WELCOME TO DOG'S CHOICE

Where Understanding Meets Transformation

We help dog parents understand behavior and build the right support system — integrating training, enrichment, care partners, and daily routines to create calmer homes and more confident dogs.

Current Availability Update

Dog’s Choice is currently operating with limited weekly appointment availability to maintain high-quality support for existing clients.

At this time, I’m not accepting new training cases, but returning clients and active cases are fully supported.
Please contact me directly for scheduling.

Mahalo for your understanding and for being part of the Dog’s Choice community.

How My Approach Works

1. It Takes a Village

One trainer alone cannot meet all of a dog’s needs — especially dogs who are fearful, anxious, or high-arousal.
We build a coordinated support system together: enrichment, training, decompression, care partners, structure, rest, medical considerations, and beyond.

2. DIY + Trainer + Care Team = Sustainable Success

Change sticks when:

  • you understand your dog
  • I support the process
  • the environment and routines support the dog
  • additional care partners reinforce the lifestyle

You’ll never be left wondering what to do next.

3. Done-for-You Training Is a Component — Not a Standalone

You can absolutely have me work directly with your dog — but those sessions only “take” when paired with:

  • your involvement
  • enrichment
  • lifestyle structure
  • transfer sessions
  • and a coordinated village

Leash skills, emotional regulation, and reactivity cannot be outsourced.

4. You Get a Strategic Guide — Not a One-Off Trainer

I help you navigate real life with your dog — behavior, routines, stress, enrichment, walks, social time, management, and your own emotional experience.

We build your plan together.
We implement together.
We adjust together.

Why Dog Parents Choose Dog's Choice

1. Every dog and every family is unique.

There is no “one-size-fits-all.” There is only one your dog, one you, and one relationship between you.

2. It takes a village.

Your dog deserves a coordinated support system — daycare, enrichment, safe social time, walks, training, mental stimulation, rest, and compassionate human guidance.

3. Behavior change is a journey.

Progress takes time, consistency, and compassion — not pressure, quick fixes, or intimidation.

4. Science matters.

We use fear-free, enrichment-based, reward-driven methods backed by modern behavioral science.

5. You deserve support too.

We help you understand your dog, reduce overwhelm, and feel confident in what to do next.

 

 

How It Works

TIER 1: Schedule a Behavior & Lifestyle Consultation (Required for All New Clients)

Before starting any training or enrichment program, we begin with a 60-minute virtual consultation. This session helps me learn your dog’s story — medical history, daily routines, family dynamics, environment, and behavioral challenges — so I can tailor support that truly fits.

You’ll leave with immediate strategies for creating calm at home and a clear recommendation for your next step (Day Training, Enrichment Walks, Remote Coaching, or a blended plan).

Includes:

  • Pre-consult questionnaire
  • 60-minute assessment & coaching
  • Follow-up summary + recommendations

TIER 2: Implementation Support Options

A customized blend of support based on your consultation and lifestyle plan.

  • Enrichment Walks — decompression + confidence-building + leash skill practice

  • Remote Coaching — highly effective for behavior change and communication

  • You-Do, I-Teach — I coach you as you learn new skills with your dog

  • Integrated Care Team Building — daycare, walkers, sitters, vet team, and more

Done-for-You Training (as part of a plan) — I work with your dog while you take a break, run errands, or catch up on work

TIER 3: Ongoing Support

Weekly check-ins via email, text, or video call to troubleshoot sticky areas, celebrate wins, and keep you moving forward.

 

Results You Can Expect

  • More calm
  • More clarity
  • More confidence
  • Less overwhelm
  • Fewer unwanted behaviors
  • A strong, coordinated support system
  • A dog who feels safer, understood, and able to thrive
SCHEDULE YOUR BEHAVIOR & LIFESTYLE CONSULTATION
REMOTE TRAINING

Why Choose Remote Dog Training?

FLEXIBLE. CONVENIENT. EFFECTIVE.

Life is busy, and juggling responsibilities while trying to train your dog can feel impossible. That’s why we bring expert training directly to you—wherever you are. No traffic, no stress, no added overwhelm.

WITH REMOTE TRAINING, YOU'LL ENJOY:

Personalized Plans

Every dog is unique, and so is your training plan. We tailor every session to meet your needs and goals.

Expert Guidance Anywhere

Whether you're at home, at a park, or on vacation, you’ll have access to professional advice when you need it.

Confidence from the Start

You’ll gain practical skills to tackle challenges while strengthening trust and connection with your dog.

Mutual Aid Fund: Supporting Every Dog Parent

At Dog’s Choice, we believe every dog—and every dog parent—deserves access to compassionate, effective training, regardless of financial circumstances. Our Mutual Aid Fund is a community-driven resource designed to help bridge financial gaps so you can receive the support you need.

OUR MISSION

Our Mutual Aid Fund is built on the principles of shared responsibility and community care. When you're able, you can contribute a little extra to help another dog parent access our services. This collaborative model allows us to create an inclusive space where every member of our community can grow and thrive.

