Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to train my dog?

  • The length of time that it takes to achieve your training goals is dependent on several factors, these include; how motivated your dog is and how quickly we can improve its motivation, your ability to support training between sessions, the severity of the problem, and how long it’s been occurring.

  • However, PRDT uses the most time-effective training allowing you to achieve your training goals as soon as possible.

What type of training is right for me?

  • This is a personal decision that may be influenced by your availability.

  • PRDT offers training where the trainer trains your dog and in conjunction, coaches you at the same time OR we offer training sessions that occur in your absence and later, the trainer coaches you on how to maintain these behaviors.

Do you make learning fun?

  • Yes, this is very important. We maintain everyone’s motivation by keeping it fun.

How do you reinforce correct behavior?

  • Correct behavior is reinforced with high-value food rewards. This is the fastest and most effective way to get more of the behavior that we want.

  • We can accommodate special dietary needs specific to food rewards.

  • Correct behavior can also be reinforced by playing games like tug or fetch. This and simple praise are sometimes substituted when food isn’t accessible or can’t be used because of dietary requirements.

  • Relief from aversive reinforcement is never used. These can include the use of shock collars/e-collars, prong or choke collars, nor slip-leashes

What if my dog makes a mistake?

  • Punishment using force, fear, and intimidation is never used.

  • We never use shock collars/e-collars, prong or choke collars, nor slip-leashes as punishment

  • The type of punishment that can be used is dependent on a variety of factors, but the most commonly used techniques are loss of reward/food or loss of freedom (time-out).

What is your guarantee?

  • The success of training depends on a variety of factors, some of which are not within the control of the trainer. For this reason, we do not offer guarantees specific to behavior. However, we do offer guarantees specific to customer satisfaction.

  • The client is paying for time and expertise – I’m available to you via email or telephone during our training contract. Client notes are provided to help guide you in supporting the training.

  • Proceed with caution if a trainer is offering you guarantees specific to outcome.

What can I do to better the chance of improving the behavioral issues?

  • Follow the recommendations of your trainer

  • Have enough availability to support training between sessions

What is the cancellation policy?

  • All cancelations must be made at least 12 hours before the scheduled training session or consultation.

  • Training sessions or consults that are canceled with less than 12 hours’ notice will result in forfeiting the fee.

What equipment do I need to start training?

  • Up-to-date with vaccines

  • A leash and a flat collar (no choke/prong collars or slip-leashes)

  • High-value food rewards (I can guide you on where to find these or how to make them)

Why not use a prong or choke collar, slip lead, or an electric shock collar (e-collar)?

  • These are outdated training techniques often referred to as aversives.

  • They depend on the dog experiencing pain, fear, and intimidation.

  • Some of the unintended effects that are created with this type of training include, but are not limited to:

    a) anxiety and fear

    b) suppressing the behavior without addressing the underlying cause – this can result in aggression without all of the warning cues like growling and showing teeth that help us identify when a dog is uncomfortable – a no- warning bite is now created

    c) destroying any trust that your dog may have with people and with you.

You can read more about AVSAB’s position statement here about training methods