A Note on Some Changes at Loose Leash Canine
If you have followed Loose Leash Canine for a while, you may have noticed a few changes recently. Some are visible right away. Others are more behind the scenes. Either way, we wanted to take a moment to explain what has changed, why those decisions were made, and where we are headed next.
Like most small businesses, especially in the early years, we have tried different ways of serving clients and their dogs. Some of those things worked well. Others taught us important lessons and helped us refine what we do best.
These updates are not about doing more. They are about doing fewer things better.
Simplifying Our Training Programs
Over time, our service list grew in a way that added unnecessary complexity. Multiple puppy packages. Multiple adult dog options. Choices that looked helpful but sometimes created confusion or hesitation when people were trying to decide what was right for their dog.
We have simplified our programs intentionally so each option has a clear purpose and outcome.
Puppies
For puppies under five months of age, we now offer:
One private lesson package
One board and train option focused on foundational skills only
These programs focus on obedience, manners, and household expectations. There is no off-leash work at this stage. The goal is to build a solid base that sets both the puppy and the owner up for long-term success.
Adult Dogs Without Major Behavioral Issues
For adult dogs that do not have serious behavior concerns, we now offer:
One on-leash private lesson program
One off-leash private lesson program
One three-week board and train program
The off-leash private lesson program includes a video requirement to help ensure progress is consistent and expectations are being met. This helps keep everyone aligned and supports more reliable results.
Behavioral Cases
More serious behavior cases, including aggression, are now handled exclusively through board and train.
These programs are a minimum of five weeks.
Behavior cases are rarely about surface-level obedience. They require time to get to the root of the problem, build clarity, and give the dog a real opportunity to settle into healthier patterns. We no longer want to try to fit these dogs into unrealistic timelines. Doing so is not fair to the dog or the family.
Longer stays allow us to do what is actually best for the dog so they can thrive, not just get by.
Why We No Longer Offer Day Training
At one point, we offered day training as an option. While it worked for some families, it involved extensive travel time, scheduling coordination, and logistical challenges since we do not operate out of a dedicated facility.
In practice, board and train produces similar or better results at a comparable price point without those limitations. Removing day training allows us to focus our time and energy on the programs that deliver the most value and consistency.
This decision was made based on real experience and client feedback, not theory.
Communication and Consultations
We now operate primarily through phone consultations, with flexibility when appropriate.
For many puppies and basic obedience cases, a phone consultation or even thoughtful text-based communication can provide everything needed to get started. With today’s busy schedules, this approach allows us to move efficiently without sacrificing clarity or support.
For more complex behavior cases, we may still recommend an in-person consultation or request video of the behavior. This is not about brushing anyone off. It is about choosing the right approach for the situation and using everyone’s time wisely.
Getting Back to Our Roots
At the core, Loose Leash Canine exists for a simple reason.
To help dogs stay in their homes.
To help families enjoy the company of their dogs.
To help people understand what their dogs need to live fulfilled, balanced lives.
When training is clear and expectations are realistic, families trust their dogs more. They want to take them places. They include them in daily life instead of managing problems or avoiding situations altogether.
These refinements bring us closer to that original purpose.
Creating More Accessible Resources
Another reason for simplifying our services is to make room for something important to us. Creating more educational resources that can help more people, often at little or no cost.
Free guides. Practical information. Clear explanations that help owners make better decisions for their dogs, even if they never become a client.
We believe these changes will allow us to do more of that moving forward.
A Growing Role Behind the Scenes
Some of you may have noticed more communication happening before speaking directly with me. My wife, Marissa, has been handling many of the initial inquiries and scheduling conversations.
She has been part of this journey from the beginning and has played a major role in making it possible for this business to exist. As things grow, she has stepped in more to help keep communication organized, follow-ups consistent, and expectations clear before consultations take place.
If you have interacted with her already, we hope that experience felt helpful and straightforward. Her support helps keep me focused where I am most effective, working with dogs and supporting clients.
Feedback Is Always Welcome
Many of these decisions were shaped by conversations with clients, including people who have worked with us in the past. If you have feedback, questions, or concerns, we want to hear them.
Our goal is not perfection. It is steady improvement in service of the dogs and families who trust us.
Thank you for being part of the Loose Leash Canine community.
Eric
Loose Leash Canine
On behalf of the Loose Leash Canine team
