Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about puppy training, obedience, behavior help, service and therapy dogs, in-home sessions, follow-up classes, service areas, hours, and booking, plus training methods, leaving your dog with a trainer, and how soon you can start. For anything not covered here, call for a free phone consultation.
What services does Marx's Lehigh Valley Dog Training offer?
Puppy training, obedience training, leash and off-leash training, behavior modification, rehabilitation for dogs that have bitten another dog or a human, therapy dog training and certification, service dog training and certification, private in-home sessions, socialization classes, and private sessions at the training facility. Programs are customized to each dog.
Where does training take place?
Training can take place in your home, where behaviors happen in a familiar environment, and in private sessions at the training facility. Follow-up classes are held in Bethlehem on Sunday afternoons. Call to confirm the current class schedule.
Is the first phone consultation really free?
Yes. The initial phone consultation is free, with no obligation. Phone assessments are free, and the team will listen, ask questions, and discuss your dog's needs before you decide on a program.
How does training start?
It starts with an assessment: a phone consultation with Gwenevere Marx, the certified behaviorist and founder, to evaluate your dog's needs, behaviors, and goals. From there you get a customized plan, ongoing guidance, and at-home instructions.
What does puppy training cover?
Puppy training covers manners, obedience, leash skills, socialization, and everyday behaviors, including difficult-to-potty-train puppies. Training is built around the puppy's age, temperament, and your family's goals.
Can you help an aggressive or reactive dog?
Yes. Behavior modification and rehabilitation are core services, including work with dogs that have bitten another dog or a human, dog-to-dog aggression, fear, anxiety, and other challenging behaviors. Each dog is assessed individually, and a customized plan is created.
Do you train service dogs and therapy dogs?
Yes. Service dog training is offered, as are therapy dog training and certifications. Ask on the free consultation which path fits your dog and your goals.
What is the difference between in-home training and facility sessions?
In-home training works in the environment your dog already knows, so territorial and behavioral issues can be addressed where they occur. Facility sessions offer private, structured sessions and group follow-up classes. Many families use a mix of both.
How long will training take?
It depends on the dog, the behavior, and your goals. Some manners and obedience work progresses quickly, while behavior modification and specialized service or therapy work take longer. Your customized plan will set expectations, and ongoing support continues through training.
Is there follow-up after training ends?
Yes. Free unlimited follow-up behavior, obedience, leash and off-leash group classes are offered for the life of your dog, along with ongoing phone consultations. The team encourages the whole family to take part in training.
What areas do you serve?
The Lehigh Valley, including Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Northampton, Coplay, Catasauqua, North Catasauqua, Allen Township, East Allen Township, and Whitehall Township, plus Bath and Emmaus. If you think you may be outside the service area, call and ask - the team often can still help.
What are your hours, and do I need an appointment?
Hours are Monday to Sunday, 8:30am to 7:30pm, by appointment. There is no published street address on this site, and visits are by appointment only - please call to schedule rather than arriving unannounced.
How do I book?
Call 484-515-9691 (primary) or 610-395-6166 for a free phone consultation, or use the contact form on this site.
How much does training cost?
Cost depends on the program and your dog's needs, and it is discussed on the free phone consultation. No fixed price is promised here for most programs, so you get a clear program and cost discussion before you commit.
Do you teach dock diving?
Yes, dock diving is taught in summer. Ask on the free consultation about current summer dock-diving availability and whether it fits your dog.
Should my whole family take part?
Yes, the team encourages your entire family to participate in training, so everyone uses the same cues, routines, and expectations at home.
How much does service dog training cost?
Service dog training normally costs $5,000, though in certain circumstances it can cost more or less depending on the animal, and the exact cost is discussed on your free phone consultation after an assessment. Call 484-515-9691 to talk through your dog's needs and the training path.
Do you use shock collars or harsh methods?
No. Shock collars and e-collars are never used. Training is mostly positive reinforcement, built around clear communication and consistency. Firmer methods are sometimes needed depending on the dog and how trainable it is.
Is there a guarantee my dog will be trained?
Every dog is different, so the business does not promise a single outcome for every dog. What it does promise, in its own words on the obedience page, is to work with you toward lasting results — and follow-up group classes are free for the life of your dog, so support does not stop when the first program ends.
When can puppy training start, and do you train older dogs?
Puppy training can ideally start as early as 10 weeks old, and the business works with dogs of all ages — including adult dogs that still need housebreaking or manners work. The plan is built around the dog’s age, temperament, and your family’s goals.
Can you help with barking, jumping, leash pulling, or housebreaking?
Yes. Those everyday problems — barking, jumping, leash pulling, housebreaking, crate training, and separation anxiety — are core behavior work, not extras. Because training can happen in your home, the behavior is worked on where it actually happens.
Do you work with rescue dogs?
Yes. Rehabilitation for rescued dogs is one of the listed services, and each rescue is assessed individually before a customized plan is made, so past history, fear, or reactivity are worked with rather than assumed away.
Do you train any breed of dog?
Yes. The business’s own promise is “We Can Train Any Dog” — programs are customized to the individual dog rather than limited by breed, size, or age.
How soon can we start training?
That depends on current availability, so call to check the next open appointment. Sessions are by appointment only, Monday to Sunday, 8:30am to 7:30pm, and the first step is the free phone consultation.
What happens between sessions?
You get at-home instructions to follow between sessions, plus ongoing phone guidance, and free lifetime follow-up group classes for obedience, leash, and off-leash work — so you are not left on your own once a session ends.
How is private training different from just joining a group class?
Private training is customized to your dog and your home routine, and it starts with an assessment and a tailored plan. Group classes are the follow-up layer — free for the life of your dog — for obedience, socialization, and leash and off-leash work, not a replacement for the private plan.
Is it OK to leave a dog alone with a dog trainer?
No. Never leave your dog alone with a stranger. Dog training has no licensing laws or rules, so you could pick up your dog and find that a trainer used a shock collar or something else you never agreed to. Dogs are very sensitive, and they may feel abandoned during that time, especially a rescue dog. We don't take your dog from you. We want you to learn alongside your dog, go home and practice, and feel confident and successful. We also offer follow-up assistance by phone and in classes, whatever your needs require.
Ready to start? Call 484-515-9691 or 610-395-6166.
