(703) 906-0479

Canine Counselor Inc

Phyllis Smuland, Dog Trainer and Owner - Established 1990

Returning Clients

Please click here to request training or boarding if you have already registered in our computer system

Returning Clients

Call Us! (703) 906-0479 or click here for new clients

New Client Registration

Programs and Prices

In-Home Consultation

$550, $650

 A consultation is an approximately three-hour lesson that will address the dog’s behavioral issues in your home.  This extensive lesson covers everything from walking on a leash, manners,  Follow up lessons are available for $150 each.

Canine Counseling School- 32 day

$4800

 This program resolves behavioral problems and teaches the dog complete obedience training like come, sit, down, stay, and place with distractions. Your dog will stay with Phyllis in a home environment.  You will receive a different, more pleasant dog at the end of the training. Three in-home lessons are included for you to learn your dog's training.  This program ensures your dog has learned the training to Phyllis’ highest standards.   

Extensive Canine Counseling Training School

$6750

This program is similar to the regular Training School  but is intended for more serious and difficult dogs.  Many dogs benefit from being in training for an extended period of time to solidify the dog's new behavior.  This program is helpful for unstable, aggressive, or extremely anxious dogs.  For dogs with serious aggression this program may be extended.  Please inquire.

Puppy Primer

$550

This in-home lesson will get your pup started on the right path.  Items covered are house training, crate training, loose leash walking, nipping, socializing,  plus a beginning on better general behavior.  We suggest scheduling this lesson as soon as you bring home your new puppy

Puppy Training School

$4500

In a home environment training school, your puppy (under 9 mos. old) will learn house training, crate training, and manners.  Whether your puppy is just an active adolescent or has behavioral problems, this program will start your puppy on the right path. While a month may seem like a long time to be without your puppy, it is a short time in exchange for a well-behaved dog.    The typical training program is thirty-two days and includes three lessons at your home after training.  

Phone Consultation

$125/ hour

For our long distance clients, we do offer a telephone or FaceTime consultation.  Phyllis can give you tips and advice on training and behavior.  This is more in-depth than our initial telephone call to schedule an appointment

Boarding

$75 per day + $40 fetch and delivery fee

Phyllis offers boarding ONLY for dogs she has previously trained.  We offer a quiet kennel environment that is serene and relaxing for your dog.  We charge for the pick up and drop off days.  We generally pick up and drop off between 10 am and 12 noon.We will be charging a $40 fee for each fetch and delivery service due to increased expenses.  A responsible person must be home to receive the dog when dropped off  - No Exceptions per our insurance company. Please see our about page for more info.

Canine Matchmaking

$500 and up

Phyllis has been matching dogs to families for thirty years.  While it may seem like an easy thing to do, choosing the right dog or puppy for your family has become quite complicated.  Muddling through all the dog rescues and breeding options, that may be less than reputable, can be daunting.  Phyllis puts your interests first.  She can look at a litter of puppies and help you choose one or visit a dog rescue to help choose a rescue dog.

Veterinary Services

While we do not anticipate medical needs to arise while your dog is with us, occasionally we do have dogs develop minor to major illnesses during their stay.  We work closely with a local vet to ensure your dog will receive any needed medical care during his/her stay.  We will communicate closely with you about any vet services needed.  We do charge a $50 vet transport fee if your dog needs to see the vet during his stay, in addition to the vet bill and any tests or medications.  Please ensure your dog is healthy before coming to see us by checking the ears, performing a whole body check, and noting any unusual bodily functions such as increased drinking, lack of appetite, frequent urination or loose stools. We are willing to administer any required medications or special TLC for your dog, but prefer a vet visit with your vet prior to your dog's stay with us.  If you have any questions regarding health concerns please contact us.

RE-HOMING YOUR DOG?

Canine Counselor IS NOT a dog rescue.  We do NOT take in problem dogs or re-home aggressive dogs.  If you must give up your dog and the dog is well-behaved, we may have a family that is looking for a dog like yours.  We are extremely picky with the dogs we place in our clients' homes. We may be able to re-home if your dog :


  • has NEVER tried to bite or has NEVER bit anyone
  • Likes People and children
  • Is outgoing and friendly
  • Is good with dogs
  • has NEVER growled at anyone
  • Has no anxiety or fearful behavior

If you are on the verge of re-homing your dog we are happy to offer training to help you enjoy your dog more.  YOU are your dog's best advocate and chance for success. If you think your dog may be a candidate and meets our re-homing criteria, we charge a $100 evaluation fee.  Then if your dog meets our criteria and we have an interested family, we ask for a $2000 rehoming fee.