Dog Trainer · Missoula, MT
Private Dog Training Lessons in Missoula, MT
Train with Confidence:
Lessons for Dogs of All Ages
Structured lessons for dogs of all ages, focused on reliable obedience, engagement, and real-world results. Build a strong foundation, improve behavior, and gain confidence together—one lesson at a time.
Designed for dogs and owners who want better communication, better manners, and more reliability in everyday life.
Whether your dog pulls on walks, jumps on guests, ignores commands, or simply needs more structure, this program helps build the foundation for a calmer, more enjoyable life together.
Best Value
Foundation Package
$
800
6 Private Lessons +E-collar & Long Lead
Valid for 12 months
What We Focus On:
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Paying attention around distractions
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Staying calm in everyday situations
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Better manners at home and in public
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Clear communication between dog and owner
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Creating behaviors that hold up outside of training sessions
Commands Your Dog Will Learn:
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Sit
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Down
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Place
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Loose Leash Walking
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Recall
Best For:
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Dogs both young and old
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Newly adopted dogs
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Families wanting a solid obedience foundation
Goal:
Help you enjoy your dog more through clear communication, consistency, and practical training.
Designed for graduates of our Board & Train and lesson programs who want continued guidance as their dog grows and training progresses.
Life changes, routines change, and dogs continue learning. Continued Success lessons help you stay on track while building on the foundation you've already worked hard to create.
Continued Success
$
50
Pay as you go lessons for graduates
Valid until canceled
What We Focus On:
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Increasing reliability around distractions
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Expanding skills into new environments
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Fine-tuning communication and expectations
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Addressing challenges as they appear
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Continuing your dog's education beyond the basics
*not eligible for Affirm financing*
Designed to help puppies younger than 5 months get off to the right start through clear communication, confidence building, and positive early experiences.
The habits your puppy develops today can shape their behavior for years to come. This program focuses on building a strong foundation while helping you navigate the challenges that come with raising a young dog.
Confident Puppy Program
$
300
6 Private 30 minute lessons
Valid for 6 months
What We Focus On:
Building confidence in new environments
Teaching your puppy to pay attention to you
Creating good habits from the start
Developing calm behavior and self-control
Setting clear expectations and routines
Commands Your Puppy Will Learn:
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Sit
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Recall
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Place
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Loose Leash Walking
Goal:
Build confidence, connection, and a strong foundation that supports your puppy as they grow.
How Lessons Work
Private lessons are designed to meet you and your dog where you are. Every dog learns at a different pace, and our goal is to build reliable behaviors through clear communication, consistency, and practical application in everyday life.
How Lessons Work:
Lessons take place in real-world environments, helping your dog learn skills that extend beyond training sessions and into everyday life.
Your first lesson focuses on introducing training equipment, establishing clear communication, and teaching the marker words that will be used throughout the program.
Each lesson builds on the previous one, helping both you and your dog gain confidence and understanding before moving on to more challenging situations.
Progress at home is just as important as progress during lessons. Practicing what you learn between sessions is essential to achieving lasting results.
We move at the pace that is right for you and your dog. We will only progress when both of you are comfortable and ready for the next step.
Scheduling:
Once your package has been purchased, lessons can be scheduled directly through your Members Page.
Weekly lessons are recommended for the best results and steady progress.
If you need additional time to practice a skill or work through a particular challenge, scheduling every two weeks is perfectly fine.
Questions Between Lessons?
Training doesn't stop when a lesson ends. If questions come up, you need clarification, or you're unsure how to handle a situation, we're here to help. Clients are welcome to reach out between lessons for guidance and support as they continue working with their dog at home.
Common Training Goals
Every dog is different, and no two training plans are exactly the same. Below are some of the most common goals owners come to us for during private lessons.
Loose Leash Walking
Tired of being pulled down the sidewalk? We help teach dogs to walk calmly with their owner, creating more enjoyable walks and better communication on leash.
Recall
A reliable recall creates freedom and peace of mind. We focus on building a strong response when called, helping your dog learn that "come" means come—whether they're in the backyard, at the park, or around everyday distractions.
Household Manners
Jumping on guests, rushing doorways, excessive excitement, difficulty settling down, and other everyday challenges can make life frustrating. We help create clear expectations and more reliable behavior so your dog can be a better companion both at home and in public.
Public Behavior
Training doesn't stop at home. We help dogs learn how to remain calm, focused, and responsive in real-world environments around people, dogs, and everyday distractions.
Reactivity
Whether your dog barks, lunges, becomes overly excited, or struggles to remain calm around certain triggers, lessons can help improve communication, build confidence, and develop more appropriate responses.
