Frequently Asked Questions

Training
Q:	What training methods do you use?
	The nearest description to our training methodology would be true dog whispering. This means that we read your dog and evaluate the relationship between the two of you. This way, we can be proactive with our training (we can head the behavior off) rather than reactive (correcting after the fact). From there, we utilize a variety of training techniques (in psychological terms, all four part of operant conditioning, classical conditioning, Premack’s principle, catching, shaping, prompting, luring, etc., plus understanding canine culture and body language) best suited to improving your relationship and giving you a well-mannered dog. Keep in mind that you will get out of your dog what you put in; therefore, true success depends on you, unless you opt for our Day Training services, then it depends on us and our ability.
Q:	Do you clicker train?
	Yes! This is one of our favorite methods of communicating with dogs; however, not all dogs, or owners, are suited to this type of training. During our free consultation, we will determine whether or not this is the method for you and your dog.
Q:	What training aides are you familiar with?
	In short, all of them. Every training aide has the potential for successfully teaching your dog the correct behaviors if they are used properly. It has been claimed that Premier Gentle Leaders (or other head collars), Easy Walk harnesses, and other similar devices do not teach the dog what you want, they only control the dog. In our experience, this is not the case if these devices are used and faded properly. These training tools can be used with success if you, the owner, follow our instruction. Once again, the tools mentioned are not for every person or dog. We understand that, and are versed in using other training tools as well. We ask that you do not use any training aide until we have the opportunity to evaluate your dog so that we might pair you with the proper equipment to get the most out of your training experience.
Q:	We have a family dog, who should train him?
	Your dog is an individual and will have a different relationship with everyone in your family, just as you would have a different relationship with family and friends than another member of your family. Because of this, everyone should have a hand in the training, even children with parental supervision. An alternative method to this is to have the dog trained by one person, or by us, and then have the behaviors transferred to other members of the family. The rest of the family should understand, however, that there will not be any change in the dog’s behavior toward them until the behaviors are transferred.
Q:	When should I start training my dog?
	There is no time like the present. Dogs do best if they learn their boundaries and to listen to their owners immediately upon coming home. Even the youngest puppy can begin learning her boundaries with guidance. Puppies can start our group classes at 8 weeks old provided they fulfill our Veterinary Requirements. For puppies younger than that, or for puppies or dogs that do not as yet meet our requirements, we encourage owners to take advantage of either our Day Training or In-Home Coaching services.
Q:	My dog is 10 years old. Can I still have him trained?
	Absolutely! It is a complete myth that you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. Dogs of any age are capable of learning, once you know how to communicate with them.
Q:	Do you train pit bulls?
	Yes, these dogs need proper training as much as any other dog. Pits, in fact, all of the bully breeds, must be trained properly to prevent the horror stories you hear on the news, and to improve the image of dogs in general.
Q:	What medical records do you need?
	Please read over our Veterinary Requirements under Policies and Procedures. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Q:	How much will training my dog cost?
	We cannot answer that with any certainty because each dog is an individual and learns at her own pace. Other factors include how far you want the training to go, and how much time you are willing to invest in the training. We can give you a fairly accurate quote for Day Training after our free initial consultation since that one relies on our skills as specialists; however, our other services depend largely on you.
Q:	What happens during the initial consultation? How much does that cost?
	Our initial consultation is 100% free within 15 miles of our home base. Any farther than 15 miles, we will have to charge mileage because of gas prices. We offer the consultation for free because we want to make sure that we are a compatible training match for you and your dog before we take your money. That way, it is risk free for you and us, and either of us can walk away in good graces if it does not appear that it will work. In fact, we may even be able to recommend another trainer who would be more compatible with you and your dog. At the consultation and evaluation, we will ask you specific questions regarding your dog and what you hope to accomplish. After that, we will spend some time evaluating what your dog knows and how quick he seems to learn using a couple of different methods. At this time, we do not train your dog, we are merely getting a baseline so that we can accurately assess what needs to be done, what methods should be used, how long we expect the training to take, and what it will cost you for the service you selected.
Q:	Do you charge mileage?
	Unfortunately, yes. Due to rising gas prices, the first 15 miles round trip from our home base is on us, but any further we have to charge you. This means that if you were 10 miles away, it would be a 20 mile round trip for us, so we would charge you for the extra 5 miles. As soon as we get your address or the place you would like to meet, we will tell you immediately whether or not we will have to charge you mileage. Our mileage does change with gas prices. As of the last update, the price is $0.75 per mile. Please, don’t blame us, blame the oil companies.
Q:	How long does the consultation and evaluation take?
	In most cases, the consultation lasts 1 ½ to 2 hours. Aggression and behavior modification consultations can be as long as 2 ½ hours long to make sure we have all the important information.
Q:	How can I stop my dog from—
	Stop right there. Sorry we interrupted, but we are not psychics and there could be many reasons why a dog is doing something. We believe in fixing the problem, not covering it with a bandage. Thus, we need to see what is going on before we offer advice. This is part of the reason why our free initial consultation exists, to assess the problem.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Current Service Areas

Indiana

Michigan