Do you train all breeds?

Yes. While a dog’s breed or breeds may pre-dispose it toward certain behaviors — desirable or not — dogs and owners can build a relationship that rises above simply what a dog’s genes tell it to do.

Where do you train?

We train at your house, starting inside and as quickly as possible expanding the training from the house out into the world. When we start our learning under low distractions, both you and the dog are better set up for success. You wouldn’t try to learn calculus at a Broncos game, would you?

What ages do you train?

Any age starting at 8 weeks old. Older dogs often benefit from training!

Do you use positive reinforcement?

Absolutely. Positive reinforcement — whether in the form of treats, praise, toys, play or some other valued reward — is key to training and using it creates a wonderful learning environment for dogs to learn or advance new skills, or counter-condition or desensitize fears.

I’ve had bad experiences with trainers before, and don’t know how to find the right one.

It can be tricky, but at the end of the day, you need to find someone whose outlook on managing your dog seems compatible with yours, who understands your situation and has a plan in mind, who you enjoy talking to and working with, who explains things and demonstrates actions in a way that makes sense to you, and who demonstrates a level of professionalism, knowledge, and patience that feels trustworthy to you. Do a free consult — with me, with others — ask lots of questions, and when you feel confident in someone, then commit.

If I’m being honest, I don’t really like training my dog. I just want them to be good. What are my options?

I get it. Not everyone wants to be a dog trainer. Starting with a board and train can be very useful in these situations. The dog would stay with me for a period (1 week minimum), during which I would work intensely on the skills needed, focusing on your particular needs that we agree to ahead of time. Each week the dog spends with me also gets you a training session at your house, where I teach you what the dog knows. Without these follow-up sessions, the board and train is going to be less useful to you, since fundamentally training is changing (improving!) your relationship with your dog.

Do I need to take notes during our sessions?

No! I send follow-ups containing the big picture things we work on in our sessions so that you can be in the moment during our sessions. Plus, if you sign up for a package, you can always reach out to me between sessions.

Do you offer group classes?

At this time we are not offering group training classes, although outdoor distraction classes for advanced dogs may be a possibility in the future, depending on interest. Please see the offerings under “Services” for group play options.