Servicing Sarasota, Nokomis, Osprey, Venice, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, Palmetto and Ellenton FL
Online options also available
Cheryl training dog

Training programs that work for your unique situation and dog

We offer foundational skills training and supportive behavior training for you and your dog. Depending on your situation, together we’ll decide on the best plan for you.

To get the best results for you and your dog,
every training plan begins with
an initial assessment

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Step 1 – Prep for your assessment: 

  • Complete the questionnaire we send to you
  • Send us videos of the behavior you are struggling with
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Step 2: Behavior Assessment (if needed)

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Step 3: Training plan recommendation

Step 1: Initial Assessment

We start with a virtual assessment over Zoom. It’s the quickest way for us to meet face-to-face, talk through your goals, and for me to see exactly what’s happening with your dog so I can recommend the right next steps.

If there’s a unique circumstance where Zoom isn’t possible, I may approve an in-person assessment.

Prep for your assessment:
  • Give us a little more information about what is going on
  • Send us videos of the behavior you are struggling with

What you can expect:
  • Together we will review the videos sent prior to your assessment
  • My professional assessment of your situation
  • Ask questions, get feedback and suggestions from me 
  • You will get the video recording and written summary of my assessment and key points
  • You will walk away with actions steps you can implement right away
  • Discuss training plan options and next steps

Investment: $150 (75 minutes)

Cheryl Tuttle with her dog, working on computer
Cheryl talking to couple during in home behavioral assessment for dog

Step 2: In-person Behavioral Assessment
(if needed)

Typically, for those who need specific behavioral training for their dog. Also for those who have behavioral concerns that may be environment related.

  • Assess the space and environment in your home
  • Observe all human/dog relationships (all family members must be present)
  • Work with dog and family members to teach commands, observational skills and implement the first stages for training
  • Video is taken during appointment so you can review it afterward
  • Get action items and decide next steps

Investment: $200 – $275 (90 minutes to 2 hours)

Step 3: Implement Your Training Plan

Each training plan is customized to you and your dog.

Your training plan could include:
  • On-site training at one of our locations
  • Shared group lessons
  • In-home training 
  • Virtual sessions
  • DIY video courses
  • A combination of any of these

Investment: varies depending on your needs

Cheryl demonstrating a walking and training skill with male pet owner

Ready to get started?
Here's your next steps...

Start by filling out the “Inquiry Form”. This gives us the basic information we need to help you get started with the right services.

After reviewing your form, we will reach out to you, answer any questions and provide more information on your next steps.

A Zoom link will be provided to schedule your initial assessment with Cheryl.

After your assessment, we will recommend individualized services based on your needs and location.

Pricing Structure

Cheryl’s session rates (session times vary based on your training plan): 
In Home and In Public Pricing:

  • 60 Minute: $150
  • 75 Minute: $175
  • 90 Minute: $200
  • 2 hour: $275

 

On Location Pricing: 

  • 45 Minute: $95
  • 60 Minute: $125
  • 75 Minute: $150
  • 90 Minute: $175
  • Shared Session with another client – 90 min – $100 per dog

