Rebecca Frank
Dog Training LLC
Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant CPDT- KA, KPA-CTP
What is Cooperative CAre?
Cooperative care focuses on making routine health and grooming procedures enjoyable and stress-free for both you and your dog!
Instead of restraining or forcing them, this positive training approach uses gentle, reward-based methods to help your dog feel safe and comfortable each step of the way.
With cooperative care, your dog learns to see activities like nail trims, brushing, or vet visits as fun and rewarding.
The goal is to empower your dog, making them an active participant in their own care, leading to happier, healthier, and more relaxed dogs!
What will we work on?
Depending on how your dog currently feels about essential care tasks, we’ll tailor our sessions to address specific procedures at a pace that suits them. This may include:
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Stationing Behaviors: These are specific positions that your dog learns to hold, such a chin rest, standing between your legs, or lying down on their side, for various handling tasks.
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Nail trims: Helping your dog feel relaxed while their paws are touched and nails are clipped.
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Ear cleaning: Making ear handling and cleaning a positive experience.
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Brushing: Easing your dog into regular grooming to reduce anxiety.
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Teeth brushing: Gradually introducing brushing to improve dental health without stress.
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Vet visits: Desensitizing your dog to the sights and sounds of the vet’s office.
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Blood draws or injections: Teaching your dog to stay calm during needle-related procedures.
Doing a mock eye exam with Ivy.
Chin Rest.
Chin Rest.
Chin Rest.
How does it work?
Day Training:
4 weeks | 3 times a week |12 sessions |$1980
Experience the convenience of having a professional trainer lay the groundwork for your dog’s cooperation during essential care tasks. I’ll teach your dog stationing behaviors—calmly staying in one position—that help them prepare for handling and the introduction of tools like clippers, brushes, and ear drops. You’ll receive simple exercises to reinforce progress between sessions, ensuring lasting results and strengthening your bond with your dog, all without needing to be a professional trainer!
Coaching:
12 weeks | 1 time a week |12 sessions |$1800
A slower-paced option designed for those who want to take the lead in their dog’s cooperative care journey. With weekly coaching sessions, progress relies on your consistent practice and commitment at home. This format works best for owners who are ready to actively participate and dedicate time to building trust and preparing their dog for handling and care tasks.
*Depending on the area of need, I may recommend one training format over the other.
*Depending on your dog’s unique needs, as well as the availability and willingness of your veterinarian, we may be able to involve them in the training to ensure we achieve the goals we are working towards
We adopted our pup Halley from San Francisco Animal Care and Control in May of 2021. She was goofy yet sensitive and sometimes a bit overwhelmed and reactive. We reached out to ACC for advice. Rebecca Frank came highly recommended by the Behavior and Training team. Halley is eager to please and a quick study. A positive, rewards-based approach has made all the difference and Halley absolutely adores Rebecca. Sure Halley learned a lot but we did too. Thanks Rebecca for training the whole family!"
-Halley's mom
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Connecting With Rebecca
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Fill out the Contact Form
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Schedule a FREE 30 min Discovery Call
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Sign up for the package of your choice
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Begin your journey towards relief!
rebecca.frank.dogs@gmail.com
Contact Form
Every training journey starts with a solid plan! That’s why our first step is a free 30-minute discovery call. On this call, we’ll discuss your dog, your training goals, and any challenges you’re facing. I’ll ask you some questions to better understand your situation, explain my approach, and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you have. Together, we’ll decide if we’re the right fit—no pressure, just a conversation to get us started!
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What is covered in the Puppy Support Program?The program is tailored to you and your puppy’s unique needs but generally includes topics like puppy nipping, basic cues, leash walking, socialization, recall, resource guarding prevention, and behavior prevention.
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How do I stop my puppy from biting and nipping?Puppy nipping is normal, but it’s important to teach bite inhibition early and help your puppy understand what to do instead. In the Puppy Support Program, we use positive reinforcement techniques to redirect your puppy to appropriate behaviors, set boundaries, and reduce biting.
