About HappyGentle Dogs

Behavior coaching in Princeton

HappyGentle Dogs is a behavior training company in Princeton that became official in Princeton, Texas in 2008. Founder Dale Donaldson, called The Gentle Coach, is credited with working with dogs and families since the early 1990s and more than 35 years in the field. The coaching team includes head coach Madi Hydock, who takes on tough reactivity and fear cases, along with coaches Tracy Donaldson, Gabriela Flores, Matthew Hydock and Danielle Devaughn.

Method

The company trains with Constructional Reinforcement Training (CRT), a system it developed itself and describes as informed by Applied Behavior Analysis. Its promise is "No Pain. No Fear. No Punishment. EVER." Rather than correcting a reaction, coaches back up to the last point where the dog was calm and build from there, one small success at a time.

Programs and prices

The Aggression Program offers a Gold Board & Train at $1,000 per week for 4-6 weeks, with four on-site owner lessons and 90 days of text and email support, and a Platinum Board & Train at $1,600 per week with more owner lessons, video updates, an in-home transfer session in the DFW area and six months of support. For dogs without serious aggression there is a Silver Board & Train at $900 per week for 2-4 weeks, and a six-week Day Training program at $1,600 with six full-day on-site sessions covering confidence, leash manners and calm routines. A free two-minute online assessment helps owners pick a program.