I think it is important for anyone considering a free consultation at K-9 Companions to understand that the reason for the consultation is to evaluate the dogs temperament and the needs of both the dog and the client. Some dogs need to see a veterinarian for medical or temperament issues due to medical issues prior to training. Some people wish to train their dogs in a manner that is as inexpensive as possible and therefore need to spend more time being involved in the training themselves (such as driving to the facility weekly) and not boarding the dog while training. Other clients prefer to have as much as possible done for them and would prefer to board the dog (costs more) and have as much of the training as possible done for them. Some dogs actually need this level of training due to a lack of socialization or due to them being fearful or aggressive. There is no way that a trainer can tell an owner over the phone what the dog is going to need. This is why the consultation is FREE. The training prescribed could be as little as a (local) in home lesson for $100.00. It could be lessons at the facility for $250-$495. The client might want lessons done in their home (at a higher cost) or they might want the Mercedes of dog training which involves the dog staying (boarding) at the facility, followed by lesson/s in their home and a number of follow up lessons over the next year at the facility. A client (or potential client) should never hold a trainer responsible for an idea (price) that they get in their minds before having a consultation. Doing this would be similar to asking a veterinarian what could be done with a dog prior to an initial examination. There are too many variables depending on both what the dog needs and what the client wants. The previously mentioned client was actually offered a $995 price with an additional $200 distance charge for an in home due to distance. The dog needed an additional week due to temperament and train ability. They were given the choice and again the consultation was FREE. We are sorry that they focused on the field lesson price when they called but were quoted the range of ALL of our prices. The only course where board is applied is the one where boarding is necessary. They wanted the Mercedes of dog training for a Volkswagen price.
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