Correcting your dog’s behavior starts with strengthening your communication style.
An instrumental part of your dogs growth and understanding is teaching them by showing them what you want. Between practicing by putting your dog in the very situations that trigger their behavior while allowing them to observe the dogs around them, small wins are achieved faster resulting in the big ones!
Meet the Owner
Hi, I’m Kristen and I’m passionate about helping owners create a successful environment for their dogs to be on their best behavior.
25 years ago I got my first dog and I was clueless how I was impacting my dogs behavior. After all these years and thousands of experiences, we are ready to share the tricks to success so you can feel empowered.
It has been my life goal to give affordable, accessible resources to dog owners so that we can keep dogs from being re-homed. Through Cheap Tricks and our other partner brands, we are giving St. Louis area dog owners the resources the need to keep dogs in loving homes.
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our approach
Good Training for Good Dogs
We don’t use tools that create consequence but instead implement strategies and management tactics that encourage positive association.
Pay for only what you Need:
Attend the classes pertaining to the specific problems your dog is having and leave the rest!
Attend when you Can:
We pride ourselves on being a one of a kind training facility where you attend when you can. No hurdles, no hassles, no consequences.
I am so thankful to have found Kristen - she is the trainer we were searching for! I highly recommend her because I trust her and I see how much she loves my dog and all the dogs she works with.
- Stacy and Freckles
Since our work together, I now know how to position my body to help my dog feel safe and focus on me in situations that are scary for her. We’ve also accomplished the implied stay when exiting a door, “watch me” cue and learned that my dog enjoys agility work from trying out a few exercises in class! We’ve also increased our confidence in socialization classes participating in group walks and appropriate introductions.
Have no fear……… other dog friends who are working on similar struggles are near! One big win is that most class participants and dogs are there with one common goal: to be better and to feel better. Addressing your dogs insecurities will help your anxiety and will allow your dog to better accept more control. Every dog will be harnessed, leashed, and or tethered in class for maximum safety.
I don’t know if I can afford to spend more money on training because we have invested so much already. How much more can I expect to spend?
Cheap Tricks mission is to get results for less. Our model was designed keeping in mind that funds are tight these days for most people and frivolously spending money is a thing of the past. Attend the classes pertaining to the specific problems you’re having and leave the rest! Your dog does poorly on a leash meeting other dogs? Then attend our “leashed dog meet leashed dog” class. Your dog struggles maintaining composure around kids? Attend our “kids and canines class”! Pay for what you need and only what you need!
I don’t have much time to devote to training because of sports, kids, work life, personal life. How do I fit this in my life without over committing?
Cheap Tricks prides itself on being a one of a kind training facility where you attend when you can. No hurdles, no hassles, no consequences. You come when you want to come. You sign up when it works for your schedule. From memberships allowing for more frequent visits to a single class at a time, we are here to deliver results and that’s it!
Due to the nature of our classes, we do require that every dog has a human managing it. We want to ensure the safety of all our canine students and their handlers.
It is okay to bring these things but you likely won’t be using them in class. Our goal is to strip your dog of the tools that create consequence when we can and implement strategies and management tactics that encourage positive association with the things that trigger your dog.
Dogs who are aggressive or have aggressive tendencies must have a consultation prior to attending class to keep all handlers and canines safe. Consultations are one on one so we can address your concerns and create a management plan. Once a consult has been completed, most dogs will be allowed to attend class with specific instructions, a specific harness provided in class, and a tether spot for maximum safety.
One. It’s true that after one class you’ll have more knowledge and understanding of your dogs behavior and feel more confident managing it. Much like humans, dogs need repetition and consistent practice to perform at their best so the more you come, the better you can expect your relationship with your dog to be!
Yes, while being unfixed can add to behavioral challenges for your dog, we do respect and allow unfixed dogs in our program. IMPORTANT: Open gym time will be prohibited for dogs who are not spayed and neutered.
No, all registration must be completed prior to the start of class. We do not allow dogs who don’t have a profile and a reserved spot in class. We must know who is attending ahead of time.
We get it, stuff happens! Please make sure you are on time for class. We want everyone to get the maximum amount of practice and instruction which requires everyone to attend and be ready to start on time.
All dogs attending must be in good health. Please contact us immediately if your dog won’t be in class due to a health related emergency so we can add you to the next class time!
More questions?
We’d love to talk to you about your dog and address your concerns. Just give us a few quick facts about your dog and one of our trainers will get you your results!
I need more info, please!
You’ve reached out for help! You’re reach out is super important to us and we strive to be back in contact with you within 24-48 hours, and oftentimes sooner! In the meantime, make a list of your priorities with your pup and head to our most FAQs page for answers to commonly asked questions!