Hello, I’m Pete.
For nine years I have been running Pete the Dog Trainer, a positive reinforcement only dog training company based in the New River Valley and Blacksburg, Virginia area. Every dog requires a different approach & I love learning what each dog needs to succeed.
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I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Animal Behavior & Welfare from Virginia Tech.
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A huge thank you to all my clients—I recently moved to the Virginia area, however in my hometown of Atlanta I have been voted the 2022 & 2023 Nextdoor Favorite in Atlanta! In 2019, I was nominated for InTown Atlanta's Best Dog Service. This means the world to me!
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My Philosophy
I believe the most humane & effective way to train your dog is by forming a bond that is based on trust & mutual respect.
After a training session, I want you to have a better understanding of how your dog learns, why he makes certain decisions & how you can change those decisions to benefit both of you.
The goal of all training, I believe, is to deepen & enrich the connection you have with your dog. It isn't just about telling your dog what to do & he or she obeys. Training is about guiding your dog to make great choices.
& most of all, training is about building a relationship with you & your best friend. This relationship begins with understanding how your dog learns.
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What is Positive Dog Training?
This is an evidence-based method of training in which we reward the behaviors we want in order to strengthen those behaviors. I do not use punishment tools such as prong/pinch collars, electronic shock collars or choke chains. Punishment tools like these are not only less effective than positive training, but they can also increase a dog's fearfulness & aggression.
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For Further Reading:
Good Manners Package
Three In-home Training Sessions
$350
($375 value)
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Basic to Advanced Obedience. We will cover everything from the basics to making sure your dog is polite in public places or when company comes over.
Three one-hour private sessions in your home, local park, patio, or wherever is most helpful.
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Includes detailed, personalized write up detailing what we discussed during each session.
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(Packages must be completed within 6 months)
Advanced Obedience Package
Six In-home Training Sessions
$700
($750 value)
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In six sessions, we will cover jumping up on guests, walking on a loose leash, go to bed (place), coming when called in more distracting environments, and any other behaviors your dog may be struggling with.
Six one-hour private sessions in your home, local park, patio, or wherever is most helpful.
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Includes detailed, personalized write up detailing what we discussed during each session.
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(Packages must be completed within 6 months)
Puppy Package
Three In-home Training Sessions for dogs 6 months or younger
$350
($375 value)
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All the things you'll need to know to successfully raise your puppy, from crate training to house training to basic obedience.
Three one-hour private sessions in your home, local park, patio, or wherever is most helpful.
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Includes detailed, personalized write up detailing what we discussed during the session.
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(Packages must be completed within 6 months)
Reactive Dog Package
Five Private Training Sessions
$575
($625 value)
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For dogs that lunge &/or bark at dogs, people, or vehicles when out on a walk or inside the home. I will teach you & your dog strategies to modify your dog’s behavior in these situations. Together we will locate the instances in which these behaviors occur, determine why these behaviors occur, & finally design & implement a plan to reduce or eliminate these behaviors.
Five one-hour private sessions in your home, local park, patio, or wherever is most helpful.
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Includes detailed, personalized write up detailing what we discussed during the session.
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(Packages must be completed within 6 months)
Single In-home Training Session
$125
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One one-hour private sessions in your home, local park, patio, or wherever is most helpful.
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Includes detailed, personalized write up detailing what we discussed during the session.
Single Virtual Training Session
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$100
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One-hour private virtual session.
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Includes detailed, personalized write up detailing what we discussed during the session.
