$60 per 60-minute virtual session | $150 per three-session package
Appointments now available through the Michigan Humane Call Center: 866-648-6263
Michigan Humane’s canine training, Take the Lead, is our virtual, positive reinforcement-based curriculum, tailored to you and your dog’s needs. Our mission is to strengthen the bond between you and your pet, all from the convenience of your own home.
During a Take the Lead private course, you will receive personalized instruction from our Behavior Programs Manager Beth Chamberlain, a 20-year expert in certified pet dog training. As well as offering basic obedience training, lessons are also ideal for working on specific challenging behaviors, including:
- House training
- Destructive
- Mouthing
- Jumping
- Door dashing
- Fearful behavior
All training sessions at Michigan Humane involve reward-based training methods designed to motivate dogs using positive reinforcement based on animal learning theory. Whether it’s just one session or several, we encourage you to make these virtual lessons into life-long practices.
Meet the Trainer
Beth Chamberlain, Behavior Programs Manager
Beth has managed Michigan Humane shelters for more than 20 years and has introduced educational training for adoption counselors for care and behavior issues. She managed Michigan Humane’s behavior department for nine years and has counseled clients in private consultation cases as well as teaching group classes in positive reinforcement-based training. During those years she received her Certified Pet Dog Trainer certification (CPDT) in September of 2001 by passing a nationally administered exam on animal learning theory, instructor/classroom skills, and animal health and behavior. Currently, Beth is the Behavior Programs Manager for Michigan Humane. Beth teaches staff and volunteers signs of stress, safe animal handling, and animal enrichment exercises and assesses animals for their behavior health needs during their stay within the shelters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any discounts for those who have adopted from Michigan Humane?
There are no discounts available.
Are there discounts for staff and volunteers?
Staff and volunteers pay full price.
Do you take Aggression/Seperation Anxiety cases?
We will offer consultations only to discuss behavior concerns and to assist with referrals to a trainer, behavior consultant or DVM Behaviorist. The session fee would still apply for consultations.
What is the refund policy?
- Cancellations made seven or more days in advance are eligible for a refund.
- Cancellations made less than seven days in advance are not eligible for any refund.
- No refunds once the sessions begin.
- No partial refunds of package sessions
Can I reschedule appointments?
Yes, rescheduling is possible if it is not recurring.
Can I purchase more than one lesson at a time?
Yes, you can sign up for one lesson or a package of three. After three you can either add one at a time or an additional package.
What if I don’t have a camera and video capabilities on my computer?
A phone consultation can be scheduled, but more in-depth training may be very limited due to the inability to coach practice with you and your dog.
Do I need any special supplies for the training session?
We recommend the following items to have during your session
- Treat pouch
- Waste bag
- 6-foot leash (recommend leather)
- Flat collar fitted, allowing two fingers to fit underneath. (no pinch or E collars)
- No – pull harness (optional)
- A variety of raisin- size soft treats of high value, ex: cut up hot dogs, chicken pieces.
- 16-foot-long leash (no flexi- leashes)
Can I pay by check or cash?
No, payment is credit card only.
Can I sign up with a dog of any age?
Yes, we would begin with a consultation to consider if medical intervention is the best route.