We are seriously considering give our dog to a shelter or rescue. He's just over one year old and we can't take the destruction and disobedience any longer! Can you help?
One of the top three reasons that dogs end up in shelters is from issues easily resolved with some knowledge and training. As a matter of fact, the leading cause of death in dogs three-years old and younger is euthanasia due to PREVENTABLE behavior issues. Before you give up on your dog, do some investigation into how simply the annoying behaviors can be rectified. Most people are very surprised!
If I am doing private training and purchase a training package and have a conflict during one of the weeks, do I lose that week of training?
No. Although it is very important to maintain continuity for the benefit of both you and your dog, we can reschedule the training session, however we do require 48 hours notice so we can fit someone else in that time slot. We do suggest that every effort be made to stick with the schedule for optimum training results. Unless an unavoidable issue arises, we request that a 4-week training package be completed in no less than six weeks. Likewise a 6-week training package be completed in no less than 8 weeks.
I have several dogs that need training. Can you train them all at once?
Although possible to train several dogs at one time, it is much more effective to work on each dog individually and then bring them together to reinforce what they learned individually. The answer to this question is dependent upon the breeds, sizes, etc. of the dogs as well.
My friends and neighbors have been telling me to use electronic shock collars, choke chains. One friend who has several well-trained dog uses a prong collar. Why not use them if they work for others?
Besides the scientifically-proven fact that training can and should be fun for both you and your dog and without pain or force, there are unfortunately still some people who are firm believers of 'coercive' training. We help you train your dog in a way that enhances your relationship with your canine buddy and engenders trust and respect for a collaborative, rather than a adversarial training method.
I've heard about clicker training. What is a clicker and how can it help train a dog?
A clicker is a small plastic device that makes a short, distinct sound when depressed. This sound is used to indicate to your dog the precise moment he is performing the desired behavior by providing instant feedback. Many times roadblocks to training are caused by miscommunication. The clicker sound is paired with a reward. This is not a new concept -- dolphin trainers have been using this type of training for decades. They had to find a way to motivate dolphins and killer whales because you can't put a choke chain or electric shock collar on an aquatic mammal!
Sounds like bribery to me, and I don't want to have to bribe my dog to do what I want. He should just do it!
Although it may sound like bribery, it is really like a pay check. Just as we wouldn't stay in a job very long if we didn't get paid, we are asking that your dog perform a behavior and let him know that, if done well, payday is coming.
So I'm going to need to carry a clicker and treats around me for the rest of my life?
That is a very common misconception about clicker training. The combination of clicker and treats is used when a behavior is first being learned - it is a teaching tool. Once the behavior is learned, the clicker and treats are "faded" so your dog learns to present the behavior for other rewards such as verbal praise, playing with a toy, access to outside or something else that he views as valuable.