Fetch the Leash
History
Maria, a lifelong lover of animals, grew up with a menagerie of dogs, cats, hamsters, and goldfish in downtown Atlanta and learned from a very early age what a delight it was to experience animals using their minds to get things that they wanted. Through various twists and turns she discovered her true love in life: training dogs and their humans.
Training Philosophy
Fetch the Leash is committed to results based, science based force-free training and pet care. They prioritize the dog being an active and happy participant in the training process, using positive, rewards-based training with treats, games, and praise.
Services
Fetch the Leash offers a wide range of services, including:
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Puppy Camp:
A program for puppies under 17 weeks old that includes socialization outings, off-leash play time, basic training, and weekly online support. Two packages are available: Basic Puppy Package ($600) and Empowered Puppy Package ($1100).
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Group Classes:
A variety of in-person and online classes for puppies and adult dogs, covering topics such as puppy preschool, puppy intermediate, family dog, beyond the basics, reactive rover, trick and treat, fun with scentwork, and more. Prices vary depending on the class.
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Day Training:
A service where you drop off your dog at their facility for training sessions. They offer a standard plan and a fast-track plan, with weekly online coaching sessions. The cost is not specified.
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Private Training:
One-on-one coaching sessions where you learn how to train your dog. They offer online and in-person sessions, as well as package deals. Prices vary depending on the format and duration.
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Dog Gym:
A private training facility available for use by clients and their dogs when classes are not in session. The cost is $25 per hour.
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Separation Anxiety Training:
A program that includes an initial live assessment, individually-tailored training plans, weekly online meetings, and ongoing coaching. The cost is $65 for the initial consultation, $450 for the first month, and $350 for each subsequent month.
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Specialty Classes:
A variety of classes offered less frequently, including Wild Things! You Make My Heart Sing! (online), Reactive Rover (in-person), Trick and Treat! (Novice through Advanced), Wallflowers: A Class for Shy Dogs! (online), Pullers Anonymous (online), Fun With Scentwork (in-person or online), Fetch! the leash, the mail, a beer… (online). Prices vary depending on the class.
Certifications
Maria is an honors graduate of the prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers and holds a Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC), as well as a PCBC-A from the Pet Professional Guild, an organization which represents pet industry professionals who are committed to results based, science based force-free training and pet care; and a CSAT (Certificate in Separation Anxiety Training) from Malena DeMartini, the industry leader in separation anxiety training.
Specializations
Maria’s specialties include raising behaviorally healthy puppies, helping adopted puppies and dogs transition well into their new homes; working with special challenges such as resource guarding or separation anxiety; and task-based service dog training.
Training Methods
Fetch the Leash uses positive, rewards-based training methods, focusing on treats, games, and praise. They do not use painful collars, scary corrections, or other outdated training devices or techniques.
