Leslie Spencer-Snider was born and raised in Wyoming farm and ranch country. Her natural love and concern for animals came at an early age while learning proper care and grooming techniques. Developing an innate sense for the nuances of direction and training, as well as the desire to be around animals, she knew what her calling would be.

Since 1983, Leslie Spencer-Snider d.b.a. Alternative Training Methods has been helping individuals and families procure appropriate and compatible pets for their lifestyle, while using behavior modification techniques to balance their family life toward a goal of unity and joy. She has provided behavior assistance to various animal shelters and organizations in the Phoenix area, including R.E.S.C.U.E., a non-profit animal rescue organization. University Animal Hospital along with other local veterinarians regularly refer clients-in-need to her. She has also worked with Classified Cats to help keep cats in their current homes and out of the pound.

Leslie has tested and trained numerous guide, hearing and assistance dogs for the disabled. Many herding, tracking and obedience dogs have been started under her tutelage. As a respected consultant, Leslie has been interviewed on local network news and given expert testimony in cases involving animal aggression. The Arizona Republic, The Tribune Newspapers including East Valley and Tempe Daily News as well as The Glendale Star have featured her opinions in articles about animals. Leslie has also published a feature article in the 1998 Third Quarter Issue of The Rottweiler Quarterly.

Today Leslie provides private, in-home instruction to her clients and their pets. She also teaches semi-private group classes in the Greater Phoenix Area. Please read further into the fee schedule about prices and criteria, as well as her monthly Doggy Tea Party!

Because people and animals learn in different ways at different rates, owners need to look for a good trainer who can fine-tune a training method to suit them and their pet's unique lifestyle and behaviors. I teach privately in the client's home in order to observe owner and pet behavior in their natural surrounding. Although I offer semi-private group sessions for socialization and leash training, most problem behaviors occur in the home. By observing the client's needs and abilities, as well as the pet's innate personality and capabilities, I customize my training methods to facilitate the owner - pet relationship to be the best that it can be. In this way a client can focus on the behaviors they find undesirable, as opposed to spending that time on traditional command training they never intend to use.

I want to share some good news with anyone who has turned to this website for help with their pet. No one has to put up with unruly or aggressive behavior. I have helped hundreds of pet owners arrest and change what they thought were unconquerable behavior problems. I believe every pet owner should view their pet as an ambassador to the human world, and I can help your pet join this elite crowd of diplomats. I envision a world with pets welcomed into private and public places - just as children are. When pets show their best side and are a pleasure for others to be around, they will be allowed and accepted into more places and activities.

PRIVATE DOG OR CAT SESSION

With your first session, get a FREE starter kit, including an in-depth guide to behavior modification and a personalized quick reference training sheet.

SEMI-PRIVATE GROUP TRAINING FOR DOGS

Semi-Private Group must be minimum of 4 people, maximum of 6. There is a one-time discount of $20 off the group rate if full amount is paid in advance.

PRIVATE DRY-LAND THERAPY FOR CATS

Dry-Land Therapy must be a total of 3 lessons held on 3 consecutive days - no exceptions!

SWIM-THERAPY FOR DOGS

Private Sessions: $95.00 per day, minimum of three days, for each dog.

Clinic Sessions: $85.00 per day, minimum of three days, for each dog.

Pool Sponsor: First dog free all three days, 2nd dog $25.00 per day minimum of three days, more than 2 dogs negotiable.

No other discounts apply to Swim Therapy.

If a dog is over 95 lbs. The cost is $135.00 per day, minimum of three days, for each dog. Two people are required to handle the dog for my safety as well as your dog's safety.

MILEAGE CHARGE

No charge for mileage within 30 miles from my office. If farther, but less than 1 hour: $1.25 per mi. If greater than 1 hour: $60 per hr.

DOGGY TEA PARTY

There is a one-time $10 discount if fees are paid in advance.

Currently held 1 time weekly on the Westside. All other valley areas 1 time monthly until demand increases.

The tea party is for anyone who has previously completed private or semi-private group sessions and desires further socialization for their dog. Includes leash training and socialization as well as fun outdoor games!

PHONE CONSULTATIONS

New Client, Dog or Cat - Consultations shorter than 15 mins - no charge!

15 mins to 30 mins - $30
30 mins to 45 mins - $60
45 mins to 60 mins - $90

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

In Valley:
Private Organizations - $150
Non-Profit - $100 or Negotiable

Outside Valley: Negotiable

All Fees Due by Beginning of Session - All Fees Subject to Change

Get a $10 discount with mention of this website!