Question 1

Which training program is right for me?

Accepted Answer

This is different for everyone! However, we always highly recommend our Group Classes!    Group Classes- This is where YOU will learn the most on how to train your dog, teaching your dog to do the things you like, discouraging behaviors you do not like, and maintaining the training! When YOU have the knowledge on how to do these things, it ensures the most success!    Who are Group Classes not for? If you have an aggressive or reactive dog that barks excessively, an extremely fearful or shy dog, or you do not learn best in a group environment, then Private Lessons would be the next best option!    Day Training- This is a great option for almost everyone! This is a great way to get a jump start on your training, and if you are a long term Day Training Client, your dog will advance and get quite good at a wide range of skills! However, it is still important for you to learn how to maintain the training at home! This is why we also suggest that you have taken a group class with us, or at least follow along with our online CK9 Membership!    Who isn't a good fit for Day Training? Dogs who are aggressive with humans are not a good fit for Day Training. Dogs that are not friendly with other dogs, will be heavily managed, and may miss some activities or group play time depending on the group that day if there isn't a way to ensure safety amongst everyone. However, we do accept some reactive or aggressive dogs occassionally and will work towards being more neutral as well as getting some time out to do some training and activities!    Board & Train- This is a good option for those that are going on vacation or lives farther away where Day Training isn't practical. The benefit to this program is that it provides the most consistency, as the trainers control every aspect of your dog's day & night. This is generally the fastest way to see success! However, it is extremely important the pet parent learns how to continue and maintain their dogs training, which may involve changing some ways they interact with their dog!    Who isn't a good fit for Board & Train? Dogs who are aggressive with humans are not a good fit for Board & Train. Dogs who are reactive or dog aggressive, and the goal is to reduce this behavior during a Board & Train is not a good fit. In our experience, many dogs will stop displaying the behaviors here while in our care, but as soon as we hand over the leash to the pet parent, the behavior is back. This is why Private Lessons are the best for these dogs.

Question 2

What vaccinations do you require?

Accepted Answer

For Puppies 16 weeks and younger we require:  -Bordetella (Kennel Cough)  -2nd series of Distemper (DHPP)    For Dogs older than 16 weeks, we require:  -Bordetella (Kennel Cough) -Distemper -Rabies   We agree with, and accept limited vaccination protocols as long as titer testing is done to prove immunity.

Question 3

Do you accept intact dogs? Do you require spay/neuter at a certain age?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we accept intact dogs! No, we do not require spay/neuter at any age. We generally do not see any issues with intact dogs, and if we do, we will tell you.    Intact dogs are allowed in all of our services, however, currently in-heat females are encouraged to stay home. We can accept in-heat females, however, they will not receive any play time and must wear a diaper at all times (unless overnight for boarding, and potty breaks).

Question 4

When should I start training my dog?

Accepted Answer

Right away, as long as they meet our vaccination requirements!   The critical socialization period in puppies is between 8-16 weeks of age and we feel strongly that it is important to get your puppy out and socialized before they have completed all of their puppy shots. However, we do require their 2nd distemper shot, which is usually given between 9-12 weeks of age!    I think the most ideal spot to starting a puppy at a facility is 10-12 weeks of age. Younger than this, and puppies tend to be sleepy by the end of class. However, you are encouraged to start training before this at home through our online portion of class! Older than 12 weeks, they may be much more rambunctious and possibly have some bad habits already developed.    Have an older dog? It's never too late to learn new tricks! Get started right away to work on develop a solid foundation of behaviors, which makes everything else easier and learn how to discourage unwanted behaviors!

Question 5

What types of dogs do you train?

Accepted Answer

We have trained thousands of dogs. Odds are we have worked with your breed or mix of breeds. We pride ourselves on being able to work with a wide range of dogs and their unique drives and temperaments.

Question 6

Do you train aggressive dogs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and no. It depends on what service you are looking for and what outcome you are seeking.    Most aggressive or reactive dogs are referred to one of our Reactive Remedy Private Lesson Packages. These are 3 or 5 week programs to learn how to manage and reduce the reactivity or aggression seen, and to create a more neutral dog at the SIGHT of another dog or person. It is not to make your dog friendly to other people or dogs, as we cannot guarantee that. True aggression, is almost always caused from genetics, which we cannot change.    We do not accept human aggressive dogs into our programs other than private lessons, for the safety of our staff.  We do accept dog-dog reactive and aggressive dogs into some of our programs on a case by case basis. Most often, dog reactive dogs do not display the behaviors when the pet parent is not present, so Private Lessons are our recommendation to reduce the behavior.

Question 7

What type of trainer are you? What methods do you use?

Accepted Answer

We are a balanced training facility. We do not adhere to one specific ideology. We know dogs are all indivuals and that there is no one-size-fits-all to training. Instead, we continually grow our knowledge base and understanding of a variety of techniques so we can tailor the training to your specific needs and your specific dog.    When laying foundations, we rely heavily on positive reinforcement. In fact, the vast majority of our training is done with positive reinforcement.   However, we do not limit ourselves to one set of tools and use the full learning paradigm to train dogs. We may use food, treats, toys, prong collars, electronic collars, and anything else that a dog may find motivating. The most important aspect of integrating various tools into training is remaining fair and consistent.    We believe in clear communication. We find that motivating dogs by rewarding them for behaviors we want and providing consequences for those we don’t want provides the clearest form of communication. Consequences and rewards are relevant to the dog, of course, so our methods vary with each dog. Our goal is to teach the humans, but also train the dogs in a way that is as clear, fair and enjoyable as possible.

Services

Group Classes

Day Training

Board & Train

Online Learning

About Courteous K9

-Hannah S.

507-517-4268

Email:

trainingcourteousk9s@gmail.com