You walk the dog. Not the other way around.
The leash stops being a negotiation. No bracing before the front door, no crossing the street to avoid another dog, no arm in a sling by the end of the block. Just a walk.
Private coaching · Rochester, NY
We don't just train your dog. We train you.
Four weeks of one-on-one coaching with Frank, working with you and your dog together. You leave knowing what to do, why it works, and how to keep it working long after the last session.
Programs start the first full week of every month, and spots are limited.
- Proficiency guarantee
- AKC certifications included
- Lifetime support & refreshers
- Dedicated Rochester facility
- Handler-led, every session
- Customized training plan
What changes
What your life looks like
after four weeks.
Not a feature list. These are the three things clients tell us actually changed.
You know what to do when it goes sideways.
Frank teaches you the why, not just the cue. So when your dog does something new next spring — something nobody trained for — you read it, and you handle it, without calling anyone.
Structure makes the dog braver, not smaller.
Clear rules aren't a leash on personality — they're the thing that lets a dog relax. Clients are surprised how much more confident their dog gets once it stops guessing what's expected.
How it works
Four steps. No surprises.
Every program runs the same way, so you know exactly what you're signing up for before you pay anything.
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01
Book a free consultation
Tell us about your dog. We work out which program fits your dog, your goals, and your household. It costs nothing.
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02
Pick your starting point
Six programs, one price — $2,950 whichever you choose. No upsell, no tiers, nothing held back for a premium package.
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03
Train together, four weeks
Tuesday through Friday at our Rochester facility, starting the first full week of the month. You're in every session — that's the point.
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04
Keep it for good
You leave with an AKC certification and the skills to keep going. Lifetime support, free refreshers, and community access don't expire.
Programs
Pick the focus.
The structure doesn't change.
Every program runs four weeks, Tuesday through Friday, at our Rochester facility, starting the first full week of the month. Each one is customized to your dog, your goals, and your household — the free consultation is where we pick the starting point.
Puppy training
Engagement, structure, leash skills, and the foundational communication that makes everything after it easier.
AKC Star PuppyBeginner obedience
Leash manners, engagement, impulse control — and obedience that holds up outside the training space.
AKC Canine Good CitizenAdvanced obedience
Reliability around real distractions. Control, teamwork, and the handler confidence to use it in public.
AKC CGC Community & UrbanBehavioral modification
We find what's actually driving the behavior, build a plan around your dog, and teach you to run it.
AKC CGCLoose leash & leash reactivity
Calm, structured walks. Leash handling that works, and communication your dog can actually follow.
AKC CGCIntro to competition obedience
Sport-style training built on focus, engagement, and motivation — from the working and competition world.
Training Club access$2,950+ sales tax · any program
Same price whatever you're working on.
- Lifetime support
- Proficiency guarantee
- Training tools
- Community access
- Customized training plan
Multiple-dog households add a second or third dog for $500 each (each dog needs its own handler). Private coaching group classes run $2,250 per dog for two, $2,000 for three, or $1,750 for four. Snake avoidance can be added to most packages. Graduates get weekend pack walks, hikes, and swims at $25 per dog.
Rochester clients
They all say the same thing.
Read enough of these and the pattern is hard to miss: people don't talk about what Frank did to their dog. They talk about what he taught them.
Frank didn't just train my puppy, he also took the time to teach me how to train my dog. Even though our formal sessions are complete, Frank continues to be available for questions and support. He's even invited us back to his facility for refresher sessions at no charge.
I went to Frank nervous and anxious with a dog who is the same (basically feeling my emotions). Frank has taught me confidence and that I could give my dog structure without making him fearful of correction and knowing he still has all my love and affection.
Before working with Frank, my dog's recall was unreliable, to say the least. Frank's methods were incredibly effective and he taught me how to communicate with my dog in a way that made sense to both of us. He made sure I understood the underlying principles of dog behavior, which empowered me to continue reinforcing the training on my own.
Being a Schnauzer mom is not for the weak. Finding someone that is really familiar with the breed was amazing! Not only did my tiny terror learn and grow — as a pet owner, Frank helped me understand why Winston did things and his behaviors. He assisted me in growing a deeper bond and trust with Winston.
From the very first session, Frank was knowledgeable, and incredibly kind—both with us and our dog. The 1 on 1 sessions were exactly what we needed, and really helped us fine tune who Luna (our dog) is and what she needs from us, and what we need to do for her.
Frank's background comes from the working and competition dog world, where structure, engagement, and clear communication are essential. Not every dog is a sport dog — but those principles translate directly to calmer behavior in everyday life. He's direct, honest, and focused on making sure you understand not just what to do, but why it works.
Where does training take place?
All training takes place at the Black Beard K9 training facility in Rochester. We don't offer in-home training — a controlled environment keeps the structure consistent, which is what makes the work stick.
How long are the programs?
All programs run four weeks. Sessions are Tuesday through Friday, starting the first full week of every month.
Do you offer board and train?
No. Every session is hands-on coaching with you in it. A dog that only listens to the trainer isn't a result — it's a rental.
What is private coaching?
We work directly with you and your dog together. You learn the communication strategies yourself, so you can hold the improvements on your own after the program ends.
What types of training do you offer?
Puppy training, beginner and advanced obedience, behavioral modification, loose leash walking, leash reactivity, and introduction to competition obedience — all on the same four-week structure.
Are all programs the same price?
Yes. All private coaching programs are $2,950 plus sales tax, regardless of training focus.
Can I train more than one dog?
Multiple-dog households are welcome — up to three dogs at $500 for each additional dog. Each dog needs its own dedicated handler.
Do you guarantee results?
We offer a proficiency guarantee along with lifetime support. The honest caveat: results depend on your consistency and your commitment to learning the material.
Do you use tools in training?
Yes, when appropriate. Tools are chosen based on the dog, the handler, and the goals — never by default. Available: e-collar bundle (ET-300) $220, Herm Sprenger prong collar $55, BBK9 slip lead $30, BBK9 dominant dog collar $25, premium clicker $10.
What happens after the four weeks?
You leave with the skills, the understanding, and the resources to keep training on your own. Lifetime support, refresher sessions, and community access are included — there's no expiry on any of it.
Do you offer group classes or pack walks?
Yes, for approved clients. Graduates can join weekend urban pack walks, group hikes, and group swims at $25 per dog. Private coaching group classes for 2–4 dogs run $2,250, $2,000, or $1,750 per dog.
How do I get started?
Book a free consultation with the form below, or call 585.354.5068. Frank will talk through availability and next steps. Programs begin the first full week of each month and spots are limited.
Free consultation
Tell us about your dog.
The consultation costs nothing. It's where we work out which program fits your dog, your goals, and your household. Give Frank enough to work with — the breed, the age, and the thing that's actually driving you nuts — and you'll get a straight answer on whether we can help and when we can start.