About Understanding Fido, LLC

Understanding Fido is a positive, rewards-based in-home trainer based out of Concord, working in clients' homes and out in the community, with virtual sessions as an alternative. Its own site says it travels to parts of Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Stanly, Rowan and Union counties.

What it works on

The published list runs from puppy basics to what the site calls puzzling behaviors: acclimating a puppy to a new home, life skills and manners, reactivity toward people or animals, fearful behaviors, handling difficulties and separation anxiety. Crate training, door dashing, potty training and leash skills are named specifically.

Formats and published prices

Every new client starts with a consultation, up to 60 minutes, gathering history, assessing the dog's needs, evaluating the environment and identifying strategies to use immediately; it costs $125 for one dog. Private training sessions are $100 for a single session of up to 60 minutes, $255 for a package of three or $500 for a package of six. Semiprivate sessions – which the site recommends for multi-dog households or tight-knit neighborhoods where familiar dogs socialize together – run $315 for three or $620 for six. A Baby Basics package for families expecting a child costs $500. Virtual sessions also serve clients outside the in-person area and dogs too fearful for a stranger in the house.

Credentials the business claims

The owner's published credentials are a CPDT-KA from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, a Family Dog Mediator designation, the Aggression in Dogs Master Course, and three separation-anxiety programs including two shadowing programs.