Choose To LIVE ENGAGED
Engaged Fitness: 508-718-9800
Engaged Dogs: 774-201-1509
Engaged Dogs was created out of the desire to help pups and pawrents live their happiest and healthiest lives together. We offer a variety of Engaged Services to support each member of your pack by meeting them exactly where they are, with no judgement and no expectations, all while helping them work to be their best selves.
​
Engaged Dogs offers dog training, education opportunities, wellness plans, dog photography, group classes, and more.
​
Living Engaged means learning together, accepting where we are while working to be our best feeling selves, and always doing the best we can with what we have.
Engaged Dogs staff utilizes science based, positive reinforcement style training techniques and considers the well-being of the whole dog in our treatment style approach.
​
Are you ready to Live Engaged?
Check out our services and set up a consultation to discuss how Engaged Dogs can help you and your pup(s) live a little more Engaged today!
​
Meet a few of our friends! @Engaged_Dogs
_edited.jpg)
Sara-Jane Gage
Sara is the creator of Engaged Dogs,
co-creator of the Live Engaged brand and Engaged Fitness, a psychologist, former elementary school teacher, therapist, yogi, educator, trainer (both personal training and dog training,) and a coach.
​
Sara's unique experience and skill set allows her to help all family members, both 2 legged and 4 legged, live together cohesively. Utilizing her vast experience and knowledge of human and dog psychology, behavior, and communication, Sara is able to help pups and pawrents work through behavior challenges, establish routines and behaviors that work for the whole family, and live their happiest and healthiest lives together.
​
Create your pup's pet profile and schedule an initial consultation today!
Our
Services
Engaged Walks
45 minutes- $77.00
​
Engaged Walks are training and enrichment focused walks that are intended to meet each pup exactly where they are in their training journey.
All Engaged Dogs work on building confidence, building impulse control, building neutrality, and learning real world manners in order to co-exist happily and healthily alongside their pawrent.
Focus is on teaching leash manners, emotional regulation skills, and helping them to be confident and neutral. Pawrents may identify additional goals for their pup, as discussed during the initial consultation.
Pawrents do not need to be home for this service if their trainer has the ability to get in/ out with the pup easily.
Within 24 hours of the session, a report card with videos, photos, and a brief summary will be provided so that pawrents can observe what their pups worked on during their Engaged Walk while also learning how to maintain and continue to evolve their pups new skills.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Private Training Sessions
30 minutes- $75.00
60 minutes-$135.00
​
Private training sessions include
the pup and any humans involved in their life regularly that may be involved in their training.
Training sessions are individualized to meet each pup and pawrent team exactly where they are. History, challenges, nutrition, lifestyle, and goals will all be identified during the initial consultation.
​
Some private training session goals may include:
Teaching a Place cue
Teaching your pup not to jump
Establishing routines
Teaching leash manners
Practicing calm greetings
Practicing cooperative care techniques
All training session goals are identified together as a collective team looking to support pups and pawrents in coexisting happily and healthily, together.
Private training sessions can be booked, in person in the SW DC area or may be completed virtually.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Initial Consultation
Includes basic assessments and written training plan*
30 minutes
$45.00
​
Initial consultations allow pups, pawrents,
and our trainer to meet, discuss the pups' history, any current challenges or goals, and how our trainer can help.
During this consultation, our trainer will do some simple assessments while gathering information pertinent to informing the training plan.
*ALL new clients must engage in an initial consultation prior to being able to book subsequent services.
In some cases, consultations may be completed virtually.
​
Engaged Pack Walks
With Sara
​
60 ish minutes
$65.00
​
Pups will be picked up and dropped off from their residences in SWDC directly and join 1-3 friends for a pack walk and an opportunity to build their neutrality and confidence around other furiends.
Additionally, pups will have the opportunity to work on proofing their skills around their friends, better enabling them to be consistent in performing cues around distractions in the future.
Give your dog the opportunity to learn emotion regulation skills, leash manners, neutrality, and confidence, all while working around other dogs, squirrels, scooters, humans, distractions, and more.
Sign them up for an Engaged Pack Walk with Sara today!!
Please Note:
-
Engaged Pack Walks with Sara are only offered on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings (for now. If there is more interest, we may expand availability.)
-
Sessions will be approximately 60 minutes (varying slightly to allow for pickups/drop-offs etc.)
