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Tel.: (913) 424-5072 Visit The Sympawtico Dog Blog! |
About Sympawtico
Services and Pricing
About the Trainer...
The Definition of Sympawtico
Testimonials
FAQ
Services and Pricing
From a cost-benefits standpoint, dog training is looking pretty good right now...
Payment Policies:
- Cash, personal check, or PayPal credit card payment accepted
- Trainer evaluates all dogs prior to enrollment; please do not send payment until evaluation is complete; class schedules available after evaluation
- Payment due at time of enrollment
- Refunds available until 24-hours before start of Petiquette Plan Classes or Private Instruction; sorry, there are no refunds for Saturday Cycle Classes
- Cancellations with less than 24-hour notice or no-show appointments will be charged as one class or consultation
- Gift Certificates available
Petiquette Plan Classes – A new eight-week curriculum with the same great per-class price!
Petiquette 1 and Petiquette 2 classes meet once per week for eight weeks. Petiquette 1 tuition includes Petiquette Plan Orientation in week one; Petiquette 2 tuition includes American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen testing in week eight. Resource materials, clickers, and target sticks provided by Sympawtico Dog Training, LLC; each family is responsible for bringing these materials to class each week as replacements will not be provided. A confirmation letter will be sent upon receipt of enrollment form and tuition payment detailing the very few supplies for which you will be responsible.
Tuition: $132 (still only $16.50 per class hour)
Prices are per dog. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.
New! The Saturday Cycle: a fun way to supplement and enhance your Petiquette Plan one hour at a time!
The Saturday Cycle offers one-hour classes and play groups on a rotating schedule for all currently enrolled students. Choose from Puppy Play and Problem Solving or Tricks for Kicks Classes. (See Group Classes link for more information on class content.)
Tuition: $16.50 per class
Prices are per dog. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.
New! Schedule a Dogs&Storks Presentation for your childbirth class!
Created in 2002, the national Dogs&Storks program has helped hundreds of expectant parents integrate their two-legged and four-legged family members using gentle, effective techniques that are also fun and safe. By teaching expectant families to understand their dogs’ sensitivities, body language, and attention seeking behaviors, the Dogs&Storks program provides practical education during pregnancy and continued support after baby arrives. Licensed Dogs&Storks presenters help to address the concerns of expectant parents, decrease the stress associated with baby’s arrival, and ensure the safety of all family members.
Tuition: $35 per couple (semi-private workshop for 4-6 couples)
Dogs&Storks offers private consultations as well as 2-hour semi-private workshops. See below for private consultation pricing.
Private Instruction
- Private instruction In-Studio: $69 per hour; package of 4 for $235
- Private instruction In-home (available at trainer’s discretion): $99 per hour; package of 4 for $335
- Kids and Dogs Consultation: one two-hour session plus Kids’ Club Activity Book: $130.00
- In-Studio Dogs&Storks Private Consultation: one two-hour session: $130.00
- In-Home Dogs&Storks Private Consultation: one two-hour session: $190.00
About the trainer...
Suezanne M. Law is a canine-human relationship counselor and accredited dog trainer. Through group classes, private instruction, and her work with the nationally recognized Dogs&Storks program, she specializes in training and behavior modification for the family dog. A long-time dog training enthusiast, she began her professional career under the guidance of a respected trainer who oversaw a groundbreaking regional training program for a major pet food supply chain. In 2004, Suezanne opened Sympawtico Dog Training, LLC to better tailor her training curriculum to the needs of her community; and in January of 2008, The Sympawtico Dog Training Studio opened its doors in lovely residential Lenexa to better serve her growing clientele.
When not teaching dogs and their families the art and science of Living well together, Suezanne actively pursues educational opportunities, attending classes and seminars by such world-renowned dog training and animal behavior experts as Dr. Patricia McConnell, Karen Pryor, Ken Ramirez, and Dr. Jesus Rosales-Ruiz. She has appeared on local television news and entertainment shows promoting positive reinforcement training methods, and she recently wrote two articles for Babybumps.net, the most comprehensive, easy-to-use directory of baby related businesses and services in the Kansas City area (And Baby Makes 3, and Kids and Dogs and Problems, Oh My!). Suezanne has been featured in her hometown newspaper, The Lenexa Centennial ("Trainer says she helps people understand canine culture"; "Lenexa couple makes documentary"; "Trainer offers pet safety tips for children") and she has been a guest speaker for the Kansas City, Kansas public library’s children’s program. Recently Suezanne provided dog training services for the PBS documentary Ours To Give: The Long Legacy of an American Family, which was filmed in the area.
Suezanne (in red) communicates with her dogs using hand signals during the documentary shoot in front of Longview Mansion.
