Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Glendale, AZ

*  Single session: $130/hour
*  4 sessions: $450
*  6 sessions: $675
*  8 sessions: $900
*  12 sessions: $1300

In short, no matter what challenge you're facing, our private dog training sessions give you tailored strategies, expert guidance, and compassionate support. What are you waiting for, let’s work together to build lasting behavior changes that improve life for both you and your dog.

Does your dog pull on walks, react to distractions, or make outdoor time stressful? You’re not alone. As a matter of fact, many pet parents face these challenges. Given that, we offer two structured leash training programs using only force free dog training techniques. For what ever the reason be it becoming easily distracted or deeply reactive, we’ve got solutions that work. For dogs who need more practice around real-world distractions, our Friday Night Dog Pack Walks provide guided opportunities to build leash skills, focus, and neutrality.

This two-week leash training program is perfect for dogs who pull, zig-zag, or ignore cues during walks. 

Key Focus Areas:  

*  Loose leash walking techniques
*  Engagement and focus in mild distractions
*  Establishing walk structure and redirection cues

In total, your dog receives seven walk-and-train sessions with Kristie, plus weekly reviews with your family. This helps everyone stay consistent and successful. If you're struggling with leash pulling or general walk frustration, this program offers immediate, manageable improvement.

Generally, this is an ideal program for dogs without major reactivity but who still need guidance and structure when walking.

If your dog lunges, barks, or spins at the sight of other dogs, people, or moving objects, leash reactivity may be the root cause. This four-week intensive leash reactivity training program provides expert support through:

*  Threshold management and trigger recognition
*  Counter-conditioning and desensitization exercises
*  Confidence building with positive reinforcement

For clarification, each week includes three structured training walks plus a full family coaching session. To emphasize, this program is designed to help both you and your dog feel safer and more confident on every walk. It’s not just leash reactivity training, it’s a mindset shift.

Our Friday Night Dog Pack Walks combine socialization with real-world training practice. Each guided one-hour walk reinforces skills like loose-leash walking, focus, and calm greetings in distraction-filled environments. It’s an ideal way to strengthen your dog’s training foundation outside the home while building confidence around other dogs and people.

Held weekly from October through April, these structured walks rotate through different West Valley park locations to keep training fresh and challenging. Walks begin at 6:30 PM and wrap up at 7:30 PM. The cost is $10 per dog, and all dogs must remain on a standard six-foot leash, no flexi leashes permitted.

Pack Walks are open to both current training students and the general public. Visit the Classes & Events page for park schedules, maps, and registration details. This is hands-on learning in motion. The perfect way to turn practice into everyday success.

Structured group walks help you:

*  Practice leash skills around other dogs
*  Safely build canine social skills confidence around other dogs
*  Increase attention and focus around distractions
*  Build impulse control
*  Implement walking structure
*  Get hands-on coaching from Kristie

📍 Location varies by week but are predominantly in Phoenix West Valley parks
🕡 Time: Fridays, 6:30pm–7:30pm
Cost $10

These structured outings are also a great complement to our professional dog walking services for dogs who benefit from consistent leash practice and exercise during the week.

Not everyone has the time or energy to train their dog consistently, and that’s okay. Which is why our day training and board and train programs offer immersive learning solutions for busy families. Altogether, Kristie handles the daily work while keeping you involved with weekly updates and coaching.

For dogs 7 months and older needing better obedience and manners, this program blends structure, real-world exposure, and foundational training.

Your dog will learn:

*  Sit, stand, watch, down, stay & release, come, and recall
*  Front door etiquette and polite greetings
*  Basic leash walking skills
*  Confidence through social outings

✅ 3 trainer-led sessions per week
✅ Weekly family reviews to support learning
✅ All done using force free dog training methods

This option is perfect for dogs who need structure and consistency, but whose owners need flexibility and a little extra help getting their dog to be as delightful as they know she can be!

Would you like a dog you can confidently bring anywhere? This advanced day training program builds reliability under distraction and prepares your pup for additional freedom.

