Got Questions?

I use a balanced method based on motivation, praise and correction.  Motivation is used to encourage an action or behavior.  Verbal and physical praise are used to communicate to the dog that is performing well.  Leash corrections are used to communicate with the dog when it chooses not to perform a command that it already knows.

Formal training should ideally begin with your 8-16 week old puppy with Puppy Preschool.  This is a unique window of time when positive experiences yield future benefits.  If you adopt a dog older I recommend starting the training process ASAP.  Establishing good habits early is a huge benefit.   A common adage in the dog training world is that “It is easier to prevent problems than to correct them.”

There is no simple answer to this.  Each dog and owner present with unique histories, capabilities, concerns, experiences, and goals.  It may take several private lessons or a combination of board & train and private lessons.  The evaluation will provide some idea for this but it will also depend on the time and effort the owner invests in practicing the skills and working with their dog.  Success is developed through consistency and repetition.

Successful training is based on consistency and repetition.  It requires time and effort.  Board & Train options accelerate the process by providing concentrated repetitions by an experienced professional.   Owners who prefer to be more hands-on with the process will therefore have more work to do in providing the repetitions.  Decisions are made through the evaluation and discussions with the owners.  Adaptability is important and we may decide to alter plans based on how the dog is responding.

Most dogs are extremely adaptable and adjust quickly.  Board & Train dogs are treated like a member of the family and receive plenty of affection and attention through the process.   The training involves a great deal of mental and physical exertion so they typically are either working or resting.  Having them crate trained and house trained in advance helps to minimize stress for them.

Follow-up lessons are critical in transferring skills, knowledge and advice on how to handle your dog.  Through these sessions you will learn how to work with the dog so it behaves for you like it does for me at the end of the Board & Train.  It will know the behaviors and commands but you will need to practice them regularly and provide the leadership that your dog expects.

Consistency and repetition are crucial to success in preventing unpleasant behaviors, correcting undesirable actions and establishing positive behaviors.  Everyone in the house should be on the same page and provide the dog with consistent messages.   Dogs learn through repetition so it is most effective to use short practice sessions several times throughout the day.

Dogs want calm, predictable and confident leadership from us.  They respond best when our expectations are clear, consistent and fairly communicated.  Establishing and enforcing rules, boundaries and limitations helps them know how to behave in our world and develops our relationship with them.

We provide our dogs with all that they need.  Food, water, shelter, affection, medical care, recreation and physical and mental exercise.  Obedience training develops and strengthens our bond and should be part of a lifestyle where it impacts the dog during all these activities.

Dogs and humans don’t speak the same language and we are asking dogs to live harmoniously in our world. Developing effective communication and leadership will enable us to share rich and rewarding relationships with our canine companions.