Do you have a dog that barks, guards his food, destroys your property, fights with other dogs, house soils, or growls at visitors? Do you need training advice for an issue like jumping up on visitors or stealing off the counter that isn't generally covered in group obedience classes?  Experienced dog behaviorist Sharon Savage M.S. can teach you how to solve your dog's problems using positive reinforcement based behavior modification. Sharon understands that traditional obedience training alone cannot cure most behavior problems. Instead, she specializes in designing real-life solutions based on the most up-to-date dog behavior research. Why struggle alone with your dog's problems?   Call today to set up an appointment!

Your dog deserves the best, so please check into any trainer's credentials before entrusting your dog's training to them. Many "trainers/behaviorists" have taken a single 6-week dog training course before advertising themselves as "certified professional dog trainers."  There is no federal or state licensing program or recognized certification for dog trainers, so please don't be fooled by misleading advertising!

Sharon Savage earned her credentials the hard way, beginning with an M.S. in Zoology/Animal Behavior from the University of Wisconsin and 25 years experience training and showing dogs. Sharon is the published author of numerous dog behavior articles and is frequently cited in both broadcast and print media as an expert on dog-related issues. She has worked professionally with thousands of dogs of all sizes, breeds and temperaments and has provided in-home behavior counseling to over three hundred clients.

Sharon has been a long-time member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), a 3000-member international organization devoted to all-positive, scientifically-based training methods. 

A single scheduled consultation is usually sufficient to teach you the necessary training techniques. Free post-counseling follow-ups are provided by phone and occasionally at the center. Prior to your appointment date, we'll send you a detailed pre-evaluation questionnaire to fill out and return. During our appointment, we'll review your dog's history together, and determine why past attempts to solve the problem alone  might have failed. Next, we'll formulate a plan of action that is specifically tailored for and your pet. We'll finish by teaching you to use the appropriate behavior modification tools and techniques for your dog's unique situation. Written materials are always provided free of charge, so taking notes is optional.

To schedule a consultation, contact us via e-mail or leave a message at (573) 445-7829. We will return your call within 24 hours and set up an in-home consultation at your convenience. There is typically a 2-3 week wait for an appointment, although emergencies can sometimes be handled faster.

Most consultations are held at the A-1 Dog Training Center, 6301 S. Scott Blvd., in Columbia. We are located on the southwest side of town,  5 miles south of Broadway. In some cases (particularly separation anxiety and housebreaking), we will instead need to meet at your home.
We regret that we are normally unable to dispense advice over the telephone. However, scheduled telephone consultations can be arranged for clients living more than one hour from Columbia whose dogs are not exhibiting aggression.

1 Hour.....................…………………………………………..... $60 plus travel*
1 1/2 Hour........………………………………………............... $80 plus travel*
2 Hour.........……………………………………….................. $100 plus travel*
*Travel (only if we need to meet at your house)..................... $0.75/mile round trip

Barking, digging, jumping, stealing, or housebreaking problems......... 1 hr

Separation anxiety, extreme unruliness, inter-dog aggression....…...... 1 1/2 hr

Any aggression or threats toward humans....................................……. 2 hr

Pre-purchase evaluation, temperament testing, misc. problems.......... Varies