About Clever Critters, LLC

Clever Critters is a behavior practice rather than a class school, and it describes itself that way: "Professional Dog Training and Behavior Therapy – Helping pets and their people enjoy life together in Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, surrounding areas, and virtually."

How the work is delivered

There is no facility to visit. The site is explicit about where sessions happen and why: "Services are provided in your home, on-site, and virtually. We assess and treat behaviors where they are happening. Examples of on-site work include working with you and your pet on a walk, at a park, or at the veterinarian's office." That is a deliberate choice – a dog that only reacts on the sidewalk cannot be assessed in a training hall.

The approach

The method statement leans on process rather than philosophy: "We help pets and their people enjoy life together by reducing stress, increasing communication, and changing behavior through education and individualized evidence-based behavior care plans." A consultant builds the plan – "Clever Critters consultants can develop a behavior care plan and provide personalized training." The published service headings are puppy classes, "Manners & Life Skills" and behavior therapy, with named problem areas including "Fear, Anxiety, & Stress" and cooperative care work grouped under "At Your Groomer".

The veterinary gate

One requirement here is stated up front and is worth reading before you book: "Before seeking help for a behavior concern from a trainer or behavior consultant, your pet should be up to date on veterinary care and have a recent, thorough checkup to rule out pain and other medical factors." The site offers a veterinary referral form to help with that.

Two practical notes

Cats are in scope as well as dogs – "We help dogs and cats of all ages, breeds, and temperaments." And the working week is unusual: hours run Monday, Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday, with nothing on Wednesdays or Sundays. The site refers throughout to consultants in the plural; ask who will work with your pet and what credentials they hold.