PRIVATE TRAINING
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"And then there's the personal question so many of Lassie's fans want to ask: Is he allowed on the furniture? Of course he is - but, then, he's the one who paid for it" ~ Julia Glass.
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WAGDogs has now relocated to Vancouver Island!
Serving: Sidney and nearby areas, Saanichton, North Saanich, Brentwood Bay. If you are located outside of these areas please contact Claire to discuss your options. Virtual sessions via Zoom are available to our Alberta and British Columbia clients.
Welcome to WAGDogs! You have come to the right place! Our private training takes place either in the comfort of your home/yard, or via Zoom.
How can we help you?
- Do you have a busy schedule and do not have the time for group classes?
- Do you prefer the one-on-one attention?
- Do you need help with the education of your new dog?
- Has your teenage dog turned into a "Devil in a cute suit"?
- Is your dog protecting some items and/or food from other dogs or people? Is he guarding "contraband" (stolen) items? Does he run away from you when you want him to leave an item?
- Are you having difficulty walking your dog because of your dog's behaviour towards people or other dogs?
- Is your dog fearful?
- Are you wanting to teach your dog how to walk nicely on a leash?
- Would you like to teach your dog a rocket recall (come when called)?
We can help.

At WAGDogs, your private training is provided by Claire Cochemé, owner, head-trainer, and behaviour consultant. Claire is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. Click here to see what this certification means:
CCPDT
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What is "Private Training"? Private training means you are getting 1-on-1 sessions that take place in the comfort of your home / yard, or other locations depending on the training needs of your dog. Private Training is a great choice if you need that extra care without other students around, or if your dog needs that extra attention.
Private consultations can also take place via Zoom or FaceTime. We encourage you to read our philosophy to familiarize yourself with the kind of training we use.
SERVICES WE OFFER:
1) B-MOD - Behaviour Modification private program, customized to your dog's needs;
2) WAGDogs - Private obedience training program, relationship-based games, and socialization (for all dogs and puppies, from 8 weeks to... no age limit);
1) B-MOD (Behaviour Modification private program with practical solutions):
We start with an initial consultation. An initial consultation is a great first meeting where I can assess your dog, discuss safety, management, and prevention training (some of which you can use right away), behaviour modification plan, your options, and investment. This initial consultation is $150 and takes about 1 hour of your time. A few days after our initial consultation, you will receive a follow-up summary report of my observations, with a proposed Training & Behaviour Modification Plan (B-MOD).
Private sessions (after an agreement is signed by all parties): $150 per hour. (travel costs are extra)
Private sessions (optional shorter sessions after a program is completed): $75 per half-hour. (travel costs are extra)
Private sessions are usually done twice a month at a minimum. A B-MOD plan, or any other treatment plan used to modify your dog's behaviour, will be revised according to the progress of your dog. You will also receive a summary report after each session.
Price for all plans include email support, reading materials, and customized training plans.
Dogs who benefit from our behaviour modification plans:
-Dogs who are shy around people, fearful, shut down;
-Dogs who have mild anxiety when left alone;
-Dogs who are reactive to fast moving objects (cars, bikers, joggers, etc.),
-Dogs who are reacting to other dogs while on a leash;
-Dogs who are possessive over their food, treats, and/or toys;
-Dogs who practise nuisance behaviour: jumping, barking, etc.
Whatever the issue, we can help.
A little bit of information on what is "behaviour modification":
A behaviour modification program is for dogs in need of extra help adjusting to your human world.
We use proven science-based techniques in all our training plans. Owner's compliance is key. Beware of dog trainers who guarantee success, or who use a quick solution, especially in agression cases. Dogs are sentient beings, not robots. An emotional response to a trigger can take time to modify, especially when fear is involved.
Success can be slow to achieve, and will depend on the age of the dog, his past, genetics, ethology/breed, health, and mostly, how long he's rehearsed the unwanted behaviour and how his behaviour was addressed in the past. Success will also depend on how complex your dog's behaviour is, and if there is a bite history.
A behaviour modification (B-Mod) program requires compliance and consistency. Our B-MOD program is put together to help you AND your dog.
*We highly encourage you to first see your vet for a full check-up, full blood panel (with thyroid), and x-rays if necessary, especially if your dog is an older dog. Dogs are champion at hiding their pain, and when there is pain, learning cannot happen.
For questions or to book your B-MOD initial consultation, please contact WAGDogs.
2) WAGDOGS - Private Programs for puppies and adult dogs (Obedience training).
These private obedience training programs are for dogs who are friendly towards other dogs or humans with generally no behaviour issues unless very mild. If this is not the case, if your dog is quite fearful, reactive to other dogs or people when on-leash, has separation anxiety, is a resource-guarder, or is exhibiting aggressive behaviour, please refer to our Behaviour Modification (B-Mod) program above. If in doubt, please contact us.
Our WAGDogs programs will be tailored based on the age and needs of your dog. These are sessions all done in the comfort of your home / yard, or other - previously agreed upon - locations.
INVESTMENT - Private Sessions:
We start with an initial consultation so that I can meet you and your dog, assess your dog/pup, discuss options, training packages, socialization, and investment. This consultation is about 1 hour and takes place in your home or via Zoom or FaceTime: $150.
Prior to our initial consultation, you will receive an online questionnaire so I can get to know you and your dog/pup a bit better.
If you decide to start a program with us, a contract (with full information on payments) shall be completed and signed before the first private session takes place.
Single session: $150/hour.
Packages of 4 sessions, each session is 1 hour (includes handouts and any reading materials): $570.
Packages are great if you wish to work on one or two specific skills. Depending on the age of your dog and the skills you wish to learn, you may require more packages. Not sure what you need? No worries: we will figure it all out together during our initial consultation.
Single session for returning clients: $125/hour or $75 per half-hour. Sessions are available in-person, or via FaceTime or Zoom as required.
For questions or to book your initial consultation, please contact WAGDogs.
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~Please refer to our "Philosophy" page to familiarize yourself with the kind of training we use.
~Our online questionnaire form is a form with various questions that will allow me to get to know you and your dog a bit better prior to our initial consultation. This form shall be completed and returned to me (all done online, no need to print!) before our initial consultation. After our first meeting, if you choose to start a program with WAGDogs, a contract shall be signed and returned to me prior to the start of any program. Payment is due with the contract. Your program is not secured otherwise. Payments are non-refundable (exceptions apply) and non-transferable. Payments are all due in full upon request unless otherwise agreed upon in the written contract. Traveling charges or any additional overtime is due upon request. We encourage e-transfers as the main form of payment to wagdogs@shaw.ca. Sorry, at this time, we do not accept credit cards or cheques. If you need to cancel a booking and re-schedule a session, please give us 48 hours notice so we can reschedule your session at a more convenient date/time to you. Your session shall be forfeited with less than 24 hours notice. Our goal is to create a convenient schedule for you and your dog. Please book your favorite spots early!
Thank you for visiting us! Let's connect and discuss how we can be of help to you and your pooch!

Claire is a member in good standing with the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.


