You should not have to guess what to do when your dog ignores a command, becomes overstimulated, or struggles around distractions. Our private dog training in Biddeford, Maine, teaches you how to work with your dog and carry that training into daily life.

Choose between an obedience-focused program and a more involved program for behavior challenges or a deeper obedience foundation. Both include training equipment and support beyond the lessons.

Composed Canine: Obedience and Off-Leash Skills

For: Dogs ages 6 months and older without serious behavioral issues or reactivity
Format: Four private sessions with Joyce, completed over 3–12 weeks
Price: $697, including training tools

Composed Canine focuses on teaching obedience and making it more dependable around distractions. You learn e-collar communication and how to address over-arousal so your dog can better respond to you.

This program is a fit for owners who need clearer communication, stronger follow-through, and a foundation for off-leash reliability. Dogs with significant reactivity or other serious behavior concerns need a different discussion.

Relationship Rescue: Behavior and a Stronger Foundation

For: Dogs ages 6 months and older
Price: $997, including training tools

Relationship Rescue is our usual private program for moderate to severe reactivity, anxiety, or aggression. It also addresses concerns such as territorial behavior and resource guarding.

The work goes beyond practicing commands during appointments. We help you change the everyday interactions and routines that shape your relationship with your dog.

A dog does not need a behavior problem to benefit from this program. Relationship Rescue is also an option for owners seeking a more thorough obedience foundation, including off-leash heel.

In addition to the equipment and support below, this program includes a Baskerville muzzle when needed, session recaps by email on request, and potential eligibility for future boarding. Contact us to discuss the session plan for your dog.

Equipment and Support Included in Both Programs

• A Mini-Educator from E-Collar Technologies, a properly fitted prong collar, a 20-foot long line, and a raised cot.
• Text and email assistance between sessions, as needed.
• Continued support for one year after the program.
• Free admission to drop-in group classes for as long as those classes are offered.

Clear Instruction for You and Your Dog

Our approach uses rewards alongside boundaries and accountability. We explain how to communicate what you are asking, how to use the training tools, and how to follow through outside the lesson.

The aim is not simply to have your dog perform for a trainer. You need to understand the work well enough to use it yourself. Read more about our training philosophy.

Where Private Lessons Take Place

All private sessions take place at the Diamond K9 Dog Training Center, 432 Elm Street, Suite E, Biddeford, Maine. Visits are by appointment only.

We serve owners from Biddeford, Saco, Portland, Scarborough, Kennebunk, Arundel, and nearby Southern Maine communities. Contact us for directions and a consultation.

Private Dog Training Questions

My dog is reactive. Should I choose Composed Canine?

No. Composed Canine is not intended for reactivity or serious behavioral issues. Tell us what is happening so we can discuss Relationship Rescue or another suitable training format. Our dog reactivity guide explains more about the behaviors owners often describe as reactivity.

Will I need to practice between sessions?

Yes. The lessons teach you what to do; your everyday interactions give you opportunities to put it into practice. Your follow-through is an important part of the program.

What is the alternative to private lessons?

Our board and train programs combine a home-based training stay with owner instruction. For a puppy ages 3–5 months, see Puppy Now and Later.

Read what Diamond K9 clients say about their experience.

Payment: Prices shown are cash prices per dog. Venmo and PayPal are accepted at a slightly higher total. Paying only the minimum program deposit through either service does not add a fee.