Our approach is relationship-based and evidence-informed, with positive reinforcement at the center. We use a combination of behavior modification, management, enrichment, environmental changes, skill-building, and clear communication tailored to the individual dog and family. We do not use methods intended to cause fear, pain, intimidation, or physical discomfort to change behavior.

Just as importantly, we teach you how to understand your dog—their body language, needs, patterns, and learning history—so you can adapt in real time, make thoughtful decisions, and build skills that hold up in everyday life.

Absolutely. Medical needs are part of the whole picture. We adapt training to your dog’s health, mobility, comfort, energy level, and any limitations they may have rather than asking them to work through discomfort. That may mean adjusting the environment, pace, activities, or expectations so they can participate safely and successfully. When appropriate, we may also ask you to coordinate with your veterinarian before certain activities.

Your initial consultation is reserved for up to 2 hours, and follow-up training sessions are reserved for up to 90 minutes. We may wrap up sooner depending on your dog’s bandwidth, how much history or environmental context we need to cover, or when we’ve reached a natural stopping point. The goal isn’t to fill the clock—it’s to use the time well so you leave with clarity, practical next steps, and a dog who’s still able to learn.

We offer in-home and on-location training throughout the Salt Lake Valley. Depending on your goals, we might work at home, around your neighborhood, in a park, at a pet-friendly store, or anywhere else everyday life happens. Locations are chosen based on your dog’s comfort, current skills, and what you want to be able to do together—so training translates beyond the session itself.

Absolutely. We offer payment plans for all training packages so you can spread the cost out over time without delaying the support you and your dog need. A deposit secures your package, and the remaining balance is split into automatic payments on a set schedule.

Yes. We work with many dogs who have reactivity, fear, handling sensitivities, aggression, or a history of biting. We’ll look at the full picture—including what happened, what tends to trigger the behavior, and what everyone needs to stay safe—then build a plan around your dog as an individual. For exceptionally high-risk cases where safe handling can’t reasonably be established, we may recommend additional professional support or a more specialized level of care.

Yes—but we’ll keep it practical. After each session, you’ll leave with clear next steps tailored to your dog and your daily life. That might include practicing a skill, adjusting routines or management, trying an enrichment strategy, or simply paying attention to certain patterns so progress continues between sessions.

Absolutely! We encourage anyone regularly involved in your dog’s care to participate when possible. The more everyone understands your dog, the training plan, and how to respond consistently, the easier it is to build lasting progress together.

Yep! Hand ’N Paw also offers behavior-aware pet care, including Enrichment Visits, Travel Care, Field Trips, and Pet Taxi services. Training and pet care can be used independently or together. When we already know your dog through training, we can carry that deeper understanding of their communication, preferences, challenges, and needs into their care.

For training clients, Enrichment Visits can also provide extra opportunities to reinforce behavior goals and practice skills in everyday situations between sessions. They also give us a chance to observe a behavior you’ve been noticing and offer brief feedback or ideas for next steps. These visits don’t replace the deeper assessment, coaching, and collaborative work of a training session, but they’re a great way to maintain momentum and give your dog additional guided practice between appointments.

You can expect clearer communication, practical skills, greater confidence, and a plan you know how to adapt as your dog grows and life changes. Our goal isn’t a perfectly behaved dog—it’s a family that understands each other better. Some behaviors shift quickly; others take time and repetition. Progress isn’t always linear, but with consistent practice, you’ll be building skills that last far beyond your final session.

Yes, when it makes sense for the goals of the session. If we’re helping your child learn how to interact with, understand, or work with your dog, we’re happy to include them and teach age-appropriate skills for kind, safe communication.

For sessions focused on fear, reactivity, aggression, or other behavior challenges, we may recommend that children sit that session out. Reducing extra movement, noise, and social pressure can give your dog more bandwidth to learn and helps us keep everyone safe and comfortable. We can always involve children later when your dog is ready.