Check out where your dog will stay!

Auntie M Pet Care's (Megan Thrasher's) training approach is centered on clear communication, fair expectations, and setting both dogs and their owners up for success. We use a balanced training method that incorporates positive reinforcement as the foundation while also utilizing tools like e-collars and slip leads when appropriate.

E-Collar Training: We introduce the e-collar through a structured process that layers it over leash communication that your dog will learn during the program. Dogs learn pressure on, pressure off- meaning the collar serves as a clear, predictable signal rather than a punishment. This allows them to confidently understand and respond to the cues.

Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding desirable behaviors with praise, food, and play to create a strong, willing response.

Play-Based Training: We believe play is a powerful training tool. We will work to discover your dog's favorite game and build upon any you're already playing together, using it to reinforce training, improve engagement, and strengthen your bond.

Learn more about how Megan trains with the e collar here. 

To ensure long-term success, Auntie M Pet Care (Megan Thrasher) requires that owners do not travel out of town for at least four weeks after their dog completes the Training Retreat program.

Training isn't just about what happens while the dog is with Auntie M Pet Care (Megan Thrasher) -it's about making sure the transition home is smooth. Dogs need consistency during this period, and having the owner present ensures they can reinforce the training and maintain progress.

This requirement is in place to set both dog and owner up for success. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but only if a structured plan is in place to continue the training.

To participate in the Training Retreat program, all dogs must meet the following health requirements:

- Flea & Tick Prevention: All dogs must be on a vet-approved flea and tick preventative unless otherwise stated by a veterinarian. 

If a dog arrives with fleas or ticks, a mandatory flea/tick bath and treatment will be required at the owner's expense ($100 fee)

- Heartworm & Multi-Worm Preventative: Owners must provide proof of a current heartworm/multi-worm preventative OR a negative fecal float test within the last 30 days.  

To maintain consistency and support your dog's training and well-being, the following food guidelines apply:

1. Owners must pack enough food for their dog's entire stay +3 extra days.  Dogs may eat more or less depending on their activity levels, and this buffer ensures they have enough. 
2. Clients give permission for the trainer to adjust food portions as necessary based on workload, activity levels, and overall well-being. 
3. If a dog experiences GI upset or refuses food for a significant period, Auntie M Pet Care (Megan Thrasher) may suggest a dietary change and/or nutrtion consultation. 
4. If a dog runs out of food or food is forgotten to be given at dog pick-up, the owner may not bring it at a later date. Instead, the dog will be switched to Open Farm food at $50/bag, which will be added to the invoice.  Any remaining food will be sent home upon graduation.  

1. Crate Requirement: Owners must provide a crate for their dog.  This ensures they have one at home, as crate training is part of the program.  
2. Accepted Items for the Training Retreat: Favorite toys, leash/collar/other gear, and bed/blanket. 

This is an application-based program. Not all dogs will be automatically approved. The process may require an evaluation or training session(s) before acceptance into the Training Retreat program to ensure that the program is the right fit for your dog.

Pricing

I understand and agree to the following pricing structure for training services:

• Training Retreat: $2,400 for the first 2 weeks, per dog. $1,000 per additional week, per dog (2-week minimum).
• Mini Training Retreat: $200 per day, per dog (3-day minimum). This option is exclusively available to Auntie M training clients who have completed a 3-week package.
• 1:1 In-Home Dog Training: $800 for a 6-session package.
• 1:1 Virtual Dog Training: $800 for a 6-session package.
• Prerequisite Consultation prior to Training Retreat or Training Packages: $150 per 1hr consultation. If accepted into the Training Retreat Program, this will be applied to the deposit. 

I acknowledge that a distance fee of $75 per trip will apply if I am located more than one hour from the trainer’s address in Hendersonville, NC. This fee will be added for each trip made to my home, including but not limited to: pick-up at the start of the retreat, the midway session, the go-home session, and three follow-up sessions after the retreat.

I also understand and agree that I am solely responsible for the cost of any training tools or equipment recommended.

