+ What if I decide to train my dog 6 months later?
Evaluation prices are only good for 1 month. After that, your dog’s behavior may change, so the dog must be re-evaluated.
+ How much does the evaluation cost?
The evaluation is free if you purchase a program at the time of the evaluation. Otherwise, the evaluation costs between $85 and $135, based on your location. However, if you decide later to purchase a program, the evaluataion fee is deducted from the cost of the program.
+ What’s involved in the evaluation of my dog?
Evaluations generally take 45 – 60 minutes. In that time, our trainer will talk to you about the specific issues you would like to address with your dog, and will help you make a priority list of what you would most like your dog to do (or not do). Then, our trainer will work with your dog briefly to determine how your dog will respond to training. With this information, we will customize a program that will best suit your needs with an approach that is best for your dog.
+ Won’t my dog outgrow behavior problems?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Many times, if we chalk something up to “puppy stuff,” pretty soon we have an adult dog doing the same things. Jumping is very cute when a puppy is 5 pounds, but not nearly as cute when he is 80 pounds. We find that it is a much better idea to correct the behavior before it becomes ingrained, if possible.
+ How could obedience training fix my dog’s behavior problems?
Obedience is one of the most neglected aspects of fixing certain problems (i.e., housebreaking). One of the beauties of teaching a dog formal obedience is that if done correctly, the dog will actually learn right from wrong through the program. Then, you can use the same methods to correct any behavior that you want to get rid of, or to get any behavior that you want to add.
+ How old does my dog have to be?
Puppies can be trained as young as 8 weeks. One of the main benefits of training a puppy this young is the puppy has no idea about good or bad yet. We can then instruct the dog from the very beginning of its life on what will be expected of him, and what the owner’s like and dislike.
On the other hand, no dog is too old to train – there is no truth at all in the statement ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.’ Older dogs might take a little longer because they might have preconceived notions of how their life should be (“Hey, I’ve been jumping up for 10 years, why should I stop now?”), but that doesn’t mean they can’t be trained.
+ Do you work with aggressive dogs?
Yes, depending on the circumstances. We can’t guarantee that an aggressive dog will become a teddy bear, but there is a lot we can do to help.
+ What will my dog learn from part two of your program?
That depends on the owner. We’ll continue to work with you and your dog until you are satisfied with your dog. You can stop at the basics, or you can add off leash obedience or trick training. We’ve even trained dogs to prepare them for the movies!
+ What will my dog learn from part two of your program?
That depends on the owner. We’ll continue to work with you and your dog until you are satisfied with your dog. You can stop at the basics, or you can add off leash obedience or trick training. We’ve even trained dogs to prepare them for the movies!
+ Do I have to be present for my dog to be trained?
No, but it is highly encouraged. Owners can learn a lot by watching the dog being trained. However, we do offer ‘latch key training’ – if you prefer, you can leave a key for us and we will call when we get there and call with a progress report when we leave. In some circumstances, we may ask you to watch at least one session. This usually occurs if we feel the dog might get stage fright. You are, required to be involved in part two.
+ How much does it cost to train my dog?
Since every dog is different, the cost for training varies. The price for part one is based on a short evaluation of each dog and averages $895 – $1295, but can run as low as 300 or as high as 1600 (completely dependent on individual dog). Pricing includes the train-up of the dog, as well as 3 lessons to teach you how to work with your dog. Part two follow-up lesson prices are between $85 – $135 per lesson, and the price is based on where you live.
+ How long does it take to train my dog?
Most dogs take somewhere between 3 and 8 days. Factors that affect the time length include: attention span of your dog, if your dog is fearful or hesitant about training, age of your dog (older dogs sometimes take longer than younger dogs), your dog’s familiarity with a leash, your dog’s aggression level, etc.
+ Do you offer multiple dog discounts?
Yes, we do! Multiple dog discounts are determined on a case-by-case basis.
+ Do you have to train me as well?
Yes. One thing we can’t give you is a robot dog. A beautifully trained dog will act like a monster if he thinks he can get away with it. You must learn to how to properly correct and praise your dog, as well as how to properly ask for trained behaviors. You can also learn how to properly teach your dog new behaviors.
+ What can you guarantee?
By the end of part one, we guarantee your dog will understand all the basic commands (heel, sit, stay, down, and come) and will follow them consistently when asked by the trainer.
+ What methods are used to train my dog?
CCA uses a combination of positive reinforcement and correction. We find this is the best way to adequately explain to the dog the difference between right and wrong. Right is reinforced with praise, wrong is corrected, but then the alternate right response is reinforced with praise.
+ Why don’t you use clicker-treat?
Clicker-treat training is a method of training where the dog receives no corrections. The dog is given a ‘click’ sound and a cookie for the right response, and ignored for the wrong response. In theory, this is great, but in reality, it can be a large problem. At best, it’s difficult to ignore a large dog jumping on you. At worst, sometimes there is something the dog wants more than that treat (i.e., a cat, squirrel, bird) and gets hit by a car, because he never learned it was wrong to run off. Not to mention the fact that too many treats can cause weight problems.
+ Do you use choke-chains?
Choke chains are a common name for a standard training collar, but the name implies something that is incorrect. If a training collar is used properly, it never chokes the dog. CCA does train with training collars, but we do not choke dogs.
+ Do you offer off-leash obedience?
Off-leash training is available through part two, and is dependent upon the diligence of the owner.