FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. How long does training take?

A. Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this question.  A private appointment at our location lasts 1-2 hours.  As far as rehabilitating a dog, the process starts from the very first hour but depending on the issues, and more importantly the commitment of the owner, a full rehabilitation can take a year or more... It can also take ONE session, depending on many variables.


Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you? 

A. Work with someone that you connect with. In the field of dog training, not in any one of the 50 states is there any regulation regarding licensing or requirements. Literally, anyone can put up a sign and call themselves a trainer. Look for someone with passion, enthusiasm, knowledge and a love of this work. I suggest you stay away from trainers who are too, what I call, "one-trick-pony," i.e. they use only one method and admonish all others. Whether positive or negative in their methodology, this is not a good trait. If you are not comfortable working with someone, it just isn't going to work. Take the time to ask questions and pass on any trainer who won't do the same.


Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional? 

A. A customer should ask a potential trainer:

How long have you been working with dogs? In what capacity?
Do you have any specialties?
What methods do you use?
How much do you charge and what am I getting?
Do you have a guarantee? (Believe it or not, the answer to this question should be "no." I'd run from any trainer who "guarantees" your dog will be perfect when you're done.)
What commands do you teach?
May I watch your class? (Answer should always be yes, unless there is a safety issue with reactive dogs, children, extenuating circumstances of that nature.)
What kind of dog(s) do you have?
What kind of work have you done with them?


Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do? 

A. I am much more balanced than most trainers. A lot of trainers out there today are too "one trick pony," and every dog and every handler is different. I am passionate about this, and am familiar with many different methods. I am not "for or against" one tool or technique over another. Everyone is different (dogs and handlers), and motivated by different things. To get the best results, you need to be open-minded, committed, and knowledgeable. That's what I am.

 

 

Q. Do you use Electronic Collars and Prong Collar?

 

A. Yes, when it's appropriate and when they can be used as tools to communicate a concept. I will never use a tool in a way that is unfair, or cruel to your dog. Unlike many trainers, I will use whatever is best for your dog. Whether that is a remote training collar, a prong collar, a slip collar or lead, a Halti, martingale, harness, clicker, treats, kibble, toys, or movement. I am creative and open to motivating your dog using whatever they need. Not what a book told me to do. My greatest strength has always been reading the dog in front of me and reacting accordingly, not following a formula that has worked for someone else.

 

 

Q. Do you use treats or food? 

 

A. Yes, When its evident that we need a dog to understand the joy of working but Never as a tool for causing dependency.

 

Q. What do you like most about your job? 

A. The best part about my job is for sure the times that I've been able to help people go from "Carly, I am ready to get rid of this dog!" to "he's so great and well-behaved now. I'm so glad we did this." The "ah-ha!" moments when a dog gets a new command right for the first time. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the success stories.


Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer? 

A. How can I get my dog to stop peeing in the house?
How can I get my dog not to be so hyper?
How can I get my dog to stop jumping all over everyone?
How can I make my dog come when called?
How can I get my dog to stop chewing everything?

As frustrating as it is, there is no one "quick-fix" answer to any of these questions. It takes time, exercise, socialization, training, and a better understanding of your dog to change these behaviors. I am more than happy to help you with this with your 100% commitment. I have high expectations and I want you to have the same.