Common questions
Do you offer a guarantee?
Our board and train comes with free follow ups for the life of your dog. Our lesson packages we cannot guarantee progress since we cannot make our families go home and complete the homework/training. Lesson sessions do not expire and are nonrefundable.
What training methods do you use?
We work with dogs from all backgrounds, ages, and different end goals. Based on these factors your trainer will recommend the training method/tools that will be the most beneficial based on all of these factors. Not every dog is a fit for ONE type of training. This is why we work 1 on 1 with our clients – to ensure every dog and family receives the best care and training possible.
Will my dog benefit from this training?
Your dog will benefit tremendously! Most behavior problems are based off of a lack of exercise, discipline, and/or out of boredom. Not only does all of this greatly benefit your dog, but it also benefits you and your family. With this training, your dog is receiving top-quality training, which in turn, allows you to give your dog more freedom since there is an established line of communication and respect.
Remember, if you do not employ your dog and give it a job to do (training), it will become self-employed. A self-employed dog will cost YOU money!
What is an e-collar and how does it work?
An “e-collar” is basically a collar with a stimulation mechanism. It is similar to receiving E-Stim therapy at your local chiropractor. The collar is controlled by a remote that the handler holds. The remote allows you to maintain full control of your dog for up to 400 yards! Therefore, it gives your dog a lot of freedom and it saves you from worrying about your dog running off! It is NOT used as a punishment or a “shock” as many people assume, it is simply used as a training device for communicating with your dog. It produces a subtle electrical pulse between two contact points located on the collar. Similar to a “tap.” In the old days this type of collar was used as “shock collar” and many inexperienced dog owners tried to use this device to scare their dog into submission. In the proven training method we teach, your dog is NEVER “shocked into submission” or abused. Unlike a shocking device, the e-collar is used to get the dog’s attention and keep it focused on listening to the handler. It is the equivalents of someone tapping your shoulder to get your attention, or setting your phone on vibrate so it will get your attention when someone is calling you. We teach the dog to listen to those “taps” and that the “taps” mean, “I am trying to get your attention.”
There is a reason that the top law enforcement agencies, military, and top federal agencies: patrol, detection, and search and rescue dogs are trained using e-collars!
Will the e-collar hurt my dog?
No. During our first meeting we will put the e-collar on your arm and you will feel how mild the stimulation is. We will also stimulate ourselves with the e-collar to show you that it will not hurt your dog. One common misconception is the e-collar will burn their skin. This is false. Other people think that it is like being shocked with a taser, this is also false. We are dog trainers because we LOVE dogs and we would never do anything to harm them in any way! Furthermore, we would never do anything to a dog, that we will not do ourselves.
Will my dog always have to wear the e-collar?
No. Your dog will not always have to wear the e-collar. In fact, inside your home, your dog will quickly be listening to your every command without the e-collar on. However, We always recommend putting the e-collar on your dog before you take it outside off-leash. This is due to the fact that you never know what may get your dog’s attention, so, you still want to be able to maintain complete control of your dog. It’s like an invisible leash. We often compare your pet wearing the collar outside to a child wearing a seat belt. Parents drill into their children the importance of wearing a seat belt each and every time they get into a car. That one time the child doesn’t wear the seat belt could be that one time they are in a car accident and a seat belt would have prevented injury. It only takes one time for you dog to see something that really catches their attention and without the collar, you have no way to stop him/her.
Where do we conduct these private sessions?
We have 3 locations in Minnesota: Osakis, Blaine, and Detroit Lakes.
How much time per day do I need to train my dog?
The great thing about this training is that you don’t have to set a specific amount of time aside per day in order to train your dog! We will teach you how to incorporate this training into your daily routine.
How long will this training take?
Our clients have the flexibility of scheduling each individual lesson to ensure it fits their schedule! Once a week is the most we will allow clients to schedule, but the sessions never expire.
At what age can we start e-collar training?
We do not start e-collar training on a dog until it is at least 5 months old.
What if I have a puppy that is not 5 months old?
Not a problem! We can still train your pup using the clicker/treat method! This will give your new pup a good foundation for basic obedience.
What is clicker training?
A clicker is a small device that makes a distinct “click” noise. This is used to instantly mark the desired behavior. This enables the dog to learn the commands much faster because you are instantly “marking” the correct behavior. In return, the dog knows it has not done what you are asking it to do until it hears the distinct “click.”
What if I have a small dog?
That is fine! We work with all ages and breeds.
What is your refund policy?
Lesson sessions do not expire and are nonrefundable. Board and train deposits and plans paid in full are nonrefundable, however, you are able to reschedule your training date if needed!