General FAQs
Current research indicates that the earlier puppies begin socializing with their environment, including with people and other dogs, the more comfortable and behaviorally healthy they will be as adults. For this reason, we recommend starting training and some form of socialization from the day they come home.
For puppy and socialization group classes, we follow the American Veterinary Society of Animal behavior guidelines, which states that socialization should begin long before puppies are fully vaccinated in order to prevent future behavior issues that often develop down the road for puppies who waited until they were fully vaccinated. For this reason, puppies can start classes after their first round of vaccinations and with a negative fecal test from their veterinarian.
More questions? Check out the official Puppy Socialization Position Statement from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.
Absolutely! Dogs are capable of learning new things at any age. Training an adult dog isn’t just about addressing behavior issues – training helps your adult dog stay mentally engaged, stimulated, enriched, and connected to you as they get older. Working on things like out-and-about manners, confidence building, having fun vet visits, and learning new games are great ways to have fun with your adult dog.
This is dependent on a variety of individual factors, including: what your goals are; severity of any concerns; how long the behavior has been occurring; and how much time you are able to dedicate towards training. During your consultation or first group class, your trainer will be able to give you an idea of what your specific dog’s needs are and what your training path might look like.
At K9 Turbo Training, our Certified Professional Dog Trainers use reinforcement-based training methods so dogs can learn in a way that is motivating, fun, effective, regardless of their training goals.
To learn more about the research and expert recommendations around training methods, check out the official recommendation and Position Statement on Humane Dog Training from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.
Depending on your individual dog, tools may include: a rear or front clip harness, such as a Ruffwear or Freedom Harness; a treat pouch; clicker; food and/or toys; and standard 6-foot leash. Because the science consistently demonstrates that animals work better when they are trained in a way that does not elicit fear or anxiety, we will never use shock collars, choke chains, prong collars, or anything that might otherwise cause psychological, emotional, or physical pain, fear, or stress in your dog.
This depends on your individual dog and their training goals. For dogs who are looking to learn basic skills, manners, and behaviors, group classes are often a great way to socialize, learn, and build skills in a group class setting. For dogs who display behaviors, such as barking or lunging around other dogs, we recommend they start with our reactive program, class, or private training so they can be set up for success before training around other dogs in closer quarters. For those looking for more hands-on, individualized training, private one-on-one sessions both allow dogs to achieve their goals in a ridiculously efficient way, but also focuses on building a massive amount of knowledge and expert training skills in their people.
Group Classes FAQs
Most group classes are 45 minutes long, which we find to be the perfect amount of time for most dogs to train.
Core group classes (Manners or Puppy series) run for six weeks, with elective classes (Confidence Canine, Agility, etc.) running for 4. While these classes are mostly consecutive, meeting one time per week, certain dates may be skipped for holidays. Class dates will always be clearly stated before class begins.
We also have drop-in classes, lectures, events, and workshops, which you are welcome to sign up for individually, based on your availability.
No problem. We know all about hectic schedules and are very flexible when it comes to missed classes. After class, you will receive an email that includes a copy of what you missed as well as a free voucher to attend a drop-in class to build class skills, such as loose leash walking, coming when called, or self control.
We require all dogs be UTD on age-appropriate vaccines, including rabies, distemper, and negative fecal test from within the past six months to train in group services. If you have a special situation or note from your veterinarian, we are happy to work with families with dogs with special needs or considerations, on an as-needed basis.
They do not. We follow the American Veterinary Society for Animal Behavior’s recommendation on vaccines and puppy socialization. For more information, you can read this article, which outlines important things to consider for socialization when working to create a behaviorally and emotionally healthy dog.
In all areas, we prioritize quality over quantity, which is why we keep our group class sizes about half of what most other facilities. We have a maximum of 6 dogs per class for classes that are held in our 2,400sq foot training space, and 4 dogs per class that are held in our 1,300 sq foot training space. This helps ensure each dog receives the most individual attention possible.
To set you and your dog up for success, we do limit one dog per handler. If another member of your family would like to act as handler for an additional dog, please register for a second spot.
We do not require that dogs be altered in order to train with us. We do, however, require that all class participants are up-to-date on age-appropriate vaccinations, including rabies and distemper.
While in class, you have unlimited office hour calls available with your trainer to ask questions in between or before your classes. You will also have access to our client community Facebook group, where you will be able to ask questions or get support from others who have or are training with us.
Your trainer may also recommend private sessions for some issues based on complexity and severity, as well as your individual goals.
Private Training FAQs
Though each program does include a set number of training sessions, our programs are comprehensive, full-support programs that include more than just hourly training sessions. Because of this, we charge per program, not for each minute spent with a trainer. With this model, you receive far beyond what you would get in an hour-by-hour package model, which allows you to feel confident and stay on track as you work through your dog’s training plan.
At K9 Turbo Training, our Certified Professional Dog Trainers use reinforcement-based training methods so dogs can learn in a way that is motivating, fun, effective, regardless of their training goals.
A Quick Problem-Solving Session is a 40-minute virtual appointment with one of our certified trainers to get immediate help with a specific dog training question or situation.
You’ll receive expert guidance, practical solutions, and a written plan – all without committing to a full training program.
