Learn More & Commonly Asked Questions
About Me
My name is Carrie Dance. I have always had a deep love for animals, especially dogs and horses. I finally got my first dog, Bailey, at the age of 12. Bailey quickly became one of my very best friends and went with me everywhere. I currently live in Star Valley, Wyoming and have two dogs of my own, Joey and Tulsa. I started Dances With Dogs Training in 2020 from my home in Fairview, Wyoming. Since then I have trained many dogs, while also keeping up on my own training. I continue to develop as a trainer with ongoing study and technique development. I look forward to getting to meet your dog and helping you, your family and your dog be able to enjoy your time together.
What kind of dogs do you train?
All kinds. Big and small. I've trained them all. My only requirements are that your dog has no human bite history, is safe and friendly around children (I have four kids at home) and that it be at least six months old with the exception of puppy lessons.
Do I need to live close by?
For puppy lessons you must live in Star Valley. However for the Two Week Board & Train you don't need to be local. I have trained dogs from Jackson, Wyoming all the way to Salt Lake City, Utah and am willing to meet you half way for drop-off and can return your dog to your house for go-home sessions. I can take dogs from most anywhere in western Wyoming, eastern Idaho and northern Utah.
What are your prices?
- Puppy Lessons are $500 for the full six weeks and typically include one lesson per week. However, this can be customized to best fit the needs and schedule of you and your puppy. This cost is nonrefundable and includes the cost of supplies.
- The two week board & train is $2,000 and includes the cost of the E-Collar. A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot in the schedule and purchase supplies. You provide the dogs food and any other needs such as medication that it may have.
- Boarding is $45/day. You provide the food and any other needs your dog requires. This is only for dogs who have completed my two week Board & Train program.
What do you use to train the dogs?
I train using the Mini Educator from E-Collar Technologies. I have found this to be the best E-Collar on the market. It works like a tens unit that is found in physical therapy. The level goes up to 100, but I typically train between a level of 5 and 10. Higher numbers are only used when meaningful, immediate corrections are needed. For more information, visit https://www.ecollar.com/.
Where will my dog stay during training?
For indoor dogs I have a place reserved in my home for dogs to stay. They will be crated at night, when I leave the house, and also during non-training and non-playtime hours. Outdoor dogs will be kept in an outdoor kennel with a dog house.
What if my dog has never been in a crate?
Crate training is part of the two-week board and train for dogs who need it. You will find that when used appropriately, a crate can be a safe space for dogs and they will learn to relax and rest while in their crate.
How long will be dog be in a crate each day?
It's different every day. Somedays they are out more because I am home more, other days they are crated more because I have more things going on during the day. I try to not keep your dog in it's crate for more than four hours at a time. Remember that crate training is one of the foundational building blocks to your dogs journey of becoming calmer and more well-behaved.
Will my dog need additional training after the two weeks board and train?
ABSOLUTLY! But not by a professional trainer. This program requires committed owners who want to change how they live with their dogs. If you don't put in the work and time then your dog will go back to how they were before. I am always available to help with any problems or questions, but if my advice isn't followed then nothing will change.
Do you accept payment plans?
Yes. For the two week board and train, a $500 non-refundable deposit is needed to secure your dogs training. I am quite often booked out months in advance, and I will not schedule your dog until the deposit has been made. Event if we agree on potential dates, the dates will remain open until deposit is received. The remainder of the funds are due at the time of drop-off to begin your dog's training. If you would like to set up a monthly payment plan between the deposit and the training dates I am happy to do that. Proof of the automatic payment must be shown. But all funds need to be received in their entirety before training can begin, unless otherwise agreed upon.
What kind of payment options do you have?
The easiest way to send payment is via Venmo to @Carriedance1 or PayPal to @carriedance. Payment can also be made in person at the time of drop-off, or send cash/check in the mail to:
Carrie Dance
4597 Bitter Creek Rd.
Afton, Wyoming 83110
When can we schedule my dog's training?
To schedule training for your dog, you can email me at cddance8@gmail.com, text me at 307-887-5726, or send me a message on Facebook Messenger to Dances With Dogs Training. All owners need to fill out the InTake form which can be found here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Z8BYv72KBDV78MKV6eDO6qft-Bdh9QlbuzzrQNVR2Lk/edit