Over 10 weeks, your dog will master:

*  High compliances with basic cues, heel & reel, place & a few more
*  Leash manners in high-distraction areas
*  Obedience around strangers, crowds, and other dogs
*  Etiquette for public settings like patios, parks, or cafés

Includes 3 training sessions per week and 6 weekly family reviews to ensure consistency. This program is ideal for pet parents wanting the total package without having to manage it all themselves.

Prefer to have your dog trained while staying with the trainer? Our board and train program offers round-the-clock structure and support in Kristie’s home environment.

Your dog receives:

*  Daily personalized training (90 minutes per day)
*  Constant supervision and home-based structure
*  Social exposure with Kristie’s well-trained demo dogs
*  A full handoff session to teach YOU what your dog learned

This immersive option accelerates progress and is great for dogs needing a reset or jump-start in behavior.

Every dog has a different story, and some need support beyond basic obedience. Our specialty dog training programs are designed for those looking to address specific challenges, improve behavior in real-world situations, or simply build new skills together.

Each of these specialty dog training programs is taught by Kristie Halverson, a positive reinforcement dog trainer in Glendale, AZ, with years of experience solving real-world behavior challenges.

Wanting to boost your dog’s confidence while having fun? Trick training offers mental enrichment, a deeper bond, and reinforcement of obedience foundations.

Tricks include:

*  Sit pretty
*  Shake, spin, twirl
*  Crawl, bow, and roll over
*  Your choice

Confidence-building games are also integrated, making this perfect for shy or nervous dogs learning to trust.

4-week in-person course is designed for dogs who have completed basic obedience training and are ready to learn 10 fun beginner-friendly tricks. Classes meet weekly at a West Valley park in Phoenix, AZ. We use force-free, positive reinforcement methods only, no choke collars, prong collars, scolding, or any aversive tools (only treats, praise, and clickers!). Trick training is a low-pressure, high-fun way to bond with your dog and provide mental enrichment.

Tricks include:

*  Wait
*  Touch
*  Middle
*  Orbit & Around
*  Weave/Figure 8
*  Spin & Twirl
*  Sit pretty
*  Rollover
*  Bow

Confidence-building games are also integrated, making this perfect for shy or nervous dogs learning to trust.

If your dog gets overstimulated when someone knocks or darts out the door, this program creates calm, controlled responses using force-free behavior modification.

Topics for Training include: 

*  Calm behavior at doorbells and knocks
*  Boundary control at doors and thresholds
*  Polite greetings and impulse regulation

You’ll gain tools to help your dog stay grounded when excitement strikes while WOWING guests!

Bringing home a second dog or introducing a new puppy to your current pack? A smooth start can make all the difference. Our structured, safe dog introduction service helps prevent tension and sets everyone up for long-term harmony.

Areas of Focus:  

*  Temperament evaluations
*  Step-by-step introductions in a neutral, supervised space
*  Real-time guidance and follow-up support

Safe introductions reduce conflict and lay the groundwork for a peaceful multi-dog household.

As a force free dog trainer, Kristie believes that training should never rely on fear or intimidation. Instead, she uses a RESPPPECT training philosophy that stands for:

Reward. Exercise. Socialize. Positive. Punctual. Patient. Energy. Consistent. Trust.

These values shape every session and create lasting change built on mutual understanding.

Force free methods rely on science and compassion.  The dog trainer at FurBabies & Friends, Kristie, never uses tools like prong collars, shock collars, or choke chains. Instead, she focuses on building trust through:

*  Rewards-based learning & positive motivation
*  Clear, consistent communication
*  Confidence-building without punishment
*  Safe emotional environments for dogs to learn

When dogs feel respected and understood, they thrive, and so does your relationship with them.
Scientific research proves this method not only enhances obedience but also supports your dog’s mental and emotional well-being.

Learning does not stop between sessions. To help you practice confidently at home, Kristie shares step-by-step dog training tutorials on her YouTube channel.

