FAQ
Questions about dog training, agility and pet care
Straight answers to what people ask first, from Jess at Paws & Play in Chelmsford, MA. Don't see yours? Call or text 978-226-8592.
Training
In-home dog training
How do you train?
Reward-based first. That's R+, positive reinforcement, and it's what my puppy and home manners programs run on start to finish.
After that, my job is to make sure you know everything that could help your dog — including tools. I'll tell you what each one does and why I'd consider it, and we'll only ever use what you're comfortable with.
After that, my job is to make sure you know everything that could help your dog — including tools. I'll tell you what each one does and why I'd consider it, and we'll only ever use what you're comfortable with.
My dog is anxious or reactive. Can you help?
Yes, in many cases! I help dogs with mild to moderate anxiety and reactivity build confidence and learn calmer ways to respond to the world around them.
Every training plan is tailored to your dog, combining foundation skills with the right management tools to help your dog feel safer and give you more control on walks and at home.
We'll start with a consultation to understand your dog's needs and make sure we're the right fit. For more severe cases, such as dogs with a bite history or intense fear, I'm happy to refer you to a veterinary behaviorist or specialist who can best support you.
Every training plan is tailored to your dog, combining foundation skills with the right management tools to help your dog feel safer and give you more control on walks and at home.
We'll start with a consultation to understand your dog's needs and make sure we're the right fit. For more severe cases, such as dogs with a bite history or intense fear, I'm happy to refer you to a veterinary behaviorist or specialist who can best support you.
How soon will we see a difference?
Many families notice small wins within the first week or two, like a dog who checks in more often or settles a little faster.
Bigger changes, especially for things like reactivity or fear, take longer and happen in steps rather than overnight.
Every dog and their owner is different, but the biggest factor is practice between sessions. Our sessions are where you learn the skills; the real progress happens in your daily life together. Short, frequent practice (even 5 minutes a day!) goes further than one long session a week. You'll get homework after each session to keep you on track, and I'm here to help adjust the plan as your dog progresses.
Bigger changes, especially for things like reactivity or fear, take longer and happen in steps rather than overnight.
Every dog and their owner is different, but the biggest factor is practice between sessions. Our sessions are where you learn the skills; the real progress happens in your daily life together. Short, frequent practice (even 5 minutes a day!) goes further than one long session a week. You'll get homework after each session to keep you on track, and I'm here to help adjust the plan as your dog progresses.
Do you offer group classes?
Not yet, but it's on my radar!
In the meantime, my private in-home training and day training give your dog one-on-one attention in the real-world setting where they actually need the skills. Many of the things dogs learn in group classes, like loose-leash walking, focus around distractions and solid recall, are things I work on in private sessions.
Want to hear when group classes launch? Sign up for promo texts and/or follow me on Facebook and Instagram and I'll let you know first.
In the meantime, my private in-home training and day training give your dog one-on-one attention in the real-world setting where they actually need the skills. Many of the things dogs learn in group classes, like loose-leash walking, focus around distractions and solid recall, are things I work on in private sessions.
Want to hear when group classes launch? Sign up for promo texts and/or follow me on Facebook and Instagram and I'll let you know first.
How much does in-home dog training cost?
My in-home dog training programs start at $400 for the four-session Core Program, and the five-session Full Program, which I recommend, is $500.
Additional one-hour sessions are $110 each, and an in-home consultation before a program is $75 an hour (two dogs max). Payment plans are available: the Full Program can be paid in two payments of $250, at booking and again at week 3.
Additional one-hour sessions are $110 each, and an in-home consultation before a program is $75 an hour (two dogs max). Payment plans are available: the Full Program can be paid in two payments of $250, at booking and again at week 3.
How does in-home dog training work?
I come to your home and coach you and your dog together, in the exact environment where everyday behavior happens.
It starts with a free phone consultation. An in-home consultation follows only if the phone call says we need one. Packages are purchased before the first session, and every session ends with homework.
It starts with a free phone consultation. An in-home consultation follows only if the phone call says we need one. Packages are purchased before the first session, and every session ends with homework.
How old does a puppy have to be to start training?
Puppy Foundations starts at 14 weeks.
It is for puppies from 14 weeks to about six months, or any dog new to training.
It is for puppies from 14 weeks to about six months, or any dog new to training.
Agility
Backyard agility
Does my dog need training experience or a fenced yard for agility?
No. Beginner agility needs no agility experience, no perfect recall and no prior training, and a fenced yard is helpful but not required.
All dogs start on leash to build focus, and we work toward off-leash handling when it's appropriate. Before the first session I ask a few quick questions about your dog to make sure agility is a safe and positive fit.
All dogs start on leash to build focus, and we work toward off-leash handling when it's appropriate. Before the first session I ask a few quick questions about your dog to make sure agility is a safe and positive fit.
How much does backyard agility cost?
Private beginner agility sessions are $75 for 45 minutes or $100 for one hour, and setup and breakdown are included in both.
Four-session packages are $270 for 4 × 45 minutes and $360 for 4 × one hour. I bring all the equipment.
