellbeing during veterinary care and home care.
I provide force-free, reward-based behavioral modification training and handling at all times with your dog. I refrain from using any methods such as direct force, choke chains, prong collars or shock collars that would cause your dog to feel pain or experience fear.
Michelle is also a Certified Puppy Start Right Preschool Instructor which has provided her the skills to help you successfully enjoy your new puppy as it starts out its life with you.
Michelle has a Master of Science (MS) degree in in Human and Canine Life Sciences from Bergin University and has been successfully applying gentle, loving, reward-based dog training as well as dog walking for over 20 years.
Dog Walking / Dog Walking Plus (Walk and Train)
Dog walks are 1/2 hour or 1 hour in length from a client's home and include physical exercise and environmental enrichment (sniff breaks to explore the the environment through the dog's keen sense of smell). These walks are designed to satisfy a dog's innate need to interact with the external environment in a variety of ways so when they come back home to you they are satisfied and tired from the physical and mental workout.
Dog Walking Plus is a walk and train combination where leash training, head collar training and/or other dog walk related training issues (pulling, lunging, barking) are addressed with you while walking your dog.
Price range $60-$120.
Contact me at 916-968-3111 for availability.
Business Information
I and any people who work with me are fully insured (professional general liability insurance).
The Pet Agency's Sacramento County business license is #GNB32016-03145.
To review customer experiences with my services or to provide your own experience, please see my Yelp page or Google Business page.
For any other questions about my services please call or text message me at 916-968-3111.
I am a fully mobile business servicing the Carmichael, CA and Fair Oaks, CA regions and provide training at your preferred location and time.
The Pet Agency
Carmichael, CA 95608
916-968-3111
