MAINE TRAIL DOGS
Welcome to
MAINE TRAIL DOGS
Maine Trails Dogs offers play-based dog training in the Bangor area. We help dog owners attain a healthy and enjoyable relationship with their dogs. We provide dogs genetically appropriate outlets, biological fulfillment, and clear communication, allowing owners to enjoy a more relaxed and fun life with their dogs.
TRAINING PROGRAMS CURRENTLY BOOKING INTO APRIL 2024
MEET THE TEAM
Hi, I'm Georgie, owner of Maine Trail Dogs!
My journey into the dog world started at a young age, when I took our family dogs to basic obedience classes. Growing up, I was surrounded by dogs, cats, chickens, and horses on my family's hobby farm in Massachusetts. My passion for animals led me to career in biology, specifically in education and research.
My dog training journey started with my own dogs and has taken me through different training philosophies, mentors, and programs, before I found play-based training. Using this approach, I am able to connect with dogs on a deeper level, build strong habits, and long lasting results, by working with the dog's genetics, instead of against them. I am certified by world renowned trainer Ivan Balabanov in his Training Without Conflict (TWC) methodology.
I live in Holden, Maine with my husband and our three dogs, Coop, a 8 year old scenthound, Willow, a 6 year old bulldog, and Rooster, a 8 month old yellow lab. I enjoy hiking with my dogs as well as doing canicross, scentwork, and trick training.
TRAINING PROGRAMS
In-person consultations typically last 1-2 hours allowing me to get to know you and your dog, evaluate your dog’s behavior and needs, and get you started on creating a solid foundation that we can continue to build upon. After the consultation, I will recommend a training program that will best suit your dogs' needs. All program content is custom tailored to fit your individual training goals. Our play-based training methods utilize positive and negative reinforcement and we may suggest the use of aversive tools.
In Person Consultation: $150, 1-2 hours
Phone Consultation: Free, 30 minutes
HOMESCHOOL PROGRAM
The Homeschool Program is custom designed for your dog's specific needs, moving at their pace. The focus of this program is to build strong habits for your dog to produce long lasting results. Your dog will learn how to navigate the world confidently through play and proper communication. We can cover a wide range of training goals including reactivity, basic manners, leash walking, basic obedience, and offleash reliability. In the Homeschool Program, I will come to your house to train your dog 2-4 days per week for 1-1.5 hours and additionally we will have a lesson together once a week to show you what your dog has been learning and allow you to practice with your dog under my guidance. You are not required to be at home during the training days. I will work your dog both in your home and neighborhood and take them on public outings. Homeschool Programs typically last three to eight weeks, depending on training goals and behavior issues. This immersive training program comes with all necessary equipment.
Starting at $600/week
Offered to clients within an 1 hour radius of Holden, ME
HYBRID PROGRAMS
Blending our private lesson and homeschool programs, Hybrid Programs are designed for owners to meet two specific goals with their dogs: offleash reliability and loose leash walking. Your dog will learn the skills they need with individual training sessions before you learn the skills you need during the handover lessons. These programs require initial evaluations to determine if the program is the right fit for you and your dog. These programs are designed for dogs with a solid foundation in obedience and with no behavioral issues like reactivity, aggression, extreme fear, anxiety.
OFFLEASH RELIABILITY
In 6 sessions, your dog will learn how to have safe and reliable offleash recall.
4 individual training sessions with your dog and 2 handover sessions for you to learn how to safely handle your dog offleash.
E-Collar technologies e-collar included in the price of the program - $1200
LOOSE LEASH WALKING
In 4 sessions, your dog will learn how to walk politely on a leash without pulling.
3 individual training sessions with your dog and 1 handover session for you to learn what your dog knows.
If required, Herm Sprenger prong collar included in the price of the program - $600
PUPPY PROGRAMS
PUPPY SOCIALIZATION
Over the course of 3 socialization outings, I will take your puppy to different places like walking trails, parks, busy neighborhoods, and stores. Your puppy will get safe and intentional exposure to different sights, sounds, people, and dogs to help them grow into a well-rounded, confident young dog. Your puppy will get experience with leash walking, play, and general manners as they navigate the world with me.
For puppies ages 8 weeks to 6 months old
3 socialization outings for $450
PUPPY LESSONS
The first 6 months of your puppy's life are critical for helping them become a happy, confident member of your family. We can help set you and your puppy up for success with this puppy package which includes 6 lessons that will take place every 2 to 3 weeks as your puppy grows up. Puppy lessons focus on household manners, crate/potty training, proper socialization, and play development. We will also address setting boundaries, biological fulfillment, puppy biting, chewing, and more.
For puppies ages 8 weeks to 6 months old
6 private lessons for $800
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons are designed for committed owners who are ready to work towards a more enjoyable life with their dog! We offer training for dogs in household manners, leash walking, recall, offleash reliability, crate training, and more using a play-based approach. We also offer lessons on teaching your dog how to play possession games and chase & catch, scentwork, and more! Private lessons are also a great option for new puppy owners looking to build a great foundation for their puppy (check out our new puppy lessons package!)
3 Lesson Package for $430, ideal for dogs without severe behavior issues
6 Lesson Package for $800, for behavior modification programs
In-home lessons offered with a travel fee depending on distance (if 45+ minutes away from Holden, ME)
