Frequently Asked Questions
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.
