Dog FAQ

Once we understand your goals, we can help you choose the appropriate training program to help you achieve them.

The best environment to work with your dog is usually where the undesirable behavior occurs. Training could happen in your own home, in the car, on the trail, or at the dog park. Once we have identified your goals, we will determine the best place to hold the training session.

Yes. Aggressive behavior comes from one of two motivations; fear-motivated aggression or no-fear aggression. We look at breed effects and temperament differences and evaluate any previous experience that may have contributed to the behavior. Once we identify the motivation for the aggression, we recommend a training program for the dog.

If your dog has been practicing an undesirable behavior for two years, it won’t change in two weeks. Many behaviors take multiple sessions; others with just one session. If you want us to do the training, one or two visits each week will get results quickly. Expect the best outcome when you are directly involved in the lessons.

Research shows that with socialization, the earlier, the better. We recommend that puppies start socializing after being home for ten days and are free from illness. Waiting beyond 12 weeks to start is not advised, though success can occur with puppies up to 16 weeks. If you prioritize one over the other, socialization is always the top priority as brain development drives that timeline. Training can happen at any age, but 9-10 weeks is a great time to start if you do both in tandem. The beauty of beginning training at that age is that your puppy doesn’t have much time to form unwanted habits. We’re getting them headed in the right direction quickly to see more of the behaviors we want to see.

It’s essential to complete a thorough evaluation with a professional before starting any behavior modification programs. Using the wrong method can spell disaster for you and your dog and make things much worse.