Our Philosophy

Ethically Sound Teaching of Dogs

Dogs are exquisite learners. That is what makes them so fun to be around. When we make the decision to bring a dog into our lives, we are ethically obligated to teach them how to navigate the human world. That means, if we are asking them to live in our world, we must take the time to understand what it is to be a dog. What is it about their innate nature that our awareness of can only help benefit the relationship? Helping you to understand your dog is where we begin “training.”

Bringing a dog into our world does NOT gives us permission to teach by intimidation or correction. Imagine your five year old child in kindergarten for the first time, as the teacher yells, gets a grumpy face and isolates the child for perceived transgressions. Welcome to the world of many dogs. Let’s change that dynamic now. We mean right now.

We approach teaching dogs by teaching people first. If we can
impart the skills that make a person a great teacher of dogs, that will last a
lifetime.

We are committed to the reward based teaching of dogs. We want the dogs
to fall madly in love with their person because of the trust, rewards and
safety. Plus this method is effective and fun.

Behavior Consultation/New Client Assessment

All new clients participating in training through Olivet Kennel will benefit from going through a consultation. This mandatory session is designed to help guide the pathway of learning for both the person and the dog. The consultation goes over a short tutorial on our teaching philosophy and how to achieve realistic goals for the dog/human partnership. We will also ask your plans for your life with your dog. Behavior consultations can be very helpful for people seeking to understand a specific behavior(s) in their dog and how best to address it. Some clients find the tools received during the consultation sufficient to guide their plan. Other clients appreciate follow up sessions with specialized coaching.

Preliminary Consultations: $200 one hour with the trainer.*

Private Training: $100 an hour.*

Clients participating in a preliminary consultation session and follow up training are required to be active participants in the learning. This may involve recording training sessions and gathering video of sessions for analysis by the trainer. A level of comfort with technology (recording video and posting to a specific platform) is very helpful.

*Please note, all preliminary consultations and private training appointments are non refundable and are done either on-site at Olivet Kennel or virtually if preferred by the participants.

Clients who participate in a behavior consultation might be encouraged to have their dog involved in doggie daycare and/or overnight stays depending on their lifestyle and needs. For clients whose dog will benefit from repeated drop in socialization and/or training sessions we have our “Play and Practice” Package and for those planning a stay we can add-on the “Live and Learn” Package.

Play and Practice: $650 (Package includes five days daycare that includes one training session per day. On the last visit the client is required to attend a 20 minute session with the handler and their dog for a transfer of skills.)

Live and Learn : $100/day on top of your normal boarding rate. Includes 1-2 private training sessions/day for your dog while they stay in our boarding facility. Choose as many days of their stay as you like!

What clients can expect to learn. Life Beyond “Sit.”
Clients will develop a greater understanding of their dog’s behaviors. Consultation and coaching sessions are designed to provide the skills all dog owners need to develop to become the best teachers for their dogs. Your dog is going to live with you, not us, so it’s important that we take the time to teach you.

Clients will receive supportive direction and coaching. Clients will learn how
to address behavior issues and develop plans for teaching their dog skills
for life.

There is much more to life than “sit.” We teach owners to develop an
appreciation of their dog and how to work with them, not against them, to
achieve mutual goals.

Our experience has shown people crave a partnership and connection with
their dog. We can help you.

Meet our Consultant

Sue McGuire TAKL (Trainer Accredited by Kay Laurence)seeks to assist
people and dogs on how to be the best partners for each other.
“Learning should be easy and free of intimidation. The best learning
happens in an environment of safety.”

Sue has taught public dog training classes for almost 20 years and remains
actively involved in updating her skills. She spent 10 years in the behavior
department at the Marin Humane Society. She recently retired as the
Canine Behavior Program manager at the Humane Society of Sonoma
County. Sue also provides behavior consultations and private training with
an ethically sound approach to teaching people and dogs.

“There are no recipes in teaching dogs. Dogs are as individual as are their
people. Honoring the relationship is paramount. Honoring the intrinsic
behavior of dogs is the key to a successful partnership”
Sue is one of four trainers in the world who has successfully received
accreditation from Kay Laurence from “Learning about Dogs” in the
United Kingdom. She is a member in good standing of Living and Learning
with Animals from Behavior Works. Sue has competed in Rally, competition
obedience, agility and Nosework.

Sue is co-host and producer of the hugely successful podcast, “Learning
About Dogs” with Kay Laurence. Available on your favorite podcast
platform. Sue was previously editor and writer of “Sonoma Pets,” a
magazine produced for the Press Democrat. Her current crew of dogs includes Georgia, an Australian Shepard/Lab mix, Hattie, a Border Collie and Hank Williams a perfect little tan mix of who knows.

Sue has found her biggest teachers to be the shelter dogs with whom she
has interacted over the years.

Sue McGuire
LLA Professional in Good Standing-Behavior Works
Humane and Intelligent Training for Your Dog
Fear Free Certified Professional
Sue McGuire TAKL (Trainer Accredited by Kay Laurence) seeks to assist
people on and dogs how to be the best partners for each other.