Frequently Asked Questions
Are we the right trainer for you? Are you the right client for us?
In order for us to be successful with your dog, it's critical that we be on the same page in terms of the philosophy and tools used in this training program. We want you to be comfortable with the training approach and just as excited to train your dog as we are!
In order for us to be successful with your dog, it's critical that we be on the same page in terms of the philosophy and tools used in this training program. We want you to be comfortable with the training approach and just as excited to train your dog as we are!
- If your dog is having issues, it's important to recognize that something will likely have to change. These are often small but significant adjustments that can be made in terms of how you communicate with your dog or the boundaries and rules of your dog's environment. We're here to help you see what those adjustments are and help you to make them so that we can create those changes in your dog's behavior that you're looking for!
- We need you to be 100% on board with a balanced training approach. We reward dogs for good behavior, but we will also correct dogs for bad choices and to hold them accountable to the training. We will use tools, rewards, praise, and clear communication to help your dog be successful!
- You will need to follow up with the training program in order to have long-lasting results. Training dogs is a "team sport" and no amount of training will have a meaningful impact in the long term if you don't apply the advice, techniques, and tools consistently. This goes for the whole family!
- Ok ok, this all seems like a lot of rules and regulations, and that's part of dog training, but we ultimately want you to have fun with this process! If you want to have the dog of your dreams that can do new things, go places they couldn't before, and be an all-around calm and happy dog, it will take changing some things around, a bit of time and effort, and a good dose of consistency, but this is all a means to an end. If you're ready to take the journey things can turn around fast and you can have a whole new dog before you know it!
Do you train with treats?
We do not rely on treats during our training to get the results we're looking for. Sometimes we may use the dog's daily portions of food if we find it to be beneficial to the dog (this would be the case for human aggressive or highly unmotivated dogs), but we will fade the food before the program is complete. Our focus is on relationship-based training that avoids the overly-excited dog waiting for the next treat, or the dog who has "selective hearing" when treats aren't being used.
We do not rely on treats during our training to get the results we're looking for. Sometimes we may use the dog's daily portions of food if we find it to be beneficial to the dog (this would be the case for human aggressive or highly unmotivated dogs), but we will fade the food before the program is complete. Our focus is on relationship-based training that avoids the overly-excited dog waiting for the next treat, or the dog who has "selective hearing" when treats aren't being used.
Why do you use prong collars? Will that hurt my dog?
We use prong collars because, despite appearances (let's be honest, they look medieval), they are remarkably gentle communication tools that make it easy to connect with your dog. The fact that they are specifically designed for this purpose means you don't see the coughing/hacking you often see from dogs pulling on slip leads or flat buckle collars as they are much less physically taxing for the dog and don't put stress on the dog's trachea.
We use prong collars because, despite appearances (let's be honest, they look medieval), they are remarkably gentle communication tools that make it easy to connect with your dog. The fact that they are specifically designed for this purpose means you don't see the coughing/hacking you often see from dogs pulling on slip leads or flat buckle collars as they are much less physically taxing for the dog and don't put stress on the dog's trachea.
Why do you use E Collars? Are those "shock" collars?
We use e-collars because they are communication tools which allow for off-leash reliability, and are fantastic for working dogs through behavioral issues from aggression to fearfulness to anxiety. While many are concerned that dogs are being "shocked" into listening, modern e-collars don't deliver an electric shock at all. Rather, they utilize the same medical grade technology as TENS units often used in physical therapy for humans. The sensation that is delivered is not harming to dogs physically or mentally, but because they are so finely adjustable they are excellent for communicating with dogs as we move through the training process. Finally, because they are easy to use and deliver the same sensation regardless of who is using them, they're very easy for owners to use while remaining consistent with their dog.
We use e-collars because they are communication tools which allow for off-leash reliability, and are fantastic for working dogs through behavioral issues from aggression to fearfulness to anxiety. While many are concerned that dogs are being "shocked" into listening, modern e-collars don't deliver an electric shock at all. Rather, they utilize the same medical grade technology as TENS units often used in physical therapy for humans. The sensation that is delivered is not harming to dogs physically or mentally, but because they are so finely adjustable they are excellent for communicating with dogs as we move through the training process. Finally, because they are easy to use and deliver the same sensation regardless of who is using them, they're very easy for owners to use while remaining consistent with their dog.
My dog is fearful and/or nervous. I shouldn't use an e-collar on him, right?
Actually, e-collars are fantastic tools for working dogs through fear or anxiety. This may seem counter-intuitive, but because these tools are used for all manner of communication, they make it very easy to help dogs understand how to move through fear and thus build up their confidence.
Actually, e-collars are fantastic tools for working dogs through fear or anxiety. This may seem counter-intuitive, but because these tools are used for all manner of communication, they make it very easy to help dogs understand how to move through fear and thus build up their confidence.
My dog is out of control on the walk. Can this be fixed?
We're happy to say, YES! We consistently see great results with dogs who lunge, pull, bark, or growl on leash, even when these behaviors have been going on for years. Suffice to say, we haven't met a dog we couldn't help on the walk yet.
We're happy to say, YES! We consistently see great results with dogs who lunge, pull, bark, or growl on leash, even when these behaviors have been going on for years. Suffice to say, we haven't met a dog we couldn't help on the walk yet.
Is my dog too old to train?
We find that one of the most common reasons owners aren't being successful is they simply feel their dog is too old for training, but we're happy to tell you that this is not the case. We successfully train dogs ranging from 5 months to 10 years of age. While we always recommend starting training as soon as possible, don't feel like it's too late to start now!
We find that one of the most common reasons owners aren't being successful is they simply feel their dog is too old for training, but we're happy to tell you that this is not the case. We successfully train dogs ranging from 5 months to 10 years of age. While we always recommend starting training as soon as possible, don't feel like it's too late to start now!
I've tried other trainers, but still haven't reached my goals. What makes you different?
It's not at all unusual for us to work with clients who have been through other training programs. As such, we're often the last stop for owners who have been told their dog is "un-trainable" or "should be euthanized". We believe what sets us apart is our comprehensive approach that fundamentally addresses the dog's state of mind. Rather than bribing with treats or simply developing rehearsed behaviors, we seek to teach dogs to make better choices and train for calmness rather than excitability.
It's not at all unusual for us to work with clients who have been through other training programs. As such, we're often the last stop for owners who have been told their dog is "un-trainable" or "should be euthanized". We believe what sets us apart is our comprehensive approach that fundamentally addresses the dog's state of mind. Rather than bribing with treats or simply developing rehearsed behaviors, we seek to teach dogs to make better choices and train for calmness rather than excitability.
I can't afford your program, but I really need help with my dog. What can I do?
We accept all major credit cards, as well as payment via other lending agencies. Most clients qualify for PayPal’s Credit program which allows for easy loans with zero interest if paid within 6 months, and we also accept payment via LendingUSA.
We accept all major credit cards, as well as payment via other lending agencies. Most clients qualify for PayPal’s Credit program which allows for easy loans with zero interest if paid within 6 months, and we also accept payment via LendingUSA.