Featured training topics include:

• Puppy potty training foundations
• Teaching a reliable recall
• Building a strong stay cue
• Understanding how dogs learn

🎥 Visit the FurBabies & Friends YouTube Channel

Struggling with leash pulling or chaotic walks? This step-by-step leash training guide walks you through structure, engagement, and consistency using positive reinforcement.

Great dog training starts with understanding your dog. These guides share practical advice, training insights, and real-world strategies Kristie uses with clients across Glendale and the Phoenix West Valley.

Here are a few dog training articles you may find interesting:

• The First Week With a New Puppy: What Every Owner Should Know
• The Benefits of Group Dog Training Classes
• Why Force-Free Dog Training Is Better Than Punishment Methods
• Friday Night Pack Walks: Real-World Socialization for Dogs

View All Dog Training Tips & Behavior Articles.

Tried, Tested, and Trainer-Approved Tools for Success

When it comes to choosing the right gear, the options can feel overwhelming. After more than 20 years as a dedicated dog mom, and 7 as a professional force free dog trainer, Kristie has personally tested hundreds of products. As a result, she’s created a trusted list of only the best dog training products that truly deliver results.

These recommendations include tools and supplies that make daily life easier, training more effective, and your dog happier overall.

Go-To Dog Training Tools from Kristie:

*  High-value training treats for different learning levels
*  Puzzle toys and enrichment games for mental stimulation
*  Cleaning products that actually work for pet messes
*  Grooming tools that reduce stress for dogs and owners
*  Safe, effective walking tools to support leash training
*  Calming aids for anxious or nervous pups

So, if you want to train like a pro, these tools are Kristie-tested and pup-approved.

Even the best training sessions only go so far without consistency in your daily routine. While Kristie leads with expertise during appointments, the real transformation happens between visits. With the right mindset, your entire family can contribute to lasting success.

Every dog learns at their own pace. That’s why reward based dog training works best when paired with short, positive sessions at home.

To stay on track:

*  Practice skills for a few minutes each day
*  Use clear, consistent cues
*  Reinforce good behavior with praise and treats
*  Avoid overloading your dog, keep sessions upbeat and fun

Small wins, celebrated consistently, lead to big results.

After each session, Kristie will assign customized dog training homework based on your dog’s behavior goals. These exercises are designed to fit your schedule and support steady progress.

Some tips for success:

*  Involve the whole family
*  Repeat commands in low-distraction environments first
*  Focus on one behavior at a time
*  Be patient, mastery takes repetition & consistency

Remember: dogs thrive on routine and encouragement. The more you engage, the more they’ll succeed.

Training works best when everyone’s on the same page. When each family member uses the same cues, rewards, and boundaries, your dog learns faster and feels more secure.

Benefits of involving the whole household include:

*  Faster progress through consistency
*  Stronger relationships between pets and people
*  Fewer mixed messages or behavior setbacks

Even supervised young children can take part in games and reward-based reinforcement, turning training into a family bonding experience.

Creating lasting behavior change requires more than lessons, it takes patience, structure, and family-wide commitment. Kristie’s goal is to teach you how to motivate and understand your dog while helping them thrive in your unique home environment.

To get the most from your dog training program:

*  Prioritize physical and mental exercise to reduce excess energy
*  Make schedule adjustments as needed to support consistent training
*  Stay honest about progress, setbacks, and where you need extra help
*  Dogs who receive regular attention, outlets for energy, and clear guidance tend to respond faster and retain skills longer.

While some skills click quickly, others take patience. Dogs, just like people, learn through practice and positive reinforcement. It’s okay to face setbacks. What matters most is that you keep showing up.

It's ok if you get frustrated, Kristie is here to guide, troubleshoot, and cheer you on every step of the way.

Struggling with leash pulling or chaotic walks? This step-by-step leash training guide walks you through structure, engagement, and consistency using positive reinforcement.

Unfortunately, Kristie does not provide training for human or dog aggression cases. However, she’s happy to refer you to qualified behavior professionals when needed.