Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Getting Started

Q: How do I get started?

Start by completing our online request form. Tell us about your dog, your concerns, and what you would like to accomplish. We’ll schedule a consultation, discuss your goals, and recommend an appropriate program.

Q: What happens during the consultation?

We discuss your dog’s history, daily routines, behavior, and previous training. We also ask about your household and the situations you find most difficult. This helps us understand what may be contributing to the behavior and develop a realistic plan.
Please tell us about any bite history or safety concerns before your first visit so we can prepare appropriately.

Q: What kinds of dogs and behavior concerns do you work with?

We work with puppies and adult dogs on foundational skills, everyday manners, and more complex behavior concerns. These include leash reactivity, aggression, fear, difficulty settling, and behaviors that interfere with daily life.
You do not need to have basic obedience established before asking for help.

Q: How many sessions will my dog need?

Our recommendation depends on the behavior, its history, your goals, and the support your household needs. Teaching a new skill and changing an established behavioral response can require different amounts of work.
We’ll explain our recommendation during the consultation and reassess progress throughout the program.

Our Approach

Q: Will you train my dog, or teach me how to train them?

Both. We work directly with your dog to assess behavior and demonstrate techniques, then coach you through applying those skills yourself.
You attend and participate in sessions with your dog, practicing the skills with direct coaching from your trainer.
Your dog lives with you, so your understanding and confidence are central to the program. Our goal is for you to know what to do, when to do it, and how to recognize when your dog needs a different approach.

Q: What training methods do you use?

Positive reinforcement is the foundation of our training. Depending on your dog’s needs, we use clear cues, structured practice, environmental management, and gradual exposure to challenging situations.
For fear and reactivity, we use approaches such as desensitization and counterconditioning: introducing manageable levels of a trigger and helping your dog develop a different response. We adjust the plan based on your dog’s behavior and ability to learn.

Q: What if my dog becomes overwhelmed during a session?

We adjust. That may mean increasing distance, reducing distractions, changing the exercise, or taking a break.
We pay attention to more than whether your dog completes a cue. Their body language, recovery, and ability to engage help us decide whether the session is productive.

Q: Do you work with dogs that have bitten?

Yes. A bite history does not automatically exclude a dog from training. We first discuss the circumstances, current management, and risks to determine whether our services are appropriate.
Safety measures may include controlled arrivals, barriers, and muzzle conditioning before attending. We will explain any requirements before scheduling.

Q: Does my reactive dog have to interact with other dogs?

No. Being comfortable around other dogs does not require greeting or playing with them.
We often work toward neutrality: helping your dog notice another dog, remain manageable, and continue with you. Distance and exposure are adjusted to your dog’s needs.

Q: Can training replace veterinary care?

Training and veterinary care serve different roles. We assess observable behavior and teach practical skills; we do not diagnose medical conditions or prescribe medication.
If pain, a sudden behavioral change, or another health concern may be affecting progress, we may recommend veterinary evaluation or collaboration with your veterinarian.

Sessions and Practice

Q: Where does training take place?

Training primarily takes place at our climate-controlled training center in Fernley, where we can adjust the environment to your dog’s needs.
In-home or public sessions may be arranged when appropriate for your training goals. Travel availability and any additional fees are discussed during your consultation.

Q: How long are sessions?

Sessions are generally scheduled for 45–60 minutes. That time includes discussion, demonstration, hands-on practice, and planning for home.
The amount of active training depends on your dog’s focus, comfort, and stamina.

Q: What equipment will I need?

We’ll explain what to bring before your first session. Your program’s Product Pack includes the training supplies selected for your work together.
We explain how each item is used and help you practice with it before asking you to use it at home.

Q: How much practice is needed at home?

Regular practice is essential, but it does not need to mean long drills. We’ll show you how to use short exercises and everyday routines to build skills.
Following management recommendations between sessions also matters. Preventing repeated problems gives your dog more opportunities to practice the behaviors you want.

Q: Should other household members participate?

Whenever possible, yes—especially the people who regularly handle your dog.
Shared cues, routines, and expectations make training easier to maintain. We help adapt the plan to the people in your household and their handling abilities.

Q: How will we know whether training is working?

We establish practical goals and review changes over time. Progress may include fewer reactions, quicker recovery, easier handling, or a greater ability to settle—not just faster obedience.
We also consider whether you feel more confident managing your dog in daily life.

Q: What if we struggle between sessions?

Reach out with questions, concerns, or updates. If an exercise is not working or your dog’s behavior changes, let us know so we can help you adjust.

Policies and Expectations

Q: Do you guarantee results?

No specific behavioral outcome can be guaranteed. Progress depends on your dog’s history, health, environment, and consistent follow-through.
We provide individualized instruction, clear recommendations, and ongoing assessment so you understand your progress and next steps.

Q: What areas do you serve?

We welcome clients from Fernley, Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Dayton, Fallon, Silver Springs, and surrounding communities. Training primarily takes place at our center in Fernley.
In-home or off-site sessions may be arranged when appropriate for your dog’s training needs. Travel availability and additional fees are discussed during your consultation.

Q: What if I need to reschedule?

Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice when rescheduling a session.