As a proud participant in Karen Pryor's acclaimed ClickerExpo, a professional member of the Truly Dog-Friendly Coalition and KC Dog Trainers.com, and an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, she is committed to helping you train your dog using the gentlest, most effective techniques. All instruction emphasizes the latest in positive reinforcement methods, including clicker training, targeting and more!
[ Back to top ]The Definition of Sympawtico
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Testimonials
Finding a dog trainer whose philosophy and techniques match your family's values and needs is essential to the success of your training program. Here's what people are saying about working with Suezanne:
Suezanne's knowledge of dog behavior, how dogs learn, and her training skills are matched by her compassion, ability to communicate clearly, and professionalism. I feel privileged to know her and be able to refer clients to her, as she is an asset to our community. The use of positive-based training methods helps owners build a bond of mutual trust and respect with their dogs. Suezanne makes training fun, and she will exceed your expectations!
Dr. J.C. Burcham, Veterinarian, Olathe Animal Hospital
“Positive reinforcement training” was not in my vocabulary until Armando and I met Suezanne. Armando was a happy go lucky puppy and I was a nearly clueless new puppy mom. Suezanne did not train Armando; instead she taught me how to use positive reinforcement to help Armando become the loving, polite, well behaved dog that he is today. Her classes may be compared to interactive parenting classes. Our family is so grateful for Suezanne’s caring and dedication to positive reinforcement training. Bow wow!
Vickie McEnroe, Librarian, and Armando, Shawnee
After a failed attempt right after I adopted my dog, I did not think any obedience training would work for us, but that was wrong. I was amazed when my 7 year old Alaskan Malamute started to respond in the first class we went to with Suezanne, and it just kept getting better. The positive reinforcement worked wonders, for the first time since I had brought my dog home he actually followed my commands. Seeing how much happier and responsive my dog is now I truly wish I had found Sympawtico sooner because Suezanne really did teach my old dog new tricks.
Ryland Cozad, System Support Technician , Shawnee
Morgan was the first addition to our family, and my husband and I were determined to have an obedient dog. Since Morgan was a bit older, Suezanne encouraged us to sign up for Elementary, My Dear Watson. What an experience! Suezanne’s approach to training made it so easy – I was amazed that Morgan “got it” so easily – it didn’t seem like work at all! Morgan LOVED practicing the training at home, and seems to really thrive on learning. We’re getting ready to start the CGC Prep School now….can’t wait to watch him progress!!
Morgan has a baby sister, now, too, and Puppy Preschool was so good for her. Hope is deaf, and it didn’t take long before my husband and I realized we were ready for some help learning how to communicate better with her. Many of the commands Suezanne uses include hand signals, and for those that don’t, she helped us find signals that worked for both Hope and us. Hope “graduated” from puppy preschool learning all the things the other dogs learned! It was rewarding, built our confidence in working with our special puppy, and helped Hope fit in with her “big brother” when they BOTH sit for treats, lay down, shake, etc. We’re almost ready for the next class!!
Jill Rademacher, Customer Experience Analyst with Sprint Nextel, Shawnee
Unleash your dog’s potential! Informative, interactive, fun, and rewarding are just a few words to describe the transformation process available to you and your K9 friend. Regardless of age, breed or temperament, Suezanne Law has proven the knowledge and ability take your dog’s abilities to higher levels. I brought to her classes Chess, my beloved and energetic chocolate lab, and an open mind to the learning methods available for us. I am grateful for the bond that has grown from our communication and sharing experiences. From Puppy Preschool to Clicker College , I have gained a wealth of information which I apply daily to my relationship to the Puppersaurus.
J. Matthews, Public Safety Officer, Kansas City , MO
[ Back to top ]FAQ
Where are you located?
Which is better: Group Class, or Private Lessons? In-Home Private Lessons, or In-Studio Private Lessons?
How much are Group Classes and Private Lessons? What methods of payment do you accept?
How many dogs do you allow in each Group Class?
Why do you evaluate every dog? What does the evaluation entail?
I can’t find a schedule of classes – where is it?
Can my children attend class with me?
Your classes used to be 6-weeks long, and now they are 8 – why?
What if I need to miss a class?
Do you guarantee your training?
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Where are you located?
The Sympawtico Dog Training Studio is a custom-designed facility located at my home in Lenexa, close to the intersection of 79th Street and Lackman Road. Because the Studio is in my home, I don’t post the address online – but once you have enrolled, I will send you a confirmation letter with directions and a map. It is very easy to find!
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Which is better: Group Class, or Private Lessons? In-Home Private Lessons, or In-Studio Private Lessons?
