Waitlist Open for 2026!
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Waitlist Open for 2026! ✨
The Stay & Train Experience
A mindful alternative to traditional board & train programs.
The Stay & Train Experience offers immersive dog training in Richmond, VA. Your dog stays in my home where they will be learning real-world manners, confidence, and connection alongside experienced canine mentors. Training available for obedience, emotional support, therapy & psychiatric service dogs.
My approach to dog training is rooted in compassion, relationship, and understanding the whole nervous system—both human and canine. As a certified trainer through Animal Behavior College with specialized training in obedience, emotional support, therapy, and service dogs, I combine behavioral science with trauma-informed principles to create safety and trust for every team I work with.
Many dogs—especially those with rescue or trauma histories—carry experiences that shape how they respond to the world. I help both dogs and their people learn to regulate, communicate clearly, and rebuild confidence through gentle structure, attunement, and positive reinforcement. Together, we focus on connection before correction—because healing and learning begin with safety.
Me “Alex” with my 3 rescue dogs. Husky “Mo”, Aussie/Great Pyrenees Mix “Austin”, German Shepherd/Blue Heeler Mix “Sam”
Waitlist Open for 2026 - Book Today!
✨
Waitlist Open for 2026 - Book Today! ✨
Take The First Step!
Step 1: Book a 20–30 minute phone or virtual consultation to get started. If you move forward with a service, your $25 fee will be applied toward your training program.
In my years of working with rescue dogs—especially those needing both medical and behavioral rehabilitation—I’ve learned that while people can be taught the logistics of training, true transformation happens when owners feel calm, capable, and confident. Many lose that confidence weeks after bringing their dog home or once formal training ends.
My approach bridges that gap. As a dog trainer and licensed clinical social worker, I help owners strengthen their own nervous system regulation and integrate training strategies that help owners update their own neural networks—building lasting trust, clarity, and connection which of course influences the overall feelings and relationship with their pup!
This consultation is for both individual sessions and immersive in-home programs. It’s also your chance to ask questions and decide if this heart-centered, relationship-based approach feels right for you.
Step 2: Schedule an in-person Intake.
I know that every dog is unique—and so is every family. Before training begins, owners and their dogs join an in-person intake where we get to know your dog, observe their behavior, and discuss your goals. Together, we create a personalized plan to guide your dog’s stay or one-on-one training and set everyone up for success.
Immersive in-home: Intake can be completed the day of drop off. This is included with the pricing of the stay.
One-on-One: Intake can be completed separately or in combination with first training session for $100/hour.
These two can now walk more calmly around all that the city has to offer!
Bella once lived her days bound by a chain, surviving the hard way—one ear lost, her trust nearly gone. In my home, she discovered warmth, freedom, and care. Slowly, she began to believe in love again. After her time in rehab, Bella stepped into a new life—adopted, adored, and finally free.
Stay & Train Experience Pricing
Obedience: $1,500.00 / week
Emotional Support/Therapy Dog: $2,000 / week
Psychiatric Service Dog Training: $2,500.00/ week
One-on-One Dog Training Pricing
Local (0-10 miles) $100/hour
Beyond 10 miles: Travel costs will apply on a case-by-case basis.