Dog Training Frequently Asked Questions
- Do you teach Obedience Classes?
- My dog likes to pull when he’s on leash. I’m starting to think he’s walking me – and I’d like to turn that around! What should I do?
- Why can’t I bring my dog to the first session of the class series?
- I barely have enough time for myself these days, but I really want to train my dog to have better manners. Is this possible if I can’t dedicate all of my free time to training with my dog?
- My dog is interested in getting my husband a special birthday gift. Are training lessons a good idea?
- My little dog loves the dog park but often there are some big dogs there, and I feel nervous when they approach him. Do you have a place for him to play safely with other dogs?
- We don’t live near an off-leash park, so where can we go for our dog to socialize and play safely with other dogs?
- My dog is well trained and minds her manners. Why would I want to take her to any classes or workshops?
- Can you really teach an old dog new tricks?
- I’ve already completed classes with my dog and would love to take more. Where do we go from here?
- I’m already juggling a busy schedule so I don’t have time to take my dog to class. What would you recommend for us?
- I noticed that your training methods don’t employ choke chains or prong collars to instill obedience. Why not?
- Do you offer a discount for rescue adoptions?
- I’d like to come to one of the events at your studio. What do I need to do to get started?
Do you teach Obedience Classes?
Our classes teach more than just canine obedience — they educate you on the fundamentals of canine “parenting” by focusing on how your dog learns and communicates. Learning how to see the world through your dog’s eyes will help you successfully coach and motivate your dog to develop good manners (like sit, stay, and come when called). All of our classes and workshops are designed to teach you how to positively reinforce the behaviors you want while limiting and preventing inappropriate habits.
My dog likes to pull when he’s on leash. I’m starting to think he’s walking me – and I’d like to turn that around! What should I do?
You can learn how to teach your dog loose leash walking, a behavior that will enable you to enjoy your dog and your walk. Loose-leash walking is taught throughout our curriculum. You can learn and practice it in our Loose Leash Walking workshop, Good Manners class, and Pooch Tutor Time. You can also schedule a Private Training Session in our studio or in your home at a time that’s convenient for you.
Why can’t I bring my dog to the first session of the class series?
The first meeting in our Good Manners group class (except for Canine College, Circuit Training, and Pooch Tutor Time) is an orientation just for owners. You cannot bring your dog to this session as it is expressly for “humans only.” We have found that when owners start by focusing on their own education (without doggie distractions) they are better prepared to manage and coach their dogs in the classroom environment. By setting the stage for success, we want to help you and your dog get the most out of your classroom time.
I barely have enough time for myself these days, but I really want to train my dog to have better manners. Is this possible if I can’t dedicate all of my free time to training with my dog?
Absolutely! We suggest easing into the habit of working bits of training into your daily routine. So you don’t have to make any drastic changes to your schedule. Just try weaving practice time with your dog into your daily life, like taking your dog on errands and practicing sit/stay. Or rehearsing different manners with your dog while you are getting ready for work, cooking dinner or reading the newspaper!
In fact, dogs actually learn better in short increments, so even if you maintain a busy lifestyle, all you need is a few minutes a day.
My dog is interested in getting my husband a special birthday gift. Are training lessons a good idea?
Yes! The opportunity to learn and train with your dog is a wonderful way to celebrate any occasion together. And you can’t go wrong with a gift that will help enhance the dog-owner relationship for life! Please contact us to set up a gift in either the form of classes, workshops or private training sessions.
My little dog loves the dog park but often there are some big dogs there, and I feel nervous when they approach him. Do you have a place for him to play safely with other dogs?
Little dogs can occasionally get hurt playing with their bigger friends. That’s why we offer small dog Off-Leash Socials for dogs up to 25 pounds. Larger dogs enjoy their own, separate Off-Leash Socials. Your little dog can run wild with dogs his own size, tire himself out, and you can relax! All dogs must be spayed or neutered.
We don’t live near an off-leash park, so where can we go for our dog to socialize and play safely with other dogs?