HOW IT WORKS
  • For Clients:
    When booking our services, you’ll notice a few extra questions at the end of our history form. These questions help you share if you’re facing any financial challenges so that we can understand your situation. Based on your responses, our Mutual Aid Fund may step in to assist—covering part or all of your fees—ensuring you can access the training you need.

  • For Supporters:
    If you're in a position to contribute, we invite you to support our community by making a voluntary donation through our dedicated Donorbox page. Your generosity empowers more dog parents to receive the help they need, creating a cycle of shared care and empowerment.

Your extra contributions help create a cycle of support within our community, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to move from reactive to calm and confident.

OUR COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY
  • Separate Account: All contributions to our Mutual Aid Fund are collected through our dedicated Donorbox page and managed in a separate account from our primary business funds. This ensures complete transparency and that every donation is allocated solely to support those in need.
  • Clear Allocation: Funds are allocated exclusively to assist clients in need. As our program evolves, we look forward to sharing highlights and anonymous success stories that illustrate its impact.
  • Confidentiality Assured: All requests for assistance are handled discreetly to ensure your privacy and dignity.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT

Our Mutual Aid Fund is more than a financial resource—it's a commitment to building a community where every dog parent feels seen, supported, and empowered. Whether you're contributing or receiving, you're playing an essential role in creating a space where we all can grow.

If you have any questions about the Mutual Aid Fund or need help with your application, please reach out to me at rachael@dogschoice.com. Together, we can ensure that every dog parent has the chance to experience a more calm and confident life with their canine companion.

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Your Journey Starts Here

You deserve to feel confident in your abilities as a dog parent, and your dog deserves to feel safe, understood, and connected. And you deserve a training solution that fits seamlessly into your life.
Let’s work together to turn frustration into trust and create a bond that lasts a lifetime.

SCHEDULE YOUR BEHAVIOR & LIFESTYLE CONSULTATION

Frequently Asked Questions

1. HOW DOES REMOTE TRAINING WORK?

Remote dog training sessions are conducted via video conferencing using Zoom. During these live, interactive sessions, I will guide you step-by-step as you train your dog in real time. You will receive personalized advice, demonstrations, and feedback tailored to your dog's unique needs. Each session will be recorded and included in your training plan, which will be emailed to you afterward. This allows you to re-watch specific parts or share the recordings with others in your household.

2. IS REMOTE TRAINING AS EFFECTIVE AS IN-PERSON TRAINING?

Absolutely! Remote training focuses on coaching you to communicate effectively with your dog. Because dogs learn best in their home environment, remote training can actually reduce stress and lead to faster progress. Plus, you’ll develop skills to handle challenges long-term. As we say, it doesn’t matter if we can get your dog to do something; it only matters if you can.

3. What kind of issues can remote training address?

Remote training is ideal for a variety of challenges, including:

  • Reactivity to people, dogs, or other triggers
  • Separation anxiety
  • Leash pulling or jumping
  • Basic obedience and manners
  • Confidence-building for shy or anxious dogs

We will discuss your specific behavior issues during your Initial Consultation.

4. What's involved in behavior modification?

A behavior modification journey involves much more than simply training your dog. It requires time and effort from all members of the household; the humans play an essential role in the process alongside the dogs.

Your dog behavior training will include several components: gathering history, thorough discussions with me to create a sustainable plan, management strategies, education, and skill-building for both you and your dog.

We will break down more challenging techniques into smaller, manageable steps and build upon skills that have already been learned. This approach will help everyone learn effectively. We will meet you where you are in your training journey and proceed at a pace that is comfortable for both you and your dog, ensuring your success.

6. Will I need to do homework between sessions?

Yes, practice is key to success! After each session, you’ll receive clear, step-by-step instructions to continue working with your dog. Don’t worry—I’ll provide all the guidance and resources you need as well as between session check-ins and support.

7. What if I’m not tech-savvy?

No problem! I’ll help you get set up before your first session and make sure you feel comfortable using the video platform. If you ever run into issues, I’m just a message away.

8. How long will it take to see results?

Every dog and situation is different, but many clients notice positive changes after just a few sessions. Consistency and practice are key, and I’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure progress.

9. What makes force-free training different

Force-free training uses science-backed methods that emphasize kindness, trust, and understanding. Instead of punishment, we focus on rewarding desirable behaviors and building a strong, positive relationship with your dog.

10. Can I train more than one dog at a time?

Yes! If you have multiple dogs, we can create a plan to address their individual needs while helping them work together. Let’s discuss this during your Initial Consultation to ensure the sessions are tailored for success.

11. How do I get started?

It’s easy! Just click here to schedule your Behavior & Lifestyle Consultation. I’ll talk about your goals, answer any questions, and create a personalized training plan that fits your lifestyle.

12. I don't know if I'm ready to start.

No worries! This is true for many folks starting out. Book a discovery call if you need guidance on where to get started!