Confidence Building
Some dogs need help learning that the world isn't as scary as it seems. We work with dogs at their pace, helping them become more comfortable and confident in new environments and situations.
Communication & Consistency
One of the most important parts of training is helping owners communicate clearly with their dogs. Clear expectations and consistency create understanding, and understanding creates reliability.
What To Expect
Every dog learns at a different pace, and every training journey looks a little different. Our goal is not to rush through a checklist of commands—it's to build skills that last and a stronger relationship through clear communication and understanding.
Owner Involvement
Private lessons are hands-on. While your trainer will guide you every step of the way, you will be actively working with your dog during lessons. Our goal is to help you build the skills and confidence needed to continue making progress outside of training sessions.
Training Happens Between Lessons
What we accomplish during lessons is only part of the process. Applying those skills in everyday life is what helps turn new behaviors into lasting habits. The time you invest outside of lessons plays an important role in your overall progress.
Consistency Matters
Dogs learn through repetition. The more consistently you apply what you learn, the easier it becomes for your dog to understand what is expected of them.
Questions Are Welcome
You're not expected to have all the answers. Questions, setbacks, and challenges are a normal part of the training process. If something comes up between lessons, we're here to help.
Progress Looks Different for Every Dog
Some dogs move quickly through new skills while others need more time and repetition. Training is not a race. Our focus is helping you and your dog build understanding, confidence, and reliability at a pace that works for both of you.
Frequently asked Questions
Q: What age should my dog be to start lessons?
A: Puppies can begin in the Confident Puppy Program. Once they reach 6 months old, they transition into the Foundation Package focused on obedience and real-world reliability.
Q: How often should lessons be scheduled?
A: Weekly lessons are recommended for steady progress, but if you need more time to practice, every two weeks is fine.
Q: Where are lessons held?
A: Lessons are held in real-world environments, helping your dog learn skills that apply to everyday life.
Q: What should I bring to my lesson?
A: Bring plenty of small, easy-to-eat treats your dog loves. Any other necessary equipment will be covered during your first lesson.
Q: Do I need to purchase an e-collar before starting?
A: No. Foundation Package clients receive an e-collar and long lead as part of the program.
Q: Do I have to use the e-collar?
A: Yes. The e-collar is an essential part of our training system because it provides clear, consistent communication in real-life situations. We will teach you how to use it properly throughout the program. To learn more about the tools we use and why we use them, visit our Training Equipment page.
Q: What if my dog has already had training?
A: That's perfectly fine. Every dog comes into training with a different background and experience level. We meet you and your dog where you are, building on existing skills while addressing any areas that need improvement.
Q: Can multiple family members attend lessons?
A: Yes! We encourage all family members who will be handling or living with the dog to attend whenever possible. Consistency is important, and having everyone involved helps create clearer communication and expectations for your dog.
If young children will be attending, please make sure they have something to keep them occupied or another adult available to supervise them. Lessons are a learning experience for both dogs and owners, and your ability to focus during training plays an important role in your success.
Q: What if my dog is reactive?
A: Many reactive dogs benefit from private lessons. Visit our Reactivity tab to learn how obedience and communication can help support reactive dogs.
Q: What if I need to reschedule a lesson?
A: Lessons can be rescheduled as long as notice is provided at least 48 hours in advance. Missed lessons or no shows without prior notice will result in the loss of that lesson.
Q: What happens after I complete the Foundation Package?
A: Many clients continue their training through our Continued Success Program, which provides ongoing guidance, accountability, and support as dogs mature and new challenges arise.
Q: What if I need help between lessons?
A: Questions are always welcome. If something comes up between lessons, you can reach out for guidance and support while continuing to work with your dog at home.
Reactivity
Reactivity often stems from emotion—whether it's excitement, fear, or frustration. While we can't erase emotions, obedience training gives you and your dog a plan.
Imagine your dog barking at another dog. Instead of feeling out of control, you ask them for a known behavior that has been worked on. This predictable action lets your dog notice the trigger while staying composed.
We don't begin by tackling reactivity directly. First, we build a foundation of obedience and communication. As you and your dog learn these skills, you'll both have the tools needed when reactivity comes into play. Once that groundwork is in place, we can begin helping your dog work through those moments more successfully.
When your dog sees a trigger, obedience isn't about making them ignore it. Instead, it helps them learn they can see that trigger and remain calm. A known behavior helps them pause, take in the situation, and look for guidance rather than immediately reacting.
As your dog consistently experiences calm outcomes, trust grows. They begin to rely on your guidance in challenging moments, and you gain confidence in your ability to help them navigate the world. Through this process, reactivity becomes less of a barrier and more of a challenge you tackle together.
In the end, it's not just about reducing reactions—it's about creating a stronger, more trusting partnership between you and your dog.