I acknowledge that Auntie M Pet Care (Megan Thrasher) will create an environment that is as safe as possible for the training and care of my dog and will offer safe and responsible training instructions. However, I recognize and acknowledge that Auntie M Pet Care (Megan Thrasher) is not responsible for any unintentional errors, omissions, or incorrect assertions. I understand that the recommended use of any product or service is not a guarantee of my satisfaction with that product or service. Further, I agree that I am and will remain responsible for the actions of my dog at all times. I agree to hold harmless Auntie M Pet Care (Megan Thrasher) of any claims of injury, expense, damages or costs associated with or caused by the actions of my dog while under instruction from Auntie M Pet Care (Megan Thrasher), or under my own care as a result of following training instructions from Auntie M Pet Care (Megan Thrasher). I understand the inherent risks of owning a dog and I agree to take full responsibility for the actions of my dog at all times.

I understand that part of Auntie M Pet Care (Megan Thrasher)’s dog training programs may include transporting my dog to public locations to further practice training skills. I am aware of the potential risks of transportation that include but are not limited to, loss, injury or death due to accident. I agree to assume all risks and costs associated with transportation of my dog throughout the entire Auntie M Pet Care training program.

I certify that my dog is in good health and has not been ill with any communicable diseases within the past 60 days. I certify that my dog has not been exposed to, or shown symptoms of, Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, Bordetella (Kennel Cough), Papilloma or Conjunctivitis within a 60-day period prior to the first day of the training retreat.

I acknowledge that my dog will be trained or groomed, or otherwise handled or cared for by Auntie M Pet Care (Megan Thrasher) without liability on the part of Auntie M Pet Care (Megan Thrasher)’s representatives for loss or damage from disease, running away, theft, fire, injury to persons, other pets, or property by said pet, or other unavoidable causes, care having been duly exercised.

If my dog is found to have fleas when present while boarding, it will be bathed at my expense. I agree to pay the $100 fee on or before the date of pick up.

I understand, agree and authorize, at my expense, that if in Auntie M Pet Care (Megan Thrasher)'s opinion my dog is in need of medical attention, that medical or emergency services will be sought. In the case of an emergency, if my dog needs immediate medical care, and my veterinarian office is closed, does not answer the phone, is otherwise unavailable, and/or is more than 30 minutes away, I authorize Auntie M Pet Care (Megan Thrasher) to transport my dog to Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) located at:

1856 Hendersonville Road

Asheville, NC 28803

I understand that I am responsible for any and all costs associated with the emergency visit and agree to promptly provide payment information directly to Veterinary Emergency Group.

I understand that my dog will be taught using balanced training methods which includes but is not limited to the use of positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment and negative punishment. I further agree to the use of training tools for my dog that includes but is not limited to, food, leash, slip lead, flat collar, prong collar, electronic collar, and/or muzzle.

I understand that although my dogs will learn multiple behaviors, routines, patterns, basic obedience and/or management while in the care of Auntie M Pet Care (Megan Thrasher), it is my responsibility to maintain those skills and continue with training upon the dog’s completion of Auntie M Training program(s). I further acknowledge that I will implement the suggestions given by Auntie M Pet Care (Megan Thrasher) on how to maintain and continue the dog’s progress. However, if the dog regresses, I acknowledge that I am solely responsible for not maintaining and furthering the training once the dog is back in my care.

(For intact, female dogs only) I understand that if my dog enters her heat cycle within 30 days of the scheduled first day of the training retreat, I will need to reschedule her training, my deposit will not be refunded, and I will be required to submit an additional deposit to hold the next available dates. I also understand that if my dog enters her heat cycle during the Auntie M Dog Training process with Auntie M Pet Care (Megan Thrasher), my dog will be required to return to my home within 24 hours of being contacted, and the remainder of the training program will need to be rescheduled. There will be a rescheduling fee of $500 due to complete the training at a later date.

