FAQ – Training

1. What style of training do you use?
We used balanced training, which combines rewards for correct behavior, and consequences for incorrect behavior.  Each dog is an individual, and has their own interpretation of what is rewarding or aversive, for this reason training is tailored to the individual dog, versus a "one size fits all" approach.

2. How old does my dog have to be before it can start training?
Training can start at 8 weeks, when you first bring your new puppy home. Or it can start at 8 years old, with a newly acquired dog or a long time family pet who’s bad habits you can no longer live with. Dogs at any age can learn, you can get your puppy off to the right start and avoid future issues, but on the flip side you can also fix existing issues with an older dog.

3. How much does your training cost?
It can be difficult to accurately quote total training prices without actually seeing your dog and performing an evaluation of the dog and the issues you would like addressed. While this may sound vague, each dog and their family is a unique situation. Two owners may contact me with what sounds like the same type of situation, “My dog won’t come when called”, yet upon evaluation their situations, and the reasons for them, may be radically different. One dog may not come because it thinks “catch me if you can” is a great game to play, the other dog may not come because it is intent on chasing deer, cats, or other animals. While the solution to each situation sounds the same, teach the dog to come when called, how that is actually done will vary.

Consider a drain in your house that does not drain. It may be something as simple as a clog the plumber needs to remove with a snake, resulting in a short house call. It could also be something as serious as a pipe that has broken and needs to be dug up and completely replaced. Until the plumber can evaluate the situation, they can not give you an accurate estimate on the total time and parts needed for the work. The only price they can give you for sure is their hourly rate.

I offer a free no-obligation demonstration and consultation which allows me to get a clearer picture of the situation, your family’s needs, and your dogs current level of training and personality. This allows me to custom-build a training program to suit your family’s needs and unique situation.

My base rates are posted on the Services and Fees page.

4. Do you train the dog for me, or do I learn how to train my dog?
I offer both board and train and lessons.  In the board and train option, your dog will live with me and be trained by me.  I will provide you with regular updates on the skills your dog is learning, which will include some videos of the dog practicing those skills.  At the end of the board and train period, you will have two lessons teaching you how to work with your dogs new skills, and maintain them through future training.  In the one and one or group lessons, you will be taught how to train your dog.  You will also be given homework to do between lessons.

5. Do you offer house breaking?

I offer the following services:

  •     Obedience training
  •     Puppy foundation
  •     House breaking
  •     Behavior modification
  •     Socialization
  •     Proper Manners
  •     Custom training for your individual dog’s needs
  •     and much more!

6. Do you offer refunds or guarantees?

All of our board and train slots and lessons are scheduled well in advance, and we ask that you commit to the time slot you have reserved.  Deposits to hold a board and train are non-refundable.  If given at least 2 weeks notice we will reschedule your slot, but be aware that it will be the next available opening, and that may be a few months away.  Repeated cancellations will result in the loss of the deposit and no further board and train scheduling.  Lessons have a 24-hour cancellation policy.  We will reschedule your lesson at the time of cancellation.  Repeated cancellations will result in the loss of that lesson.  Dog training requires teamwork and commitment from all parties involved.  While we can get the dog to behave for us, unless you do your homework, are consistent in your handling of the dog at home, and committed to the long term training and lifestyle changes needed, your dog may revert back to his/her old self.  We will provide you with the tools, but we can't force you to use them.  Due to this we do not offer guarantees.   

7. Will you train my dog in bite work?

We do NOT offer any sort of protection or bitework training to clients, for either "real life" or sport/competition.  If you are looking for this type of training, feel free to contact me for a referal to another trainer.  Or check the following websites for protection sport clubs in your area:
AWDF    American Working Dog Federation (Schutzhund/IPO/IPG)
DVG America    Deutscher Verband der Gebrauchshundsportvereine (Schutzhund/IPO/IPG)
NARA    North American Ring Association (French Ring)
PSA    Protection Sports Association
USA    United Schutzhund Clubs of America (Schutzhund/IPO/IPG)
USMRA    United States Mondio Ring Association