It can be incredibly isolating having a difficult dog.
We at Like Magic know from our own personal experience, and our experience with many behaviorally challenging dogs, that each dog’s challenges are unique and each of them benefits from a personalized, tailored approach.
So whether you’re struggling with fear, frustration, anxiety, aggression, reactivity, or a combination of it all, we’ve got your back.
We know your dog is a good dog. We know you’re a wonderful owner. And we know how much you love one another.
Our behavioral training is geared to meet your goals, on your timeline, so both you and your dog can experience less stress and more joy.
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Help You Need, When You Need It
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Drama Class - which will be edited and re-launched as Charisma Modifier throughout 2025 - is our ever-lengthening guide to all things reactivity, fear, and aggression.
Throughout the course we prepare you with skills and understanding to be more aware of your dog and their triggers, set the pace of your progress and leave time for decompression, and not only manage around but truly learn to cope with the stressors in your dog’s life (and, by extension, in yours).
These online courses are often included as part of our larger training packages as well, and are available at a discounted rate for our current and past clients.
Drama Class is a self-led online course designed to support you and your dog as you work through their reactivity and anxiety needs and behaviors.
1x1 Private Sessions for Behavioral Challenges
Includes:
4 45-minute in-person sessions at your home*, a nearby park, or virtually
Recaps and Resources provided on your personalized webpage to keep you on track between sessions
Lifetime Access to Drama Class Online self-led classes
Everything that the client portal Guild Hall has to offer - including nearby classes and events, discounted services, additional troubleshooting and coaching, and more!
…$740
While true for manners training as well, keep in mind that behavioral work is a process and each dog will work on their own timeline. This package is intended to set the stage for further training - whether that’s in the shape of independent work, additional services, classes, or recommendations or referrals to colleagues with adjacent specialties.
Virtual Coaching for Behavioral Challenges
Includes:
Subscription Price (25% off total value):
4 Weeks of video submissions and live coaching sessions as described above
Recaps and Resources provided on your personalized webpage to keep you on track between sessions
Lifetime Access to Worldbulding Online self-led class
Everything that the client portal Guild Hall has to offer - including nearby classes and events, discounted services, additional troubleshooting and coaching, and more!
Monthly Subscription…$150
Weekday Board and Train for Behavioral Challenges
Includes:
4 Weeks of board and train Sunday-Thursday focused on:
Engagement and Attention Skills
Identifying Triggers
Creating Protocol for Management
Coping Skills for Everyday Life
4 Handoff Sessions each Thursday at pick up/drop off
Recaps and Resources provided on your personalized webpage to keep you on track between sessions
Lifetime Access to Drama Class Online self-led classes
Everything that the client portal Guild Hall has to offer - including nearby classes and events, discounted services, additional troubleshooting and coaching, and more!
A go-home Loot Bag with gear, treats, and more!
…$3800
Comprehensive Board and Train Program for Behavioral Challenges
Includes:
3 Handoff Sessions following your stay
Recaps and Resources provided on your personalized webpage to keep you on track between sessions
Lifetime Access to all to Drama Class Online self-led classes
Everything that the client portal Guild Hall has to offer - including nearby classes and events, discounted services, additional troubleshooting and coaching, and more!
Access to our exclusive Level Up day school, training club, and sniffy walk program for 3 months following their stay
A go-home Loot Bag with gear, treats, and more!
Behavior modification campaigns are a minimum of 4 weeks in order to provide the greatest value for your investment. While these are on the longer side of most of my board and train programs, the time allows your dog to decompress, identify and create new associations with their triggers, and lay the groundwork for not only management and avoidance behaviors of those triggers, but truly building the ability to cope with and become comfortable about them. The four week program includes:
Decompression, Settling and Relaxation
Attention and Engagement Skills
Confidence Building Behaviors
Arousal Regulation and Control
Gradual Exposure to Triggers and Mastery of Coping Skills
Protocol for Future Interactions and Building Further Comfort and Confidence
Cooperative Muzzle and/or Head Halter Introduction (as indicated)
De-Escalation and Communication Skills
Polite Greeting Behaviors
Complementary In-Person Charisma Check - Reactivity Coaching Class
Behavior modification differs significantly from typical manners training and even development and puppy and adolescent skills (though these are often best approached as preventative measures to avoid behavior modifcation needs!). Not only does this involve training behaviors, but is reliant upon changing how your dog is feeling, so the emotion driving these undesirable, aggressive, or reactive behaviors is resolved rather than channeled into other (likely equally or more undesirable) behaviors down the line. In many cases, additional board and train stays or private sessions will be recommended beyond the initial program.
The handoff sessions included in the stay will focus on transitioning the skills to you as the handler, as well as coaching you through real life scenarios where you dog is encountering their triggers or working through challenging environments at home. We will troubleshoot together to plan for when surprises happen or you and your dog are unexpectedly placed at or over threshold, and identify ways to better read your dog and proactively interrupt potential incidents. Recommendations for further training or support will also be included to ensure that you are set up to continue building on what your dog has learned.
…$4800
Looking for Group: Group Classes for Ability Checks
In addition to other classes Like Magic holds, ongoing Charisma Check Coaching is offered Spring-Fall when weather allows.
Charisma Check is the ongoing coaching class open only to clients who have completed behavior modification work with Like Magic Dog Training and are ready to work largely independently with coaching and in controlled scenarios.
If your dog has been progressing through behavior modification for some time, they may benefit from additional group classes to stretch their skills and enhance your relationship.
In the Winter, you’ll find me on your computer screen in the comfort of your own home, where Winter Webinars are offered on a variety of subjects to kickstart your dog’s training and keep you and your best friend active during the colder weather.
In Spring, classes will be starting up in partnership with various facilities in the area, as well as offered independently: for basic manners, puppy development, adolescent impulse control, and dog reactivity.
You’ll also find drop-in enrichment games and classes listed below to build your dog’s confidence, burn their energy, and learn new games to play, offered throughout the year.
