FAQ
This is Buck, my sweet black Cocker, who has since crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge where he now runs pain-free and can swim all day with no more ear infections!
Q: What training methods do you employ?
A: I am a positive, reward-based trainer. We know from studying how dogs learn that positive reinforcement produces a more reliable base of behavior as well and strengthening the bond between you and your dog. I have found clicker training to be a fun, easy and quick way to communicate with most dogs, however, there are exceptions and I have other tools in my bag for those dogs who do not respond to the clicker. I have always felt that if a dog is not learning, it's the trainer who is making the mistake by not being clear enough.
Q: At what age should I begin training my puppy?
A: Puppies start learning from birth! Housetraining will begin as soon as you bring your new pup home. Young puppies have short attention spans but are capable of learning simple verbal cues such as 'sit', 'down', and 'loose leash walking' as early as 7-8 weeks. Behaviorists refer to "critical periods" in a dog's life as times when an experience will have a greater influence on development than at other times. The pup's first critical period takes place between 3 and 16 weeks of age. Before the pup leaves the litter, he is learning social skills from mom and his littermates, after that it is crucial that he begin to form bonds with the humans in his life.
Most veterinarians oppose exposing a puppy to group classes prior to the completion of all vaccinations, which means you miss out on training during this very crucial learning period. Studies have shown that the health risk to your puppy is actually very low compared to the benefits of puppy classes. Pups
who have not attended a puppy class have a much greater chance of not developing the social skills they need to live in a human world.
If you are still concerned about having your puppy in a class setting, in-home training is also an option. Though the puppy is missing out on valuable socialization lessons -- learning adaptability to different environments, people and things -- in-home puppy training can be another alternative for him to "learn how to learn". You are still taking advantage of this all-important stage of development. Behaviors learned at this tender age will have an impact on your dog for the rest of his life. It's much easier to establish good behavior than alleviate unwanted behavior!
A: No dog is ever too old to learn. When inappropriate behaviors have been allowed to continue, however, it takes time, patience and persistence to counter-condition the dog and communicate with him what it is that you expect.
A: Learning, for all of us, is a lifetime process. At our first meeting, I will do an evaluation of your dog and discuss with you what goals you have for his training. Each situation is different, but you are free to stop the lessons as soon as you are comfortable with the progress your dog has made. Many people find that they get to a basic obedience level and then decide to add sessions for new behaviors that may crop up. Be aware, however, that it takes from 3-6 months for learning to move from short-term to long-term memory, so it is important that the owner continue being consistent with expecting good behaviors once your dog knows what you want!
A: Currently, I am teaching classes at Bed, Bath N' Bonz, just south of Tyler. Please email me or call them directly for more information (903.894.9333). Additionally, if you live in the Tyler area, I do in-home training and will come to your house for individual sessions. Not all dogs do well in group classes and will learn best in their own environment where we can control the amount of distraction that they are exposed to.
Q: I have more than one dog. Can I have them trained at the same time?
A: It can be a little tricky, but it is possible to train more than one dog at the same time. The sessions are the same length of time, about 45 minutes, and we switch dogs, with me demonstrating with one dog while the owner works with the other dog. For two dogs in the same household, the per session fee is the same.
A: Individual private in-home sessions are $45 each and last about 45 minutes.I am also doing group classes at Bed, Bath N' Bonz and those classes are $125 for six weeks. Currently, we have added a 4-week Tricks Class. The cost for that class is $80.
Have more questions? Feel free to use our "Contact" page and send me an e-mail!