The Goofy Dog Project

The Goofy Dog Project is a dog training business based in New York City that offers in-person and virtual training services. The trainer, Rachel, provides science-based, reward-based training for puppies, dogs with behavior challenges, and dogs needing everyday skill building. The business focuses on creating a stronger bond between owners and their dogs through personalized consultations and hands-on coaching.

The business serves clients in New York City and offers both in-person and virtual training options. Services include consultation, in-person sessions, and virtual sessions tailored to the dog's needs. Pricing for in-person sessions is $175, while virtual sessions are $125. The business also offers a 'Dog Only' package that includes weekly solo sessions and a skill-transfer session for an additional fee.

The Goofy Dog Project specializes in helping dogs with reactivity, hyperarousal, and confidence-building issues. They also offer training for rescue and shelter dogs to help them decompress and build routines. Additionally, they provide guidance on manners and life skills, such as crate training and house training, to make everyday life smoother for both the dog and the owner.

The process begins with a 60-minute consultation where the trainer discusses the dog's history, goals, and daily routine. Afterward, clients receive a summary of the call, training goals, and personalized recommendations. In-person sessions involve hands-on coaching in the home environment, while virtual sessions allow for real-time feedback and support through email or text.

The trainer, Rachel, is a Certified Fear Free Professional and a KPA CTP Student. She has over a decade of experience in animal rescue and has fostered over 100 animals. Her approach is rooted in positive reinforcement, fear-free principles, and a deep understanding of behavior to help dogs develop skills that lead to a comfortable and happy life together.

The business uses positive reinforcement training, which involves adding something to increase a desired behavior. Common reinforcers include treats, play, or praise. The trainer focuses on teaching cues rather than commands, which helps the dog understand what is being asked and genuinely want to repeat the behavior.

The 'Dog Only' package is available exclusively in-person and includes two sessions plus a transfer for $475, or three sessions plus a transfer for $650. This package is best suited for puppies and dogs learning foundational skills like sit, down, and paw. It also includes unlimited virtual support and behavior reports after each session.

The business offers a 'You + Your Dog' package where the trainer works with both the owner and the dog in the home environment. This allows for real-time coaching and feedback, helping the owner learn alongside the dog. After each session, a behavior report is sent to the client to track progress and provide guidance on how to continue at home.

The trainer, Rachel, shares her personal story about her dog Max, who struggled with anxiety and hyperarousal. This experience inspired her to focus on communication, trust, and meeting emotional needs rather than just obedience and control. The philosophy behind the business is to build a relationship based on trust and fun, which helps dogs engage willingly.

The business provides resources and recommendations for treats, enrichment, and walking accessories to help clients succeed. They also offer follow-up resources on understanding dog body language and effectively teaching new behaviors. Every client receives personalized recommendations to support their dog's well-being and the owner's relationship with the dog.

The business is located in Brooklyn, NY, and serves clients in New York City. They offer both in-person and virtual training options to accommodate different needs and preferences. The trainer is based in NYC and provides personalized consultations to help owners build a stronger relationship with their dogs.

The business offers a 'Dog & Cat Introductions' service to help new furry housemates get along. They provide step-by-step guides to avoid problems and create happy homes. This service is part of their broader focus on building everyday skills and manners for dogs.

The business emphasizes understanding the root cause of behavior rather than just addressing symptoms. They ask 'why is this happening' instead of 'how do I make this stop' to create lasting change. This approach helps in addressing issues like barking, lunging, pulling, and jumping by understanding the underlying emotions.

The trainer, Rachel, has a personal connection to the business through her dog Max, who inspired the name and philosophy. The business aims to empower owners with knowledge and skills to support their dog while keeping well-being at the forefront. The goal is to build a stronger relationship and improve communication to create lasting behavior change.

The official website of The Goofy Dog Project is goofydogproject.com.