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What’s the best way to socialize my puppy?Socialization means introducing your puppy to new people, dogs, environments, and experiences in a positive and controlled way. The Puppy Support Program focuses on safe and effective socialization strategies to help your puppy grow into a confident adult dog.
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How do I teach my puppy to come when called?A reliable recall is one of the most important skills for your puppy to learn. Using fun and rewarding methods, the Puppy Support Program helps your puppy develop a strong positive association to coming to you when called.
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How can I prevent my puppy from resource guarding?Resource guarding can develop when puppies feel the need to protect food, toys, or other items. In the Puppy Support Program, I teach proactive techniques to prevent guarding behaviors and promote trust around valuable resources.
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What are the most important cues to teach a puppy?Basic cues like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” “drop it,” and “touch” set the foundation for successful communication with your dog. The Puppy Support Program tailors training to focus on these essential skills.
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How do I stop my puppy from chewing on everything?Chewing is a natural behavior for puppies, but it can be managed by setting your pup up for success. In the Puppy Support Program, I focus on management techniques, providing appropriate chew toys, and redirecting your puppy’s attention to acceptable items. I also teach strategies to prevent destructive chewing by creating a safe, enriching environment that keeps your puppy mentally stimulated and engaged.
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What if my puppy hasn’t finished their vaccinations? Can they still be socialized?Yes! Early socialization is critical, even before vaccinations are complete. In the Puppy Support Program, we emphasize safe socialization practices to expose your puppy to new experiences during their critical socialization period without risking their health.
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Why is professional puppy training important?Puppyhood is a critical period for socialization and habit formation, and it’s essential to be proactive rather than reactive. Early training helps set up good habits that last a lifetime, preventing future behavioral issues. Every dog trainer’s dream is for puppies to receive all the training they need during this crucial window! It’s common to turn to medical professionals when there’s a health concern or a plumber when there’s a mysterious leak... so why wouldn’t we put our puppy’s lifelong well-being in the hands of a professional? Working with a (positive reinforcement and force-free only) certified dog trainer and behavior consultant ensures that your puppy gets the right start, setting them up for success and preventing future challenges.
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When should I start house training my puppy?House training should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home, typically around 8 weeks old. The earlier you start, the easier it will be for your puppy to understand where it's appropriate to go. Positive reinforcement and management are the keys to success! Let the Puppy Support Program guide you through the steps!
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How much should I feed my puppy?The amount of food depends on your puppy's breed, age, and activity level. Consulting with a veterinarian can help determine the appropriate portion sizes and feeding schedule.
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How do I get started with behavior modification for my dog?Getting started is easy! Book a discovery call through my website, where we’ll discuss your dog’s behavior and create a customized plan. I provide one-on-one support, using humane, effective methods to address your dog’s challenges and help them thrive.
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Don’t I need to be the “alpha” to train my dog effectively?No, dogs don’t need an “alpha.” The concept of alpha dominance stems from outdated research on captive wolves, which has been thoroughly debunked. In the wild, wolves live in cooperative family groups where no one is the "alpha" in the way people often imagine. Furthermore, dogs have undergone thousands of years of domestication and are behaviorally distinct from wolves. Dogs learn best through positive reinforcement, trust, and clear communication—not intimidation or dominance. If someone tells you that you need to be the "pack leader" or the "alpha," they are relying on outdated and disproven information. Modern, science-based training focuses on building a strong relationship and teaching dogs what you’d like them to do through humane and effective methods.
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How will my dog know they've done something bad if I don't say "no" or reprimand them?Dogs don’t understand “good” or “bad” in the way we do, but they do learn through clear communication. Instead of reprimanding them, I focus on teaching what you want them to do and setting their environment up in a way that they are less likely to do the unwanted behavior. It's all about being proactive instead of reactive.