Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you do your dog training work?
I support owners and their dogs in the Durham/Chapel Hill/Hillsborough area, Cary and Morrisville, and also in the Triad area including Greensboro, Burlington, Elon, Whitsett, McLeansville, Summerfield, and Oak Ridge.
Is there a particular approach to dog training that you use?
My approach can best be described as a “balanced” trainer. What this means is that I will balance the use of rewards and consequences to support the desired behavior of your dog. I will never use physical force on your dog.
Do I bring my dog to you or do you come to my home?
It is important to work with your dog in his own environment, so I will always come to your home to support a healthy family and dog relationship.
Are there exceptions to the training at my home arrangement?
In some circumstances, virtual support is appropriate to support the dog’s training needs. In addition, for Triad only clients, we will collaborate to find a neutral site to support leash walking and socialization training for your dog.
How long is a standard dog training session?
In general, it is helpful to have two hours to support a comprehensive assessment of your dog, establish a working relationship with the pet, and implement strategies to support positive behavior of your dog.
For multiple dog households and/or aggressive behavior, three hours is generally necessary to design and implement the structures that will support desired behavior.
How many sessions are typically required to support the desired behavior change for my dog?
In most instances, only one session is needed to support the desired change.
When are you available to provide training?
Tuesday-Saturday is the standard work week that I follow. Appointments can begin as early as 10:00 am and the latest start time for an appointment is 4:30 pm. For clients in the Triad area, Friday and Saturday appointments are the only available days for service.
Do I need to participate in the training of the dog?
On the day of the training, is there anything special I should do to prepare the dog for success?
The key thing you can do to support a successful training is for the dog to be well rested before I arrive. The goal is to have the dog quiet and calm prior to my arrival. Taking the dog on a long walk before the training is discouraged.
If your dog is skittish or aggressive with new folks in the home, please have your dog away from the entrance of the home, preferably in a back room.
What should I expect to see you doing as a trainer during the session?
When I arrive, I will want to observe the dog’s current behavior in the house and outside. It is important for me to see the unfiltered actions to assess the dog’s behavior and temperament. After the initial observation period, I will be doing things to establish a working relationship with your dog, build trust, and establish ground rules. With foundations established, I will then be working directly with you and the dog to establish routines that will correct the challenging behavior of your dog.
If my dog regresses after the training what do I do?
Regression can occur, but in the overwhelming majority of cases, the single training does put the dog on a much better path. You can always reach my by email to report concerns and I will follow-up with you to determine appropriate next steps.
Do you have any video resources that further the understanding of your work?
Yes. Please see the two-minute YouTube video I posted at www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO6d5AL2S9M.