Frequently Asked Questions

Dog training is not a ‘once-and-done’ kind of thing.  Just as a person who chooses to adopt a healthy lifestyle must maintain it, so too, you will need to maintain your dog’s focus and obedience each day.

We believe that every minute of every day that you spend interacting with your dog is ‘training’.  By simply meaning what you say and following through to ensure that your commands are immediately followed at any given time – you will be effectively ‘training’.  No time clock or schedule is needed.

Some people choose to use a foreign language when training their dog.  Occasionally it is because the ‘foreign’ commands are unlike anything the dog may hear in normal daily life, but often it is just a personal preference.  The choice is yours.

Glad you asked!  Most people are unsure how to deal with their dog’s problems or reach their training goals.  Many veterinarians suggest ‘obedience training’ when faced with behavioral questions from their clients.  We prefer to start with a personal assessment of your dog to gain insight into his temperament, drive, natural strengths, and areas of difficulty.  The guidance of a dog behavior specialist can help you get the most value for your training dollar and greatly enhance the quality of life of both you AND your dog!

Most definitely – actually rehabilitating unwanted aggression in dogs is one of our subspecialties. We have rehabilitated hundreds of aggressive dogs over the years. This experience has made us a vital resource for other professional trainers and has made us a nationally recognized leader in dog behavior, education and rehabilitation.

No.  We have met dogs that were challenging to train. And we have met dog owners who wouldn’t be trained.  Dogs naturally crave structure and clarity regardless of their temperaments, issues or past experiences – they are typically much more willing to learn new ways of being than many people we know!

No. Dogs that are suited best for police work, detection and searching have a distinctive drive, intensity and temperament that make them want to work. These dogs are relatively uncommon, extremely busy, and, as a result, do not always make the best house pets.

No. Dogs that are fearful generally have two things going against them. 1) A lack of skill sets to cope with their anxieties and fears. 2) Owners who nurture their dogs’ fears without realizing they are doing so.  Through training of both dog and owner, we can effect change in these two areas and unlock the prison that holds the fearful dog captive.

Yes. With coaching from a qualified dog behavior specialist and a sound training plan, dogs that have been the victim of neglect, abuse, torture and under socialization can experience a vast improvement in their quality of life.

Yes. We are frequently quoted as saying “aggression is a symptom, not the problem” and we stand by it.  It is important to determine the origin of your dog’s aggression. We strongly recommend a thorough temperament assessment. From there, we can direct you to a solution or means of management that can bring peace back into the life of you and your dog.