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

The number of sessions necessary to give you the tools to work with your dog's behavior depend on several factors, such as your dog's genetics, early experiences and current level of training, in addition to your goals and lifestyle.

Some problem behaviors, such as separation anxiety, may only require one private lesson to give you the information you need to continue working with your dog on your own. Other behaviors, however, such as dogs who bark and lunge at other dogs on walks, will require multiple sessions, since most dog owners require significant guidance and practice before they are skilled enough to continue working on their own.

2. Is it better if I do the training myself?

Yes, we would love it if all dog owners had the desire and time to achieve the skills necessary to work with problem behaviors. However, even the most committed dog owners sometimes lack the ability to teach complex behaviors to dogs with training and behavior problems.

Fortunately, we have spent years perfecting our skills and increasing our knowledge so we are able to do just that and do offer the option to work directly with your dog, speeding the training process. The result is a dog that is much more enjoyable to live and communicate with, which only strengthens your bond.

3. What can I expect at 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.  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 necessarily 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.  Following sessions will focus on training and behavior modification exercises.

4. Do you offer phone/email support during and after the training program?

Of course! We will provide support by phone or email if you have questions or problems at any point in your dog's training, which may continue long after our training program has ended. If you feel you need additional help after your training program has ended, you can always schedule individual follow-up sessions to keep you on track.

5. Do you guarantee the results of your training?

We guarantee that you will be satisfied with our services. However, the success of your dog's training program is dependent on many factors outside of our control including the cause of your dog's behavior (such as genetics, traumatic experience, etc.) and your willingess and ability to follow all instructions as provided.

Because of those factors, guaranteeing an outcome is unethical and, as such, is prohibited by our professional membership with the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers.

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

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

5. I talked to another trainer who said I should put my dog to sleep.

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.

We will not tell any dog owner to euthanize their dog. We strongly believe euthanasia or rehoming is a personal choice to be made by owners after considering all factors, including severity and predictability of behavior, response to training, effective management and potential liability. Our role is to provide the owner with a clear view of those factors. If euthanasia or rehoming is being considered by the owner, we can offer consultation and appropriate referrals for additional opinions, as necessary. 

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

Aggression is not a mystery. Thanks to decades of research, we know what causes aggression and how to modify it. There are thousands of trainers who have effectively used positive methods, including the use of food, to change very serious aggressive behaviors and many books have been written on the subject.

Claims that an aggressive dog learns differently than a non-aggressive dog are like old-wives tales, based in ignorance of dog behavior. Read More

7. I really want to try positive methods but my spouse/partner doesn't.

In order for a training/behavior modification program to be successful, it is important for everyone in the household to be consistent. We ask that your family resolve these differences before contacting us so that your energy is spent changing your dog's behavior, not your spouse's!