-
When scheduling, please know this is a "reservation request." Because of the unique challenges of a working with multiple dogs at a time, (location/ travel time between locations, dog temperaments/ likelihood to work well together, common goals, etc.) Sara will need to review requests and approve or deny. If you have any questions about this, you can include them in the "service notes" section of your reservation request or reach out to Sara directly via text or email.
-
Benefits of an Engaged Pack Walk with Sara + other Engaged Dogs:
-
Proofing known skills *
-
Mirroring other dogs enables easier learning of new behaviors
-
Building neutrality, engagement, and confidence while working around other dogs
-
Proper socialization
-
Opportunities to improve communication skills.
-
This unique challenge with tire and satiate them mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Rules of Engagement
Engaged Dogs
is a labor of love, created and run by
Sara-Jane Gage, an autistic, queer, female presenting, dog loving introvert whose passion is to help other humans appreciate their dogs and to experience all of the joy that comes from having an amazing relationship with their dog.
In order for Engaged Dogs to run successfully while accommodating our creator, we have some rules of engagement we thank you for being mindful of:
​
1) Sara is available via text or email for currently engaged clients anytime for additional support. Texts will be answered within 24 hours of receipt while emails may be answered within 36 hours of receipt.
​
2) Sessions must be booked, on the website, a minimum of 24 hours in advance. Any changes must be made 24 hours prior or accommodation cannot be guaranteed. Last minute cancellations (less than 24 hours notice) will be charged their regular session fee.
​
3) Pickups/ Drop-offs must be quick with limited conversation to allow Sara to remain timely to all clients. Any communication/ questions/ suggestions are welcomed via text, email, or voice memos. If Sara has information that needs to be relayed at the conclusion of a session, she will send this via text or voice memo.
​
3) Report cards, session summaries, and other paperwork has a 24-48 hour turnaround.
​
4) Dog training is a collaborative endeavor which requires just as much engagement and investment from the humans as it does the canines involved. Please remember that report cards and resources are provided to help you continue to evolve your dog's training and to build your relationship with them.
If you do not continue to use the skills learned through your dog's Engaged services, it is likely your dog will not maintain their learned skills and/or may not be able to produce the learned behaviors consistently. We ask that you remember learning takes time and to do everything in your power to set your dog up for success!
​​
5) Location of Services Offered:
At present, Engaged Walks are only offered in SWDC and a small portion of SEDC (within 1.5 miles of 465 M St SW.)
Private training sessions can be completed virtually or in-person if you are located within DC.
If your home is more than 1.5 miles away from 465 M St SW, a travel fee will be added. (This will be discussed during the confirmation of your booking and not exceed $20. This is based on time and method of travel required to meet clients within their home outside of the typical service area.)
Thank you for understanding and respecting our 'rules of engagement' and for being part of the Engaged Dogs Pack!
Wellness
Consultation
60 minute
$135.00
Our individualized wellness plans are intended to empower pups and pawrents to be their happiest and healthiest selves, together.
During this consultation, our Wellness Coach will teach you about the Dimensions of Wellness that overlap between humans and canines, discuss your current wellness challenges for your pup, yourself, or both, and identify some simple and easy strategies that you can incorporate into your daily life to improve the health and quality of both you and your pups' lives.
Engaged
Pack
Walks
60 minutes
$35.00
Join us Saturday mornings, 9-10AM,
beginning at Waterfront Park
(across from 525 Water St SW)
for an Engaged Pack Walk!
​
Engaged Pack Walks are an opportunity for pup and pawrent teams to build their relationship and their pups' focus around other pup and pawrent teams while strolling through SWDC.
​
Engaged Pack Walks give teams the opportunity to practice their pups' leash manners in a pack walk scenario. Teams can proof their pup's skills, help them build confidence and neutrality around other dogs, improve their emotional regulation skills, improve the pup and pawrent relationship, and increase handler engagement all while walking around and enjoying SWDC together.
​
Pup and pawrent teams are asked to arrive 10-20 minutes early for Engaged Pack Walks in order to give their pup the opportunity to acclimate and get neutral around other teams. During the entirety of these sessions, NO ON LEASH GREETINGS are allowed in order to help pups learn neutrality around other pup and pawrent teams.
