Frequently Asked Questions
The most common question I get is "how long will it take to train my dog?"
The short answer is, it will take as long as it takes. Sounds a bit like I am trying to milk the job, right? I'm not. I look at you and your dog as a team and figure out where the holes in communication are and how we can solve the problem. I give you games to practice, and if you and your dog learn the games and practice them until they are quick and easy then you're going to progress faster, with fewer sessions then someone who only trains their dog when I am there. But also consider, what are your goals? A recall? We can do that in one or two sessions. A focused heel with auto sits? That will be a bit longer. You determine when your dog and you are done with the need for training, if you can give me a picture of what the dream is, then we can come up with a plan.
What should I have at my first lesson?
I recommend having a six foot leash, treats that make your dog excited (I use quartered hotdogs), your dog, any equipment that you already use like collars or harnesses, and a clicker. The clicker is optional but will increase communication with your dog.
Where do we meet?
I am happy to do sessions in my home if that is what you want but I live in Oakridge and I'm betting that would be a drive for you. I willing to travel most anywhere in Lane County (I grew up in Montana, everywhere worth going is a bit of a drive). I can meet you at your home or we can meet at park near you. If the park you want isn't on the list just google the address and put it in the part about your address.
How do you train?
If i write it in buzzwords, I am a balanced trainer. To expand on that I would say I use appetitives to teach and adversives to proof. In a nutshell, I use treats and rewards to create a path in the dogs brain, once the path is established I build walls with things the dog doesn't enjoy, to keep the dog from deviating from that path. You will find that I will spend more time teaching, each successful repetition with a dog is making an easier path for it to follow, If I jump to adversives before the dog has dug the path deep enough then you will find holes in what was taught and you will spend more time correcting the dog and less time enjoying a well trained dog.
How long will I have to keep treats on me?
One of my mentors said it best, if you were at a job for a year, your boss looked at you and said "holy crap, your so good at your job! I am going to stop paying you." Your next move would be to quit, right? Dogs do eventually love the work itself but you can literally never stop paying them. Good news though, you can pay in simple ways like opening a door, releasing your dog from a crate, putting down their bowl of kibble, bouncing around with your dog, petting, and this list literally just doesn't end. If your dog enjoys it you can use it as a reward. Unlike humans dogs are not great at math, you can reduce their pay over time but you still have to pay.
Are you going to strap my dog into that mean collar?
First, if you are uncomfortable with any aspect of my training, let me know, we can find a solution that works for you and your dog. I am very careful with what collar I use with what team. I say what team because you need just as much consideration as the dog. Together we will find the best way for a team to communicate. I do not use devices, tools or collars to force submission. I will be honest and give the best advice I can. As many dog people tend to be, I can be blunt. It is not personal, don't be afraid to tell me you are uncomfortable with my suggestion but please be willing to hear me out, I am happy to explain why I dislike or like a training tool and am willing to listen to another opinion.