About Best Pet Forward

Who they are

Best Pet Forward is run by Deb Monroe, CPDT-KA, a certified pet trainer whose site closes with "Serving Rochester Hills, Michigan and the surrounding area." The organizing idea is stated in the header: "A dog with a positive reinforcement training history is successful!"

How it works

The process is three steps: schedule a consult call, choose virtual or in-person support, then work through the plan. Monroe describes the first step as a screening both ways: "Participate in a phone interview so that Best Pet Forward can evaluate your needs, wish list and discuss your challenges. I want to be sure we are the best fit for each other!"

Services and prices

Live Virtual Family Support is $85 per hour: "Bring me into your home virtually so I can observe and lead you through exercises to solve your basic training questions and concerns." Sessions run in one-hour blocks, a PDF summary is emailed within 48 hours, and a minimum of two sessions must be scheduled. The Family Coach Package is $975 and must be used within 60 days, consisting of four scheduled one-hour virtual meetings and four one-hour hands-on sessions in your home as needed – "This mix of virtual and hands-on support is a flexible format that fits the needs of a busy family."

Method and requirements

The practice is force free by an explicit published definition: "No shock, No prong, No choke and No Pain, No fear, No Force are ever employed in the training, behavior modification, care, or management of any pet," with physical force defined as "any intentional physical act against a pet that causes psychological or physical pain, harm or damage to the pet." There are client requirements to match: for training work outside the home "a yard with a physical, secure fence is required (NO electronic fencing)," alternatives being a nearby secured area or a long line, and for leash work "only a flat collar, leash, and /or harness as needed are allowed – no 'training collars'." A one-time 20% discount is offered to clients who relinquish punitive equipment, listing choke, prong, shock, bark and citronella collars, scat mats and boundary fencing.