Frequently Asked Questions
Is my pet too old to be trained?
No matter the age we can still guide our dogs to better manners. The only exception would be if a senior dog has cognitive impairment (dementia) and can not longer process new concepts. Then we look at environmental management options to create safe and enriched atmosphere for your dog and your household.
What age should my puppy start training?
A dog is always learning so we are always teaching!
A puppy's primary socialization and learning period occurs before they are 5 months of age. But know that "training" occurs in everything we do with our pups. They are learning from us in every interaction. So congratulations! you are already training your puppy without realizing it. Housebreaking training begins when a puppy is eight weeks old. Obedience command teaching can start when a puppy is about four or five months old. The priority for puppies under 6 months of age should be sense of security and confidence which will guide them in their futures.
My puppy package will personalize your puppy's training goals to their needs, your lifestyle and developing a cooperative partnership between the both of you.
How many family members can attend a training session?
I invite all members of the family who have a role in caretaking for the dogs. Including children!
Humans who visit the home and have had negative interactions with the dog (for example - the dog barks at uncle Bob when he visits) are also welcome to come and learn.
How many sessions are recommended?
The number of sessions or frequency you need them will be personal depending on several factors.
How many behaviors need to be addressed and their complexity and severity of the behaviors. The environment. The type of training program: private family sessions, dog and trainer private training, class training etc.
​For adult dogs starting off with 2 sessions is recommended. The first session is always assessment, training plan, management options, and start foundational training. The 2nd session follow up will reassess what is working and advances the training steps or changes what is not working to our satisfaction.
For puppies, starting with a puppy package of 4 sessions will cover the common puppy topics and ensure your puppy is on the right path.
​Trainer tip: No trainer can “fix” a dog in a training session or two. The real changes happen through training at home, where the pets family consistently shows the dog exactly what behaviors pay off and get rewarded.
How soon can I expect to see results?
Many families report improvement after the first training session and are seeing increased cooperation within the first week of training. However, long term results will be dependent on the environment, changes made and consistency of guidance and reinforcement.
What is The P.E.T Impact approach to pet training?
PARTNERSHIP - Creating a partnership with our dogs means trust with more cooperation and less obedience. In building a partnership with our dogs we create a better understanding, learn to influence behavior and build trust to a level of cooperation without commands or restrictions. In a partnership we do not have to enforce leadership, control or following. When we lead by example and connection, our dogs want to follow by choice.
ENRICHMENT - Providing creative ways for dogs to find joy in life while learning, growing, and using their natural talents. I enjoy finding ways to teach dogs new concepts using exercises or games we can incorporate easily into their daily routines, for more enjoyable learning for both the dog and the humans!
Every dog needs daily physical and mental exercise! Challenge their mind as well as their body and your dog will relax more, learn faster and develop more acceptable manners.
TRAINING - I connect with dogs on a cognitive and emotional level honoring their needs to use their own minds, feel safety and a sense of security to grow with confidence and acceptance in their roles in our world to be well mannered family dogs.
I utilize these methods to help create lasting partnerships between dogs and their humans. Who wants to have tell our dogs all the time what to do and not be able to trust them? not me.
Positive Reinforcement - rewarding behavior we want more of - involves the addition of a reinforcing stimulus following a behavior that makes it more likely that the behavior will occur again in the future. When a favorable outcome, event, or reward occurs after an action, that particular response or behavior will be strengthened.
Relationship-Based training is a method of training that uses the cooperative relationship between the human and the animal to achieve mutually beneficial results, while at the same time enhancing and strengthening their relationship.
What tools do you use in your training?
I offer full transparency on how I will treat you and your dog.
Dogs do not seek to avoid or escape the methods I use. I will NEVER intentionally inflict mental or physical harm. I aim to provide educational, instructional, effective instructions and most importantly user friendly for the dog and friendly for the humans.
We will use what motivates your dog - whether it is food, treats, toys, play or praise. Sometimes allowing a dog their agency or the freedom to move away is their most desired reward.
I prefer using harnesses over collars as a more influential way to keep a pet safe without causing physical harm. Especially for smaller dogs. We will work together to identify what works best for you and your dog.
I view leashes as a safety line instead of a control device. Instead you will learn to use your partnership with your dog and rewards the dog values to teach them and guide them. Your dog will thank you for not yanking the leash and allowing them to learn through choice and agency building a partnership where your dog wants to follow you.
I do NOT recommend or use pinch/prong, chokers, spray or shock collars.
*WHY?*
Aversive, punishment-based training never addresses the underlying causes of behaviors. They interfere with the learning process. They are damaging to a dog's emotional and mental state, a relationship between a dog and his person. Studies have disproven these tools effectiveness, that they can cause more problems in the long run and that an appropriate training plan with a more humane approach will be successful without them. I have treated many dogs with trauma after having these aversive tools or methods used on them.
As an CPDT certificate I agreed to practice the “Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive” (known as LIMA) strategy to meet training goals. Leading training organizations around the world have taken a stand against outdated aversive training methods in support of using science based, positive reinforcement.
I prefer a cognitive and emotional approach, in order to build a partnership with our dogs, to teach them to be smart independent and confident thinkers, to make good choices, to be well mannered instead of just obedient, and to create a loving respectful relationship. We should honor the whole dog. Physically, mentally and emotionally. You will receive the same respect back from your dog. ​
Are there any guarantees in training?
I guarantee you and your dog will receive my full attention during our sessions, commitment to fairly and accurately assess the situation and develop a realistic training plan with you. Your dog's safety and wellness is my primary concern. I can only guarantee your dog will learn something during our sessions. As a trainer I will teach, guide and support YOU on the changes that need to occur to help your dog achieve your training goals. Your dog lives with you and I can not control your environment, your level of commitment, follow through or effort, accuracy or your time in training your dog. Training needs to be a priority, especially when extreme behaviors are being addressed, to help your dog perform at the best of their abilities. The best way to influence your dog's habits is to change yours.
What is your cancellation policy?
Because there are many dogs both private and rescue, needing help and often in real distress about a serious behavioral problem, it is painful to delay services and then have scheduled appointments cancel last minute or not show up. We hope that you understand the need to ask clients to cancel appointments at least 48 hours before your appointment. The full session fee will be due the same day for no-shows or same day cancellations. Packaged sessions will be forfeited for same day or no show cancellations. Rescheduled appointments will be based on availability. After 2 late cancellations/rescheduled appointments the next full session payment will be due prior to the rescheduled session.
What dog breed requires the least amount of training?
the easiest pet to take care of is a stuffed one.