Behavior support for dogs and guardians with big feelings
In-Home Dog Training in Richmond, VA
You love your dog, but you just don’t get them sometimes.
You know they’re having a hard time, you just don’t know why.
Sometimes, you’re tired, frustrated, and overwhelmed — and sometimes, you feel guilty: for feeling those things, for not having a magic wand to “fix” your dog, for the things you think you might be doing to cause their struggles. I’ve been there too.
So you asked a friend, or maybe the internet…
And then you felt even more overwhelmed — there is so much information out there, and a lot of it is conflicting. You couldn’t quite put your finger on why, but some of that information felt icky.
The good news:
You ended up here. I know what it’s like to try to navigate the sea of dog training resources, and I know what it’s like to have a dog with big feelings — about other animals, people, the world.
The better news:
I can help you and your dog understand each other, and get back to loving life together.
Initial Consultation
90 minutes - $200
Dive deep into the current challenges you’re facing with your dog
Discuss why behavior happens, what dogs really need, and how to be the human your dog needs
Set realistic goals and formulate a plan to achieve them
Dognitive Development
Intensive training + support for dedicated dog guardians living with difficult dogs
Working with dogs who have complex behavior concerns requires consistency and intensive intervention. And, let’s be honest: significant emotional labor.
Dognitive Development exists to support you in all of these areas (and maybe more).
For as long as I’ve worked with dogs, I’ve been aware of a need for something more than the standard structure of every-other-week sessions and minimal (or no) communication in-between. I’ve seen slower progress, exhausted humans, and even exhausted trainers.
Dognitive Development offers the support I wished I had as a dog guardian, and the support I wish all people had when navigating life with complex dogs.
Personalized Coaching
Weekly training (up to 4x per month) to build practical skills for you and your dog.
These sessions may involve planning, addressing welfare concerns, skill-building or “real world” practice, all tailored your individual dog, lifestyle, and goals
Consistent Communication
Access to a private personalized forum for homework check-ins, unlimited video review, and discussion about dog life + training plans—5 days a week, because consistency is truly what makes the magic happen
Emotional Support + Community
We’re in this together, every step of the way. I’m here to support you just as much as I’m here to support your dog, because I know how tough life with a complex dog can be
You also gain access to a community forum with likeminded people who have been on this journey or are on it now. Your involvement with the community is up to you, but I’m here to tell you it takes a village and this community might be the easiest way to build that
“Sam has helped me so much with my sassy, reactive cattle dog, Claude. Claude gets to be an active participant in our training and he's learned so, so much, including how to communicate more effectively and settle himself down. Sam is an absolute gift.”
- Terra, Claude’s human
Frequently Asked Questions
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Using a “membership” model for training provides a supportive structure for you and your dog to make real, lasting progress. Membership promotes consistency, while allowing me to offer truly individualized support every step of the way.
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Space in the membership is limited to ensure that I can provide as much support to each dog + human team as possible. Here’s the fine print:
All team forums are checked twice a day, five days a week
60 minutes (roughly) are scheduled each day for each team to check in, read your questions, and provide feedback on videos and updates
That 60 minutes may include time to research and create resources for you as needed — my current membership teams will tell you that I put my whole brain into every response and do my very best to give you actionable feedback
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The sky is the limit! I will do my best to provide thoughtful responses to questions about our current behavior plan, vet or pet sitter recommendations, where the best Pup Cup in Richmond is, and everything in between.
I have a lot of existing resources, but it’s possible that I might need to do some research or create something for you (which I love doing!!!!). Sometimes this may take me a bit longer than a day, but I will let you know if a response may take some time!
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Dognitive Development membership is $900/month, or $2500/3 months.
I believe strongly that dog training and behavior support is a necessity, not a luxury. As such, I offer sliding scale and other payment options to help make my services accessible to those who need them.
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All dogs are individuals and every behavior plan is unique, so everyone’s time spent in the membership may be different. That said, I work with most teams consistently for at least three months. We will discuss your specific dog’s prognosis in more detail at your initial consultation.
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Yes! Dognitive Development teams get access to a growing library* of on-demand webinars and courses. Teams also get a 20% discount on all live courses.
*COMING SOON as of May 2026! I’m currently navigating fun technology things and figuring out how to smoothly get existing courses onto the membership platform.
