FAQ’s

The short answer: nothing that could cause you dog to react our of pain or fear.

The longer answer: only safe equipment that does not inflict pain or fear. Standard training equipment typically consists of body harnesses and non-retractable leashes. Clickers are our go-to marker because they are highly effective at marking the behavior we desire.

In some instances, we will sparingly recommend Martingale collars for escape artists. Rarely, we will recommend head collars, but in instances where there is a risk of severe injury to dog and handler, we may suggest this. However, this is only done with proper conditioning prior to its use and only in conjunction with training, so as not to rely on it longer than absolutely necessary.

We never use or recommend equipment that's sole purpose it causing pain or fear, such as choke collars, prong or pinch collars, or electronic collars.

To reward behaviors we like, we mark the behavior with either a click or verbal marker, such as "Yes", and give the dog a treat. While some dogs like toys, we find the majority of dogs enjoy working for food.

By marking the behavior and offering food, we are using positive reinforcement and building the dog's understanding of what behavior we are looking for, and, therefore, they will be more likely to perform the behavior in the future. This is the premise of reward-based training.

Simply offering the wrong behavior (i.e., siting when he was asked to lie down) means the situation will be set up again and he will be given another opportunity to perform. If the dog offers the wrong behavior twice in a row, it's best to retract to an easier step in the process (for the previous example, going back to using a hand signal to give the dog a visual representation of what is being asked) or redirect them to something else before going back to the original behavior. There is a vast number of reasons a dog may get it wrong, and it's the human's job to set the dog up for success.

If the dog is exhibiting signs of stress (lip licking, yawning, looking away, tucked tail, hunched body, tightly closed mouth, intense stare, stiff body, piloerection or raised hackles, etc.), we will remove the dog from the environment as quickly and gently as possible. We will then work with you to determine the cause of your dog's stress and how to desensitize your dog to the trigger, and how to manage the situation during that time.

We are proud of the Pet Professional Guild membership! This organization has strong ethical standards and believes pain, force, or fear should NEVER be an option for animals. This organization has tough vetting for potential members to ensure they meet their strict standards.

See the About Page for full list of credentials

To view my PPG membership profile, Click Here

To view my PCT-A credential profile, Click Here

Payment is due at the time of booking to reserve your spot. Payments can be made through credit card, cash (in-person only), or by check by mail. If a check is sent via mail, please be aware that your spot will not be saved until the check is received.

• • For packages, payment for the package is due in full at the time of booking. You have 6 weeks after your first lesson to use a starter package or 4 lesson package. You have 12 weeks after your first lesson to use 8 lesson packages.

• • For single sessions purchased, cancellations must be made 72 hours prior to time of service for a refund. If a cancellation is made less than 72 hours prior to time of service, no refund will be issued.

• • For packages, cancellations are only accepted up to 72 hours AFTER BOOKING for a refund. After 72 hours, no refund will be issued, but a reschedule may be available.

• • Reschedules for package lessons will only be attempted for 2 different occasions. After the second reschedule request, you will forfeit the missed lessons. This is in consideration of other clients who need to schedule sessions. Please note that reschedules cannot be guaranteed. Every effort will be made to reschedule if necessary for your first 2 reschedule requests, but cannot be guaranteed. Please choose your day and time carefully.