​
We welcome teams working on a range of behaviors, which often include big emotions from our 4-legged friends. It is important that we all help to set our pups up for success by keeping a 6-15 foot distance from the next team at all times in order to help pups be more engaged with their handler and build neutrality around the other working teams.
​
Pawrents are highly encouraged to use all of their learned skills to get and maintain their pup's engagement as often as possible during this session to build handler focus.
Our trainer will be present and answering questions, helping teams problem solve, and reviewing simple techniques to help pups be successful around a variety of distractions.
​
Please bring a variety of high incentive treats (consider feeding your pups meal + treats during these sessions to avoid overfeeding,) and a leash 6 feet or shorter leash for these sessions. (No retractable leashes (for safety) please.)
Recall 101
60ish minutes
​$50.00
​
Next Session: October 26
10:30-11:30AM​​
at the shady Waterfront Park behind the Harbor Police Station parking lot.
​
Does your dog "come" to you when called?
Do they "come" to you around distractions like squirrels, other dogs, scooters, or kids?
Join us at Recall 101!
to learn how to teach your dog to "Come" when called.
-
Learn and practice training games to proof their skills, around other pup and pawrent teams.
-
Learn how your relationship is really at the root of your recall.
-
Learn how to use alternative behaviors to elicit a recall.
-
Have fun and learn alongside your pup!
--> Please bring a variety of high incentive snacks AND your dog's kibble for this class! <--
Some of our favorite high incentive snacks include:
-
Stewart's Beef Live
-
HotSpot Dehydrated Chicken
-
Open Farm Raw (any protein variety)
-
Vital Essentials Chicken Hearts
-
Cooked bits of chicken/ tuna/ sardines/ steak/ salmon
-
Cheese
​
Engaged Dogs Do Yoga
​
45ish minutes
$40.00
TBD
​
You bring the Engaged Dog, we'll bring the yoga!!
Join us for a puppy yoga class with opportunities for your pup to work on their skills while you both breath and move together.
Would you rather flow solo and just join for the vibes?
We would love to have you!
If you decide to bring Fido, be sure to tire and engage them prior to the class, perhaps joining us during the Engaged Pack Walk,
and then flow with them through a gentle, all levels,
accessible 45ish minute yoga flow for pups and pawrents and friends of pups and pawrents.
​
You will need:
-
Your dog (optional; come solo to scope it out first if you'd like!)
-
A variety of high incentive treats
-
A large blanket (large enough for you and your pup to fit on. OR you may grab two blankets if your dog is XL.)
-
A leash that is 6 feet or less (no flexi leashes please)
-
Water, for you and Fido too
-
A good sense of humor
No prior yoga experience is required!
Come join us for this fun flow with your furry best friend!
Option to have photos taken while you flow or opt out if you'd prefer- we'll check in at the beginning of class around this.
*There is a minimum of 3 signups required for this class to take place, so be sure to invite your friends to join you!
Custom Engaged Dog
12x12 Coffee Table Style Book
24 pages,
featuring approx. 100 photos of your Engaged Dog featured in notable DC locations
$105.00
​
Order a beautiful,
hardcover 12x12 custom photo book of your favorite Engaged Dog featuring some of your favorite photos taken during their Engaged Walk sessions.
​
Each photobook is as unique as the dog it features, sharing photos of all their best sides, photos of some of their favorite tricks, and preserving these precious memories in a coffee table style photo book to be shared with all your best dog loving friends.
​
Can't get enough and want to add more adorable Engaged Dogs photo books to your collection?
Check out our 'Engaged Dogs of DC' photobook that includes photos of ALL of the recent Engaged Dogs posing in/around notable locations around SW and SE DC. A portion of proceeds from the 'Engaged Dogs of DC' book will be donated to help local rescue efforts due to the pet overpopulation crisis.
​
*Expect approx. 3-4 weeks turnaround time of photobooks
Posing for Pawtraits:
Pup + Pawrents Pawtraits
5-15ish minutes, per family
$55.00
​
Next Session: 10/20 at 11AM
Rain Date: 10/27 at 11AM
​​
Have pawtraits taken of your pup solo amongst 4 different designated photo taking stations/ locations/sceneries at the nearby Waterfront Park, And/Or join them for a few or all pawtraits together; you choose!!
