What is the best age to start training my puppy?

As soon as you bring your dog home the training begins. Everything you do (or don’t do) with your dog is training, whether you realize it or not. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so it’s a great idea to begin training your dog right away. Your puppy has to have received all of its vaccinations before it can safely begin group classes. In-home training, on the other hand, can begin as soon as you bring your dog home. Call to set up a four-session private puppy training package.

What is the difference between in-home coaching and group classes?

In-home coaching is when I come into your home and teach you how to train your dog. I will help you set training goals, install a management plan to prevent problems and assign homework so you can practice before our next session. In-home training is customized to meet your needs.

Group classes have their benefits and drawbacks. Group classes are affordable and a great way to socialize your dog. They are not, however, as effective or efficient as private training when it comes to getting rock solid behavior. (At this time, I am not offering group classes. Please let me know if you would be interested in future classes).

What is clicker training?

Clicker training uses a sound (a click) to communicate with your dog. Clickers have been in use for more than forty years. The method is best known from the world of marine animal training where they need a way to communicate with dolphins and orcas that can’t be controlled physically. It’s a very fast and effective way to train dogs of all ages.

Will I always have to carry a clicker with me?

No. The clicker is a great way to teach your dog new behaviors. After your dog has a solid grasp of the cue, the clicker can be weaned away.

Do you guarantee results?

No, it’s unprofessional for dog trainers to guarantee results. Every situation and every dog is different. What I can guarantee is that you will see a marked improvement in your dog’s obedience and behavior if you completely follow the management plan and practice the assigned homework on a regular basis. If you do not follow the trainer's advice, your dog will not become trained.

How do I get started?

It’s easy to get started. Call me at 315-378-7738. If I'm unavailable, please leave a detailed message and I will return your call as soon as possible!