Frequently Asked Questions
What specific advantages do you provide?What are the advantages of in home services?
What are your fees?
How many visits are required?
Why don't you have a single fee that covers all visits?
Can you solve behavioral problems without training?
What can I expect from your visits?
What about a guarantee?
What makes a good dog trainer/professional?
Can you demonstrate your training?
Do you provide references?
Are there any dogs you don't work with?
What methods do you use to work with and train dogs?
What if I don't want to use any corrections on my dog?
What about puppy classes and training?
Are some breeds better than others?
Is an AKC registered dog better?
Are some breeds dangerous?
What specific advantages do you provide?
There are many effective and skilled canine professionals in the Columbus, Ohio area, so I understand it can be a difficult decision when researching dog trainers or someone to work with your dog. My unique attributes include:
- I work hard to help owners achieve desired goals as quickly and economically as possible. My competitive fees and "pay-per-session" visits are focused on assistance not sales. Visits are well-organized to make optimum use of our time together, and I provide individualized solutions based on your specific goals.
- I assess a dog's personality and a family's dynamic, then tailor homework that enhances mutual communication, understanding and respect - necessary ingredients for dogs that are well behaved, devoted, and that listen. I work with dogs and their owners as a team. Sessions include my working with your dog, insight and education for you, and coaching as you practice "hands on" skills with your pet.
- I have no other employees. The person you speak with when making an appointment is the same person that will come to your home, work with you and your dog, provide all follow up, and is someone who has a vested interest in providing superior service. Sessions are relaxed, and you can contact me any time if you have a question, forget something, or run into a problem. Flexible appointment times are available to meet the needs of busy families.
- I truly enjoy helping. I have been serving Central Ohio as a Paramedic and Firefighter for over 30 years. In this career I have learned to listen carefully, communicate clearly, and always be flexible and have additional options ready if something isn't working. I bring those same attributes to every in-home session when working with dogs and their families.
- I have a formal education and certification by an internationally respected school (National K-9) for professional dog trainers. This education was "hands on", and provided by instructors with diverse backgrounds and many decades of combined experience. I have received endorsements in multiple areas of training competencies from this school. Because learning is a life long process, I participate in professional organizations, read periodicals and literature, view videos, attend continuing education seminars, and publish online.
What are the advantages of in home services?
Providing service in the home has many advantages. It allows working where you and your dog are more comfortable, and in the real-life setting where good behavior or obedience is desired. "In home" sessions allow me the opportunity to observe a wide variety of interactions between you and your pet, and to provide very specific ways for improving the life you share together. At most sessions I often spend 2/3 of my time working with the owners - so you'll receive more training, coaching, and information than group or residency programs typically offer. This unique level of attention can provide owners tremendous understanding when working with their dogs, with obvious benefits.
What are your fees?
My fees are competitive with other area professionals. They vary based on a number of variables including travel distance, number of dogs, service required, etc. Please contact me directly for details regarding your specific situation. Individuals coordinating fund-raising for shelter or rescue organizations may inquire about donated services.
How many visits are required?
That varies with each family and their pet. Many variables affect progress, including owner abilities and a dog's aptitudes and personality. I work hard with every family to meet desired goals in a reasonable amount of time and at a reasonable cost. Following outlined recommendations, working regularly with your pet, and consistently applying manners and/or obedience are important for optimizing progress.
Why don't you have a single fee that covers all necessary visits?
Because every dog and family is unique, a "pay-per-session" approach allows owners to assess progress and maintain control over goals. In short, why pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for a 'package' that includes things which may not interest you? By focusing on one session at a time, and working on goals you clearly define, how far and how fast you take your pet is always under your control. When you're happy, so am I. If you ever wish to add more to previous sessions, it's easy to do so at any time in the future.
Can you solve behavioral problems without training?
I do offer some clients options in dealing with behavioral issues that do not require training. Because obedience training always improves communication between a dog and its family, many clients desire some training in conjunction with behavioral assistance. Also, some dogs may require training before a problem behavior can be thoroughly or safely addressed.
What can I expect from your visits?
