Frequently Asked Questions
Our Master Trainer, Mike, Answers Some FAQ's
How long does it take to complete your program?
The length of training is different for every dog, and many factors need to be considered, such as the dog's age, trainability, cue/skill sets they need to acquire, and level of commitment of the owner/handler.
What is a good dog traininer's number one motivation?
A good trainer's number one motivation is to facilitate a relationship between you and your dog. When you're looking at prospective trainers, try to determine if the trainer is in this business because he cares about you and your dog, or is he in this business to make money?
What is the most important question to ask a prospective trainer?
Ask them to show you their education and experience.
Proof of education and experience is the most important information that a trainer can give you, and that information should be easily accessible. It's not information that a trainer should make difficult for you to find. And, it should be readily visible on the website. Lots of people like to claim that they are certified dog trainer. In reality, most are not.
Understand that abbreviations after a trainer's name, such as "CDBC" (Certified Dog Behavior Consultant) and "APDT" (Association of Pet Dog Trainers), do not necessarily indicate specialized education. Membership in dog training professional societies (that allows a trainer to pay a fee and place letters after their name) does not equal formal education.
Ask the trainer about his formal education, how many hours he spent obtaining it, and where it was obtained. Be concerned about individuals who apparently have no education whatsoever or are self-taught.
Do not confuse "dog handling" with training experience. Some individuals who were dog handlers prior to purchasing a franchise business, or starting their own, may include their years of "handling" as "training" experience. An experienced, good trainer will have years dedicated to learning to train dogs, not just handle them in the show ring. Also, be aware that a love of animals is not all that is required to be a trainer.
Be careful of individuals whose qualifications solely are that they love animals and have owned dogs since they were children. These individuals are not dog trainers, and I've seen many clients suffer extreme disappointment and waste money because they took a difficult animal to an unskilled person.
How do I know if a trainer is inexperienced? Are there warning signs?
Pay attention to how the trainer communicates with you and answers your questions.
How knowledgeable are they about your dog’s breed?
How familiar are they with your dog’s problems or your requests?
Years on the training field count big. If you came to me when I was in the business for a year, I had very limited information to give to you. It doesn’t mean a person is a bad person; it means they are an inexperienced trainer. They have a limited amount of knowledge.
Hands-on work experience is a good rule of thumb, but judge the attitude behind the experience as well. Does the trainer come across as a “know-it-all”? For example, I have worked with thousands of dogs over the years. I’ve worked with family pets, odor dogs, scent dogs, and I’ve worked with police departments and the military, but do I know it all? Absolutely not. There will always be a dog that challenges my knowledge. Look out for the know-it-all attitude. These trainers are hard to work with.
How about the person who comes across as abrasive, as if there’s something wrong with you? Anybody who’s been in this business a long time knows it takes patience–not only with the dogs but with the clients, too. It’s unacceptable for trainers to blame clients or specific dog breeds with statements such as, “Well, your dog’s just a Labrador. This is just how they are.” Or, ”Your dog is not getting the command because you don’t practice enough.”
Certainly, some breeds are challenging, and some clients do not practice enough, but these statements from a trainer are a big red flag signaling that the trainer may have limited training abilities.
Can we bring the whole Family to a Private training session?
Absolutely. We encourage it if you have children in the home. Dog training is fun and the more the merrier. We do encourage only one person to work with the dog at a time as it helps the dog learn more quickly. Dog training builds trust and this is important for a dog living in a family environment.
What is your cancellation Policy?
Board and Train clients elect to cancel a board and train program they will receive a refund minus a $500 non-refundable payment. Board and Train dates can only be moved one time.
Once clients begin the private training and/or group training sessions they are nonrefundable.
Private training clients must give 24-hour notice via email or phone but they would like to alter or shift training sessions. If this provision is not met it will count as a session.
Once Group Classes have started, we do not offer refunds. However, we can apply the remaining balance to another training option.
What training Program is right for my dog?
This question can only be answered with our staff’s help, however, it really depends on your dog’s age, experience, previous training history, your goals, schedule, budget, and family situation. We have a dog-training program for you that offer the training you need when you need it.
Is my dog too old for training?
No, your dog can be trained at any age provided that you, the owner, are willing to learn too and re-establish new associations.
What breeds of dogs do you train?
We have trained all breeds of dogs. You would be hard-pressed to find a breed that we have not trained – from Chihuahua to Great Dane, big or small, we train them all.
Is an assessment required before I can book any training?
No, an assessment is not required before any of our training programs. Often times. families are able to select what works for them and book via our website.
My dog has specific training needs. Can you customize your programs?
Yes, this is one of the key benefits to choosing Precision for your dog training needs. Every dog is viewed as an individual and therefore as having their own individual challenges and needs.
All of our programs cover the core elements of manners, communication, and respect, as well as the basic commands (including sit, stay, come, go back, etc.). In addition to these fundamentals, each program is also customized to address the specific needs and behaviors of your dog.
How old does my dog have to be to start training?
The minimum age for dogs to begin any of our obedience training programs is two months.
Which forms of payment do you accept?
We accept checks, Visa, and MasterCard.
What are you vaccination requirements?
Written proof from your veterinarian of current Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella (every 6 months) is required for your dog to stay with us.
Does my dog have to be fixed?
Board and train and group client must be fixed or altered if over 6 months of age to be spayed or neutered.
However Private training clients do not have to have their dogs fixed.
Please call us for more information or to set up a free assessment if you are not sure what program is best for you.
