Our most commonly asked questions are here. If you have a question or these make you scratch your head, please contact us for more information.
How do I know what training program is best for my dog?
There are many factors that we must take into account in order to design a program that will work for you and your dog. Once we gather information about your situation a trainer will contact you to set up a first lesson. During this lesson your trainer will be able to decide what program will be best for you and your dog.
Shouldn’t my puppy join a class for socialization instead of starting with private training?
This is a very common question. Many people will tell you that your puppy has to have socialization—and they’re right. However, socialization is a very dynamic thing.
We do recommend that a new puppy owner join a puppy class for their first training experience if the classes are conducted properly and their socialization is done in the correct manner.Socialization is NOT just throwing a whole heap of puppies in together and letting them sort things out! We recommend that before joining classes, that you do your homework on the trainer and the facility being used for the training – there are some Veterinary Hospitals that offer Puppy Classes and believe it or not, sometimes this is one of the best places to hold a Puppy Class even though they do have sick patience going in to the practice. When using areas of the clinic for training purposes, these areas are always thoughly disinifected prior to the puppies arriving. Alternatively, look for classes that are held at a NON dog facility – by that I mean, a facility that doesn’t have a high dog traffic volume ( ie:Petsmart or Petco – there are a lot of dogs going in and out of there all the time!).
It is also recommended that puppies have had at least 2 of their vaccinations prior to commencing classes and that classes commence no sooner than 10 -14 day after the second shot has been given.
If your Puppy Class is conducted correctly, they should not only provide socialization with other puppies their own age but also include calm older dogs, other people, provide training games that build your pup’s confidence and attention and the trainer should also incorporate other sights, sounds and smells into the training class.They should also provide you with information you need regarding, safe toys, bathing and grooming, flea & tick control, preventative health information etc.
So in short, do your homework not on just the Facility but on the Trainer as well – ask questions! And if you still don’t feel comfortable, then you can always consider a PUPPY CONSULTATION or PRIVATE tuition.
Also remember that socialization needs to happen daily, with many different people, safe dogs (and safe and well-mannered adult dogs are better for puppy socialization than other puppies) many different environments, places, sounds and sights in the real world. So just joining a Puppy Class isn’t the end of it! You will still need to continue it outside of the classes.
So if you feel Puppy Classes are right for you then by all means do it! If not, we always recommend starting your puppy as soon as possible on an in home training program. If your puppy needs to become better versed in the house rules and boundaries, then Private in-home lessons or a Puppy Consultation may be a better choice. Learning many things in your home for you to teach your puppy is ideal and FUN! We then always recommend you join a class afterwards so your puppy can continue their education and training. With our many innovative classes, your puppy is sure to benefit from them.
Can you teach an Old Dog New Tricks???
It’s Never TOO late or TOO early to teach your dog. As far as puppies go—your training should start as soon as you get the puppy home (they are never too young to learn your house rules!) Yes, it’s easier with puppies because you are starting with a clean slate and you can have a lifetime of fun and happiness with them! But even the older dog is capable of learning appropriate behaviors. We can teach you that with the right training techniques, some patience, consistency and dedication you can have a well behaved, loving companion! It is never too late!
* FOOTNOTE: If you have recently adopted an older dog, treat them as a NEW PUPPY and start their training as soon as you get them home.
What methods and philosophies do you implement?
As for methods, tools and techniques—we use methods that teach your dog what you want him to do and what you wish him not to do by using science-based methods that utilize Operant Conditioning, Classical Conditioning, Premack’s Prinicpal, Calming Signals and proper body language.
Whoa!—what in the world did you just say? While we encourage you read about the science behind the terms used above we’ll put it in easy words: We only want you to build your relationship with your dog using the right training, that works, teaching your dog to trust you, listen and make correct choices.
How about what we do not do—we do not use any physical force or punishment. We do not use choke chains, prong collars or electronic (shock) collars of any kind. We can show you how to get your dog to do whatever you want on a simple nylon collar or body harness (our favorite is the Freedom Harness).
Do you offer board and train type training—you know where I drop my dog off for a few weeks and pick him up well-trained?!
Yes we do. If you don’t have the time to put into training your dog or puppy right now, we offer a Board/Train in which they not only learn house manners and socialization skills but their basic obedience as well.
Unlike some facilitys that offer this type of training, this training is done IN MY HOME (I take one dog at a time). The training is for 2 weeks and then I come to your home once per week and give you private lessons – we are there to coach you, guide you and take you down the right path of training so that you learn everything your dog has learnt and address any problems you are having. After that, we do recommend that you join a class or two to continue with the training and help your dog become the best that they can be.
This package also includes lifetime support for your dog.
How long will it take to get my dog trained?
OH IF ONLY I HAD A CRYSTAL BALL! The answer—I don’t know. There isn’t a time frame we can put on training and each case is so different there is no way to answer that. Also, training your dog is very dependent on you. If you are able to do the homework and put in some dedication you will see results start to happen immediately. Training your dog never stops – but the good news is that by training your dog with the correct training techniques, IT DOESN’T FEEL LIKE YOU ARE TRAINING because it’s FUN!
How much is this gonna cost me?
Our initial session prices are listed on our services page. We offer customized training plans to meet your training goals and discounted training packages. Contact us for more information.
Where do I go to get started?
Please go to our Contact page and fill out the online questionnaire.