How long does it take to start seeing results?

Clients typically see noticeable differences the first week after starting training. The first session is largely about implementing immediate boundaries and symptom prevention during what could be called the probation period. Differences are seen in the dog's attentiveness, motivation and demeanor. After 2-3 sessions, significant improvement is commonly seen in the initial problem behaviors.

 

How often should training sessions occur in order to see improvement?

Most of my clients repeat sessions on a weekly basis for 1-2 months as recommended. After that, sessions can usually recur every two weeks until the owners have a comfortable level of obedience and control. For more serious remedial training, for example regarding aggression of any kind, or in circumstances that are time sensitive like a pregnancy or upcoming vacation, it is recommended that sessions occur twice a week for a short period of 1-3 weeks to speed up the rehabilitation process.

 

How often should I be practicing between sessions and what do I do if I'm not seeing results?

I always tell my clients to practice as much as possible, that is, as much as your workload allows and as much as you want your dog to succeed. A session doesn't need to be an hour, it only needs to be a completed exercise of a new behavior, possibly repeated. For example, if I'm teaching a "down", I will practice it between 15 and 30 times per day. I pair it with an existing routine, such as brushing my teeth, washing the dishes, etc. It takes 20 seconds, so can be repeated easily after showering, brushing my hair, putting on my shoes, without taking up much time. Remember: these methods are proven; training doesn't fail, it only fails to be practiced.

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Why private sessions?

The difference in amount of information gained per session differs greatly between class and one-on-one training. During private training, you get 100% attention for 100% of the time and your dog's difficulties are addressed immediately and personally. The entire focus of private training is getting you and your dog to the highest point of success as efficiently as possible

 

Why are private sessions more expensive than group classes?

Private sessions have significantly higher success rate in a fraction of the sessions compared to a class setting. Most commonly, class sessions result in enough information given to see slight improvement but clients still require additional training (usually private) afterwards. Private training gives you quality over quantity and ensures that every ounce of training you pay for is directly relevant to the success of you and your dog

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What if something comes up and I can no longer commit to weekly sessions?

Life is full of surprises. If for any reason you can no longer keep up with sessions, we respect that. This is why sessions are priced individually. The important thing to know is that when you're ready to resume, or if/when your dog's behavior becomes a more urgent priority, we are there for you and ready to jump back in to training the second you call.

 

I've been reading a lot about positive only training, is that what you do?

Positive only training refers to the use of positive reinforcement training as the sole behavior modifier. I use a positive reinforcement focused training program with the use of clear and respectfully communicated boundaries as a way of modifying and teaching behavior. I believe in patterning a positive work ethic and my dogs have a genuine love of their jobs. This is equally due to my belief in consequences as it is to my believe in positive reinforcement. Consequences in my training are never in the form of any emotional or physical harm.

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Do you use equipment like choke, prong or e-collars?

Necessity breeds invention. These tools were all invented for a reason and serve a very specific purpose in the dog training world. I have successfully used all of the aforementioned tools and do believe in their proper use in professional training programs in very specific circumstances. Should a client exercise resistance to the use of any of these tools on their dog, I will certainly employ an alternate training method that they are more comfortable with.

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I prefer to leave my dog loose at night and while I'm out, why do I still need to crate train?

Crate training is not the torture it's been mislabeled as. Dogs LOVE their crate (when it's trained properly). What's even more important than your dog loving his crate is that he doesn't hate his crate. Besides the fact that dogs are significantly safer traveling in the car when crated, crates are used in vet's offices, groomers and a dozen other places that are already stressful. What makes those situations more stressful is when your dog isn't used to and hasn't positively associated being in a crate. This is simply a safety precaution. Whether you crate your dog at night is a personal preference that is not open for judgement, but this doesn't mean you shouldn't introduce your dog to it should he have to encounter one in the future, especially in face of an injury.

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My dog has exhibited extreme behavior (aggressive or non) and I'm not sure we are willing to keep him. We don't want to spend money on training only to decide we want to rehome, what should we do?

Any owner's worst nightmare. There are many ways in which one can proceed in this situation, all of which I would recommend discussing one on one. Whether or not you decide to go forward with training, I can help you

A) assess the likelihood and estimated cost of rehabilitating the dog,

B) clarify whether keeping the dog is in the best interest of both the family and the dog and

C) clarify your steps forward, either in rehabbing the dog or finding him a suitable home that is knowledgeable and suitable for his particular issues.

 

Life circumstances have led us to pursue board and train options. Is this something you offer?

It is uncommon that I recommend out of home training as it relates to convenience or preference simply because it has a lower success rate. Often a dog will become a very different dog in the facility wherein the training and rehabilitation occurs, but when reintroduced to the home, the dog resumes his role as the same mischievous dog that left. However, there are certain situations that greatly benefit from out of residence training programs, which is why I do offer a full time, in-facility intensive training program designed to overhaul a dog's knowledge, behavior and abilities apart from familiar stimuli. This option is intended for severe behavioral issues where

1. the safety of the dog or others is at risk 

2. the present family is unable to address the situation in home. 

Prices are based per week and vary with the severity of the behavior.