About The Understood Dog, LLC

Who they are

The Understood Dog, LLC is the practice of Lesley Graham, CPDT-KA, described on the site as CCPDT-certified, insured and bonded, offering "Certified, In-Home Dog Training" in Novi, Michigan. Graham is candid that she once trained differently: "I'd owned and trained several dogs, using time-tested, 'old-school' methods. They seemed to work well enough. I thought there were basically 2 kinds of dogs: Good (friendly) and Bad (aggressive)… I didn't know most Bad (aggressive) dogs were really 'acting out' – because they were nervous, afraid, just freaked out."

The idea

The organizing thesis is communication: "Good Dog Training is Really Good Communication… Dogs and people do see the world differently; what makes sense to a dog, can be the complete opposite of what's natural for you!" She positions herself against dominance framing – "Did you decide to get a dog to battle for 'dominance' for their lifetime? I've spent plenty of time debunking training myths and false beliefs about how dogs learn" – and against merely managing problems: "Trying to cope with problem behaviors like separation anxiety, poor on-leash manners, or fear-based aggression, is just that – coping. Let me help you and your dog make real progress with positive, fair, effective methods."

The two formats

In-Home Dog Training (Owner Coached) is the standard route: "I work with you and your dog during training visits. I'll demonstrate, explain, and teach you the skills you need. I'll provide handouts, training exercises to practice on your own, plus email and phone support throughout." Programs average 6-8 visits for straightforward cases, longer for complex or long-standing behavior challenges, at $90 per session within a plan package. Day Training is the alternative: "This program brings me into your home 3 to 4 times per week, to train alone with your dog… You don't have to be involved in training sessions! About once a week I conduct a 'transfer' session with you, to show you what behaviors I have installed." The stated audience for Day Training is owners with "a jam-packed or unpredictable schedule" and those who "enjoy a well-trained pet, but don't necessarily want to become an amateur dog trainer themselves."

How it starts

Every program begins with a consultation, after which you receive a written Plan Proposal setting out the dog's current status, your goal behaviors, the number of visits in the package, what will be covered and the cost. Phone: 248.207.7202.