I understand that animal behavior is never fixed or static. I acknowledge that any animal has the ability to change its behavior depending on circumstances or environment. Further, I understand that behaviors can change, fade and/or be extinguished over time without consistent repetition and practice. A dog’s behavior is never “cured” and has the ability to change or regress at any time. I understand that my dog’s behavior is my responsibility.

I understand that Auntie M Pet Care (Megan Thrasher)'s Dog Training program does not guarantee that my dog can be trained, will never bite, or that my dog will not become aggressive, reactive, dangerous or vicious in the future. I also understand that the program does not guarantee that my dog’s modification of behavior will last for any length of time. I acknowledge that every dog is different in regards to temperament, breeding, and/or ability and no behavior modifications are ever guaranteed.

I understand that a non-refundable 50% deposit is due within 48hrs of confirmation to secure dates for training. If I need to reschedule training due to any reason, or I am not able to attend pick up/drop off personally on the day agreed upon by both parties at the time of booking, I will forfeit my spot and need to submit an additional deposit for a later training date. The remainder of the amount due will be provided no later than the first day of the training retreat. All payment must be made in full prior to the start of the training program. Acceptable forms of payment are: card or ACH payments through Time to Pet pet portal.

I understand that there will be an additional charge of $150.00 per day if I neglect to receive my dog on the agreed upon return date. I understand that there will be an additional charge of $30/30min up to $150 if I neglect to be home at the agreed pick up/drop off times (charges begin 30 minutes after scheduled pick up time). I also understand that if it is determined by Auntie M Pet Care (Megan Thrasher) that my dog requires a longer training program than originally discussed, I will be contacted to discuss the reasons for this, and I understand that I am responsible for, and agree to pay $1000 per week for additional training.

I authorize Auntie M Pet Care (Megan Thrasher) to use, publish or reproduce any photos, audio, video recordings or other media of myself, and/or my dog(s).

I understand there will be a midway session for two week and longer Training Retreats and all Training Retreats will include a go home session and three (3) follow up sessions in my home or via virtual video call. I understand that all adult members of the household, or those who will frequently care for the dog, must attend the go home session. The primary trainer in the household will be required at the midway session. These sessions will be held partially outdoors, rain or shine, unless Auntie M Pet Care (Megan Thrasher) deems the weather to be too extreme or unsafe. If this is the case, the session will be rescheduled to the following day and an additional charge will not be incurred if the go home session needs to be postponed.

Behavioral Considerations and Early Dismissal Policy

At Auntie M Pet Care, our priority is the safety, well-being, and positive experience of all dogs in our care—including your dog and our resident dog. We strive to thoroughly assess each dog prior to the training retreat to ensure they are a good fit for this immersive environment. However, dogs may display new behaviors when introduced to unfamiliar environments or other dogs.

While we are equipped to handle a range of behavioral needs, we reserve the right to send a dog home at any point during the retreat at the trainer's discretion if severe behavioral issues or significant regressions arise. This includes, but is not limited to, separation anxiety, aggression, or extreme resource guarding—particularly behaviors that may not have been evident in the dog’s home environment. If these issues surface during the retreat, we will discuss next steps with you. In some cases, additional training in the home setting may be recommended before reattempting a retreat.

Our goal is to provide a safe and productive experience for all dogs involved. This policy is in place to ensure fairness to both your dog and our resident dog while maintaining the integrity of our training environment.

Payment Policy for Early Dismissal Due to Behavioral Issues

If a dog is sent home early at the trainer’s discretion due to severe behavioral issues or significant regressions, the following payment policy applies:

1. Non-Refundable Deposit: Any deposit made to reserve a training retreat spot is non-refundable.
2. Pro-Rated Refund or Credit: Any payment made beyond the non-refundable deposit can be pro-rated as a refund or applied as a credit toward future training services.
3. Future Training Recommendation: If additional home-based training is recommended before reattempting the retreat, clients may apply any eligible credit toward those services.

Thank you for taking the time to apply to the Auntie M Pet Care Training Retreat Program! You will hear from us in within the next two business days.