Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

What style of training do you use?

With this people are generally referring to: Do you use clickers, treats, choke chains, yelling and screaming, or hard corrections. The best way to answer that is this: We use a variety of styles to get the fastest results possible. With the rule that we will never do anything to a dog that we wouldn’t do to ourselves (no hard corrections – they are not necessary to produce excellent results). If there is any one style you prefer to stick to we can show you how to best use that style. We will also explain where your training will suffer by not using some pros from the other styles.

Do you do in-home training sessions?

We no longer do in-home training sessions because we have found it is best to start them in a location where we can control the distractions. We can set the proper foundation in place here. This makes it easier to do well when they go home and in their neighbourhood.

Is there a disadvantage to not having my dog trained at home?

I actually find there is more benefit to not doing them at home. People’s biggest concern is they want me to see their dog misbehaving at home but that isn’t necessary. To train your dog the fastest we need to set them up for success. Our facility is a neutral area with controlled distractions. This allows dogs to build distractions in easier steps. Once they go home, there is already a foundation in place. This helps ensure success.

How many sessions will I need?

One session is all you need. Should you need any additional help we will definitely help you out till you get your problem solved. It’s more training people than training the dog. Once you understand how things work for your dog, training becomes very straightforward from there.

Why do I only need one session, won’t I need more help

Dogs are much easier to train than people. They are programmed to follow a certain set of rules so it is very easy to get through to them when you follow those rules. The key to success is taking action. We can teach you all of the steps very quickly and easily. You can then start right away and get the fastest results possible. Most dogs will learn faster than what you have time to train. We are always here for more help whenever you need it.

I have used several trainers before with no success, what makes you different?

99.99% of trainers follow one style of training which results in limitations to a dog’s success. We study all styles of training to incorporate the best methods from each style. Every dog is different and will require a different approach. I could write an entire book on this subject. The benefit of using different styles to form the best style of training. It is a personal mission of mine to help unite dog trainers. To come up with a training style that works the best for all dogs that doesn’t require food bribery, yelling or harsh corrections.

Here is a funny observation I have come across: With treat training you can teach complex behaviours like tricks. Lot’s of people say to me “My dog knows all kinds of tricks but doesn’t listen well otherwise to basic obedience.” With people who use force based training you can train excellent obedience but you have a very hard time teaching tricks. They will often say “My dog listens well but I don’t believe in any of that trick stuff.” The reason being is that it is very difficult to force a dog into doing tricks.

How well can I expect my dog to do after training?

That depends on what breed of dog you have and what drives they have as well as how much time you put into your dog. You can never expect a Chihuahua to be a Rottweiler and vice versa. This is what you can expect your dog to know and do: sit, down, stay, loose leash walking, recall, place. Any problem behaviours can either be completely extinguished or used in a way that is fun for you and the dog. Example: Your dog likes to pull so teaching them a pulling sport can take advantage of your dog’s natural drives.

Usually when people have a large problem behaviour it is only a problem behaviour for the person and this is what I mean. Often people have a dog that is so good at what they were bred to do and the people don’t want their dog to do that at all so it becomes a problem. Here is an example: My Rottweiler is aggressive to new people coming into the house or my Terrier wants to chase and bark at anything smaller than it. Dogs used to be bought for a specific job and if they didn’t naturally do that job well they were disposed of and a replacement was found. People have a tendency today to pick dogs based on looks and not traits.

What we can do is help you and your dog achieve the best level your dog is capable of. If there is a certain behaviour that you must have then buying or finding a dog that was specifically bred to do that is usually your best option. Otherwise we can teach you how to extinguish (in some cases), manage or harness that drive to do something fun.

Where are you located?

We are located 45 min North of Calgary (it is quicker for us to get to the airport than some people who live in Calgary). We have a private acreage with a 20,000 square foot out door training pen and a 1000 square foot training facility.