FAQs

Will my dog's bad behavior be fixed after training?

Dog ownership is a lifestyle and routine for the life of your dog not a quick fix. Although your dog's behavior will be greatly improved after training, they are still individuals in need of your guidance. Dog's are opportunistic creatures that will learn what they can and can't do by what you allow. Whether you are soft or firm on rules and boundaries will determine your dogs habits, good or bad. It is of upmost importance that the structure, rules and boundaries that are practiced during training be maintained once they go home. Training isn't only for the dog, it's also for you!

What all is included in your Board & Train price?

My price pays for the hours spent daily training, the e collar price and leash. Your dog is staying in my home so they receive 24 hour monitoring and care. From the moment they step inside, we are shaping them to become calm and easy to live with so training essentially never ends! I also write a Go Home packet specifically for your dog and offer free follow up sessions after training. During the training, I reach out via social media or phone and give several updates to make sure you are informed of the process so you can be prepared to continue training at home.

What kind of behaviors do you work with?

I work with the most common behaviors such as pulling on the leash, jumping, counter surfing, tearing up the house, potty training, reactivity, poor social skills, and more. If you aren't sure if your dog is a good fit for my program, reach out to me and I can answer any questions you have.

What is your training approach?

I am an E Collar trainer with a balanced approach. This means I use both reward and consequences in a balanced way. The best way to stop bad behavior is to make it no longer enjoyable for a dog to rehearse things like jumping, barking or pulling. Rules and boundaries are necessary in order for a dog to thrive knowing exactly what they can and can't do. Reward is used to encourage good behavior such as listening to commands, being calm, and making good choices on their own. It's all about having the clearest communication possible!

Can I reschedule or cancel?

Once you pay your deposit, your spot on the calendar is held until drop off. I am willing to make reasonable accommodations if something comes up, however, please understand that time is valuable and avoid canceling last minute. I take great care in writing lesson plans before you drop off and am prepared for your dog to arrive. Your deposit is nonrefundable because I purchase your supplies ahead of time.

Is my dog too old to be trained in your program?

As long as your dog is walking, breathing, eating and in decent health, they absolutely can learn! There is no such thing as too old to be trained. Depending on the severity of the issue, it may be harder to train a dog out of a behavior they have practiced for some time but certainly not impossible.

At what age do you take puppies for training?

I take puppies starting at 5-6 months old. Raising a puppy is hard work especially with so much conflicting information out there on how to do it. If you are struggling with your new puppy under 5 months old (trust me I've been there!) then reach out to me about private lessons. I come to your home and spend about 2 hours working to get you on the right track.

When can I pet my dog?

When your dog is fresh out of training, the first 3-6 months are most crucial. There must be a balance of discipline, freedom and affection. Affection is appropriate when your dog is compliant, calm and respectful. Affection is inappropriate when your dog is rambunctious, defiant or disrespectful. At a Go Home Session, I ask that affection be held until the end in order to set a foundation of leadership, transferring the proper mindset from trainer to owner.

Does my dog always have to wear the E Collar?

Short answer, yes. The E Collar is your primary source of communication. Communicating with the e collar is not a negative thing but a common language you have with your dog. I encourage you to see tools as an extension of your arm and a way to hold your dog accountable for their behavior or give information. You also never know what an environment can throw your way and the e collar is a great way to send information quickly.

Can my dog still sleep in my bedroom at night?

This depends on your dog. Most dogs (mine included) cannot handle this level of freedom. Your dog is likely training because of unmanageable behavior or setting a foundation for your puppy. Kenneling at night and when you are gone is vital for success to provide the structure that your dog desperately needs and get a handle on implementing more structure in your relationship.

Can we go to the dog park?

No. And here's why.
You don't have control of the dogs there and most of the behaviors you see are unbalanced, rude, pushy, and entitled. It is not worth putting your dog in these situations.
If you have friends that own dogs that are balanced and will not bully your dog, then go for it! But always make sure you advocate for your dog when needed.