Private Lessons & Consultations
We understand that every dog and handler team has unique needs - and that not everyone has access to in-person training facilities. That’s why we offer private lessons, both in-person and virtually, to support dog owners across Alaska, including those in rural and remote communities.
Private sessions allow us to:
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Focus on your dog’s specific behavior goals or challenges
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Tailor each lesson to your pace and learning style
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Work in your dog’s home or local environment, where behaviors happen most
For families living in areas without nearby trainers, video-based sessions offer a flexible and effective way to receive professional guidance from the comfort of home. Whether you're managing reactivity, building obedience, or just getting started, we’re here to support you -wherever you are.
Accessible, personalized training is at the heart of what we do.
Private Training Lessons
At The Better Companion, we offer both group classes and private lessons, because not every dog learns best in the same setting.
Group Classes are ideal for:
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Building foundational obedience skills in a structured, social setting
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Practicing focus and manners around other dogs and people
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Learning new skills in a cost-effective format
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Puppies or adult dogs who are comfortable working in group environments
Private Lessons are more appropriate for:
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Dogs who are fearful, reactive, or overwhelmed in group settings
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Behavior issues that require one-on-one attention (e.g., aggression, separation anxiety, resource guarding)
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Families who want fully customized training plans
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Busy schedules or specific goals that don’t align with class offerings
In private sessions, we meet your dog where they are - literally and behaviorally - offering support tailored to your dog’s temperament, history, and learning style. Whether we meet at our facility, in your home, or virtually, private lessons allow us to create real progress at your pace.
Not sure which is right for you?
We’re happy to help you decide based on your dog’s needs and your training goals.
Virtual/Video-Based Sessions
For families living in areas without nearby trainers, video-based sessions offer a flexible and effective way to receive professional guidance from the comfort of home. Whether you're managing reactivity, building obedience, or just getting started, we’re here to support you - wherever you are.
Behavioral Evals
At The Better Companion, safety and positive experiences are our top priorities—both for the dogs in our care and the humans who love them. That’s why we require a behavioral evaluation before any dog or puppy joins our Open Play Time sessions.
These evaluations allow our experienced staff to:
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Assess your dog’s comfort level around new dogs, people, and environments
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Observe body language, play style, and social behavior
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Ensure group play is a safe, appropriate fit for your dog
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Make thoughtful introductions and build positive first impressions
Evaluations typically take 20-30 minutes and are done by appointment. If your dog isn’t quite ready for group play, we’re happy to offer training recommendations or alternative enrichment options to support their success.
Our goal is to set every dog up for a safe, fun, and rewarding experience.