Nervous system regulation refers to a dog's ability to move between states of calm and arousal appropriately—and return to a calm baseline after experiencing stress.

Dogs with poor regulation often stay stuck in high-alert mode. They may struggle to settle, overreact to minor triggers, or seem constantly on edge. This is not a behavior problem—it is a nervous system problem.

Think of it like this: trying to train a dysregulated dog is like trying to teach a child math during a fire alarm. The learning simply cannot happen until the alarm stops.

Our approach prioritizes helping dogs feel safe and calm before asking them to learn new behaviors. Once the nervous system is regulated, training becomes dramatically more effective—and the changes tend to last.

If you are unsure where to start, we recommend beginning with a Starter Session ($175 for behavior) or Kickstart Session ($150 for puppies).

During this initial consultation, we assess your dog, discuss your goals, and help you determine the best path forward. From there, you can decide if you want to continue with additional sessions or upgrade to a more comprehensive program.

Many clients find that a single session provides valuable clarity, while others benefit from the structure and ongoing support of a longer program. There is no pressure—we will guide you based on what we see and what you need.

Feel free to reach out before booking if you have questions. We are happy to help you decide.

Yes. Many clients are surprised by how effective virtual training can be.

Virtual sessions allow us to see your dog in their natural environment—where real behaviors happen. You learn to handle situations yourself, which builds skills that last. And for dogs with stranger reactivity, virtual training removes the added stress of having an unfamiliar person in the home.

We guide you through exercises in real time, observe your dog's responses, and adjust our approach based on what we see together. You also receive follow-up notes and ongoing support.

Virtual training is ideal for clients outside our service area, dogs who struggle with visitors, and anyone who prefers the flexibility of training from home.

You can start as soon as you bring your puppy home—typically around 8 weeks old.

Early puppyhood is a critical socialization window that closes around 16 weeks. During this time, puppies are especially receptive to new experiences, and positive exposure now can prevent many fear-based behaviors later.

Our puppy programs are designed for puppies 5 months and younger. We focus on building confidence, establishing calm foundations, and guiding you through the common challenges of puppyhood like biting, potty training, and settling.

The earlier you start, the better the foundation you can build.

Your first session is all about understanding—getting to know your dog, your household, and the challenges you are facing.

We will discuss your dog's history, daily routine, triggers, and your goals. We will observe your dog in their home environment to see how they respond to various situations. This helps us identify patterns and understand what is driving the behaviors you are concerned about.

By the end of the session, you will have a clearer picture of why your dog behaves the way they do, along with initial management strategies and training exercises to start practicing right away.

Most first sessions last 60 to 90 minutes depending on the program.

Yes. Your participation is essential.

We do not offer board-and-train or send-away programs. Our approach is built on the understanding that lasting behavior change happens through the relationship between you and your dog. You are with your dog every day—you set the emotional tone, you respond to triggers, you reinforce behaviors.

Our role is to teach, guide, and support you so that you can confidently continue the work between sessions and long after our time together ends.

If you are not able or willing to actively participate, our services may not be the right fit.

Yes. Reactivity and fear-based behaviors are a significant part of our work.

Reactivity—whether toward other dogs, strangers, or environmental triggers—usually stems from fear, anxiety, or overstimulation. Our approach focuses on understanding what is driving the behavior and helping your dog feel safer, which naturally reduces the need for reactive responses.

We work on nervous system regulation, trigger desensitization, and building your dog's confidence over time. We also coach you on how to respond calmly and effectively in challenging situations.

For dogs with a history of biting or serious aggression, we may recommend a veterinary behaviorist consultation alongside our training.

All payments for services, sessions, consultations, and training packages are non-refundable. This includes deposits, booking fees, and full payments. Once an appointment is confirmed and payment is received, no refunds will be issued.

If you need to reschedule, please notify us as soon as possible. Cancellations or changes made with less than 24 hours notice may incur a non-refundable fee equal to 50% of the scheduled service cost.

We encourage all clients to ask questions and ensure they understand the services before committing to payment.

This depends on your dog, your goals, and the complexity of the behaviors we are addressing. Some clients notice shifts after the first session—especially in their own understanding of their dog. Deeper behavior change, like reducing reactivity or building confidence in a fearful dog, typically takes weeks to months of consistent work.

We do not promise quick fixes because lasting change requires time, patience, and practice. Progress is often non-linear: you may see improvement, then a setback, then more improvement. This is completely normal.

Our role is to give you the tools, understanding, and support to keep moving forward—at a pace that works for you and your dog.

We provide in-home dog training throughout the Tampa Bay area, including St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, South Tampa, Seminole, Largo, Pinellas Park, and surrounding communities.

Walk & Train services are currently available to St. Petersburg clients only.

Virtual training is available to clients anywhere—whether you are in another part of Florida or across the country.

If you are unsure whether we serve your area, please reach out. We are happy to discuss options.

No. The Meditating Mutt does not use aversive tools such as shock collars, prong collars, choke chains, or invisible fences. We also do not use punishment-based training methods.

These tools may suppress behaviors in the short term, but they often increase fear, anxiety, and stress—which are usually the root causes of the behaviors we are trying to address.

If you are currently using any of these tools, we will work with you to find safe, positive alternatives that support your dog's wellbeing while still achieving your training goals.

Our methods are grounded in modern behavior science, patience, and respect for your dog.

Most dog training focuses on compliance, commands, and correcting surface-level behaviors. We take a different approach.

At The Meditating Mutt, we focus on understanding why your dog behaves the way they do. We address the root causes of behavior—like anxiety, fear, overstimulation, and nervous system dysregulation—rather than just suppressing symptoms.

Our work is relationship-based and trauma-aware. We help dogs feel safe enough to learn while teaching humans how their own energy, timing, and responses affect their dog. The result is lasting change for both ends of the leash.

We do not use punishment, fear, or force. We do not promise quick fixes. What we offer is genuine understanding and sustainable results.