Frequently asked questions

if you don’t find an answer here, drop us a line or call

  • Do you offer electronic training?

    No.

    While I do understand how to use training tools which are designed to apply an undesired consequence (ie. discomfort or pain) to affect a change in behavior, I choose not to.

    I follow the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) approach. You can learn more about LIMA here:
    https://iaabc.org/lima

  • You seem to be using a lot of food in training, won't my dog get fat?

    This is a great question.

    Like us, dogs can gain weight if they are consuming more calories/day than they are expending.

    Food is not the only item I will use in training, but it is certainly the easiest to learn how to affect behavior. I can show you many creative ways to promote better behavior choices without creating a fat dog.




  • What payment types do you accept for your services?

    I accept cash, personal check or PayPal.

  • Do you offer training packages? What happens if I decided to opt out before finishing my package

    It’s your choice.

    I give clients the option to pay-per-session or group training sessions into a package.

    Sometimes life happens and you find that you are unable to complete your pre-paid package.

    You can
    * choose to reschedule to re-start within 6 months of our last session

    * accept a refund minus an early termination fee

  • What sort of training equipment do you recommend?

    My first consideration is always safety.
    * your safety in being able to handle your dog during activities together

    * your dog’s mental and physical comfort wearing equipment you have chosen

    * the public’s safety

    *effectiveness and ease of use

    My most frequently recommended and utilized training gear includes flat leashes ( 6ft and 15 ft long line), flat well fitted collar, and a harness with both front and back clip attachment points.

  • Do you offer discounts for long term training?

    Yes.
    Teaching manners and life skills can often be accomplished in a few sessions.

    Behavior modification frequently requires a more lengthy commitment as we are working to change how your dog feels about situation in order to shift how your dog responds to the event.


  • What does Day Training involve?

    Day training is an excellent option if you have goals you would like to see accomplished, but don’t seem to have enough time to work upon.

    Day training sessions are custom built around 2-3 topics/package and frequently last 3 weeks per cycle. I will work directly with your dog two or three training sessions/week with an added 45 minute update and skills transfer session with you each week.

  • Why do you offer video services with your training? Do I have to have this?

    I have found that many people find watching a video of what we accomplished to be very helpful.

    Just as much of this training is new for your dog, you will be learning right along side, and being able to review “How did I do that?” later can make your next training session with your dog much easier.

    It is your choice - videos are only used for educational purposes.

  • Do you do Board & Train?

    It depends.
    I have done several, mostly for puppies between the ages of 10-18 weeks.

  • Do you board dogs?

    Sorry, no.

    I have a busy household with my own dogs and family.

    Your best option is to plan well ahead of travel plans.

  • What is a reactive dog?

    Reactivity is a general term and is usually applied when a dog’s response to a situation is out of proportion.

    If you are looking to change how your dog behaves around triggering events, I specialize in working with reactive dogs using only reinforcement based techniques.

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