You can expect that I'll work hard toward your desired goals, and toward improving communication between you and your pet. I'll typically spend time at each session working with your dog, time educating you, and time helping you work with your own dog. I'm honest regarding typical results and timelines, and leave homework assignments at the end of each visit to encourage continued progress.
What about a guarantee?
While some services guarantee a dog's behavior into the future, be sure to read the fine print. The fact of the matter is this - all living creatures are a product of their genetic make up AND environmental influences - nature and nurture. Since a dog's health, home, or environment may change in the future, so might its performance or behavior. While training your dog decreases the likelihood it will ever become problematic, no reasonable person can predict what tomorrow holds.
I work very hard to keep each client satisfied, and have many who recommend me to their friends, family, and co-workers. If for any reason you don't feel a session was beneficial, I'm happy to waive payment and refer you elsewhere.
top topWhat makes a good dog trainer/professional?
They should be someone you're comfortable working with and who is effective in delivering the results you desire. Interview that person and ask questions. Be honest with them regarding any goals and/or problems. They should be willing to provide a live demonstration of a dog that they have worked with or trained, be certified by an approved agency or school, and maintain respected professional affiliations.
Can you demonstrate your services?
Yes! You can view my video page, or I'll be happy to arrange a live demonstration of one of my dogs upon request.
Do you provide references?
The short answer is NO. In todays age, there are more reliable ways to research a potential service provider, and I do not share the personal information of existing clients with unknown callers on the phone. My "service guarantee" is offered in lieu of references - anyone can schedule an appointment and judge for themselves the usefulness of my services.
Are there any dogs you don't work with?
I do at times make referrals to other Columbus area professionals if I think it's in the best interest of the dog or its family. For example, a family who is unable to work with their dog may be better served by a residency training program. Also, serious cases of aggression (especially in large dogs), are better dealt with in a training facility than a home.
What methods do you use to work with and train dogs?
My sessions are designed to help you and your dog progress as quickly as possible to a better life together. Because of this, I use a variety of methods, and custom tailor "homework" based on your dog's individual personality and your specific goals. Sessions are conducted in a clear and natural manner for every dog, while developing language, understanding, and mutual respect between owner and pet.
topWhat if I want to train my dog using only positive reinforcement?
The choice of training methods is ultimately up to you - the dog's owner. If you feel such training will meet your needs, then by all means feel free to give it a try. In my experience, dogs taught using ONLY positive reinforcement often view their owner's wishes as "optional". This generally leads to confusion and problems for both owner and dog, and is a frequent factor in many of the dog's I'm asked to help.
What about puppy classes and training?
The first 16 weeks of a puppy's life is a critical socialization period - one when they are learning all about their new world. A puppy's mother shoulders most of this responsibility for the first 8 weeks (hopefully), then it often falls on a new family. Properly introducing a puppy to new persons, places, and things during this 16 week period can positively influence its future personality and confidence.
I typically recommend a group "puppy pre-school" for dogs of this age, to broaden their exposure to the world. If a family cannot attend a group class or desires one-on-one assistance, I offer private puppy consultations which provide the same information (socialization, house breaking, play biting, etc.). Either path can provide a great start to a well adjusted life together.
topAre some breeds better than others? Is an AKC registered dog better?
Certain breeds usually exhibit certain characteristics and aptitudes which may or may not be important to you. A dog's personality is also dependent on its experiences and handling, especially during the first 4 months of life. The "AKC" registration suggests
similarity to others of its breed, but it does not assure a good pet or a proper match for you or your family.
Are some breeds dangerous?
Certain breeds because of strength or size (or some other characteristic) may be chosen by irresponsible
persons for illegal or ill-advised tasks. These breeds then develop a reputation. Eventually insurance companies or local
authorities impose regulations making ownership of these breeds difficult. The irresponsible parties who gave the breed a bad
reputation eventually move on to some other breed, and the cycle repeats.
Breeds with bad "reps" require a strong, responsible owner. One who will spend the time and energy necessary to make certain their dog is well mannered and a good citizen. Because of their size and strength, these breeds may be a poor match for some owners.
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