Frequently Asked Questions

Is my dog too young/old to be trained?

No dog is too old to be trained! Assuming your dog is physically able to be trained (i.e. not experiencing mobility or cognitive issues), it can be great fun to teach your older pup some new tricks, or even just a new approach to manners! Always check with your vet to ensure your dog is physically cleared for training, and let me know if we will need to modify our plans to accommodate your dog's physical needs!

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Puppies aged 8 weeks or older are in their prime to start basic manners and receive training. Getting a head start can be a great way to build your relationship with your puppy and form a great foundation for future training, as puppies are developing rapidly and as a result are soaking up & forming opinions about everything around them. Training your puppy early on can be the best way to socialize and prepare them to be confident & well-adjusted adult dogs!

What is your approach to dog training?

My training methods are endorsed by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. As a positive reinforcement trainer, I do not use fear, intimidation, or punishment to teach dogs. I do not use aversive tools such as prong collars, e-collars, electric fencing etc. to achieve training results. If you have used these methods in the past but are looking to approach training differently - welcome! I will never shame someone for training with different methods than my own!

To learn more about positive reinforcement training, check out the following articles:

• What is Positive Reinforcement Dog Training?

• AVSAB Study on Positive Reinforcement Efficacy 

• AVSAB Statement on the Use of Positive Punishment for Behavior Modification

• AVSAB Statement on Dominance Theory

• AVSAB Guidance on How to Choose a Dog Trainer

What do I need to participate in training?

Ideally you should have: a 6-ft leash, a flat collar or martingale collar and 2 types of training treats - one high value (boiled chicken, special store-bought training treat), and one lower value (your dog's kibble, Charlie Bears, etc.). Check out my blog post on my recommended introductory training "must haves"!

Can you guarantee results?

Any trainer that will guarantee results, especially in a set amount of time, is (in my opinion) a red flag.
Training involves practice (repetition) and consistency to drive results. If you are not practicing at home with your dog, then you will not see results.
Dogs are also individuals - training can happen at different paces and with different levels of enthusiasm depending on breed, health, and individual personality of your dog.
Finding a trainer who is experienced, personable, and uses positive, gentle methods is more important than a guarantee of a "quick fix". My guarantee to you is that I will either a) stick with you until you consider your dog "trained" (or the behavioral issue to be solved), or b) I can help to refer you to a dog behavior consultant/trainer who is more equipped in your area of need.