Our Services

Canine Compass Consulting is a practice specializing in helping people navigate the human-dog relationship. We provide prospective and new dog owners with guidance for responsible animal companionship and intentional bond building.

What we offer…

Pre-adoption/pre-purchase counseling:

  • Expert guidance on dog needs, behaviors, and their experience of the world; lifestyle evaluation and expectation setting; breed selection; purchase and adoption best practices; financial responsibility and time commitment of caring for a dog; veterinary health basics; training options and recommendations.

Early relationship/homing advice:

  • Navigating personalities and routine changes; basics on introducing a dog to a new environment and to other family members and pets; setting up safe spaces; “puppy proofing”; house-training 101; relocation adjustments; exploring work, play, and sport opportunities; ethical guardianship.

Behavior modification and/or dog training:

  • While we highly encourage everyone to participate in at least an introductory-level training class with your dog once you have brought them home, these are not services we currently provide.

  • We also stress the importance of considering whether your dog may be in need of help with specific behavioral challenges. I can talk you through what some of these indicators may look like, but do not offer behavior modification sessions.

  • I am happy to share recommendations for excellent in-person professional trainers and behaviorists in the DMV, online course options, and helpful reference materials.

What we don’t do…

Pre-Homing Consultation

When you’re considering…

In-depth consultation including discussion of your lifestyle, routines, & needs; dog life stages, development, & behavior; feeding & veterinary care; and understanding a dog’s lived experience. Come with questions! 1-2 hours.

Resource package and reading materials provided.

Check-in & Prepare

So your co-pilot is coming…

Follow-up call or virtual visit either immediately before or immediately after bringing your new dog home. 1/2 hour.

OR

Abridged consult for new clients who have already committed to a new friend. 1 hour.

Expert On Call

During those early days…

Available for one phone or Zoom session per month for the first six months at a reduced rate* during the settling-in period. Up to 1 hour.

*Return clients only. New clients are welcome once pup has already come home, but must schedule a consultation prior to enrolling in on-call sessions.