Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

+ Are we right for you?

In order for training to be successful, I Need you to be comfortable with our techniques and trust in us when it comes to using tools and following our philosophy. We are balanced trainers, so we do use praise and food, but we also correct bad behavior. We want to create clear and consistent information with your dog. Your dog may need to practice more time in the crate at home, or practice the "place" command and you need to be comfortable with this.

In order to help our dogs be calm and make good decisions we need to set boundaries. This means you may have to stop giving constant praise, affections, or food and give more guidance and rules. Homework, as the commitment to training is imperative to success otherwise you will be disappointed in the results due to lack of effort.

The foundation and household management plan given to owners can be tricky. The whole family needs to be committed to avoid sending mixed messages to your dog. Your dog may be asked to stay off the furniture and the bed, your dog might have to be crated, or stay on command for long period of time multiple times a day. Your messages need to be consistent, this helps out our dogs be consistent and predictable with their behavior. I realize it is a lot of work and many rules to follow, but I ultimately want you to be successful with your dog and truly enjoy each other. Owners should be proud of their dogs and enjoy being together whether it be at home or out in the real world.

+ What types of tools do you use?

It is very important to have a large tool box to communicate clearly, fairly, and achieve the results for each individual dog. There is no cookie cutter program but an individualized approach to different issues. Tools we use include slip leads, long lines, verbal and physical praise, their daily food and treats, prong collars, e-collars (electronic collars), clickers, toys, "bonkers" (rolled up towels), crates, bark collars, pet convincer (compressed air for interrupting behavior), as well as other dogs.

+ Do I have to make an appointment?

Yes, all private lessons are made by appointment. You must be enrolled in group classes prior to attending.

+ Can you tell me about prong collars?

Prong collars are one of the best tools to ensure clear communication with our dogs, and unlnike other collars or tools, prong collars allow us to use very little force to connect with our dogs on leash. Other tools tend to mask issues and do not actually teach the dog the right behavior. With the prong collar we can break through, create clarity, and create a vastly different state of mind with your dog.

Due to the placement of the collar, high on the neck, it allows for more control and there is no pressure on the trachea. Dogs of all breeds and sizes can benefit from a well fitted prong collar. We've worked with 5lb to over 100lb. dogs. They look horrible, but when used correctly, dogs of all backgrounds (even fearful, nervous, or aggressive dogs) can excal and it has been proven to be the least physically taxing and one of the safest collars to have in your tool box.

+ Do you use treats? What about praise?

Food is another tool we use during the training. We prefer to move away from food as soon as we can, we want our dogs to listen to us -- without having to bribe them. Many times, owners discover their dog will only listen with the presence of a treat and will ignore them once the food is gone. We want to build a relationship with our dog based on respect and understanding to ensure good behavior with or without food.

We do use calm verbal and physical praise, however in cases with fear or other behavioral issues, we find owners over praise their dogs, and this doesn't help. This is not to say you can never say "good dog" but you must realize you may be encouraging bad behavior by doing so. The best type of praise is the inclusion of your dog in your daily life. You will be able to praise your dog more frequently once your dog's mindset is in a better place, but setting boundaries and building the foundation for good behavior will create a calm dog who knows what to expect of him and can live in peace with you, your family, and the outside world.

+ Do e-Collars "shock" my dog?

We live in the age of modern technology and high quality remote collars. We specialize in lowe level training which ensures humane and clear communication, whether you dog is helling by your side, swimming, hiking, or running at a distance. There are different brands which provide 100+ levels of stimulation and allows us to fine tune to each individual dog and find the lowest possible level. Can this be misused? Of course, just as any tool can be misused. However, when used properly, the remote collar can safely open so many doors and freedoms both for you and your dog.

+ What is value of in-home training?

Our dogs spend most of their time at home. This is where good behaviors take root - and where bad behaviors can develop.

Working directly with you and your dog in and outside your home, your trainer will pinpoint the behaviors you seek to correct or establish. We can address the issues on the spot where they happen. A focused environment, free from distractions With group obedience classes, in-home training provides a focused setting where everyone involved can engage in the process (including the student). This enables specific goals to be set and accomplished.

Your trainer’s attention is focused on you and your dog.
Your dog will understand the following on leash skills:

• Sit
• Down
• Place
• Thresholds/Boundaries
• Heel

+ What should I expect in the group dog training classes?

Basic Obedience is the fundamental steps toward communicating for dogs 8 weeks and older. Training consist of building teamwork and basic commands (sit, down, stand, recall, loose leash walking and focus work). Your dog will develop a solid foundation of obedience skills and habits that will benefit your family for years to come. Group class is not appropriate for dogs with Dog/Dog or Dog/People aggression concerns.

+ What is Service Dog Training?

We offer service dog training for Psychiatric Service Dogs, and Mobility Service Dogs.

For many disabled people, having a service dog makes it possible for them to live independently, leave the house, go to work, and be in crowds of people.

Service Dogs are specially trained to perform tasks that help a person with a disability mitigate that disability. They are permitted in public area where pets are not allowed. Obedience and calm manners is a must as service dogs are not considered pets due to the importance of what they do. They should not be out of control, sniff, bark, whine, or disrupt others. Legally there is no certification for service dogs. Online registrations are not recognized by the ADA and are considered scams.