Consultation Services
Because behavior is highly context-dependent, we’re not able to determine fit or provide guidance via email. If you’re unsure, a consultation is the correct next step.
Enrollment
A consultation is a working session for teams that need eyes-on guidance before deciding how to proceed. It is designed to support accurate placement.
Structure:
- 25minute evaluation
- Thorough assessment of your dog
- A training plan for long-term success
- Training techniques for immediate relief
*If the button leads to an error page, sessions are full. Check back soon.
Who Consults are for
A consultation is often the right starting point when:
What Happens in a Consultation
A consultation is a hands-on behavioral assessment—not a conversation-only appointment.
It includes:
- observation of regulation, recovery, & stress
- evaluation of handling tolerance and cooperation
- identification of what’s driving the behavior
- practical guidance you can use immediately
- a clear recommendation for next steps
Recommendations may be:
- a Cornerstone class
- a confidence-specific class to prepare for cornerstones
- private support before entering a class
- a different structured path entirely
The purpose is accuracy—because accuracy is what makes progress efficient.
How Consultations Fit Into Our System
At The Thinking K9, classes are the primary intervention for most dogs.
Well-designed group work provides:
—> real-world variables you can’t replicate privately—> learning alongside other teams
—> opportunities for regulation, recovery, and adaptation
—> stronger, longer-lasting outcomes
However, not every dog is ready for that environment yet. That's where consultations come in.
—> a shortcut around Cornerstone classes
—> a replacement for class-based learning
—> a guarantee of enrollment
—> a sales appointment
This session delivers standalone value.
Because of that, consultation fees are not applied toward future classes.
Cases involving:
—> aggression
—> extreme reactivity
—> extreme separation distress
require documented collaboration with a veterinarian.
A veterinary case report must be provided before proceeding.
This protects dogs, owners, and learning quality.
Most people fall into one of these situations:
1) You know your dog needs eyes-on guidance before a class
If your dog is fearful, easily overwhelmed, or you’re concerned a group setting may be too much right now, a consultation is the appropriate first step.
Proceed to consultation availability.
2) You’re fairly sure where your dog fits
If you’ve reviewed the Cornerstone phases and feel confident about placement, you do not need a consultation.
View Cornerstone Classes.
3) You’re unsure—and stuck deciding
If you’ve read this page and still aren’t sure which path fits, that uncertainty itself is a valid reason to book a consultation when available.
A Final Note
Both are valid:
—> Needing clarity does not mean you’ve failed.
—> Beginning in a class does not mean you’ve missed something.
The goal is the same either way:
—> behavior that holds up in real life without unnecessary setbacks or causing harm along the way.
We’ll help you start where it actually makes sense.