We have a beautiful indoor studio where your dog can run, chase, play, or just hang out with other dogs during our Off Leash Socials. We are on-hand to supervise and give you insight into different doggy behaviors, so you can enjoy the show as you relax on the sidelines. During our socials, the leashes come off and all the dogs can be dogs together in a safe, clean environment. All dogs must be spayed or neutered.
My dog is well trained and minds her manners. Why would I want to take her to any classes or workshops?
Because learning is a life-long process for everyone—both people and dogs! Not to mention, training your dog is fun, and training a well-trained dog is even more fun. Continuing your education with your dog is a collaborative pursuit that strengthens and enhances your bond—plus it challenges you both to try something new and take your abilities to the next level. Dogs that have already learned good manners benefit greatly from the mental stimulation of new training, and owners find there’s still so much to be gained from going back to school!
Can you really teach an old dog new tricks?
Yes! And your dog can benefit greatly from the opportunity to learn! Continuing your dog’s education helps you provide a channel for much-needed mental stimulation, which can excite and motivate dogs of any age in ways similar to physical activity. Learning and training with your dog can help enhance your relationship while providing an essential creative and constructive outlet for you dog. Attending classes and leaning new skills provides your dog with an engaging mental work out, which can be a nice alternative to exercise and an extremely beneficial activity for dogs with physical limitations.
I’ve already completed classes with my dog and would love to take more. Where do we go from here?
Wherever you and your dog want to go! And any of our classes or workshops can help you achieve the goals you set. We can also help you determine what your next destination may be (fun tricks? more manners?) and help guide you there.
Our curriculum is designed to allow you to work with your dog at your own pace, according to your own level of comfort and expertise. We understand that terms like beginner, advanced, and intermediate can mean different things to different people. That’s why any of our classes are suitable for all learners—including new and experienced students, and everyone in between. We encourage you to focus on your own individual goals, no matter what level of training you may have previously completed.
With our guidance, every class can be modified to increase (or decrease) the level of difficulty so that you can learn at a pace that’s right for you. Our classes are designed to allow owners and dogs with all levels of education to benefit from new challenges and be motivated to take their abilities to the next level.
I’m already juggling a busy schedule so I don’t have time to take my dog to class. What would you recommend for us?
We offer in-home training and flexible hours so that you can enjoy all the benefits of our classes at a time and place that is convenient for you. Private Coaching is an effective, convenient and fun way for you, your dog, and your family to engage in a lifelong education together. With private training, you will enjoy strengthening your bond with your dog through a highly customized training plan developed to fit your lifestyle and meet your individual needs and goals.
I noticed that your training methods don’t employ choke chains or prong collars to instill obedience. Why not?
Our methods focus on educating you on canine “parenting”, and getting the behaviors you want. Items like choke, prong, shock, and Citronella collars are considered “correction based” devices that place emphasis on the behaviors you don’t want. You will learn positive and nurturing ways to reinforce the behaviors you want while limiting and preventing inappropriate ones, while having your dog wear comfortable dog-friendly items. Your dog’s behavior at home and in public is determined by dynamic factors that are often overlooked in traditional obedience training. That’s why our methods focus on understanding canine behavior so that you can successfully teach your dog good manners through techniques that reward and motivate. When dogs are rewarded for behaviors we want, they are more likely to mind their manners! For more information on our Doggy Dress Code, please view our policies and guidelines.
Do you offer a discount for rescue adoptions?
We do not offer discounts, however we support the advancement of companion animal welfare by making donations directly to the Canine Adoption and Rescue League, a Ventura County non-profit organization that is dedicated to the care and placement of dogs and puppies.
I’d like to enroll in one of your classes. What do I need to do to get started?
You can enroll in any of our programs by completing our convenient and secure online registration form or by calling to make a reservation (and bringing your enrollment forms to the first day of class). Note: For Canine College, please visit the Ventura College Community Education website to complete your registration.
Be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled “start” of class. This is for taking care of paperwork, settling your dog, and getting organized. Please be sure to bring a copy of your dog’s up-to-date vaccination records that we may look at (we do not keep records).
