🙋🏼‍♂️ Frequently asked dog training questions 🙋🏼‍♂️

But wait! What about...?

No worries! We love that you're concerned and invested in your dog! Believe it or not, but we have a ton of answers. In fact, we might have answered one or more of your questions. Quickly look through these frequently asked questions and see if you find your answer. If not, send us a quick text!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are your prices?

Each dog and owner/handler is unique and requires a particular set of skills, commands, and lifestyle changes. Therefore, the price, program, and number of sessions are best decided after the initial consultation.

 

Before we sign up, can we meet you for a consultation?

Absolutely!!! In fact, we encourage it! And we want to provide you the most value, so you’ll actually receive homework and free tips to start implementing at home regardless if you sign up for training with us or not. Furthermore, the consultation is FREE. So what are you waiting for?

 

Why should I do private lessons when I can just send my dog to a board and train facility?

We find that most of our clients have already been through a board and train type program and actually need more one-on-one guidance to help the dog transition back to a home environment and maintain all the good behavior he learned in training. 

Board and train programs are effective! There's no question about that. Most trainers and training companies can achieve all of your wishes within a matter of weeks. The problem is once the dog "goes home." Board and trains encourage the dog to listen to the trainer...but not the owner. We don't want the dog to listen to us! We want the dog to listen to YOU! We're not the dog whisperers! YOU ARE!

We're also slightly selfish...you see, we prefer human interaction. It's a lot more fun that way!

 

I've been to other trainers with unsatisfactory results, what makes your program more effective? 

We don't really know why the other program or trainer failed to meet your satisfaction, but we know that we can help you achieve the goals you are looking for. 

How do we achieve this? We focus on the big picture, your relationship with your dog, not just the visible behavior issues. This is where and why most behavior problems arise and become worse. For this reason, we encourage you to go through our Training For Life Gold Package which is structured in such a way that you become the dog trainer thus creating a relationship where your dog listens to you and not the trainer! The majority of the time, it's both of you that need training...not just your dog.

If you're still on the fence, we encourage you to read this testimonial...

 
“We initially started training with a different team in Utah County. They promised many things, but sadly failed to deliver. By this time, we were getting desperate for some help and called Sara. We signed up for her private, in-home lessons and we were NOT disappointed! From day one, Sara had a plan in place and knew what best to teach us.

She is about teaching YOU how to train your dog, not just ‘Sara trains our dog and walks away and we have no idea what to do’.

DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME! Call Sara today! Right now. Go!”
— - Mandy P. & Family w/ Syl
 

 

...Did that help? Ok, now let's schedule a time to meet for a consultation.

 

What training methods and tools do you use?

We train in a style that the mainstream has come to call BALANCED TRAINING. We prefer to remove labels, as this only encourages bias and limits open-mindedness, and simply train the dog in front of us. We do use a combination of positive reinforcement such as food, markers, praise, and touch, and negative reinforcement such as spatial, verbal, and physical pressure to clearly communicate with a dog what is wanted and what is undesirable. Basically, we praise what we like and we discipline what we don’t like; thereby adding clarity to an already difficult to overcome “language barrier” between humans and dogs.

We believe in correctly, safely, and humanely using any tool in the toolbox that the dog responds to best. Some of the tools we use are: tone of voice, body language, flat buckle collar, prong collar, squirt bottle, verbal markers, food, dressage whip, "bonker", e-collar/remote training collar, slip lead, pet convincer, muzzle, dominant dog collar, and martingale collar.

If you have any issue with these tools, please feel free to ask why. We'd love to show you and educate you on how to properly and humanely use each of them and see the benefits. But if you feel these tools and methods aren't what you're looking for, then we can refer you to other trainers in the area that might be more suited to your style.

 

Can you teach my kids to take care of their dog?

Actually, we specialize in teaching EVERYONE in the household, including parents, kids, roommates, and even grandparents. 

However, dogs are pack animals. They don't belong to any one person. So, what this means, is that while we work with everyone in the family, we do expect everyone to work together and help with the training. You are hiring us to train you dog, not discipline your children.

This goes for everyone in the house, not just minors. We request that all adults in your household be present for training lessons and be willing to participate (spouses, partners, roommates, extended family that live in the home). Children may attend lessons if they are mature enough to receive instruction and participate in the training. Your willingness and ability to do the training together as a family are essential to achieving long-term success.

 

When can we start training? Isn't my puppy too young?

Short answer...NOW!!! As soon as you bring your puppy home, you are training, whether you know it or not. Everything you allow is training your puppy to keep doing. Everything you don't allow is training your puppy to stop doing. 

We're here for you from day 1! We help you address everything from potty training and nipping to chasing the cat and garbage diving!

 

Yeah, but my dog is deaf and senile. Isn't he too old to be trained?

Is he still breathing? Is he still eating? Then yes, your dog can still learn what is acceptable and what isn't acceptable. 

This is where training gets a little tricky though. Yes, your dog can be trained, but we do need to take his age and medical history into account. 

In situations where a senior dog is expressing severe behavioral issues, like anxiety and aggression, it's best to consult with both your veterinarian and trainer. Work together to formulate a plan that addresses everyone's interests and concerns.

 

What if I have questions or need help between lessons?

Call us! Email us! You’ll have access to your trainer throughout the training process (phone, email, and Marco Polo) for the purpose of reviewing homework assignments and answering follow-up questions. You’ll also have automatic access to our Online Curriculum, complete with step-by-step videos and printable PDFs. Don’t be silent or embarrassed! We’re here for you!

 
 

Do you have any breed restrictions?

The only breeds we don't work with are of the feline variety...and wolf-hybrids.

 

What if training doesn’t work? Do you offer any guarantees?

