FAQs
WHICH TRAINING OPTION IS BEST FOR YOUR DOG?
HOUSE PUPPY & OBEDIENCE PUPPY CLASSES
ENROLL NOW… Fool-proof strategies evolve to match your goals, your puppy’s behavior and changing needs.
However, if your puppy’s health is compromised, OR your puppy is older than 15 weeks on the day class starts, please ph/tx Amy Ammen (414/289/7785) to discuss best options to begin training.
ESSENTIAL BASIC SKILLS
ENROLL NOW… Want a well-behaved, confident and enjoyable companion who listens well and is cordial in all environments? Join Essential Basics and receive personal attention and comprehensive guidance.
QUICK-START INTENSIVE
ENROLL NOW… Quick Start Intensive will fast track your training. Classes meet twice a week and cover the same material included in Essential Basics in half the time. PLUS, following completion of the 4-lessons, the ‘Walk This Way, Talk This Way’ Workshop is included with Quick Start Intensive program.
MASTERING BASICS
ENROLL NOW… Mastering Basics will build on what your dog has learned in Essential Basics. Refine your skills (and your dog’s response to commands), and improve the bond you share with your dog.
WALK THIS WAY, TALK THIS WAY WORKSHOP
ENROLL NOW… Walk This Way Talk This Way 60-minute Workshop is the perfect complement to Essential Basics class. We practice walking, commands and social skills in a public setting. Simultaneously, we address apprehensions about behavior (and safety) at home, in public, or while traveling.
PRIVATE LESSON IN YOUR HOME
ENROLL NOW… Concerned about behavior at home?
• over-barking • house soiling • anxiety about guests or workers entering your property • multi-pet household issues • complex family dynamic?
This is the option for you.
However, if your dog is perfectly well-behaved in your home, check-out the option listed below.
PRIVATE LESSON AT MY LOCATION
ENROLL NOW… Want one-on-one with Amy to improve social skills, emotional control, or other concerns? Meeting in a challenging environment, allows me to evaluate your dog and guide you. Strategies are customized for YOUR dog.
ONLINE PROBLEM SOLVING
ENROLL NOW… Remote on-line dog training is tailored for your dog, your family, and your lifestyle. Program includes three live working sessions with Amy Ammen.
Contact Amy Ammen between lessons anytime if you need clarification about techniques.
There’s no additional cost for multi-pet households. Another relative/friend/neighbor/coworker can ‘piggyback’ on your lesson regardless of your location.
Let’s work together and streamline training with your puppy, your adult dog, or elderly dog. If you have behavior concerns about your beloved buddy, I’ve got solutions for any issue — walking on leash, aggressive tendencies, house soiling, over-barking, not listening, building confidence, etc. Call or text Amy Ammen (414-289-7785) to ask questions or begin.
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Group Class FAQs
How often do classes meet?
Weekly (except for Quick Start Intensive which meets twice a week)
Can I observe classes before enrolling?
Yes!
Will I receive confirmation for class?
Yes, but text or call anytime to confirm registration and details. 414-289-7785.
How long will it take to train my dog?
What’s YOUR definition of a “trained” dog? Some people have simple goals and others want the ultimate. Also, learning rates vary because both people and dogs have more aptitude in certain areas and less in others. Nonetheless, you’ll likely see marked progress in the first lesson.
How often do I need to practice outside of class?
Practice about 20-minutes a day. I show you how to incorporate practice into your daily routine in the house, your yard, on walks, and in public. If you are motivated to practice longer than 20-minutes daily, that’s GREAT!
Do you use food in your classes?
When dogs are super excited, or distracted, or just not hungry enough, treats rarely capture their attention. That’s why I show you how to teach and enforce listening skills using your hands, praise, and leash. BUT, using food in training can be very beneficial; so, when appropriate, I will also show you how to incorporate treats.
Do you use positive training?
Yes! We use an abundance of praise and play. In addition, you’ll never yell at, scold or use multiple commands. Therefore, Amiable techniques bring out your dog’s best qualities.
What if I need to miss class?
Arranging make-up classes at no charge is easy. If this isn’t possible due to your schedule, a private lesson can be arranged for an additional fee. Please call/text Amy at (414) 289-7785 and I’ll provide options.
I’ve taken classes elsewhere. Where do I fit in with Amiable?
Though many dog training schools offer courses with similar names, agendas, objectives, and techniques, generally their classes vary significantly from Amiable Dog Training. Ph/Tx 414-289-7785 so we can discuss your goals and the best fit.
At what age can I start to train my puppy or dog?
Classes are offered for dogs eight weeks and up — but it’s never too late! It is very common to have middle age and older dogs enrolled in the Basic class. Older dogs progress as rapidly as puppies.
I’m afraid my dog will go nuts around other dogs.
Don’t worry…most dogs assimilate remarkably well, and I am here to help! However, for dogs who may be aggressive or unusually stimulated by the group class environment, an initial private lesson is recommended and can be arranged in your home or at my locations. During the private lesson we will establish effective ways to gain control around distractions so you build a foundation (and handler confidence) prior to starting group class.
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Private Training FAQs
Can my children (or others I invite) participate in my Private Lesson?
Yes, include anyone you like.
How long will it take to train my dog?
Your dog learns with each interaction. When you react appropriately to your dog’s behavior, he’ll respond quickly. The approach is simple, fun, and immensely rewarding when I introduce you to new, effective, easy strategies.
Will we use treat rewards to teach my dog to behave?
Primarily, I use physical direction, movement, and praise. Although, sometimes, food is an advisable addition. E-collars are almost never advised, but there are rare exceptions.
I’ve been told my dog is unteachable. What makes you think you can help?
Some dogs require more expertise than others. Some owners, on their own, are not able to bring out the best qualities and desirable behavior. You love your dog, and that is a great start, but love is not enough. Allow me to guide you to your goals in the most seamless possible way. After 50 years of handling and showing dogs and helping owners, I evaluate the approach that will be best for you, your dog(s) and household members, and modify techniques based on your results.
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Reminders For Class
• Bring the Waiver and Application to class
You can bring the Waiver & Application for Amiable Dog Training class enrollment the first day of class, text or email to ammen@dogclass.com, or you can fill it out at class.
• To ensure everyone’s comfort and safety, please keep your dog on a short leash
When you arrive at class, please keep your dog on a short leash unless you are letting him relieve himself outdoors or are instructed to do otherwise. Be respectful of other owner’s and dog’s personal space. Do not allow your dog to rush up and greet another without first asking permission.
• Many different commands and exercises are recommended and explained in class
Incorporate homework into your daily interactions in the house and yard, on walks, and in public. If you are motivated to practice more than 20-minutes daily, that’s GREAT!
• Your dog or puppy must be free of internal and external parasites and current on vaccinations
Rabies for dogs four months and older, and combination/DHLPP and bordetella are needed for enrollees. Please bring a copy of your dog’s vaccination records with you to your first class — OR email or text the vaccination records.
• Bring family members, children, neighbors, or friends to class with you
All are welcome.
• Group classes are offered in several locations in Greater Milwaukee and Honolulu
Need the address or directions to your training site? Please ph/tx Amy Ammen at 414-289-7785.