Which Training Program Fits Your Dog?
Seven programs, one question: what would make life with your dog easier? Find the situation that sounds most like yours, and you’ll find the program most families in your shoes start with.
By MJ Stoltz, ABCDTIACP Professional MemberUpdated November 2026For puppies: Puppy Foundations if you’ll be hands-on at home, Puppy Plus+ to add real-world lessons, and Puppy Pro if you work all day.
For adult dogs: Essentials for one main problem, Mild Manners for a list of everyday manners, Jump Start if you’re busy, and Dream Dog for bigger challenges like reactivity.
Every program is in-home, includes help between lessons, and starts with a consultation, so you never have to guess alone.
Which one sounds like you?
Tap the one that fits best to see the full program.
If you have a puppy
You’re home enough to practice and want a trainer showing you exactly what to do: potty and crate training, nipping, first basics.
Puppy Foundations “I want my puppy confident out in the world”Everything in Puppy Foundations, plus lessons out in the real world so your puppy learns to handle new people, dogs and places.
Puppy Plus+ “I have a puppy, but I work all day”I train your puppy at home while you’re at work, add field trips out in the world and show you how to keep it going.
Puppy ProIf you have an adult dog or teenager
Leash pulling, jumping on guests, not coming when called, counter surfing. One or two goals, built on solid foundation skills.
Essentials Program “My dog is a little too much, a little too often”A whole list of everyday manners: barking at the door, jumping, mouthing, not listening and not settling.
Mild Manners “I want real progress, but I don’t have time to train every day”I come by three times a week while you’re at work, then hand it all over to you in private lessons.
Jump Start “My dog has bigger challenges, like reactivity”Barking and lunging at other dogs, dreading walks, or a long list of big goals. My most complete, most hands-on program.
Dream DogNone of these quite fit?
That’s what the consultation is for. Tell me what’s going on and we’ll figure out the right fit together, including a fully custom plan if your dog needs one.
Let’s Talk About Your DogPrivate lessons or Homeschool?
The biggest choice isn’t really the program. It’s who does most of the hands-on work.
| Private lesson programs | Homeschool programs | |
|---|---|---|
| Who does most of the hands-on training? | You, with me coaching you | Me, then I hand it over to you |
| Adult dog programs | Essentials, Mild Manners | Jump Start, Dream Dog |
| Puppy programs | Puppy Foundations, Puppy Plus+ | Puppy Pro |
| Best for | Owners who have time to practice most days | Busy households, shift workers and bigger goals |
| Do you need to be home? | Yes, for every lesson | Only for the weekly lesson |
In-home training vs board & train Private training vs group classes
Compare training programs
Each of my programs accommodates different learning styles and budgets, but every program designed in a way that allows each session to be tailored to your goals.
| Program | Private lessons | Homeschool visits | Out in the world | Typically completed in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Training | ||||
| Essentials ProgramPrivate lessons | 4 | — | — | 4 weeks or less |
| Mild MannersPrivate lessons | 6 | — | — | 6 weeks or less |
| Jump StartHomeschool + private lessons | 5 | 6 | — | 5 weeks or less |
| Dream DogHomeschool + private lessons | 6 | 9 | — | 6 weeks or less |
| Puppy Training | ||||
| Puppy FoundationsPrivate lessons | 5 | — | — | 5 weeks or less |
| Puppy Plus+Private lessons at home + out in the world | 8 | — | 2 lessons out in the real world | 8 weeks or less |
| Puppy ProHomeschool + lessons + field trips | 5 | 6 | 3 field trips | 5 weeks or less |
Private Lessons
In-Home Private Lessons give you dedicated one-on-one coaching tailored to your dog's individual needs and training goals.
Homeschool Sessions
Your trainer will work one-on-one with your dog at your home while you're at work or doing something else around the house so that your dog get's one-on-one attention. This helps your dog get extra practice during the week if you struggle to have the time to fit it in yourself.
Multi-Dog Households
Enrolling more than one dog at the same time also qualifies for multi-dog pricing, so long as training sessions are scheduled together.
Program Questions
What if I pick the wrong program?
You don't have to pick before we talk. Every in-home program starts with a consultation where I meet you and your dog, and we decide together which program makes the most sense for your dog, your goals and your schedule.
Can you build a custom plan instead?
Yes. The programs cover the most common goals, but if your dog's situation calls for something more tailored, we can build a custom plan around what you and your dog actually need.
How much do the programs cost?
Each program is built for a different level of support, so they're priced differently. I share pricing once I know a little about your dog, so you're comparing the options that actually fit. Reach out through the contact form and I'll walk you through them.
I have more than one dog. Which program do I pick?
Definitely. A lot of the households I work with have multiple dogs, and I'm glad to take on all of them. The right setup, training together, separately, or a mix, really depends on your specific goals, and I'll help figure out whichever approach sets each dog up to learn best. No two multi-dog households look the same, so the plan gets shaped around yours specifically.
Enrolling more than one dog at the same time also qualifies for multi-dog pricing.
Let’s Find the Right Fit
Tell me a little about your dog and your goals, and I’ll help you figure out which training option makes the most sense.
