What are Positive Reinforcement & Balanced Training?

Positive reinforcement is a modern, more humane method of dog training based on the reward system; good behaviors get rewarded, whereas bad behaviors get ignored. The result is a happier dog and a stronger bond between you and your dog. Balanced Training is just as it sounds - it is a balanced approach to training and behavior modification using the primary four quadrants: positive reinforcement (R+), negative reinforcement (R-), positive punishment (P+), and negative punishment (P-).

What is a Clicker?

A clicker is a tool used in training to help your dog recognize when it has done something correctly; to Mark the behavior. It makes a distinctly clear sound each time so your dog is able to recognize when he/she has done the command the right way; marking the correct behavior. It is Not something to get your dog’s attention and it is Not a toy.

Do you offer group training?

The current group classes available include:

• Paws in the Park – A community dog training class held at a park in Lancaster, focusing on basic obedience commands such as sit, down, come, stay, and place, along with leash manners.

• Socialization – A structured group session at a park where dogs remain on leash in a controlled environment. This class helps owners recognize canine body language and cues while teaching dogs appropriate social interactions.

• Real World Obedience – A small group class that meets weekly at various public locations, reinforcing obedience commands in real-life settings to ensure dogs develop proper behavior in public spaces.

How long is each class?

Most sessions are held inside your home (this is where your dog feels most comfortable). The socialization groups are held at a park which will be announced the Thursday before via Instagram and Signal App (if you don’t have this app, please request an invitation link). Depending on the program, each session will either be 60 minutes or 90 minutes.

What are the areas/locations you cover?

The current areas that are covered are as follows:

• Los Angeles County

• Kern County

• Ventura County

• Virtual Training is also available

I live outside the areas you cover. What are my options?

If you are located outside the areas listed above or out of state, virtual training is available. Virtual training is set up like in person training - we will meet, have a chat, and then the training will begin. I will show you how to do each command with one of my dogs so you can then do it with your dog.

What is Dog Sitting?

Dog Sitting is a service that takes place inside your home - it is a Drop In service. Like boarding, your dog is looked after but from the comfort of their home. A typical Dog Sitting service is an AM and PM visit (2 visits). During these visits, your dog will receive love, playtime in the yard, and time to potty and eat breakfast/dinner. Once your dog has eaten and pottied, your dog will be confined (in a crate, in a room, in the yard, on the first floor, etc.) until the next visit. The PM visit is about the same except at the end your dog will be put to bed until the next morning.

Are there any breeds you don’t train?

The answer to this question is yes and no. I do not discriminate against any DOG breed when it comes to my services. All dogs, no matter their age, breed, temperament, or behaviors can and will be trained. I do not train coyote or wolf hybrids or mixes.

What about hybrids?

When it comes to wolf or coyote hybrids, I proceed with caution. Hybrids can not be trained like typical pet dogs. I have trained hybrids in the past but I currently am not accepting any clients with hybrids.

Does my dog need to be spayed/neutered in order to sign up for your classes?

Your dog does NOT have to be “fixed” (spayed - female; neutered - male) in order for you and your dog to sign up for our classes. We recommend it for medical reasons however it is not required to participate. It is your dog and your decision whether or not to choose to fix your dog.

What does puppy desensitization mean and what does it involve?

When your puppy comes for a Desensitization BootCamp stay it means your puppy will be introduced to a variety of different things that might frighten them if not introduced properly. During the puppy’s stay, they will listen and watch many different things including but not limited to:

• Garbage and firetrucks

• Police, fire and ambulance sirens

• Airplanes (taking off and landing)

• Fireworks and gunshots

• Thunder and lightning storms

• Heavy rain

• Farm animal noises

• Bird sounds

• Running water (streams, oceans, faucets, etc)

• Cars and motorcycles

• Different genres of music

These are just a few examples of things your puppy will learn to be comfortable with during BootCamp. Most of these will be done inside while listening to YouTube or Alexa. Another part of the desensitization program is getting your puppy used to other stimuli such as:

• Children

• Hands in the face

• Leashes and collars

• Being handled (touching mouth, feet, ears, etc.)

• New textures and surfaces

• Being outside

• Grooming

During these desensitization sessions, your puppy will be rewarded when they remain calm. When your puppy shows signs of discomfort, stress, or fear, your puppy will be distracted by something good for them to associate the “scary” thing with something they enjoy.

Do you recommend getting two puppies from the same litter?

Absolutely not! This can cause something called Littermate or Sibling Syndrome. This is where the puppies bond with each other more than they bond with you - this is NOT a good thing. It can cause issues that include aggression, intense attachment, separation anxiety, reduced independence in training, and as I mentioned above difficulty bonding with humans and other animals.

Certain breeds have been cited as having a high propensity for littermate syndrome - Dachshunds, Terriers, Border Collies, and Shepherds.

To help prevent this from happening, you should give puppies periodic time apart every single day, do not allow the puppies to share a crate, and feed meals separately and out of two separate bowls. Dogs can grow out of this but it requires a great deal of patience, effort, love, and time.

My advice is to stick with one puppy before getting a second one.

If I move out of the area/out of state, what are my options?

