Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog have to stay while it trains?
Generally, yes. But I do offer a train-with-the-trainer program, where you may work with me to train your own dog. Contact me for details.
I am a "board and train" facility, so all of the dogs in my program live on site full time while they are training. I find this to be extremely beneficial to dogs and their owners. Many people who take their dogs to obedience classes find that their dog might behave well and respond nicely in class, but during the week when it’s time to reinforce the training at home, many dogs respond differently. Because you are not a professional dog trainer, owners often don’t know how to effectively correct and address the behaviors and come back to training having not made progress on the previous week’s concepts.
When the class moves on to the next concept, the dog and owner are left behind, unable to effectively establish obedience. Living on site ensures that your dog is being trained efficiently at least 5 days a week and because, I am a professional trainer, I can effectively communicate with your dog and provide appropriate corrections at the ideal times. You receive more complete and usable training.
Will My Dog Remember Me?
Yes! I have never had a dog forget its owner! Consider that soldiers go off for 12-14 months on deployment, return home, and their dogs still remember them. A 2-4 month stay is minimal in comparison--your dog will absolutely know who you are at visits and pick up. I guarantee it!
Can I visit my dog while it trains?
Yes. I like to have your dog for about 3 weeks before your first visit just so that we can allow your dog to become accustomed to the routine, build a bond with me, get to know the other dogs, and begin to feel successful in training. After your dog's first 3 weeks I welcome you to visit as much as you’d like. Most people like to visit their dogs once a month. Because my programs are established on a month by month basis, you can see a whole new level of training established each month. I provide a family-friendly atmosphere and encourage you to bring your children and to visit your 4-legged family members.
Do you teach me how to use the training?
Yes! I have a 65 minute Youtube video series that you watch before you pick up your dog. You can access this video any time, so you can re-watch it even after your dog comes home, anytime you need it! You also receive a Word document with several pages of infographics to help you understand how to use the leash.
At the pickup I typically spend about 1-2 hours working with you and answering any questions you may have. I see my training programs as a lifelong insurance policy for good behavior. That’s because once your dog trains with me I provide continuing behavior and training support for the life of your dog through free telephone and email training consultations. I also provide free one-on-one training sessions with you and your dog at my home for the life of the dog. So if you arrive home and find that you need help with a certain training concept, or even 2 years after training a new behavior develops that you don’t know how to address, just contact me! I am here for you!
Do I provide my own food?
Food is included in the price of training; I feed Purina Pro Plan Sport- Performance If you would like to provide your own food, please provide it in an airtight plastic container with your dog’s name on it.
Are there any additional fees?
If your dog requires vaccinations, heartwood or flea and tick preventative during it's stay, plus there could be travel fees for transportation to and from the vet depending upon what your dog is here for.
​
Do you have particular breeds that you do and do not accept?
I specialize in training Labrador Retrievers but I accept most breeds for obedience training. I do not accept aggressive dogs, or dogs who require regular brushing or haircuts, as this becomes too time consuming to manage.
Does my dog need to be neutered or spayed to come to training?
No. Most of the dogs in my training programs are not spayed or neutered. We are equipped to safely address heat cycles in females and often board females in heat so that their owners don’t have to deal with the mess. I feel that dogs should be allowed to mature sexually before spay and neuter surgery in order to fully behaviorally mature, in addition to several health benefits. For this reason, many customers find my boarding facilities an excellent solution for allowing their dogs to fully mature.