FAQ

The first step is filling out our new client form. Once this is filled out, I will reach out to schedule your consultation and answer any questions you might have ahead of time. At the consultation we will discuss any issues you've been having, goals for training, and the steps we'll take together to meet those goals. With that information we can determine what type of training is the right fit for your dog, your family, and your budget. I will be upfront and realistic about what I see and what I think is attainable during training. If there is an issue that I feel would be a better fit for a board-and-train, we will discuss it during the consultation. I will provide referrals to trainers who I trust, if requested. Once we determine the best course of training, we pick a start date and begin!  

Private Lessons:

During each private lesson we will work to advance your dog's training. I know that the lessons can feel like an overwhelming amount of information at times, so you will receive paperwork and accompanying videos (when appropriate) that review what was covered during the lesson. The materials provide a written and/or visual demonstration of what we worked on during the lesson, so you can use them as you work with your dog between our sessions. It would also give you an opportunity to determine where you have questions. Hopefully, this will ease the stress of feeling like you have to remember every little thing we discuss! If you haven't had enough time to practice between lessons, let me know ahead of time, and we will reschedule to make sure you're able to get the most out of your lessons. I am also available to answer questions and look at any video to provide help Monday-Friday 8-5. There are two options for payment for private lessons. Payment can be made upfront or in two installments with the first half due at the first lesson and the balance due at the halfway point of the remaining lessons. 

In-Home Training:

If you have chosen in-home training, I will provide videos and photos of what we worked on each day. At each lesson we will go over what I worked on that week. This will be your homework for the following week. Until the lesson, please just focus on what we discussed at the last lesson and not what you see in the videos until we can go over it in person. Similar to private lessons, at each lesson you will receive paperwork that covers what we discussed. If you would like additional videos, I can provide those as well. You will also have videos of your dog practicing with me during the week for reference. If you are interested in outings during your in-home program, they are not available until at least the second or third week to make sure your dog is ready for that level of distraction. Outings are up to you, but I may recommend them based on your goals for training. Payments can be made at the beginning of each week or in total for the estimated number of weeks. 

Behavior Modification:

All behavior modification cases must start with private lessons, and these lessons must initially be in person. Once I've established that I can safely handle your dog, you may switch to in-home training, if you prefer. Behavior modification is something that often requires a lot of time and management. Behavior modification usually includes a clear communication system, relationship building, obedience, management, and structure. Unfortunately, there aren't any quick fixes, and everyone in the family needs to be on board with the training and structure being added in order to make progress. The dog's mental state is also extremely important. If they are under high levels of stress or anxiety, they are not in a position to learn new things. We will work to establish a situation where the dog's mental state is ready for learning and they are set up for success. For both the private lessons and in-home training, paperwork and videos will be provided for each lesson for reference. Payment can be made upfront or in two installments with the first half due at the first lesson and the balance due at the halfway point of the remaining lessons. 

We live in a society of instant gratification. Unfortunately, instant gratification and good dog training don't go hand in hand. Training requires consistent practice and repetition over time. A more specific timeline will be provided at your consultation, but for most dogs, we are looking at 1-3 months depending on the frequency of lessons, the behaviors or issues we are working on, and the motivation of the dog. Dog training is similar to going to the gym - the more you go, the more progress you make! On the other hand, when you stop going, you lose progress. The majority of dogs really enjoy learning new things and training is a fantastic way to build your relationship with your dog. I hope you'll come to enjoy the process as much as I do! 

In a perfect world, training starts the day the dog comes home. This is as true for an eight-week-old puppy as for an adult dog. It is much easier to prevent behavioral issues from occurring through management and training than it is to try to fix them once they are established. If you see an issue pop up, such as reactivity, resource guarding, etc., getting professional help immediately will make it much easier to address it. Behaviors become habits though rehearsal. Every time that behavior is practiced it is becoming more and more ingrained, and usually more intense as well. 

Balanced training means the training process uses all four quadrants of operant conditioning, when appropriate. The four quadrants are positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment. Training begins using food to teach the dog the communication system and any behaviors necessary. Once your dog is clear on how to perform the behaviors in low levels of distraction, we start to add some obligation. These skills aren't optional; they are required, when asked. When appropriate, tools such as a prong collar, martingale, or e-collar are used in training. The tools are introduced carefully so there is no guesswork from the dog on how to respond to them. As the dog is ready for it, the level of distraction increases until the dog is able to work around high levels of distraction. Rewards are present throughout the whole process, moving from continuous reinforcement (rewarding for every behavior each time) to variable reinforcement (rewards become random and less frequent).

I have worked at two different dog training business and have been exposed to several more. My goal was to take the best parts of each business to provide good dog training. To me, good doesn't just mean results, it also means a positive process. There are a lot of companies available that can provide fast results. However, in the majority of cases they are using methods that aren't fair to the dog. I make sure that the dog is clear on each step before moving on, that there is clear communication, and that they aren't pushed past what they are ready to handle. Because obedience is something your dog is going to have to do each day for the rest of their life, I want to make sure they enjoy doing it as much as possible.