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1. How long/how many sessions will it take?

Factors such as your dog's genetics, early experiences and current level of training, in addition to your goals and lifestyle will all determine how much training will be necessary to reach your goals. This is why we do not sell packaged training sessions, since they do not take into account each dog's individual needs and may require dog owners to buy more sessions than necessary to reach their goals.

The type of training option you choose will also affect the number of sessions. The Canine Home School option will generally take more sessions, but will be much faster, while the Owner Coaching option requires fewer sessions, but will take longer (up to 3 months) to allow you to practice in between scheduled training sessions.

2. Do you give a discount for multiple sessions?

Because our training programs are designed specifically to your dog, we only recommend the number of training sessions necessary to reach your goals and not just to sell a package of sessions. For that reason, we do not offer discounts for multiple sessions.

3. What can I expect in the initial consultation?

Your first appointment will last approximately 90 minutes and may be slightly more or less, depending on your individual case.  The trainer will not immediately greet or pet your dog when they walk in the door.  This is not a reflection on your dog, but rather a way to put your dog at ease and allow them to get to know the trainer at their own pace and comfort level.

The initial consultation is not a training session.  While the trainer will likely recommend some training exercises, the purpose of the behavior consultation is to get a full history of your dog's behavior, observe your dog's behavior and his interactions with you.  This allows the trainer to craft a behavior modification plan that is specific to you and your dog.  Additional sessions will focus on training and behavior modification exercises.

As much as possible, stick to your dog's normal routine the day of the appointment.  Take them for a walk if you generally do so and feed them at their regular feeding time.  This allows your trainer to observe your dog in the most natural environment possible, without additional stressors. 

To get the most out of this appointment, you will want to minimize as many distractions as possible, including small children, excess phone calls or other pets who are not the subject of the consultation.  This allows you to focus your full attention on your dog and the consultation. 

4. Day Training - Isn't it better if I do the training myself?

Even the most committed dog owners sometimes lack the time or skill necessary to teach complex behaviors to dogs with training and behavior problems. On the other hand, we have spent years perfecting our skills and increasing our knowledge so we are able to do just that!

We do the work that teaches your dog the new skills necessary to be well-behaved, and then teach you how to get the same responses at home and on walks. The result is a dog that is much more enjoyable to live and communicate with, which only strengthens your bond.

5. Will you put a shock collar on my dog?

Absolutely not. We do not employ or endorse the use of shock collars. Read More

6. I talked to another trainer on the phone who said I should put my dog to sleep. What do you think?

Any trainer who makes such a determination about any dog without evaluating the dog in person and/or working with you and your dog extensively to try to change the behavior is grossly unethical.

Never, under any circumstances, take the advice of a trainer who recommends physical or aversive punishment or euthanasia over the phone or without taking an extensive history of your dog, and a significant attempt (more than a few sessions) to change the behavior using less aversive methods. Read More

7. I heard positive training methods don't work on aggressive dogs/"Red Zone" dogs.

The principles of learning apply to all dogs, even those that exhibit aggressive behaviors. Claims that an aggressive dog learns differently than a non-aggressive dog ignore decades of research about animal behavior. Read More