GoodDog! Training Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of training do you offer?

I specialize in private in-home lessons rather than group classes because I believe this is the most effective and least stressful environment for both you and your dog to learn. Working with your dog in the comfort of your home, one-on-one with an expert, enables you to be able to teach your dog new behaviors without the distraction of a class setting. You learn it right from the start, and so does your dog. All of your questions will be answered and there is no pressure on either of you. If you have a dog that is fearful or easily overstimulated, it is best to work in a private setting.

I offer companion and family dog training for dogs of all ages. I focus on teaching my clients how to effectively communicate with their dog to get the behavior they want, which results in a dog that is a well-mannered, well-adjusted family member. My training is dog-friendly, using contemporary, reward-based methods that are recommended by the most highly regarded Professional Dog Trainers, Applied Animal Behaviorists, and the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.

I also offer more advanced training for those pursuing Canine Good Citizen® (CGC), Rally-Obedience, Therapy Dog volunteer work, and Fun Agility.

When is the best time to start puppy training?

The sooner you start training your puppy, the better! Years ago, we didn't start training puppies until they were 6 months old because of the harsh and aversive methods that were used. But, today, because we use dog-friendly, reward-based methods, you can't start too soon. Many savvy breeders are now clicker-training their puppies in the whelping box. So, as soon as you get your puppy, start training and socializing. But, please do not take your puppy to the dog park where you may expose your puppy to health hazards and unpredicatable dogs.

How many training sessions will I need?

I offer an initial 1 and 1/2 hour consultation with training, and thereafter, individual follow-up 1-hour training lessons, or a specially discounted package of 4-One Hour Lessons for puppies and adult dogs.

The ideal training experience involves an initial 1 and 1/2 hour consultation with training, followed by one to four 1-hour follow-up lessons. The number of follow-up lessons you need will depend on you and your dog. Each dog is different, and how quickly your dog will become fluent in the behaviors you are focusing on depends on how often you practice, consistancy with training and behavior modification, your dog’s breed, and how fast your dog learns.

I recommend the initial 1 and 1/2 hour consultation with training plus 4 one-hour follow-up lessons for puppies, and for adolescent/adult dogs that need basic obedience training. These lessons are designed to teach you how to teach your dog. You will need to practice often in a variety of situations and environments in order for your dog to become fluent with the learned behaviors.

Do you work with clients with their dogs in public settings?

Yes, I do work with clients in various public settings. Once my clients have learned basic training in their home, I am happy to schedule lessons where we meet in public settings to practice what they’ve learned with their dog in a new context. Because many clients are working on teaching their dogs to behave politely on leash, I also schedule training lessons where I will walk with my client and their dog in the neighborhood, once we have covered the required basics. This way, I can teach my client the most effective way to get the desired behavior with their dog when going out for walks amongst other dogs and people.

When do you schedule consultations and private lessons?

I offer consultations and lessons Monday through Thursday from 11AM - 6PM with 4:30PM being the last appointment time I schedule. Please let me know what days and times are best for you so we can schedule an appointment at your convenience.

Do you have dogs?

Yes, I do. Currently, I have 3 dogs. My husband and I have also had 4 previous German Shepherd Dogs, a Yorkshire Terrier, and many cats, birds, bunnies, chicken, and fish over the past 34 years. I grew up with several Shelties, a Maltese Terrier and several cats.

Toto is our 15 year old Yorkie mix that I rescued when he was 5 years old. Along with going blind and deaf, he has many health issues, and is a constant reminder to me how health affects behavior. He is very friendly to people and dogs.

We have an adorable, extremely dog-friendly, and comical 6 year old Standard Poodle, Zorro. He often works with me, helping my little puppy clients learn how to play with an older dog that is gentle, helping shy and fearful puppies feel more comfortable around dogs. Oftentimes, Zorro is the first dog these puppies meet and this gives them a positive association and added confidence with dogs. Zorro also assists me when working with clients with some dog-aggressive dogs. Zorro enjoys playing with Cindy Lou, fun agility, Rally-Obedience, and taking long walks in the woods.

Cindy Lou is our 2 year old Standard Poodle. Cindy Lou and I are registered Delta Society Pet Partners and volunteer together doing Therapy Dog work locally. She enjoys meeting new people, playing with Zorro, training, fun agility, taking long walks in the woods, learning how to play Treiball and service dog behaviors . . . and especially playing fetch with her blue Jolly Ball.