Peruse and choose your favorite image and we'll frame a 5x7 photo for you!* (*anticipated turnaround time of 2 weeks from event date)
​
-
Photos of each family will only take approximately 5-15 minutes and each family will have the opportunity to pose with 3-4 different backdrops/ locations (all within/ around Waterfront Park.)
-
Multiple photos will be taken of each location with a variety of poses, all within you and your dog's comfort level.
-
All digital files will be shared with no restrictions on sharing or printing and you will choose your favorite photo to be produced into a framed 5x7 photo (to be delivered to you within 2 weeks of the event date.)
Be sure to schedule your pup's Engaged Walk's between now and then so they can practice their photo taking skills, learn new poses, and be ready to show their best side for their Pawtraits.
PLEASE NOTE:
No on leash greetings during this event.
Allow ample space for pup and pawrent teams to feel comfortable and confident in order to enable our pups to build neutrality around each other. (If they are allowed to greet, this creates BIG emotions while on leash, a vulnerable and disempowering place to be for some. Please help set ALL pups up for success by keeping a distance.)
Pawrents are welcome and encouraged to socialize (human to human while keeping space for the puppers,) while working with their dogs and enjoying the photo session.
​
Would you prefer to schedule a private pawtrait session?
Perhaps your dog is nervous, reactive, or has generally big emotions around others, schedule a:
Private Pawtrait Session
$90.00 for 45 minutes
* Must be scheduled with Sara
directly via email or text *
​
Private Pawtrait Sessions are great for pups and pawrents who might be more comfortable in an individualized session environment. These sessions are especially helpful for pups and pawrents with big emotions or nervousness around others.
Private Pawtrait Sessions are approximately 45 minutes and guarantee a minimum of 20 quality digital images of subjects, provided to you within 2 weeks of the event.
(To allow for editing and processing of photos)
Images can be duplicated, printed, shared on social media, and utilized in whatever way you prefer.
Private Pawtrait Sessions are completed in a mutually convenient, outdoor location that will lend to good photographs.
Pawrents can decide if they would prefer photos be taken of their dog solo, with a friend, and if they would like to be included in some or all of the images.
Bring your favorite accessories, props, or outfit changes to aid in even more fun photo opportunities.
​
​
Cooperative Care Training Techniques
TBD
60 minutes
$45.00
​
Join us for this Humans' Only workshop to learn more about what Cooperative Care is, the benefits of cooperative care and how it can dramatically improve your relationship with your dog while also building their confidence, and how cooperative care can help increase your dog's comfort with everything from having their nails done to getting vaccines to getting in the care to putting their harness on.
​
This workshop will cover a bit about dog communication and body language, consent testing, confidence building, and how to use cooperative care techniques when training new care type behaviors.
'Engaged Dogs of DC'
12x12 Coffee Table Style Book
​​
​
24 pages,
featuring approx. 100 photos of Engaged Dogs featured in notable DC locations
$95.00*
​
Order a beautiful,
hardcover 12x12 photo book of all of your favorite Engaged Dogs posing in and around some of SW and SE DC's most notable locations!
Featuring some of your favorite photos taken during these pups Engaged Walk sessions, this photobook shares photos of all of our favorite recent Engaged Dogs clients, showing off their best sides, demonstrating some of their favorite tricks, and preserving these precious memories in a coffee table style photo book to be shared with all your best dog loving friends.
A portion of proceeds from the 'Engaged Dogs of DC' book will be donated to help local rescue efforts due to the pet overpopulation crisis.
Can't get enough and want to add more adorable Engaged Dogs' photo books to your collection?
Check out our 'Custom Coffee Table Style Photobook of your Engaged Dog" that includes photos of your favorite Engaged Dog posing in/around notable locations around SW and SE DC.
* A portion of proceeds from the 'Engaged Dogs of DC' book will be donated to help local rescue efforts due to the pet overpopulation crisis.
​
*Expect approx. 3-4 weeks turnaround time of photobooks
Want to learn more and
to meet a few of
our Engaged friends?
​
Follow us on all socials: @Engaged_Dogs
Choose to be an Engaged email subscriber!
​
-
Enjoy discounts
-
Free ‘Fast Food’ recipes to support you and your four-legged besties’ nutrition goals
-
Workouts and yoga for you and Fido too!
-
Enjoy learning training games and techniques to teach Fido to be the best version of themselves
-
First access to blog posts, upcoming events, and more!
-
Exclusive access to our Private FaceBook group!