Testimonials

"We were very new at owning a dog. 12 weeks into having Marley we were looking every where for help Vets, Friends etc, Cheryl's name continually came up. So we decided to reached out. Right off the bat we were very impressed by Cheryl during the initial evaluation on all of us. She was amazing! Marley picked up on the commands from Cheryl right away which shocked us because we didn't even know that could be done.We knew we had the right trainer. Her love, compassion,enthusiasm and how she cares for what she does shows every day in her work. We found Cheryl's method to be strict but in a good way. She had no problem telling us how it was and offered solutions to help with the progression."
Randy and Pauldie
Owners: Randy & Pauldie
Dog: Marley, 4 year old Female, Portuguese Water Dog
"We were looking for a trainer to help control our other dog Katie to assure that she would not be a danger to others. I also wanted my two dogs to be compatible in the house together. We with Cheryl when Katie was a puppy in Jan 2008. Cheryl is very observant in seeing how you as a family work together with the dog. That was really helpful because every family has different personalities together. The fact that she was able to pinpoint those things is why I believe her training is so successful."
KD & Lily
Owner: Kelly
Dogs:KD, 9 year old Female German Shepherd, Lily, 5 ½ month old Female Husky mix
"We got a new puppy and wanted to make sure we integrated the puppy into a multiple dog home properly. We've been working with Cheryl for almost 7 years, and there is no doubt she was born to do this. Her honesty and encouragement has built my self-confidence. I feel more confident now on how to overcome problems with my dogs different personalities"
Kelly-and-Boone
Owner: Kelly
Dogs: Boone, 2 year old Male Mastador
"We had no major issues with Angus, we just wanted to get a head start because of his breed we wanted to make sure he was well socialized in public and a mannerly dog. We absolutely love Cheryl's positive methods, our dog has so much fun and we get great results."
Dale and James
Owners: Dale & James
Dog: Angus, 9 month old, Male Doberman/Lab Mix
"I brought Teddy home when he was eight weeks old. I had been looking for the perfect dog for a few months. I was looking for certain characteristics as well as a low shed dog. When his little face popped up on my Facebook feed needing a home I fell in love. I know I wasn’t 100% sure he was the perfect dog but at that moment I knew he was going to be my dog. If I wasn’t holding him he would sit as far away as possible and just look at me. Independent little guy. There was also the huge temper tantrum he had with a rock during our walk. He wasn’t just playing with this rock he was fighting it. When I tried to pull him away he acted more aggressive over that rock. I picked him up to leave and I think his head spun in circles like he was possessed. When we got home I put him in his crate and just stared at him. I couldn’t believe an eight week old puppy could act that way. As the weeks past I could tell he was smart. He learned commands very easily. I wanted to teach him how to be the very best dog. As my second dog I wanted to do everything right this time. I now know he only let me groom him because he was sleeping not because he was easily compliant. It wasn’t long before he didn’t let me do anything to him. I wasn’t even able to put a leash on him without bribing him. Everything asked of him was the end of the world. The vet even suggested he might need medication. I kept trying to teach him appropriate behavior. Surely he would understand I'M THE BOSS. I watched so many episodes of The Dog Whisperer. Surely this dog who is already doing tricks will learn to obey, be calm and submissive. I think Teddy was only three months old when I threw in the towel and called Cheryl for help. I was afraid Teddy was turning into an aggressive “soon to be a biter” dog. I will forever be grateful that she fit me into her schedule faster then I ever expected and it wasn’t a moment too soon. Everything I thought I knew and everything my friends told me to do was wrong and only making Teddy worse. I have learned the true meaning of positive reinforcement. I believe if I kept on my same path of trying to be the “alpha” and not understanding that a happy dog is not always going to be calm submissive I would have turned Teddy into a biter. I would have ruined him. Today Teddy is far from calm submissive. But he also isn't the alpha. Nor am I. He is two years old now and listens to me because he is a happy dog not because he fears me."
Kim-mielke
Owner: Kim Mielke
Dog: Teddy

FAQs

The length of training can vary greatly depending on the dog’s personality and specific needs, as well as the skills and abilities of the owner. 

Some dogs may significantly improve in just 1 session, while others may require up to 10 sessions. Each dog is unique, and success depends on how well the training goals align with the abilities of both the dog and the owner.

It’s not so much about the specific behavior, but rather whether we have the right tools and resources to help the animal effectively. 

We do not take on cases that would compromise the ethics or well-being of the animal. Regarding safety, especially with aggressive behavior, some issues cannot be modified safely due to instinct or genetics. 

In cases involving fear, we will not force an animal to confront a fear or phobia that it is unable to handle. Our approach always prioritizes the safety and well-being of all involved.

Whether working in person or virtually, the client is involved 100% in the process. 

You will work closely with Cheryl, who coaches the owners through their movements and interactions with their dogs. Whenever possible, Cheryl will demonstrate the movements, rewards, and skills, then guide you (the owners) to try them out themselves.

A key part of the process is teaching the owner to better understand their dog’s body language, ensuring they can read and respond to their dog’s needs accurately. 

In most cases, treats are used to motivate and reward the dog. 

We DO NOT use shock collars in training. 

All tools used to train the dog are discussed and explained prior to use, and the owner is fully in control of what is implemented. 

Cheryl can also record the exercises and training sessions, so the owner has a video reference to review later. Notes and videos are conveniently stored in the client portal for easy access.

We strive to be as flexible as possible to accommodate each family’s situation. 

The most important participants are those who actively engage with the dog and whose behaviors impact the training process. 

Because Cheryl customizes the training plans, all decision-making partners need to be present for the assessment, even if they choose not to work directly with the dog. 

All family members are asked to either commit fully to the training plan or refrain from working with the dog to ensure consistency and success.

Even after a training plan is created, we allow flexibility for it to be modified and evolve. All results are based on the feedback from both the dog and the owners. If something isn’t working, we’ll pivot and create an alternative plan or discuss an appropriate exit strategy. 

We won’t force any technique or method, as this is a collaborative effort where all parties are listened to and respected.

Typically, we focus on one dog at a time to ensure that each training session is tailored to the specific needs of the individual dog and its owner. If multiple dogs are in the household, we can incorporate them into the training sessions as needed, ensuring that each dog receives appropriate guidance and support. 

We customize the training to fit the lifestyle of the household, and our pricing is based on an hourly rate, rather than charging per dog.