All initial consultations will take place at your home or place of work (if appropriate).

The initial consultation is an opportunity for us to get to know each other, establish your training objectives, and together devise a training plan. Completing the intake questionnaire in advance of the consultation will allow for more time on the day for practical work with pup. Even so, please expect to spend at least 30 minutes reviewing your answers to the intake questionnaire.

The time it takes for your pup to learn new behaviors will depend on a number of factors: how old he/she may be, how long pup has been practicing the unwanted behaviors, and most importantly, how consistent you are in adhering to the training plan. If you want to teach pup to come when called then you have to take the time to build that behavior. Just like with people, it takes time to change old habits.

Shock collars, prong collars, choke collars and invisible fencing tools rely on punishment – the dog’s unwanted behavior will be reduced because Fido does not like the consequence of doing the wrong thing, that is he receives a shock or painful jerk on the leash. There are more humane ways to train a dog and our approach is to utilize kinder training methods.

Right now! Young puppies are like sponges and respond exceptionally well to positive training methods. If your vet tells you that pup has to wait to complete all of his vaccinations before joining a training class, please refer them to the position statement on socialization of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) and ask them why they are taking a different approach. More dogs are surrendered to shelters for behavioral reasons resulting from inadequate socialization then become sick not waiting to complete the full vaccination cycle.