Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question? We’ve got answers to some of the most common ones we receive below. Can’t find what you’re looking for? No worries, just send us a message with your questions and we’ll be in touch.

General FAQs

When should I start training my new puppy?

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.

Will my adult dog benefit from training?

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.

How long will it take to train my 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.

What training methods do you use?

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.

What tools do you use?

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.

What is your guarantee?

At K9 Turbo Training, we guarantee that we will work alongside you to create a plan that will help your dog achieve their training goals in a way that is fear-free, fun, and efficient. We guarantee that you and your dog will be treated with kindness and respect throughout the training process and that your trainer will work to set you up for success as you work to achieve your goals. Though we fully recognize that dogs are sentient, free-thinking individuals whose behavior itself can never be 100% guaranteed, we promise that will will be here to help, guide, and support you every step of the way and be there should you hit any roadblocks, even after you’ve completed training with us.

What type of training is right for me?

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 Training FAQs

How long are classes?

Most group classes are 45 minutes long, which we find to be the perfect amount of time for most dogs to train.

How many weeks is each class?

Core group classes (Basics, Puppy or Receive 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.

What if I can’t make it to every class?

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.

What vaccines are required for class?

We require all dogs be UTD on age-appropriate vaccines, including rabies and distemper, 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.

Do puppies need to be fully vaccinated to attend puppy class?

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.

How many dogs are in each class?

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.

How are group class sessions structured?

In group class sessions, your trainer will introduce multiple behaviors for you to train hands-on with your dog, briefly discuss educational topics, and offer opportunities for questions. The majority of your time is spent actively working with your dog.

What if I have more than one dog?

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.

Does my dog need to be spayed or neutered?

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.

How do I contact my trainer outside of class?

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.

I plan to take multiple manners classes. Can I get a discount?

If you’re planning on taking both Basic and Intermediate Manners, you can save $48 by purchasing them as a package. We recommend enrolling in the classes consecutively, but you may save your package credit and enroll in Intermediate Manners after a break, if your schedule prevents you from committing to 12 weeks of class.

My dog barks at other dogs, what class should I take?

If your dog barks or lunges at other dogs on leash or in public, start with Reactive Foundations Online, followed by Reactive Level 1 in-person before taking one of our non-reactive group classes. Whether your dog has a history of aggressive behavior or they just become overly excited when they see other dogs, these classes will help give you and your dog the tools to manage these behaviors before you attempt to join a group class where dogs will be focused on building other skills.

Dogs in group class
Free resources

Private Training FAQs

How do I get started with private training?

All private training starts with an Initial Intake Evaluation appointment, where you will meet 1:1 with an Intake Evaluator who will review your dog’s history, discuss your training goals, match you into a program, and get you a plan that will prepare you to start private training with your trainer.

How long are training sessions?

Private training sessions are one hour long, with exceptions for private agility or add-on sessions for clients already enrolled in group classes, which are a total of 45 minutes.

What is your pricing structure for private training?

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.

What support will I receive throughout and after training?

While enrolled in your program, you will meet in private sessions with your trainer. During this time, you will have unlimited access to open hours where you can schedule unlimited troubleshooting 1:1 calls so you can ask questions or work through any challenges between sessions. You will also have free access to our community support group and will walk away with free access to open office hour Zoom or phone call appointments for 6 months to ensure you stay on the track or are able to work through any kinks that may arise.

Board & Train FAQs

What is the cost of Boarding?
Service
Cost
Boarding: Mon-Thurs $109
Boarding: Fri-Sun $139
Holidays
Price
Includes
Peak pricing for holiday weeks $159 Labor day, Memorial day, 4th of July, Easter, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day
Add-ons
Price
Includes
Special care $10/night Meals requiring more than wet/dry food, including frozen/raw food, add on oils, etc.; husbandry/special daily needs (eye drops, medical/special wipes, additional medical daily checks, etc.)
When can I drop off/pick up my dog from Boarding?

Day of drop off = full day, regardless of drop of time
Pick up before 11am = free
Pick up after 11am = full day fee

Boarding image - two golden retrievers

Get started with K9 Turbo Training today!