Behavior and training
Walking services
Initial behavior consult – 30 minutes – $20
This is where you start if your dog is dealing with things like fear, anxiety or reactivity. In this half-hour virtual consult – done via Google Meet or phone – we’ll talk about your dog’s behavior and their history and what you’re hoping to accomplish. It’s designed to give me all the information I need to tailor a behavior plan to you.
It’s also designed to help me get to know your dog and what they’re like, as well as any training/behavior history they may have.
In-person behavioral training – 1 hour – $110
This is the option for you if you’re looking for help with things like reactivity, anxiety and fear. Behavioral work is designed to help your dog learn to better function in the big, scary world around them. During behavioral sessions, you’ll learn how to help your dog feel better about things around them they may find scary, as well as how to manage their environment in order to make sure they’re not in scary situations often and how to respond when you unexpectedly find yourself in a not-so-great situation.
Extra fees for travel over 20 miles or for working with more than one dog may apply.
Virtual behavioral training – 1 hour – $70
Just like in-person behavioral work, just at a distance. Virtual behavioral sessions are conducted via Google Meet and you get all the same information as an in-person session.
In-person skills training – 1 hour – $95
This is the option for you if you’re thinking about what’s often referred to as “obedience” training. Think cues like “sit”, “stay” and “down” or skills like walking nicely on a leash or coming when called. It’s also the option you should choose if you’re looking to help your dog learn to ignore tasty things they might see on a walk or not jump on people when they come into your house. But it’s not all about the practical skills. This is also the option if you want to teach your dog adorable tricks to impress people at parties. It’s all about tangible things your dog can do every day.
Whatever you’d like to work on, just let me know and we can do it. I come to you and work with you and your pup. Whether it’s at your house, outside, in a park or wherever you’d like to get together, we can make it happen.
Extra fees for travel over 20 miles or for working with more than one dog may apply.
In-person skills training – 30 minutes – $55
Half-hour skills training sessions are great for brushing up on things your dog already knows or learning some simple new things. They’re also great if you just need some quick tips for dealing with things like mouthiness or helping your dog get used to the crate. It might only be 30 minutes, but I don’t skimp on the info and the time goes fast.
Virtual skills training
1 hour – $55; 30 minutes – $45
Are you outside of the Chicago area? That’s ok! With virtual training sessions (usually conducted via Google Meet, though occasionally people ask to use other platforms), I can work with you and your pups, no matter where you are! I’ve worked virtually with dogs around the U.S. and even one in Paris!
6-Pack or 6-Pack Plus
6-Pack – $525; 6-Pack Plus – $550
Save yourself some money with a 6-Pack or 6-Pack Plus! The 6-Pack includes 6 hourlong in-person skills training sessions for only $525.
The 6-Pack Plus includes the 6 hourlong sessions, as well as two 30-minute virtual sessions for only $550.
All training sessions in the 6-Pack or 6-Pack Plus must be used within one year of purchase. Any sessions not used in that time will be forfeited.
Walks take place within the purple border
Dog walking – one dog
30 minutes – $23
I come to your home and take your dog out for a nice, brisk walk. A visit is 30 minutes. We’ll spend about 25 minutes walking. The remaining 5 minutes are for getting the leash on and off, filling their water dish with fresh water, giving treats or food (if you request it), getting the dog in and out of the crate and texting you a quick note about the walk. I will also reinforce any training you’re doing with your dog, whether with me or with another trainer.
On days with seriously inclement weather – extreme heat or cold, heavy rain … basically anything that could affect your dog’s or my safety – I’ll get your dog out to go to the bathroom but then bring them back in and spend the remainder of the time playing with them indoors. This is for everyone’s safety.
Walk times are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Walks between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. are subject to an additional $5 fee. Walks before 8 a.m. and after 7 p.m. are subject to an extra $10 fee.
Holiday and weekend walks are also subject to an extra $10 fee.
Dog walking – two dogs
30 minutes – $28
Do you have two pups? Do they both need to be walked? You’re in luck! I’m happy to take both of them out!
Because two dogs are a bit more to manage than one, I’ll need to see that they can be walked together. If you want me to take your dogs out separately, that’s fine, too, though you’ll still pay the two dog price and each dog will get a shorter walk overall.
Walk times are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Walks between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. are subject to an additional $5 fee. Walks before 8 a.m. and after 7 p.m. are subject to an extra $10 fee.
Holiday and weekend walks are also subject to an extra $10 fee.
5-pack of walks
One dog – $109.25; Two dogs – $133
Save some money when you buy walks in bulk. All walks must be used within 21 days of purchasing the 5-Pack or any remaining walks are forfeited. Additional charges for early or late walks apply.
10-pack of walks
One dog – $207; Two dogs – $252
Save even more money when you buy a 10-Pack. This option gives you 10 walks for the price of 9. All walks must be used within 30 days of purchasing the 10-Pack or any remaining walks are forfeited. Additional charges for early or late walks apply.
Call/text: 773.391.0780
Email: bigwags@bigwagschicago.com