Adventures in Canine Training: Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions . . .

Where are you located?
Which is better—in-home training or group classes?
Are your trainers certified, what is their experience level?
What are the prices for your training services?
What training methods do you use?
Do you offer board-n-train programs, where the dog goes away for training (Dog Boot Camp)?
Do you offer a guarantee on your training?

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WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

We do not have a physical building or location. We travel to the dog owner's home for private in-home lessons & we conduct group classes in several convenient locations throughout the DFW Metroplex.

WHICH IS BETTER—IN-HOME TRAINING OR GROUP CLASSES?

Both of these training services are great. However, often it benefits the dog & owner best if you start with in-home training lessons, even if you just do two. This is such a customized training that we can specifically address issues with the dog owner, be it obedience commands, behavior problems or manners. Then we can recommend what would be the most beneficial class for you & your dog to join after we tackle the priorities first!

ARE YOUR TRAINERS CERTIFIED, WHAT IS THEIR EXPERIENCE LEVEL?

Our trainers are either certified or accredited—Owner, Stacy Hiebert-Greer is certified through the Animal Behavior Center of New York as a Canine Behavior Therapist & Obedience Instructor. Misty Roachelle is certified through Animal Behavior College, and Michelle Robinet is certified through the Petsmart program.

We encourage you to meet our trainers & read more about them on our "about" page.

WHAT ARE THE PRICES FOR YOUR TRAINING SERVICES?

You may get a price quote by filling out our online form. Because we come to your house for the training our prices may vary. For prices on our group classes you may go to the class schedule page, each of our classes vary in price as well, as we offer a variety of different classes at different levels & locations.

WHAT TRAINING METHODS DO YOU USE?

We use a variety of training methods which are based around building a strong relationship with your dog. We absolutely do not use pain or any type of "old-school" compulsion training methods. We prefer rewards as pay-offs & we teach you how to gain verbal control over your dog quickly & easily. We then show you how to maintain verbal control without the use of food, bribery or electric collars.

Our methods are quite effective & keep your dog's spirit happy, willing to work for you & ready to do what you ask! We teach you how to become your dog's true best friend & reap all the rewards!

DO YOU OFFER BOARD-N-TRAIN PROGRAMS, WHERE THE DOG GOES AWAY FOR TRAINING?

We do not offer this type of training. If you cannot be part of your dog's training you are not doing your dog any favors. We recommend you find a trainer you are comfortable with and work with the trainer and your dog together.

DO YOU OFFER A GUARANTEE ON YOUR TRAINING?

We do not offer guarantees. The truth is a dog's genetics, early socialization, past experiences and duration of the behavior, plus the dog owner's ability and willingness to comply with a training or behavior program all play a significant role in the success of a program. None of these factors can be controlled by the trainer and so to guarantee an outcome would be unethical¹, not to mention impossible.

Also, as members of the APDT our trainers are not allowed, per their code of ethics, to offer a guarantee on training.²

We promise to provide you with the very best, most professional training & service that you can get. We offer unlimited support for the life of your dog. This means that at anytime during and/or after your dog's training we will guide you, help you & work with you to answer any questions that you may have regarding your dog's training and/or behavior via phone and/or email. We will help you until you feel confident in your dog's behavior & training. If you ever need more training we offer single lessons & continued education programs at a discounted rate.

We never hesitate to give references and we will gladly do so—just ask! You may also visit our client testimonials page. If you have any questions at all, please contact us and we can discuss anything that you may have questions about.

¹ "Choosing the Right Trainer" by Lisa Mullinax
² APDT Code of Professional Conduct and Responsibility