• What type of dog training methods do you use?
• How  long will the training take?
• How much time do I have to spend training each day?
• At what age can my puppy start training?
• Is my dog too old to learn?
• My dog already knows basic obedience, but is not reliable off leash. Can your program help?
• My dog doesn't know anything. Can your program help?
• Do you train my dog?
• Is this personal training or group training?
• Where is the group class held?
• How often does the group class meet?
• What if it rains?
• What do we cover in the group lessons?
• Can my dog take the CGC test?
• Are the lessons fun?
• I am worried that I will not be as good as everyone else in the class.
• How will my dog benefit from the training program?
• Can I come and observe a class before I make a decision?
• Do you offer a guarantee?
• I am interested in the training, where do I start?

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What type of dog training methods do you use?

Leash Training
Leash training is probably the oldest form of methodical dog training. It involves a simple leash and collar. the types of collars vary from flat cloth or leather to choke chains and pinch collars. The principal is simple and effective. To get the dogs attention, the handler makes a quick short jerk or "pop" on the leash. The "pop" is also used to correct unwanted behaviors. the leash itself is used to guide the dog into the desired positions. Leash training works well when done correctly. Timing and technique are paramount. The down side is that the leash training does not transfer easily from one person to another. A professional trainer can make it look easy. If the dog owner develops the skills needed for this type of training, they are usually the only person in the household that can get the dog to listen to them. I believe in the proper use of the leash and collar and typically use them in my training program at one level or another. It all depends on the dog and the client.

Clicker Training
This method is what I would call a sister or cousin to food training. It is an excellent way to "mark" desired behaviors. The clicker is first "loaded" or paired with food (a primary reinforcer), meaning the trainer creates the same reward association or creates a secondary reinforcer out of the clicker. It is the same idea as "marking" desired behavior with an animated "yes" or "good".

Food Training
I begin imprinting behaviors into young puppies with food bribes and then food rewards. A lot can be done with food/treats if the training is done properly. I don't believe in an exclusive food based training system. There must be a balance between reward and reinforcement to attain the reliability (that I assume) we all would like to see in our dogs. The problem with exclusively food-based training systems is that when the distraction (or attraction) is of more value than the reward, the dog is disobedient. There is also the issue of some dogs having low food drive. Many dogs are not interested in a chunk of hot dog or cheese (at least not enough to motivate them) in this case you need to stop feeding the dog meals to raise the food drive. In short, the dog always needs to be starving to get results. This being said, If your dog is a major chowhound and you don't desire a high level of reliability from your pet, it's a warm, fuzzy approach to dog training. But keep the dog on a leash!

How long will the training take?

You will see immediate results during the first lesson. By the third lesson, your dog will be listening to you in your "home environment" and problem behaviors will either be under control, or well on the way to being controlled. Then you come out to the group class, and typically after a few lessons you will see dramatic improvements in the behavior of the dog. The length of time needed to fully train the dog will ultimately depend on what you hope to achieve and what your dog is capable of doing. This varies from person to person, dog to dog.

How much time do I have to spend dog training each day?

I will teach you how to make training a part of the daily routine for your dog. This way you will not need to schedule extra time for daily training sessions.  When you first begin training, however, expect to set aside about one hour a week for the three home lessons.

At what age can my puppy start the training?

We can start puppy training as soon as eight weeks, but you should not bring a puppy out to group classes until it has had all of its shots. In all honesty, you are training your puppy from the moment you bring it home, so you might as well do things right from the start.  The beauty of my program is that as the dog matures you can keep coming back for more training.

Is my dog too old to learn?

No.  Dogs can be trained at any age.   

My dog already knows basic dog obedience, but is not reliable off leash? Can your program help?

Yes, you will be amazed at how fast we can get your dog off leash and under control.

My dog doesn't know anything? Can your program help?

Yes, you will be amazed at how fast we can get your dog off leash and under control.

Do you train my dog?

No. I train you to train your dog, and step in only if needed. This is important because you have to know what you are doing, since you are the one who is going to live with the dog and maintain the training. Besides, your dog will listen better to you than to me, and that is what we want, since training builds an incredibly strong bond between the dog and trainer.

Is this personal training or group training?

It is both personal (one on one) and group training. In the beginning, you (and your K9) will need one on one guidance in a quiet location (e.g. your home) to get off to a great start. This makes it easier for you and the dog to begin to learn. Very quickly, however, you will your dogs attention in the group setting, your dog will learn to listen to you at all times and not just at home. Also, the group class provides useful socialization for the dog, and conditions the dog to behave well around people and other dogs.

Where is the group class held?

To maximize distractions the group class is held outside in different public parks in the Foothills.  Contact me for details.

How often does the group class meet?

Typically, I will offer three or four hours of group training every month.

What if it rains?

In event of severe weather class will be cancelled and held at the next scheduled time. Just call, or email me if you are not sure.

What do we cover in the group lessons?

The lessons are modeled after the activities in the A.K.C. Canine Good Citizen test. The CGC test requires the dogs to be obedient and well-mannered around people, other dogs and distractions fitting perfectly with the aims of the training program.  

Can my dog take the CGC test?

Yes. Talk to me if you are interested.

Are the lessons fun?

Absolutely, and they will build your confidence as well as that of your dog. You will never forget the many "Magic moments" when your dog does something great. Expect to be proud and have a feeling of accomplishment when your dog builds confidence and learns something new during the course of the training.

I am worried that I will not be as good as everyone else in the class.

Do not worry, the class atmosphere is supportive and not competitive. We are all there to learn and help our dogs achieve their best at whatever level that might happen to be. Everyone in the group class will be at different skill levels. This is to your benefit as it provides you with the opportunity to see how you are progressing in relation to others. You can learn from the more advanced students by watching what they do, or by asking them for help. Once you have been to a few lessons, you will no longer be a beginner and you will be able to provide encouragement and guidance for newer students, which is a great way to build confidence and deepen your understanding of what you have learned.

How will my dog benefit from the dog training program?

Your dog will benefit in many ways. Problem behaviors will cease and your dog will get more love and attention since he will be easier to be around. Training will also build the confidence and character of your dog. It will bring a shy dog out of its shell, and get an unruly dog under control. Training will make it easy for your dog to understand what you want, and it will be easier for him to please you. Dog obedience training will give you a sense of security that will allow you to give your dog more freedom and he will therefore have a fuller life than a dog that is not trained.

Can I come and observe a class before I make a decision?

Yes. I would love to have you watch and see for yourself if this dog training program will work for you.  Please contact me to get the time and place information needed to come and observe a group lesson.

Do you offer a guarantee?

Yes, please ask me about the details.

I am interested in the training, where do I start?

Give me a telephone call or e-mail and we will set up an appointment to meet and go over the details of the program. During the appointment I will give you a free demonstration of my trained dogs and provide an evaluation of your dog's behavior free of charge. There is no obligation for this first meeting. When you decide to enroll in the program, we will schedule your first home lesson and begin training.