Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Request a FREE 15 min callback

    2. Let’s chat! I’d love to hear your training challenges & future goals. 

    3. Following our call, I will ask you to complete a comprehensive onboarding form

    4. Book an initial consultation

    5. Select from a range of training services that best suits you & your dog’s needs. 

  • I can either come to your home, or you can come to fredandfritz

    I have a fully fenced yard & a fully fenced 1 acre field. I am located off May Valley Rd, Issaquah (near Squak Mountain TH)

    (Prices reflect travel time)

  • I travel up to 30min from my home:

    • North – to Sammamish, Redmond border

    • East – to Fall City, Snoqualmie, North Bend

    • South – to Maple Valley, Covington, Black Diamond

    • West – to Renton Highlands, Newcastle, Mercer Island, South Bellevue 

    • $80/hr @ fredandfritz

    • $120/hr @ your home or agreed location (must be within service area) 

    • $150 for 90min Initial Consultations (& Adventure Pup)

    Multiple lesson discount packages:

    • x4 lessons = 5% Discount

    • x8 lessons = 10% Discount

  • I require 24hr notice to reschedule or cancel an appointment.  If cancellation is within 24hr of the time agreed the full training fee will be charged. 

  • I am a positive reinforcement trainer.  I use the science-based methods of Operant (conscious) & Classical (unconscious) Conditioning to change behaviors or teach your dog new behaviors.  This is fancy speak for saying I teach or change your dog’s behavior by adding positive experiences - food, toys/play, the environment, touch & praise.  I will show your dog what to do, NOT what not to do.  I will use a combination of luring, capturing & shaping to show your dog what behavior we would like, always aiming to set your dog up for success.  I will NEVER use force, fear, pain or the anticipation of pain to teach or change your dog’s behavior.   

    ‘The application of aversive methods which, by definition, rely on application of force, pain, or emotional or physical discomfort – should not be used in canine training or for the treatment of behavioral disorders.’   American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) 

    Download AVSAB statement HERE

    Finally, positive reinforcement training does not mean dogs are allowed to do what they what they please.  Just as with children, boundaries are extremely important with dogs.  Our role as their guardians is one similar to an inspiring, respected teacher or business leader.  

  • Ha the hundred, million-dollar question!  Sadly, I can’t give you a clear answer as there are so many variables.  The key variables are where is your dog’s starting point & how often will you practice training with your dog?

    Have you ever had a Personal Trainer at the gym, learned to play a technical sport or musical instrument?  The trainer assesses your starting point & then gives you exercises to work on, building up over time.  The person that practices regularly is going to be fitter or more proficient than the person that only practices once a week.  Dog training is EXACTLY the same.  I teach you & your dog during your lesson & then you practice with your dog at home.  Practice (+ patience & consistency) makes perfect as they say! 

  • ‘The first four months of a puppy’s life hold special potential to determine his confidence as an adult.  Pups who have a range of positive experiences with the wider world in that time frame are much less likely to become skittish or fearful adult dogs.’  Kathy Callahan

    Socialization poses a dilemma, we want pup to experience as much of the world as possible, but he won’t be fully vaccinated. It’s a delicate balance of safety & good judgement. Carrying the pup in a sling or stroller is a great option during these first 4 golden months. 

     PLEASE be sure to avoid high traffic dog areas such as pet stores or dog parks before pup is fully vaccinated. 

    The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) believes that it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated…..In general, puppies can start puppy socialization classes as early as 7-8 weeks of age. Puppies should receive a minimum of one set of vaccines at least 7 days prior to the first class and a first deworming. They should be kept up-to-date on vaccines throughout the class.’  AVSAB

    Download HERE

  • My certifications to date:

    • VSA Professional Dog Trainer, Issaquah, 2024-2025

    • Family Paws Dog Aware, Dog Professional CPD, 2025

    • Your First Movement Puzzles, The Moving Canine, 2025

    • Spirit Dog Training, Tackling Reactivity, 2024

    • VSA Fundamentals of Dog Training & Behavior, 2024

    • Karen Pryor, Dog Trainer Foundations, 2022

    Please refer to the About Me page for more info on all my dog & animal experience over the years. 

  • Yes!  I am an Audibles & podcast nerd.  Here are by top recommendations.

     My favorite dog training books:

    • Doggie body language, Lili Chin

    • The secret language of dogs, Victoria Stilwell

    • Meet your dog, Kim Brophey

    • Welcoming your puppy from planet Dog, Kathy Callahan

    • The other end of the leash, Patricia McConnell

    • Old dog, new dog, Kathy Callahan & Helen St Pierre

    • Train your dog positively, Victoria Stilwell

    • The power of positive training, Pat Miller

    • Don’t Shoot the dog, Karen Pryor

     My favorite dog training podcasts:

    • Your Dog’s Not Broken, Justine Schuurmans & Kim Brophey

    • Drinking From the Toilet, Hannah Branigan

    • Hold the Line, Jo Laurens

    • Spirit Dog Training, Steffi Trott

    If you read or listen to any of the above & want to discuss please message me, I’d love to talk dog!