There are many questions that need to be answered when looking for the right dog trainer. Here are our answers to some common ones.
You're welcome to
contact us for more information or with any other questions you may have.
Scroll down for questions
relating particularly to Homestay Training.
Why are there no prices listed?
All of our programs include at least one
lesson in your home. Depending on your location, the price may vary to cover travel time and expenses for the trainer. There are also
some customizable options that can be added to your training program. Please contact us with your location information and we
would be happy to provide you with an accurate quote.
Where exactly are you?
Our address is given out to appointment
holders only. This is for our own privacy, as we work out of our home and are unable to accomodate the casual passerby. If you're
wondering where we are in comparison to you, we're in Anaheim, near Brookhurst and Lincoln. We are a short drive from the 91 and 5
freeways, and not far from the 22 and 57.
What is a good age to start training? Is my dog too young/too old?
Your puppy
is learning from the very beginning. But a great age to start training is 4 months. At this time your puppy is still young enough
that a new education is readily absorbed, but old enough to retain what he's learning and progress at a good pace. 4 months is the
minimum requirement for our Homestay and Private Lessons. Our Puppy Starter is designed to help you out with your younger puppy.
No
dog is too old for training. Many owners have told us they came to us when other trainers refused to work with their older dog.
Sometimes these dogs are as young as 2 years. This is sad! It's never too late! However, though an older dog can learn
just as well as a pup, understand that it takes more time for the new material to become habitual. That is, he may figure sit out
in a few training sessions, but the concept of sitting every time you ask and waiting to get up until he's released will
take longer to sink in. After all, for the past 3, 6 or even 10 years he's pretty much been doing things at his pace, not yours. This
is a hard habit to overcome. Training an older dog also includes untraining old habits. Though we will still finish your older dog's
training in the same time frame, you will need to be patient as you continue working with him to gradually help his new training become
second nature. We have trained many senior dogs with great success!
Will my dog still be playful after training?
Of course! We
want to help your dog be better, not break his spirit. Training is simply a way to learn how to communicate effectively with
your dog. You will see that there must be a time for work and focus, but equally important is a time to let loose and have fun.
Will
I need more training at the end of a training program?
No! Our training programs will not only teach you what you need to know to have
your dog trained, but how to maintain that training for life. Training is a lifestyle, not an extracurricular activity. We work
hard to ensure that you're comfortable taking on the role as your dog's leader and understand the fundamental concepts of dealing
with general dog behavior for the life of your dog. Any additional training you may choose to do later would likely be for additional
opportunities such as therapy dog training, rally, flyball or agility. We are also happy to answer questions by phone or e-mail
for the life of our graduates.
Is it really necessary to spend money on dog training?
Training is an investment for
life. Think of it as a formal education, like college. Only this education isn't to get a good job, but just to have a good life.
Training is the greatest gift you can give your dog! Think of how much more enjoyable your dog's life would be if he wasn't getting
in trouble all the time, able to spend more time in the house, or go out on walks.
Some people can't afford not to spend
money on training. How much money do you want to spend on chewed couches, shoes, moulding, dry wall and air conditioner cables?
How about replacing carpet beacuse it's covered in dog pee? We have had owners report thousands of dollars worth in damages prior
to seeking out training!
Moreover, is it worth it not being able to have friends over because your dog growls, barks or jumps
all over them? How much would you spend just to have a dog that you could really enjoy having around? There are many reasons why people
find training a very worth while investment.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, personal checks, cashier's
checks and credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Credit cards are processed online using a
secure online system by Google. A Google Checkout account is needed to process your card. Setup is easy, free and secure and
can be done at time of payment. Utilizing this service also gives you the option of making payments from home!
FAQs about Homestay Training
Will my dog listen to me when he comes home?
The short answer is "yes." But in reality that
depends on you. You don't have to be the one training your dog to have your dog's respect, just like you don't have to home-school
your children to be a great parent. The important thing is that you take on the role as leader and be confident and consistent in
your actions. We will teach you in two private lessons how to take over the authoritative role that we will have taught your dog to
follow. The steps are relatively simple, but must be followed consistently. As long as you are committed to following through with
what your dog has learned on a daily basis, your dog will easily and happily listen to you! Most people report that within 2-3 days following
the training they had their dog's full attention and respect.
Will I be able to visit my dog?
Absolutely! You are more than
welcome to come by! The dogs always love to see their mommies and daddies. We only ask that visits to be limited to two during the
3 week period and no more than 30 minutes in length so as not to interfere with the training for all of the dogs in our care. Also,
in some cases, a visit causes a great deal of added stress to the dog. Seeing you leave (again!) can be hard. If this is the
case for your dog, we would ask that you refrain from visiting for your dog's sake. We want to keep his stay as stress-free as possible.
What
do I need for my dog?
We take care of all of your dog's needs while in training with us - Iams brand food, toys, bedding and cuddles.
All we need from you is proof of current vaccinations (Parvo combo, Bordetella and Rabies) and confirmation that your dog will be
current on flea control throughout his stay. Flea control products that we accept are Frontline Top Spot, Frontline Plus, Advantage,
K9 Advantix, Program and veterinary prescribed products. We have Frontline Plus available for $20.00. You may bring your
dog's own food if you like. We don't charge a fee to feed your dog his own food. Also, many dogs like it if you bring a small item
from home that smells strongly of you, like an old smelly shirt (something you wouldn't mind being chewed!).
Can I
schedule a check-in date in advance?
Of course! We're happy to set up a date for you several weeks or months in advance. A deposit
locks in your spot and you're set to go. This is a great option if you're planning a vacation, going away on a honeymoon, remodeling,
moving or just need your dog taken care of for a while.