Frequently Asked Questions
& Fear - Free Dog Training in Michigan
What to Expect
Looking for answers about dog training, behavior concerns, or how I work with families and their pets? You’re in the right place.
At Full Life Behavior & Training, I specialize in fear-free, force-free, and pain-free training that supports long-term behavior change. These FAQs cover everything from how to get started to what behavior modification really involves – with answers grounded in compassion, science, and nearly 20 years of experience.
📍 I serve clients within a 60-mile radius of Albion, Michigan (49224) – including Jackson, Battle Creek, Marshall, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Adrian, and Hillsdale – and offer virtual consultations nationwide.
What does a certified dog behavior consultant do?
Certified behavior consultants are qualified to help with everything from basic training to severe behavior issues like aggression or anxiety.
I’m currently certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and am pursuing further certification with:
Pet training is unregulated — meaning anyone can call themselves a trainer or behaviorist. I choose to hold myself accountable through respected certifications and memberships:
🔗 CCPDT 🔗 IAABC 🔗 Pet Professional Guild 🔗 Association of Professional Dog Trainers🔗 Humane Training Alliance
Note: A real behaviorist holds an advanced degree (master’s or doctorate) in behavior sciences. There’s no such thing as a “dog psychologist.”
How do I get started with training?
Getting started is simple! First, we’ll discuss any immediate safety or management concerns to ensure a safe environment for you and your pet. After scheduling your initial consultation, you’ll receive a behavior history questionnaire to complete before we meet.
During your consultation (held virtually or in-person), we’ll review your dog’s behavior in detail and create a custom behavior modification plan, including the estimated number of sessions, training goals, and pricing.
Your family, behavior consultant, and veterinarian are all a team
who together can help your pet have the fullest life!
What’s included in the training process?
Every case starts with a thorough behavior assessment and personalized plan. Your training journey will typically include:
- A written training and behavior modification plan
- Coaching sessions in your home or virtually
- Practice exercises between sessions
- Equipment recommendations
- Ongoing support and plan adjustments
Behavior change takes time, patience, and consistency – and your involvement is essential. I’m here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Do I need to be involved in the training?
Yes – behavior change is most effective when the pet’s family participates. I don’t just train your dog – I coach you, too. You’ll learn how to read body language, respond appropriately to behaviors, and apply training tools in real-life situations.
📚 Recommended Resource: I Speak Dog
What is the behavior questionnaire and why is it important?
The behavior questionnaire gives me detailed insight into your pet’s behavior, environment, and history. The more complete and honest your answers, the better your training plan will be. Be descriptive, and avoid vague labels like “dominant” or “stubborn.” Instead, explain what your dog does and in what context.
Commonly Asked Questions
Quick fixes often rely on aversive methods that suppress behavior through fear or pain. While they may seem effective short-term, they don’t address the emotions driving your dog’s behavior – and can actually lead to more serious issues like anxiety or aggression over time.
Instead, I focus on humane, long-lasting change by helping pets learn how to regulate their emotions and choose better behaviors. True behavior change takes time, consistency, and a science-backed approach.
Yes. I follow the principles outlined by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) and use positive reinforcement and force-free methods.
This includes:
- Using what your dog finds rewarding – food, toys, praise, or access to the environment
- Avoiding punishment or tools that cause fear or pain (like prong, choke, or shock collars)
- Teaching emotional regulation and building behavior patterns through trust
More about my methods:
🔗 AVSAB Position on Humane Dog Training
🔗 LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) Training Guidelines
🔗 Humane Hierarchy Framework
No. That’s a common myth about fear-free training. While we don’t punish behavior, we do interrupt it and prevent it from continuing.
We create a safety and management plan, remove rewards for the unwanted behavior, and teach replacement behaviors. Your dog learns what to do – not just what not to do – in a way that’s safe, effective, and respectful of their emotional state.
Board and Train is available in limited cases, but your participation is still necessary. I’ll teach your dog new skills while they stay with me, but transfer sessions are essential to help you reinforce those skills at home.
We always begin with an initial consultation and introductory sessions to ensure your dog is comfortable and that the program fits your goals.
I work with everything from basic manners to serious behavioral issues. Common concerns include:
- Manners & obedience
- House/potty training
- Jumping
- Leash pulling
- Fear or aggression toward people or other animals
- Reactivity
- Separation anxiety
- Overexcitement
- Destructive behavior
- Issues around children or cats
- Resource guarding
- Biting, nipping, or mouthiness
If your pet’s behavior is stressing you out, I’m here to help.
My core service is Family Coaching – where I come to your home (or meet virtually), teach you how to work with your pet, and guide you through the behavior change process.
I also offer:
- Board & Train (with required coaching follow-ups)
- Pop-In Add-On Visits (mini practice sessions at your home while I’m in the area)
- Dog boarding in our home
While I specialize in behavior challenges, I do help some clients train for therapy or service work when appropriate. Please be aware of scams in the service dog industry and research actual laws before purchasing services.
Helpful Links:
Yes! While I specialize in dog behavior, I have experience working with cats and other species. Training plans are tailored based on your animal’s needs and your goals.
Most clients need 5-10 sessions to reach their goals, though complicated behaviors may take more time. Training sessions last 60-90 minutes, and I recommend practicing 2-3 times per day in short 5-15 minute sessions.
You’ll also be responsible for the cost of any recommended equipment, like the training pouch I suggest:
🔗 Doggone Good Clicker Company Rapid Rewards Pouch
You don’t need to have everything ready by our first session – but I’ll let you know what’s most important to have on hand to get started.
Full Life Behavior Client Forms, Questionaires, Etc
Policies
- A non-refundable deposit is due at the time services are scheduled.
- Fees are non-negotiable.
- Refunds are only given in case of emergency (reviewed on individual basis), if I overestimate the number of consultations needed to reach your goals, or if I cannot meet with you as planned. Refunds are not given if you choose to stop training for non-emergency reasons outside of my control.
- Sessions must be used within 6 months of purchase.
Full Life Behavior & Training – Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy
We understand that life happens, and sometimes plans change. Out of respect for my and other clients’ time, please review our cancellation and rescheduling policy below.
Deposits
A deposit of $50 is required to reserve your appointment time.
All deposits are non-refundable, but may be applied to a rescheduled session if proper notice is given.
Rescheduling
- You may reschedule your appointment up to 48 hours in advance with no penalty.
- Appointments rescheduled with less than 48 hours’ notice cannot be guaranteed and will require you to call or text me directly at 517-630-6009 to discuss options (emails may not be seen or responded to promptly).
Cancellations
- Cancellations made more than 48 hours before the appointment will be applied as a deposit to a future rescheduled session.
- Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the appointment will result in forfeiture of the deposit.
Emergencies
I understand that genuine emergencies occur. Please reach out to me directly at 517-630-6009 via text or phone call if an emergency prevents you from attending your session.
A dog’s family has the greatest influence on their behavior. No matter what training package you choose, you will need to learn the training techniques and practice with your dog for the best results. This is usually much less time consuming than pet guardians realize. You also may need to make changes to your dog’s home environment, which is also usually not difficult. I may ask you to discuss your dog’s behaviors with your veterinarian to rule out physical causes for them. I may also recommend changes to your dog’s nutrition, exercise routine, and sleep schedule as all of these are factors in behavior.