Frequently Asked Questions…
What experience do you have as a trainer?
I have been working and volunteering since the summer of 2007. Most of my experience has come from working with nonprofits, rescues and shelters as well as have taken online courses to improve upon the knowledge I already have. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to working with animals. I am a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and have a handful of certifications including Pet First Aid & CPR.
Which kind of training is right for my dog and me?
This all depends on the behaviors your dog is displaying and what specifically you need your dog to know. If your dog is displaying any signs of aggression/frustration/redirection towards other dogs or people, Behavior Modification might be your best option. If you are looking to take a step on the right path with your puppy, Pup101 is perfect. If you need your dog to obey you and respect you as its leader, try looking into Pup102. If your dog has already gone through obedience and you would like to teach him/her something new, Pup103 teaches a handful of tricks. The Combo Package is for both puppy behaviors and basic commands whereas the All Package is for all three packages, puppy behaviors, basic commands, and tricks.
Is my dog too old to train?
People say “age is just a number” and they would be right even when it comes to your dog. Age does not matter as far as training is concerned. The saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is false.
How young is too young for training?
A dog is never too young or too old, however, your dog should be fully up to date on his/her vaccines including rabies. You will need to provide proof from your vet. The youngest age accepted is 5 weeks.
What should I expect from this kind of training?
You should expect some resistance from your dog in the beginning due to the fact that we are teaching your dog new commands, boundaries and structure. Some dogs have been able to get away with so much that when we finally correct the behavior, they sometimes push back. Do not get discouraged! This happens more than you think. You should also know that ultimately you are responsible for your dogs’ behavior and doing the required homework will help get you and your dog to where you both need and want to be quicker. In addition to this, do not expect the trainer to do all the work for you. The trainer is not there to train the dog for you - she is there to help you train your dog and give you the tools to correct bad behavior when or if it happens in the future.
What if I think my dog is aggressive, can he/she still be trained?
The answer is yes. Your dog can still be trained if they are aggressive. But please know there is an extra fee for dogs who are aggressive or are bite happy. This is for the safety of your trainer. Dogs who are legit aggressive can be helped however it will take more time to correct this behavior. Most of the time, your dog is fearful and will show signs of aggression but is not actually aggressive. Your trainer will know the difference. The fee for aggressive dogs is $500 per dog.
Do you guarantee my dog will be perfect?
Perfection is not guaranteed. Every dog is different in regard to temperament, breeding, behavior, age, size, etc. What is guaranteed is if you put the work in you will see the results. All results with each dog may vary, but there will be progress. You (and your dog) want to strive to be 1% better than yesterday. All I ask is that your team (you and your dog) are 6% better than our last session.
What if my dog is not fully vaccinated?
If your dog is not fully vaccinated, we will need to wait until your dog has had at least 2 rounds of vaccines. Puppies need about 3 - 4 rounds of shots in the beginning so they are fully covered. We will need to see proof of vaccination status.
List of Canine Vaccines:
Canine Distemper
Infectious Hepatitis
Canine Parvovirus
Rabies
Do you have pets? If so, what are they?
Yes. I have 4 dogs. Oakley, Chihuahua/Dachshund mix, Onyx, American Pit Bull Terrier/Labrador mix, Hazel, American Staffordshire Terrier/Boxer mix, & Hera, AmStaff/Husky/Mastiff/Pit Bull mix (I did a Wisdom Panel). Everyone is friendly, to say the least, but each one has their own personality with likes and dislikes, just like your dog. I have had dogs my whole life as well as Beta fish, horses, and lizards.
Can you accommodate a dog with special needs?
Depending on the needs of the dog, it shouldn’t be a problem. I have a senior dog, Hazel, and she needs a bit more attention and time outside as she doesn’t move as fast as she used to. She also gets supplements to help with her hips/joints. Please explain what kind of special needs your dog has prior to booking.
Do you train for protection or do bite work?
No, I do not but I can recommend you to someone. This is a bit out of my area of expertise at the moment. The trainer I refer clients who are looking for this type of training is a friend of mine and is amazing at what he does.
Do you offer any Board & Train services?
No, not at this time. Due to limited space and time, the Bootcamp Board & Train has been discontinued for the time being.
Do you train Service Dogs (SD)?
The short answer is yes and no. I take on Service Dog training clients on a case-by-case basis. Service Dogs take quite a bit of time to train depending on what the handler needs. I have trained Service Dogs for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Anxiety Response, Asthma Response, Panic Disorders, & PTSD to name a few. I currently train for Medical Alert & Response, Mobility, and Psychiatric support.
Do you train Emotional Support Animals (ESA)?
No, and yes. No, there is no specific training for an ESA other than basic obedience. Yes, I train for basic obedience. ESA’s do not have the same privileges as Service Dogs do and they do not need to be trained as such.
If I start a training program and rehome my dog, can I get a refund for the training?
If we start a training package and for whatever reason you have to rehome your dog, there are no refunds for services rendered either in full or partial. However, you can donate the remaining sessions to the dogs new owner.
If I am unhappy with the training I received, can I request a refund?
There are no refunds available on services rendered in full or partial.
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.
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:
Antelope Valley
Santa Clarita Valley
San Fernando Valley
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 in order 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.
There are certain breeds that 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.
Should I invest in training & is it beneficial?
Investing in training is like investing in your future to be successful in life but you are investing in your dog. It also benefits the bond/relationship between you and your dog. Training not only makes your bond stronger but also builds communication, understanding, mutual respect and most importantly, trust. The benefits are endless and are for everyone, not just you and your dog. A well-behaved dog is a pleasure to be around and is able to go virtually anywhere without issues.
How much does your training cost?
Cost is determined by where the owner is located, the number of dogs in the household that need training, and if any of those dogs are aggressive. Please call for a specific program price.
Do you offer payment plans or does everything need to be paid in full?
There are a few different ways to pay for private training packages. PIF/paid in full (1 payment & the most cost effective option), Split/2 payments, or Cut/3 payments (if you choose to make payments, a processing fee is attached and added in).
Do you offer any discounts, and do you stack them?
There are 2 different discounts to choose from:
•Uniform Discount, 10% off the total amount; Military (active/retired/veteran/reserve), EMS/EMT, Doctor, Nurse/X-ray Tech, Veterinarian, Vet Tech, Teacher, Fire Fighter, Law Enforcement (must live in the household)
•Crunch Fitness member Discount, 10% off the total amount (must show proof you are an active member)
Discounts are NOT stackable & MUST be discussed prior to 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 (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 1 dog in your household that needs training, the additional fee per dog is 50% of the program price.
What kind of payment methods do you accept? Do you take credit cards?
I accept: Cash, Venmo, Zelle & Credit Cards. I do not accept CashApp or Checks. For credit card processing, I can send out a PayPal invoice OR I can use Clover for card processing.
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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