When Dr. Patricia McConnell, my favorite animal behaviorist, is asked a question – almost any question – relating to dog behavior she will often smile softly and reply, “Well, it depends…” Dogs are individuals, and people are individuals, too. And so, nearly any question relating to dog behavior – including whether or not you should enroll your dog in Group Classes or Private Lessons, and whether Private Lessons should be held at my facility or in your home – depends on a number of individual factors. For young pups and many, many adult dogs and their families, Group Classes provide the best combination of results and affordability. But for dogs with behavior problems unsuited to the Group Class environment, or for families whose schedules would be better served with a more flexible and customized training plan, Private Lessons work very well. As for where those lessons take place – well, once again, it depends. If convenience is high on your list of priorities, or if your dog’s behavior problems center around the environment and routines of your home, In-Home Private Lessons will be the most effective method for addressing those concerns. In-Studio Private Lessons are available for those families who enjoy taking their dog out of the home for training and fun, and for those who wish to receive the individualized care of private instruction at a lower price.
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How much are Group Classes and Private Lessons? What methods of payment do you accept?
For a full listing of tuition costs and payment policies, please see the Services and Pricing Quick Reference link at the top of this page.
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How many dogs do you allow in each Group Class?
I limit my enrollment in Group Classes to four dogs and their families. This ensures that each dog receives the best combination of socialization and individual attention.
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Why do you evaluate every dog? What does the evaluation entail?
Some dogs do not benefit from attending group classes. For instance, dogs who are dog-dog or dog-people aggressive must be taught a new way to behave around other dogs or people before they will be safe and comfortable in a group class – even a very small group class like those run by Sympawtico Dog Training, LLC. For that reason, I carefully screen all dogs before placing them in a training class. Many times, I can assess whether or not a dog or young pup would benefit from enrolling in a group class simply by talking to you on the phone or conversing via e-mail. Sometimes, however, I may feel the need to schedule a private consultation to better determine your dog’s needs. Private consultations last one hour and are charged as one In-Studio Private Lesson.
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I can’t find a schedule of classes – where is it?
Petiquette Plan Class Schedules can now be found under the Current Events link at the top of this page. Because of the exclusive nature of my semi-private group classes, evaluation and pre-registration are required. Dog and handler teams arriving for class without evaluation and pre-registration will be asked to leave. Sympawtico Dog Training, LLC reserves the right to refuse enrollment to any dog with or without evaluation. If you would like to enroll in a Petiquette Plan class, please contact me at least two weeks prior to the class start date to schedule your evaluation.
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Can my children attend class with me?
Families are encouraged to attend classes together so that all members learn to interact well with the family dog. In some cases, children can act as primary handlers for their dog. However, even if the child is primary handler, all children under the age of 16 must be accompanied for the entirety of each class by an adult. Additionally, for families with very young children, it is a good idea for one adult to supervise the children while another adult participates in classroom activities. That way, if a child becomes cranky during the hour-long class, there is someone there who can help keep them occupied while the rest of the class works. There is no public restroom at the Sympawtico Dog Training Studio, so do be sure to attend to the needs of your children before arriving for class.
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Your classes used to be 6-weeks long, and now they are 8 – why?
It is always difficult to balance the need for adequate instruction and practice time to ensure success in group classes with the need for convenience for the busy families who attend. Over the years I have experimented with different scheduling formats. What I have found is that though it does require a greater commitment on the part of each family to attend 8 weeks of class rather than 6, that greater commitment leads to better results. Owning a dog and living well with a dog are two different things, and 8 weeks of class attendance is a small “price” to pay for a lifetime of loving companionship.
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What if I need to miss a class?
While it is extremely important that you attend every class in a session to ensure the success of your training lifestyle, sometimes absence is unavoidable. If you are going to be absent from class, please let me know as soon as possible so that I can prepare materials to help you catch up before your return. I will do my best to be available for phone or e-mail consultations as you work through your make-up exercises, and you are also welcome to schedule a Private Lesson if you need more specialized help. If you will miss two or more classes, or if you will miss two weeks in a row during one class session, you should reconsider enrolling in that session. Additionally, the Orientation session (week one) of Petiquette 1 is mandatory. If you cannot attend the Orientation session, you must enroll in a different class. New classes begin each month, and perhaps a future class would better fit your schedule.
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Do you guarantee your training?
I don’t. Behavior is not static; an animal will not continue to perform even trained behaviors without ongoing practice. Especially in cases involving any type of aggression, although behavior may be modified, the dog is never considered “cured”. A pet’s behavior is ultimately the owner’s responsibility. While I will make every reasonable effort to help you attain your goals, I make no guarantees of performance on your part or the part of your pet as a result of my providing professional animal behavior consultation.
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