About Aunt Karen’s Dog Behavior WNC

Dog Behavior WNC is Karen Comstock's practice – "Known by hundreds of dogs and their owners as 'Aunt Karen'" – and the site states its base directly: "Located in Hendersonville, NC. Serving Western North Carolina and the Upstate." Spanish is offered.

Behavior counseling versus training

The site draws the line itself, and it is the clearest framing of the two on any site in this metro. If a dog's mood "generally seems anxious, pessimistic, fearful, or depressed", that is not normal and the answer is behavior counseling. If the dog is happy and relaxed but there is mischief afoot, that is normal and the answer is dog training.

What she publishes working on

Her listed specialties are right-start puppy raising, troubleshooting behavior problems, prevention and mitigation of canine aggression, and rehabilitation of misunderstood dogs. She describes herself as a Certified Behavior Counselor-Canine using Applied Behavior Analysis and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer using reward-based, force-free methods.

Programs and published prices

A Behavior Evaluation costs $300 and includes text message support. Continuing Training and Behavior Modification sessions follow and can be bought in three-packs for $375, held at her facility or in a public space. The Raise Right Puppy Coach package is $900 for puppies aged eight weeks to eight months and includes six workshops, socialization and group play.

A standing warning to owners

Her own page carries advice about choosing anyone in this trade: "Dog training is an unregulated, unlicensed field. Look for verifiable credentials based on current education and high standards."