The ARK Way.
One philosophy. Three ways to train.

The ARK Way

Structure. Trust. Clear communication. State of mind.

The ARK Way is how we approach training across every program. We begin with your dog’s needs and your household’s goals, then build the foundations that help your dog live well alongside you. These foundations work together throughout training; the pace and priorities depend on the individual dog.

1. Start with structure.

Predictable routines, clear boundaries, rest and appropriate outlets give your dog a more consistent everyday life. We help you establish habits you can maintain while preparing your dog for the skills ahead.

2. Build trust.

We take time to understand your dog and develop a working relationship. Consistent handling, meaningful rewards and shared experiences help your dog learn what to expect from you. You learn to recognize what your dog is communicating, too.

3. Make communication clear.

We teach you how to give a cue, mark the moment your dog gets it right and deliver the reward with clear timing. Breaking those moments apart helps your dog understand what earned the reward. We coach you through the details and practice them together.

4. Train for state of mind.

We teach useful skills such as sit, down and recall while paying attention to how your dog approaches the situation. That includes learning to settle when life is quiet, engage with you around distractions and enjoy enthusiastic play when it is time to play. The goal is a dog who can participate in your everyday life while keeping the personality you love.

You learn the ARK Way alongside your dog.

We teach the owner in every program. In Board & Train, you meet and work with your trainer and dog regularly throughout training. In Owner Train and virtual coaching, we guide you as you practice between sessions. Together, we connect the training to your routines at home and the places you spend time.

We recommend the training format, participation plan and priorities during consultation. The same foundations guide the work, with support matched to your dog and your household.

Board & Train

Owners typically come to the trainer for Board & Train, including owner sessions, drop-off and pickup. Some Board & Train owner sessions may also take place at your home or in public, depending on the training plan.

For puppies, this is our premium and most comprehensive trainer-led option. Daily professional handling and consistent practice create more opportunity to develop foundations than remote coaching alone.

Your dog receives individualized training in a trainer’s home. We work with a small number of dogs so there is room to understand the individual and build a relationship.

You are required to meet and work with your trainer and dog regularly throughout the program. Owner participation begins during training, not only at a final go-home lesson.

Before choosing this format, we’ll discuss your ability to take part in those sessions, travel logistics and how the work transfers to your home.

Owner Train

Hands-on weekly coaching helps you learn to train your own dog. We teach the handler as well as the dog, including use of trained demonstration dogs when helpful.

You practice between sessions, bring questions back and build your handling skills over time. We typically travel to you for hands-on Owner Train. The first few sessions are usually in your home to prepare the dog and establish the foundations. Sessions often move into public spaces toward the end of the program as you and your dog are ready. We confirm the location, schedule and any applicable mileage with you before training begins.

Guided virtual training

Private weekly one-hour sessions combine with Microsoft Teams and phone communication. You upload videos during the week, and your trainer provides critique and feedback between sessions.

This format supports owners who want professional direction while doing the training themselves. Suitability depends on the dog, goals and type of support needed.

For puppies under six months, our $800 virtual program includes four weeks and four private one-hour sessions. All sessions are required and the program is non-refundable. If you need more direct help, we can discuss Board & Train or Owner Train, including suitability, availability and pricing.

What we ask of you

• Participate consistently and practice the agreed work.
• Be honest about your dog’s history and your available time.
• Ask questions when something is unclear.
• Make space for a relationship to develop before increasing expectations.

No standard program price or public duration promise fits every dog. We design the plan after consultation.

Start with your dog’s story.

Complete the application so we can understand your dog, your household and your goals. Most clients begin with a $75 virtual consultation. In-person consultations are $120 plus applicable mileage. This is an assessment and program-design conversation; normal training plans and prices are customized afterward.