- Can my children (or others I invite) participate in the lesson? Whomever you’d like to include is welcome. Where appropriate, all those present and interested can participate fully in the lesson.
- How long will it take to train my dog? Your dog learns with each interaction. When you react properly to your dog’s behavior he will learn instantly, provided you don’t take his improvement for granted. This is simple, fun, and immensely rewarding when we show you the ropes.
- Will we use food rewards to teach my dog to behave? We primarily use physical direction and praise. In certain contexts, food can be a very powerful tool in training. Many people use treats as a lure because it is the fastest way to entice the dog to perform a task. But be aware: there is a huge gap between following a lure and obeying a command. To bridge that gap, we demonstrate how to enforce commands by using your hands, praise and leash for guidance. This will also prove invaluable if your dog isn’t interested in the treat because his tummy is full or he is distracted.
- What type of leash is best? A 6′ leather leash or 6′ biothane leash is ideal for training because it is strong, versatile, and provides a non-slip grip (biothane is a synthetic material similar in texture and feel to leather, but it’s also washable. We have a selection of biothane leashes available for purchase at the training hall).
- What type of collar do you use? Whatever is best for your dog. Generally, a traditional buckle collar collar (the type your dog probably wears around the house) will work great. We prefer “belt buckle” style collars as opposed to “quick-release” types, as they tend to stay truer to size and don’t run the risk of breaking open unexpectedly like quick release collars sometimes do. A “training collar” (such as a slip chain or prong collar) is not necessary but may be recommended in some cases. After assessing your dog, your goals, and your physical capability, we can offer a recommendation and help you to properly fit and use the collar.
- I’ve gotten a lot of advice and my dog is untrainable. What makes you think you can help? Some dogs require more expertise than others, and unless you’ve had our extensive background, you could waste the entire lifespan of your dog trying to figure it out. You love your dog, and that is a great start, but love is not enough. I hope you’ll allow us to guide you to your goals in the most seamless possible way.
