Frequently Asked Questions:

Is it safe to bring my puppy to classes after only two vaccinations?

As stated by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior - yes, it is okay for puppies to come to class with only two vaccinations. Puppies do need to have the second set of shots at least 7 days prior to their first class. If you want to read more go to Position Statements - The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (avsab.org) and download Puppy Socialization Position Statement.

I am going to miss a class. What can I do?

Contact your instructor to let them know of your absence. If your dog is sick, please don’t bring them to class. If you are unsure, check with your veterinarian. I encourage you to come to the class on your own and observe so that you will know what to practice with your dog at home when they are well. One makeup class is given per 5-week set and it must be done within the 5-week period or up to one week after classes are over.

Does positive training mean I can’t tell my dog, no?

Not at all! I have a saying “Positive does not mean permissive.” Setting clear and kind boundaries for our dogs is part of helping them learn how to safely navigate their world. The aim of positive training is to create a clear communication system between you and your dog, using rewards, positive reinforcement, and redirection to encourage desired behaviors and discourage unwanted ones. By focusing on positive and constructive methods, you build a stronger bond of trust and understanding with your dog, promoting a harmonious relationship based on mutual respect.

What is the Initial Consultation for?

During that initial meeting, I will discuss your needs, goals, and any specific problems you may be having with your pup. The consultation is critical to your dog’s training success, giving me the information I need to create a personalized training plan specifically for you and your dog’s needs. Depending on what your needs are there will be some training in the consultation. These might include some basic commands to start.

How do I know how many sessions I will need?

After the initial consultation, I can put together a personalized plan for you and your dog. There are many factors involved such as your time, your dog’s age, breed, previous experiences, etc. You are expected to teach and apply techniques between sessions so that each session advances the progress of the training. After the decided-upon sessions are complete I can add more sessions, or you can continue to train on your own with support on the topics we covered.

Where do you conduct your training sessions?

In your home, at the Beyond the Leash K9 Training Center, your neighborhood, my ½ acre property, and local parks.

When can expect a response to my training inquiry?

On a daily basis, I receive many inquiries from potential new clients that are referred by veterinarians, current clients, and through social media. I do not use a salesperson in my business as I want to personally talk with each and every potential client to make sure it is a good fit for each of us. You can expect a response back within 24-48 hours. Thank you for your patience.

Can my dog still get spoiled, and can they sleep in the bed or on the couch?

Spoil away! However, if your dog is developing resource-guarding issues with furniture or the people on them I will develop management tools to help with the behavior.

Do you use a clicker for Training?

A “clicker” is a little box that makes a specific sound – it is used in training to “mark” our dogs’ correct behavior so the behavior will be repeated in the future! I generally use verbal markers but will give information on how to use a clicker. It’s 100% your choice which of these you use in class and in your ongoing practice at home.