Four-session packages are $270 for 4 × 45 minutes and $360 for 4 × one hour. I bring all the equipment.
Pet care
Walks, drop-ins and cat sitting
What do dog walking, drop-in visits and cat sitting cost?
A 30-minute dog walk or drop-in visit is $35 and 60 minutes is $55, and cat sitting is $25 for 30 minutes and $50 for 60.
Two dogs on a walk are $45 for 30 minutes or $60 for 60. A second dog on a drop-in is +$10, and a third or any additional dog or cat is +$5. Each additional cat is +$10 for cat sitting. Evenings (5pm and later) and weekends add $10 to walks and drop-ins, and observed holidays carry a 50% surcharge per service. Cat-sitting medication costs an additional fee.
Two dogs on a walk are $45 for 30 minutes or $60 for 60. A second dog on a drop-in is +$10, and a third or any additional dog or cat is +$5. Each additional cat is +$10 for cat sitting. Evenings (5pm and later) and weekends add $10 to walks and drop-ins, and observed holidays carry a 50% surcharge per service. Cat-sitting medication costs an additional fee.
Do you offer overnight pet sitting?
No. We don't offer overnights; drop-in visits are the alternative.
Drop-ins cover most cats and plenty of dogs: feeding, a walk or play, and a photo and note each time. If your dog can't be alone overnight, you'll want a boarding service instead — say so and we'll tell you straight.
Drop-ins cover most cats and plenty of dogs: feeding, a walk or play, and a photo and note each time. If your dog can't be alone overnight, you'll want a boarding service instead — say so and we'll tell you straight.
Booking & payment
Booking and payment
How do I book dog training or agility?
Start with a free phone consultation, which you book on the Contact page.
It's about 15 minutes about your dog, and I recommend where to start. There's no commitment. Packages are purchased before the first session, and payment plans are available.
It's about 15 minutes about your dog, and I recommend where to start. There's no commitment. Packages are purchased before the first session, and payment plans are available.
How do I book pet care?
Send us a note, then we set up a free meet-and-greet with your sitter before the first visit.
The meet-and-greet is free and required. After it we set you up in Pet Pocketbook, where you request visits, get photo updates and pay. Existing clients can log in there directly.
The meet-and-greet is free and required. After it we set you up in Pet Pocketbook, where you request visits, get photo updates and pay. Existing clients can log in there directly.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel or reschedule free of charge up to 9 pm the evening before, and weekend pet care visits need 24 hours' notice.
Training: Rescheduling is free by 9 pm the evening before your session, as long as it's moved within 7 days. Cancellations after 9 pm, and no-shows, are charged in full or deducted from your package.
Dog walking and drop-in visits:
• Recurring weekly walks and weekday visits: cancel or reschedule by 9 pm the night before at no charge.
• Weekend visits: please give 24 hours' notice.
• Late cancellations: $20 for weekday visits and $25 for weekend visits. The fee covers your walker's pay for the time they set aside for your pup.
• Illness and emergencies: we understand that sick days and surprises happen. Fees for occasional emergencies may be waived at our discretion.
How to cancel: Text or message us and cancel in Pet Pocketbook. The time we receive your message is the time we use.
If we need to cancel: If we cancel because of unsafe weather, illness, or an emergency, you won't be charged. We'll offer a makeup visit when we can.
Training: Rescheduling is free by 9 pm the evening before your session, as long as it's moved within 7 days. Cancellations after 9 pm, and no-shows, are charged in full or deducted from your package.
Dog walking and drop-in visits:
• Recurring weekly walks and weekday visits: cancel or reschedule by 9 pm the night before at no charge.
• Weekend visits: please give 24 hours' notice.
• Late cancellations: $20 for weekday visits and $25 for weekend visits. The fee covers your walker's pay for the time they set aside for your pup.
• Illness and emergencies: we understand that sick days and surprises happen. Fees for occasional emergencies may be waived at our discretion.
How to cancel: Text or message us and cancel in Pet Pocketbook. The time we receive your message is the time we use.
If we need to cancel: If we cancel because of unsafe weather, illness, or an emergency, you won't be charged. We'll offer a makeup visit when we can.
Service area
Where we go
Which towns do you serve?
I train in Chelmsford and its immediate neighbors (Lowell, Billerica, Carlisle, Westford and Tyngsboro) with no travel fee.
Outside those towns there's a $20 travel fee and a two-session minimum, and I'm not drawing a hard boundary, so ask. Pet care covers Chelmsford and East Westford, with no travel fee. See the service area page.
Outside those towns there's a $20 travel fee and a two-session minimum, and I'm not drawing a hard boundary, so ask. Pet care covers Chelmsford and East Westford, with no travel fee. See the service area page.
Ready to get started with your dog?
Start with a free phone call. Tell me what's going on; I'll tell you what I'd do.
Walks or pet sitting? Send a note →
Or call or text 978-226-8592.
What happens next
A 15-minute phone call about your dog
A plan and a price, no pressure
First session at your home