Frequently Asked Questions:

Puppy Training

Is there a minimum or maximum age for puppy training?

Minimum age: 6 weeks / Maximum age: 1 year

Can I just focus on one aspect of training? (i.e leash manners, potty training, crate training, biting, etc.) 

Yes, puppy training sessions can be tailored to your specific puppy’s temperament and your training goals.

My puppy is older and already has the basics down, do I have to have an introductory session?

Yes, introductory sessions allow us to assess your puppy’s behavior and introduce you to our training methodology (“Learning Thru Games of Choice.”) Introductory Puppy Headstart sessions are two hours long and cover fundamental training exercises that can be built upon and applied daily.

My puppy is showing signs of behavioral issues, would it still be considered a puppy session?

Yes, puppy sessions are for puppies up to 1 year of age. Puppies may show signs of developing behavioral issues when they are over-stimulated, frustrated, or distressed, which can be prevented from getting worse with proper guidance and training.

How long would it take to fully potty train my puppy?

How long potty training takes depends on you. We deem a puppy fully potty trained when they haven’t had an accident in the home for at least 3 months. 

The cornerstones of a successful housebreaking plan include: (1) supervising your puppy when they are roaming free to minimize potty accidents, (2) getting your puppy to the right place, at the right time, so that they can learn where the appropriate place to potty is; (3) rewarding your puppy when they go where you want them to; and (4) being really consistent about maintaining your puppy’s potty and confinement schedule so that they can learn bladder and bowel control.

If you have undertaken all of the necessary steps outlined above, you can successfully housebreak your puppy within 6-12 weeks, but you must stick to a consistent potty training schedule for at least 6 months to ensure your puppy has definitely learned where you want them to potty.

As a puppy gets older they are able to hold their bladder for longer and you won’t have to take them out as often, but you must still watch and observe your puppy for signs they may have to use the toilet at potentially unexpected times.

Training Options & Methodology

Are there any breeds you won’t work with?

We proudly accept all breeds of dogs to join our training programs.

Do you board and train?

We do not offer board and training at this time. We offer regular. weekly or bi-weekly, in-home or virtual training sessions depending on which program you participate in.  

Do you use choke chains, electric collars, air cans, bitter spray or aversion training?

We will NEVER recommend the use of aversive training tools and urge anyone being told to use these types of methods to consider the negative effects it can have on your relationship with your dog.

Training doesn’t have to be harsh to be effective.

We use game-based training, a specific methodology developed by a World Champion Dog Trainer (Susan Garrett) called “Learning Thru Games of Choice.”

It’s a fun, interactive, and force-free way to train a dog to be well-behaved because it teaches them to earn the things they want in life through good behavior.

Though we use a rewards-based method of training, it is not a permissive system of training.

We actively encourage pet parents to supervise their dogs and to adopt the use of behavior management tools like crates, pens, and tethers to prevent rehearsals of unwanted behaviors so they don’t turn into bad habits.

Do you have training that just focuses on leash manners?

We do offer introductory sessions and packages dedicated to leash manners. Leash manners training teaches your dog not to pull, to slow their pace down to match yours, and to focus more on their handler in distracting environments.

Is every package progression the same?

Each package is tailored to fit your specific training goals and the progression is dependent on the dog’s pace of learning. 

Do you have group classes?

We offer private, one-on-one training only. No group classes at this time.

Will you be training with my Dog or Puppy alone?

We encourage dog guardians to participate in the process of training their dog. Since maintaining your dog or puppy’s training over time requires knowledge of dog training theory, we strongly encourage anyone who is a part of the dog or puppy’s daily life to participate in the process so they can learn how to encourage and discourage behaviors using our “Positive Is Not Permissive” approach to dog training. 

Do I have to participate in the training process?

Owners are encouraged to participate. This is the best way to ensure the lessons and work transfers into real life scenarios. 

How often would I have to work with my puppy?

Our training techniques are designed to be implemented into your dog or puppy’s daily routine. For behavioral cases, we typically recommend clients allocate time daily to work with their dogs.

Do you have socialization classes?

We offer socialization activities for established clients. Puppy clients have the option to book one-on-one puppy play dates with another puppy or socialized dog. For behavior modification clients, we offer pack hikes as a safe way to rehabilitate dogs who aren’t properly socialized.

Do you help aggressive dogs?

We do rehabilitate aggressive dogs, however, we will need to assess each case prior to booking. 

In-Home Training

What is your service area for in-home Behavior Modification Training?

We work with clients who live within 7 miles of echo park. 

What is your service area for Puppy Training?

We work with puppy clients who live within 7 miles of Echo Park.

I cannot train inside my home, do you have a location I can go to?

We currently do not have a training facility. Depending on the case, we may be able to work with you at a nearby public location. 

What are the safety measure that are in place given the pandemic?

Our trainers wear a mask and gloves to each training session. We also offer virtual-sessions as a remote training option

Packages & Rates

What are your payment options?

We take card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), Venmo, Zelle, and Paypal.

Do you have a payment plan?

We do not have payment plans but we do offer individual follow-up sessions for clients who would like to purchase sessions as they go, without having to pay for a package upfront. 

How many sessions would it take to get my puppy/dog fully trained?

Each dog training progression depends on the learning pace of the dog and the amount of time spent working with the dog between sessions. 

How well trained will my dog/puppy be if I get 6, 8 or 12 sessions? 

After the initial session, your trainer will be able to recommend an ideal package that would match your training goals and dog’s skill level. Dog training is something that needs to be reinforced on a day to day basis, so it’s up to you to maintain your dog’s training over time by reinforcing when they make good choices and preventing them from making bad choices whenever possible.

I have two dogs, how much does that cost?

We will train an additional dog for a $50 surcharge. Training and focusing on one dog, but have another dog in the household that isn’t a part of training, has no additional fee. 

Is the first session (Introductory session) included in the packages?

Yes, but you must first meet with us for an introductory session, and then decide on what program you would like to purchase afterwards.

How many times do would I train weekly/monthly?

We recommend starting with 1-2 sessions weekly, as training progresses, clients can switch to bi-weekly sessions.