If you move out of our service area for in-home training, we can transition to virtual training. Virtual sessions are conducted just like in-person training but take place via Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet. For topics like leash manners, door boundaries, and socialization, we’ll still conduct a video session, but it will be slightly adjusted—someone will hold the camera so you can actively participate.

Should I invest in training & is it beneficial?

Investing in training is like investing in your future—only this time, it's for your dog. Training strengthens the bond between you and your dog while fostering clear communication, mutual respect, and trust. The benefits extend beyond just you and your pet, creating a well-mannered companion who can confidently and comfortably accompany you anywhere. A well-trained dog enhances not only your life but also the lives of those around you.

How much does your training cost?

The cost of training is based on the owner's location, the number of dogs requiring training, and whether any of the dogs display aggression. For specific program pricing, please call for details.

Do you offer payment plans or does everything need to be paid in full?

There are several payment options available for private training packages:

• Paid in Full (PIF): A single payment, offering the most cost-effective option.

• Split (2 Payments): The total cost is divided into two payments. (Note: A processing fee applies to split payment plans.)

• Cut (3 Payments): The total cost is divided into three payments. (Note: A processing fee applies to cut payment plans.)

• Pay Per Session: Requires a deposit upfront, with payment due each session.

Do you offer any discounts, and do you stack them?

There is only 1 discount available:

•Uniform Discount, 10% off the total amount; Military (active/retired/veteran/reserve), EMS/EMT, Doctor, Nurse/X-ray Tech, Veterinarian, Vet Tech/RVT, Teacher, Fire Fighter, Law Enforcement, Postal Worker (must live in the household)

Discounts & Promotions are NOT stackable & MUST be discussed before filling out the contract. If not, they do not apply.

Do you have a contract, and do I have to sign it?

Yes, and yes. A contract must be filled out completely and signed before any training can start. This contract covers both the trainer and the client (the client will receive a digital copy). Also, yes, it must be signed. No contract = no training, no exceptions! Also, once the contract has been sent, you have 1 week to fill it out before that contract is voided and no longer available.

What if my dog has ongoing issues?

If, after all of your sessions have been completed and your dog still needs help, your first step is to remember all the physical/verbal commands starting from session 1. Then remember to use clear and calm energy because if you are feeling anything complicated your dog will feel the same and act out. Go through the commands to refresh your dog’s memory. If that does not help, get in touch via text message, phone call, or email so we can set up a private session.

Is there a price difference based on location?

Yes, depending on where the dog lives (what area/city) and how many dogs need to be trained will determine the price.

Pricing is subject to change based on trainers’ location, miles logged, price of gas, etc. Also, if you have more than 2 dogs in your household that need training, the additional fee per dog is $550.

What kind of payment methods do you accept? Do you take credit cards?

I accept: Cash, Venmo, Zelle & CashApp. I do not accept Checks. Credit Card payments have been suspended for the time being.

What is the training tools bundle, and what is included?

The Training Tools bundle is an add-on option for those who want to take the guesswork out of which training tool they want to use. With this bundle, depending on the program, you will receive all the necessary training tools that you and your dog will need for training. This can include: extra clickers, collar and leash combo, prong chain, slip lead, e-collar, place cot, crate, long line, hands-free leash, gentle leader/head collar, treat pouch, SD vest with patches, basket muzzle, cleaning supplies, slow feeder, kong toy, treats, supplements, etc. If this is something that interests you, please ask during your consultation. You will have the option to choose from which tools you’d like to add to this bundle. You will receive your bundle in session 1.

If I want to rehome my dog, is that something you can help with, and do you charge anything?

Yes, I can help you rehome your dog. I will make sure your dog’s next home is the right one. There will ALWAYS be a rehoming fee and yes, I charge a fee of $250. This fee can also be the rehoming fee so you don’t have to come out of pocket. Please send recent photos, information, and all the details about the dog via email. For me to find the perfect home, I will need ALL of the details. It is not first come first serve when placing pets. It is more about which home/family is right for the pet.

What if I can’t keep my dog and need to rehome them? Can you help with that?

Yes, I can help you rehome your dog. Sometimes it’s not always ideal to adopt/rescue/buy a puppy but we do it anyway. Sometimes there are issues out of our control or there was an allergy we didn’t know about. Other times, we find out we just don’t have the time for a dog and as much as I am here to help keep families together, sometimes it’s not always that simple. When it comes to behavior issues, please reach out for a consultation because, with proper training, consistency, and time, these behaviors can be corrected. If you’d still like help rehoming your dog, I can help you find the right home for them. I charge $250 for each dog that needs a new home - this can either be paid prior to posting about the dog or it can be the rehoming fee. It is up to you which you’d prefer. I have had much success in helping others find homes for their dogs and will have no problem helping another family in need.

Can we leave a tip?

If you would like to leave a tip, you are more than welcome to do so. Cash is preferred, Venmo and Zelle are also accepted. If you are not comfortable with leaving a cash tip but would still like to do something nice, you can always gift something. I am always accepting contributions such as Place Cots, Dog beds, Blankets/Towels, Kongs, Crates, Toys, Bowls, etc. We also love sweets and treats!

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