About Canine Communications

Canine Communications is a Kaukauna, Wisconsin training practice built around a single idea, which its home page states as "Improved Relationships Improves Behavior". The distinction it draws is between compliance and habit: "It is often said the difference between a well trained dog and a well behaved dog is; a well trained dog will do whatever you ask, a well behaved dog you don't always have to ask."

Method

The about page explains the approach in the first person. "Dogs are motivated by seeking pleasure and avoiding pain. Not only does that play into the behaviors we see everyday, it also plays into how we want to train them. Training should feel good for everyone. My strategy is to use games based training to reshape your dog's responses to their environment and to you." The stated goal is to "shift responsibility for success from you to your dog", with the caution that "Management is training. That being said, we don't want to get stuck having to manage our dogs for the rest of their lives." The site sums the method up as "science backed, results based methods".

Sessions and published rates

The services page publishes the format and the price of each option. A 45-minute consultation is the starting point – "We'll use this appointment to get to know each other … This is where we will formulate a transformation plan and get you and your dog on the right path" – listed at $79. Private lessons run 30 minutes, a length the page justifies "because our dogs tend to get a little brain fried", and are listed at $60 for one lesson, $199 for four and $359 for eight. Virtual lessons run 45 minutes, longer so the trainer can demonstrate with her own dog, at $79 for one, $289 for four and $499 for eight. Group classes of 50 minutes are not run in-house: "Group classes are being offered through Clever K9s. All classes are booked via their website. Look for classes taught by Cassie."

The trainer

Every page signs off "Cassie Heck, Certified Dog Trainer, Relationship Enthusiast", with an email address and phone number. Ask which body issued the certification. The published client notes describe work with a reactive dog and with an anxious dog that "would not even get out of the car for class", and credit the trainer with teaching not just what to do but "why we do so for lasting results".