When should I call a professional dog trainer?

You can call Aaron when walks, visitors, recall, settling at home, or other daily situations are difficult to manage. Describe what your dog does, when it happens, what you have tried, and any growling, snapping, or biting history. The free phone consultation is where you discuss your dog's needs and whether his training program fits.

How long is Marmon's board and train program?

Marmon Family Dog Training offers a six-week Foundation program and a nine-week Complete Package. Aaron builds engagement and core skills, then practices those skills in real-world settings. The program includes daily videos, a hands-on handoff, and follow-up support; discuss your dog's behavior and program fit during the free phone consultation.

What should I tell Aaron if my dog reacts around other dogs?

Describe the behavior you see, such as barking, lunging, hiding, or moving away. Tell Aaron where it happens, how close the other dog is, and any history of growling, snapping, or biting. Discuss your goals and whether his training program fits your dog during the free phone consultation.

What if my dog responds at home but not on walks?

Tell Aaron which commands your dog responds to at home and what happens in other places. Include the distractions involved and the practice you have already tried. Marmon's training includes engagement, repeated drills, and practice in real-world settings; the consultation is where you discuss the work for your dog.

Insights

7 signs to discuss with a dog trainer in Metro East

July 28, 2026 · 4 min read · Last updated October 20, 2026

Pulling on walks, barking at visitors or struggling to settle can make daily life with your dog difficult. A conversation with a trainer starts with what you observe: what your dog does, where it happens and what you want to work on.

Use these seven situations to prepare for a free phone consultation with Aaron Marmon at Marmon Family Dog Training in the St. Louis Metro East. Bring specific examples from your own routine.

1. Your dog pulls or lunges on walks

Tell Aaron when the pulling starts and what is happening around your dog. Does it begin as you leave the house, when another dog appears, or throughout the walk? Describe the equipment you use and any practice you have tried.

Leash skills and work around real-world distractions are part of Aaron's training. Discuss your walking goals and whether private lessons or Board and Train fits your dog and routine.

2. Your dog has growled, snapped or bitten

Give Aaron the specific history before arranging training. Explain what happened, who or what was nearby, and whether anyone was injured. Include incidents at home as well as those on walks or around other dogs.

That information belongs in the program-fit conversation. Ask whether Aaron's training is suitable for your dog and what arrangements would be needed before an in-person visit.

3. Your dog struggles when left alone

If you hear barking, see damage or notice pacing when you leave, describe those observations and when they happen. Tell Aaron about your dog's routine, how long you are away and what you have tried.

Discuss health concerns with your veterinarian. Ask Aaron whether his training program is a suitable fit for the behavior you described.

4. Your dog responds at home but not elsewhere

Your dog may respond to a command in the kitchen while ignoring it at the park. Bring those examples to the consultation: which commands, which places and which distractions?

Aaron's Motivational Method starts with engagement and uses repeated drills and real-world practice. Ask how that work relates to the situations you want help with.

5. Visitors and the doorbell are difficult

Describe what happens when someone arrives. Your dog might bark, jump on visitors, run toward the door or struggle to settle after people come in. Explain what you do now and what you would like the greeting to look like.

Those details give Aaron a concrete routine to discuss with you. Ask what handling you would practice and how other members of your household would take part.

6. Encounters with other dogs are difficult

Tell Aaron whether your dog barks, lunges, hides or moves away when another dog is nearby. Include the location, distance and any history of growling, snapping or biting. Explain whether the same thing happens on walks, at home or in other settings.

Use the consultation to discuss your dog's history and training fit before arranging a session around other dogs.

7. You are overwhelmed by the daily routine

If walks, visitors or time at home feel difficult to manage, explain which situations are hardest. Be clear about your schedule, the practice you can do and the help you want.

Aaron offers private lessons, where he coaches you and your dog together, and Board and Train, where he does the daily training during a stay. Compare the formats with him before choosing.

What happens when you call Marmon?

Start with a free phone consultation. Tell Aaron about your dog's behavior, history and goals, and share your city and ZIP code to discuss training arrangements.

Private lessons cost $125 each or $600 for five and involve practice between visits. Board and Train is a six-week Foundation program at $4,000 or a nine-week Complete Package at $6,000. Dogs stay at Aaron's Fairview Heights home, with daily training and daily video updates.

During Board and Train, you see the work on video and learn the handling at the hands-on handoff. You keep the videos for reference, and Aaron provides lifetime training support. The comparison of Board and Train and private lessons explains your role in each format. The preparation guide covers the confirmed packing list for a stay.

Talk through your dog's training needs

Write down the situations you want to discuss and what you have tried. Aaron will talk through the training options and whether his program fits your dog. Book a free phone consultation.