Our Training For Life Gold Package guarantees UNLIMITED LIFETIME SUPPORT because life happens, people and dogs change as we develop and mature, we are your dog’s trainer for life, not just the next few months. If the behaviors we addressed during your training start creeping back in, we are here to help you. All we ask is “gas money” to cover the cost of an emergency house call.

 

I want to be a dog trainer. Can you teach me?

Absolutely!!! Teaching is our passion, especially teaching others to follow in our footsteps. For more details, send us an email!

 

How do I know which training equipment to buy?

All training tools required for your particular situation are included with our Training Programs. No need to buy unnecessary equipment or stress about which size, style, brand, or model will work for your dog. We’ll do the shopping for you!

Tools are also available for purchase through us or we can send you direct links to purchase any other required equipment from our wholesalers.

 

What will my dog learn during his training program?

Believe it or not, but there is no one right way to train a dog. Each dog is different. Each owner/handler is different. Each home, yard, neighborhood is different. Each expectation is different. You get the picture. So training tailored specifically for your particular situation and end goals is our goal. Yes this might include behaviors and commands like, potty training rules and guidelines, be calm in the house, be quiet and relaxed in the crate, the importance of sleep and nutrition, stop biting and nipping, walking nicely on a leash, respect boundaries and personal space, give up toys, treats, and other valuables without a fuss, plus remote collar introduction and functions, "come" on command, working around distractions, and when and how to safely socialize with other dogs. But ultimately, your program is for you, your dog, your home, your life.

 

Do you offer boarding?

Due to limited space, licensing, and insurance restrictions, our daycare and boarding services are limited to dogs who have completed our training program. We won’t leave you hanging however! We have plenty of recommendations.

🏠 DOG SITTER/DROP-IN VISITS
Elicia Cotcher in Springville, (909) 581-5966

🏡 IN-HOME DAYCARE/BOARDING
Project K9 in Hurricane/St George, (801) 980-0336, https://www.theprojectk9.com/

🏫 FULL SERVICE FACILITY
Ricmar Kennels in Provo, (801) 377-4412, https://www.ricmarkennels.com/

K9 Lifeline in Draper, (801) 272-1159, https://k9lifeline.dog/

Are we the right dog trainers for you?

✔️ Clientele We Work With

The majority of our clients are middle-class, married couples with young kids, and one or two dogs in the home. These families are hard-working, united, dependable, and motivated. They might not know much about dogs and training, but they are dedicated to learning and changing.

❌ Clientele We Don’t Work With

In order to be successful with training, you must comply 100% with the instructions, protocols, practices, and tools as taught by your trainer and commit to practicing and implementing them with your dog so that they become habit, a lifestyle, not just a one time fix. If you struggle with being on time to appointments, following instructions, completing weekly assignments, or are opposed to the humane use of certain tools or training techniques and philosophies, then we probably aren’t the right fit.

 

✔️ Dogs We Work With

Puppies (8 weeks to 6 months). We believe the easiest way to stop bad behaviors is to prevent them in the first place! Begin training at this life stage and you’ll get more bang for your buck = Training for life! We cover everything puppy related: potty training, crate training, basic leash skills, socialization, sleep schedule, and the importance of good nutrition. At this age, a behavior assessment is not required prior to training.

Adolescents (6 months to 18 months). You’ve made it this far, but that cute little puppy has grown into a monster! Stop struggling and start loving your dog again! Between 6-12 months there’s a huge shift in behavior and temperament due to puberty!!! Yeah! This is when we get most of our calls, right around the pre-teen to full-fledged, teenage, doggy years. If your puppy is deep into adolescence, we highly recommend getting together for a behavior assessment before signing up to determine whether your teenage monster needs the basics or a dash of “adulting”.

Adults (18 months and older). Perhaps you inherited a “project dog” or life is so busy that you didn’t realize how bad your dog’s behavior was until now. Don’t worry! There is hope! Time for a total reset to rebuild peace, trust, and respect in your home. Take back your life! Adulting sucks. But it is very fulfilling if you are committed to change. At this stage in life, each dog and owner/handler is unique and requires a different set of skills, commands, safety procedures, and lifestyle changes. If your dog is severely aggressive, anxious, stressful, fearful, or displaying destructive behaviors, we will require a thorough behavioral assessment prior to signing any agreements.

❌ Dogs We Don’t Work With

Dogs over 30lbs. Due to an old spinal injury, our physical strength and stamina is limited. If you have a dog that is already over 30lbs, we can meet for an evaluation to see if you can do all the leash handling. If you have a young puppy that will soon grown into a large, over 30lbs adult, we highly encourage you to start training NOW!

Dogs with multiple bites on their record. Similar to the above contingency. Dogs who have bitten multiple times have now learned that they can get their way by using their teeth. This is a huge risk and liability. One we are not equipped to handle. But don’t lose hope! There are plenty of qualified trainers in the area who have the facility, staff, and equipment necessary to rehabilitate dogs like this. Just ask!

Females in heat. If you or your dog are on your period, we recommend postponing until the cycle is over. PMS is no laughing matter for you or your dog.

Wolf hybrids (or their counterparts - coyote, fox, wolverine, Tazmanian devil, you get the picture). Do we really need to explain this? If your dog is any percentage of wild canidae we will refer you to the DNR.

 

If we aren’t the right trainers for you…

We have provided a list of fantastic trainers that we recommend!

🏠 IN-HOME TRAINER 

🏫 FULL SERVICE TRAINING FACILITY 

Best wishes to you and your dog on your training journey!

 
“We love Sara! Not only did she help us train our Labradoodle, but she was also willing to answer any and all silly questions we had. She truly knows her stuff when it comes to dogs.”
— LeeAnn W. & Family (New York City, NY)

Auggie the Labradoodle patiently waiting his turn at Park Animal Hospital

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