About Blue Dog Training & Behavior

A behavior consultancy first

Blue Dog Training & Behavior LLC is a Madison practice whose header names the consultant and her credentials on every page: "Sarah Kalnajs, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant & Certified Pet Dog Trainer APDT / ABMA / IAABC." The business summary is a single sentence: "Blue Dog Training & Behavior LLC solves current problems, prevents future problems and shapes behavior to improve things with your four legged friend."

In-home behavior consultations

The flagship service is described in detail. It covers "problem behaviors from the chewing, digging and barking variety to resource guarding, anxiety and fear issues, dog-to-dog and dog-to-human aggression." In a session "typically 90-minute to two-hour," Sarah "will take a complete history of your dog and the presenting problem, help you set realistic expectations for improvement and present you with a detailed written plan tailored to work for your individual personality and lifestyle to improve your dog's behavior." Aftercare is included: "Follow up via phone and email is encouraged and AT NO CHARGE!" Out-of-town clients can be seen at the home office in Madison when the issue allows, and "Weekday, evening and Sunday appointments are available."

In-home obedience training

Obedience is offered privately rather than in a class, spanning "Basic manners through advanced off-leash work." The reasoning given is practical: "Group obedience classes are great but sometimes you can't fit them into your schedule, or perhaps your dog is not a good candidate for group class … With home training the focus is on you, your dog, and the skills and behaviors YOU want your dog to learn – Blue Dog designs exercises tailored specifically to your environment and lifestyle."

Puppies, new babies and picking a dog

New Puppy ABCs targets the eight-to-sixteen-week window and covers "socialization tips, feeding, house training, basic obedience, handling, problem prevention and 'how to speak dog', as well as what to expect down the road as your puppy matures into adolescence and adulthood." A separate sixty-minute appointment prepares a resident dog for a new baby, covering "What to do before baby comes, when baby comes home and after your child's arrival going right through those toddler years." A dog-selection service "covers everything you need to know to determine the size, breed and temperament of the dog that will best fit your family," and the site says Sarah "can also personally help you find a good breeder or even select and evaluate dogs." A Dog Fundamentals session is offered for new owners generally.

Care alongside training

Blue Dog also lists pet sitting, boarding and exercise, including overnights, and is specific about who is accepted: "Blue Dog's highly qualified pet sitters provide pet sitting and exercise services (including overnights) for all dogs including those with behavior problems such as aggression towards people or other dogs." Training can be maintained while owners travel – "Are you in the middle of a behavior modification program and want to make sure that it is kept up while you are gone?"