FAQ:

AT WHAT AGE SHOULD I START TRAINING MY DOG?

The sooner the better! Your puppy starts learning the moment he steps into your home, and the only time he isn't learning is when he's fast asleep! It's far better to start filling his mind with good information right from day one. Long ago, when trainers used choke chains and prong collars, classes typically didn't start until puppies were 6 months of age or older. The thinking was that puppies younger than 6 months couldn't learn. There was also the potential for serious damage to a puppy's tender trachea, occasionally resulting in death. By using positive, gentle training methods, there is no fear of potential harm, so puppies can begin training at a very young age. Also, by starting at an early age, it's much easier to prevent problems than it is to try to change or stop them once they become a habit. The old adage, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is very true when it comes to dog training!

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF PRIVATE LESSONS VS. GROUP CLASSES?

Typically, in a group setting, the curriculum is structured to address the needs of a broad spectrum of dogs and their owners. In private sessions, the lessons are tailored to your specific needs, lifestyle, and dog’s personality. You also have the undivided attention of the instructor, which means plenty of time for your particular questions and concerns.
Private lessons also proceed at your own pace. Dogs, just like people, do not all learn at the same rate. This can lead to frustration in a group setting when your dog has not yet mastered a particular skill, and the class must move on to accommodate the group at large.
Private lessons can also be scheduled at your own convenience, rather than on fixed days and times. Lessons are never missed when there’s a conflict between the kid’s playoff soccer game and the puppy’s class.
Private lessons also allow the entire family to be involved in the lessons. In a group setting, one person usually works with the dog, while the rest of the family observes, and due to time constraints, isn’t allowed to participate in the training.
One size fits all doesn’t work for dog training and through private lessons, you’re assured a custom program for you, your family, and your dog.

HOW CAN I STOP MY PUPPY FROM BITING ME?

Biting is a very natural puppy behavior. Dogs explore the world with their mouths and noses, and use their teeth to play. Rather than teaching a puppy not to bite, he should be taught proper bite inhibition. Throughout the weaning process, a young puppy learns that if he bites mom too hard, she's going to reprimand him. His siblings will yipe and refuse to play if he bites too hard. Because of these important life lessons, puppies should stay with mom and littermates until they are at least 8 weeks of age. Once they come into our homes, we need to continue to teach them about bite inhibition. We can direct his chewing to appropriate chew toys, kongs, sterile bones, etc. We can also imitate nature by give a sharp, high-pitched "yipe" and stop play sessions when his biting becomes too hard. A puppy soon learns that his behavior makes good things go away, and will learn to soften his bites so that we continue to interact with him.

MY PUPPY WANTS TO CHEW EVERYTHING! HOW DO I STOP HIM?

Proper management is the key!!! A puppy that is still in the chewing stage should be under constant supervision, or confined in a puppy-safe area. He should have access to plenty of irresistible chew toys. Kongs or sterile bones filled with frozen, canned dog food can soothe a puppy's sore gums, and satisfy his chewing desires. It also will keep him plenty occupied! Ice cubes or wet, frozen socks tied in knots are also good for puppies that are in this stage of their lives. Soft toys and tug ropes can also be given to puppies. When he wants to chew on something inappropriate (like the table leg!) he can gently be directed toward an appropriate chew toy. My mantra is "chew on this, not that." Commercial no-chew sprays and creams, such as Bitter Apple, also work for some puppies. Others, though, may think it's just icing on the cake!

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT ELECTRONIC FENCES OR E-COLLARS?

I detest electronic fences and collars and the thought of physically hurting my dogs or a client's dog goes against all my training beliefs. There are several reasons why. First, they are not an adequate means of confinement. Depending on a dog's prey drive--a squirrel across the street, a car driving by, or a child on a bike--many dogs will suffer the pain of the shock and run through the invisible barrier. Once out, the only way back in is through the barrier again and the pain of a second shock. Most dogs will not risk this, and refuse to return home. Daily, dogs end up at local humane societies with e-collars around their necks. There is also the real risk of electronic collars shorting out, and causing electrical burns to your dog's neck. Another objection is that e-fencing provides no protection from outside intruders. Other dogs, children, and potential dog-nappers can easily enter your yard. E-fencing also has the very real potential to lead to aggression problems. A dog may associate the shock with a child walking by, a bicyclist, another dog, and become aggressive toward whatever he feels is the source of his pain. Some dogs also refuse to go into their own yards because of the trauma of not knowing where the electrical shock is coming from. The sales people who sell these devices will tell you that it is just a reminder, or small tickle to your dog. Plain and simple, it's pain inflicted on a living, breathing creature.

WHAT ABOUT CHOKE CHAINS AND PRONG COLLARS?

Choke chains and prong collars are tools of compulsion training. Dogs see the world in only two ways, safe or dangerous. By using these types of training tools, we may get a dog to comply, but our relationships will suffer in the process. Our dogs will see us as dangerous when these types of collars are applied. Choke chains and prong collars rely on pain to force compliance. Training should be based on building a good relationship with our canine friends, not fear and intimidation. Dogs repeat behaviors that are rewarding to them, and by using positive reinforcement, our dogs will voluntarily offer us the behaviors we want, rather than forcing them into submission.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO TRAIN MY DOG?

Training is a life-long process!! My two dogs are ages 8 and 11 and still learn something new on almost a daily basis. By using positive-based methods, they enjoy using their minds, as well as their bodies. I think of learning as feeding their spirits and expanding their world. I'd much rather people think of training as a life style, rather than a 15 minute training session once or twice a day. Teaching manners can be incorporated into daily activities and small amounts here and there add up to a well-behaved companion that is a pleasure to be around. After our first five-week session, some dogs are well on their way to being reliable with basic cues, and others have a way to go. Your time and commitment to working with your dog is directly related to how well your dog will do. The best relationships are built over time!