Online Training
In order to work with any client around the world, we have developed a remote way of meeting with clients and their animals easily. These training sessions are entirely online through video call. We have found that this is just as effective as being there in person, as Melanie can still demo with her video the actions to do, and be able to critique clients on their techniques and approach for the best training. Some animals, like exotics or fearful animals, respond differently to the presence of a new person, so by meeting online, we can have a more successful session! Support is available for clients 7 days a week for when they have questions or have any other updates regarding progression and training.
What Is Included in the Initial Training Session?
Written Training Plan
Each client will receive a detailed, customized written training plan outlining the exact steps of the training process. It outlines behavior goals, the steps to teach desired behaviors, and troubleshooting for immediate reminders if there becomes a problem with training. It helps keeps everyone on track and serves as a valuable tool to recall back on in case you need a refresher of the steps when training.
Plans also include any education the trainer feels you need in order to be successful with your training.
Training plans are also extremely beneficial to the organizations we work with. Since there is a larger staff and more caretakers, it creates a “common language” and keeps all caretakers informed and consistent on the animals training.
1-2 Hour Video Call
Each consultation includes a video call where Melanie will meet with the caretakers to go over education and the training plan in detail. These calls are no more than two hours long.
The first section of the call is to go over any education to help support the training plan for optimal success. Also, we discuss what factors within the animals environment may be contributing to undesirable behaviors.
The second half of the call includes going over the training plan step by step. This includes defining terms within the plan, as well as any demonstrations needed.
Live Demonstration and Critiques
During the live video call, demonstrations may be applicable or requested to help further explain and define the written training plan. It may also be needed for the client to demonstrate what they have learned on call with their animal to be sure timing and accuracy is presented for ultimate success.
There may also need to be recorded media to either share live on the video call, or to support client after the call for a refresher demonstration. This includes Melanie recording herself training and narrating what it is to be watching for or reiterating the written training plan to show the movements with the steps.
Flexible Scheduling
We can meet at earlier and later times than we could in-person because there is no travel time! There is also no possible additional travel fees since we are meeting online.
Serving Internationally
We can work with clients all around the world! We even work around your time zone!
Your Animal is More Relaxed
When a trainer comes to your home, fearful animals may shut down. If your animal is reactive, being in-person increases their stress. If your animal easily gets excited leading to overstimulation, they may not be able to calm down and focus to engage in learning. When meeting online, a new person is not there! Therefore, any undesirable behavior reactions to the trainer’s presence does not exist and training can commence.
Online Training Allows…
For your animal to be more comfortable, showcasing the true behaviors to work on. It decreases arousal for your reactive animal. Your animal cannot get overstimulated by the trainers presence. It will allow us to be able to train easier and build a foundation to then later bring in triggers to work through them more effectively.
For you to learn more! Clients can sometimes rely too heavily on their trainers to reach the goals they have for their animals. We see clients who may not train as frequently as they should because the trainer will be back in-person for a follow up session. It puts client’s in the headspace of “oh, I don’t need to train today because the trainer will be back soon to train them then.” We educate client’s to educate their animal to change behaviors because that is the only way for long-term success! Online sessions puts the training work on you, while the trainer supports and educates you!
For your animal to succeed! Our goal is for the caretaker of the animal to work with their animal, gain education, and transfer skills. Therefore by Fluff and Feathers educating on methods, mechanics, and techniques online puts the focus on learning new terms and skills to then apply to their animal’s in given situations. It also has the client working more with their animal, strengthening bonds while overcoming undesirable behaviors.
Every client and their needs are different, so online may not be the best type of learning for you. We do offer in-person consultations for those who would do better with the trainer being present.
In Person Training
For local clients, we offer in person training services for your companions. We actively service Maryland and surrounding states, but are also willing to travel. Travel fees may apply to these sessions.
We recommend to work with the animal where it is most comfortable and showcasing the undesired behaviors. Often when we transport animals to a new environment, there is added stress and distractions that could decrease the quality of the training session. We work with whatever is best for you and your animal. We prefer to come to your residence rather than the animal come to our facility. All caretakers are expected to be present during the session so everyone is aware of the training and possible changes needed in the animal’s environment for added success.
We do not offer board-and-train at this time.
What’s Included in These Sessions?
WRITTEN TRAINING PLAN
Each client will receive a detailed, customized written training plan outlining the exact steps of the training process. It outlines behavior goals, the steps to teach desired behaviors, and troubleshooting for immediate reminders if there becomes a problem with training. It helps keeps everyone on track and serves as a valuable tool to recall back on in case you need a refresher of the steps when training.
Plans also include any education the trainer feels you need in order to be successful with your training.
Training plans are also extremely beneficial to the organizations we work with. Since there is a larger staff and more caretakers, it creates a “common language” and keeps all caretakers informed and consistent on the animals training.
1-2 HOUR VISIT
Each consultation includes an in-person private session where Melanie will meet with the caretakers to go over education and the training plan in detail. These sessions are no more than two hours long.
The first section of the session goes over any education to help support the training plan for optimal success. Also, we discuss what factors within the animals environment may be contributing to undesirable behaviors.
The second half of the session includes going over the training plan step by step. This includes defining terms within the plan, as well as any live demonstrations needed.
LIVE DEMONSTRATION AND CRITIQUES
During the visit, demonstrations may be applicable or requested to help further explain and define the written training plan. It may also be needed for the client to demonstrate what they have learned from the visit with their animal to be sure timing and accuracy is presented for ultimate success.
Recorded media could be recorded and distributed to support the client after the visit for a refresher demonstration. This includes Melanie recording herself training and narrating what it is to be watching for or reiterating the written training plan to show the movements with the steps.
Interested in Scheduling a Training Session?
If you are looking to schedule a training session, learn more about our services, or have any other questions, please fill out the ticket below!
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