The Help Center
How are you responding to COVID-19?
06/29/20 update:
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Beginning July 1st, we will be offering two in-home client sessions per day. Please notify us if anyone in your home is immunocompromised so that we may plan together accordingly. All other safety precautions listed below will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
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Original post:
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As the state of New Jersey begins to reopen, we plan to resume in-home sessions beginning June 1st. All sessions will be subject to the following precautions:
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Only ONE in-home session will be scheduled PER DAY.
Training outdoors and maintaining a social distance of at least 6 feet will be implemented as often as possible.
Trainer and assistants will be wearing masks at all times. We strongly urge all clients to do the same.
Trainer and assistants will be personally handling dogs as little as possible.
All clients must reach out ASAP if anyone in their household develops symptoms (before OR after a training session).
Scheduling is contingent upon the signature of legal documentation specifically addressing the risk assumed by choosing to schedule in-person training sessions.
If you are uncomfortable with in-person training, we remain available for online sessions.
Why work with Wild Thing Dog Training?
We'll give you the necessary skills to guide you in creating a successful life with your canine companion. No matter how frustrating it may feel now, trust us, there are practical solutions that will help you live in peace with your dog. We'll help you get back on track and become the source of good things in your dog's life, and he yours.
What happens at the initial consultation?
Initial consultations help us get to know you and your dog so we can decide on how to proceed.
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What to expect:
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Before your consultation...
- You will receive a brief intake form to fill out and return to us
- Please block out 60-90 minutes of time and set up a quiet place to talk so the entire family can be involved
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During the consultation, we will...
- Go on a fact finding mission to understand the presenting behavior, as well as your goals
- Audition reinforcers for your dog
- Share our assessment
- Explain how training can address your dog's behavior
- Go over necessary environmental changes and first steps
What is your training philosophy?
We believe in using scientifically up-to-date, dog-friendly training methods. Our goal is to teach your dog what he SHOULD do, instead of what he shouldn't do. We promise never to frighten or hurt your dog - such methods often do not work, and can cause unwanted side effects such as fear and aggression. We rely on positive reinforcement techniques and use treats liberally!
What if I'm outside your service area?
Depending on your location, we may be able to accommodate you with the addition of a mileage fee. We also offer distance consulting.
What are your payment policies?
All fees are due in full at the time of scheduling. All applicable mileage fees will be invoiced via email and are due at least 72 hours prior to the appointment time. All behavior consultations and private sessions registered and paid for are considered sales final and expire 3 months after purchase. Expiration dates are set to encourage consistent progress.
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Should you wish to reschedule any services prior to the session date, we require 48 hours notice for a full credit to be used at a later date and time. Otherwise, the session is considered completed and services rendered. Inclement weather or other extenuating circumstances may be cause for cancellations. In these events, you will be credited or refunded at our discretion.
Do you offer services other than training?
Yes, we offer in-home pet sitting services to training clients. The cost is $75/night.