Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

WHAT IS YOUR TRAINING METHODOLOGY?

At REkALIBRATED k9, we place major emphasis on staying up to date with the latest studies in animal behavioral science. Our science-based training methods are designed to help owners better communicate with their dogs by giving the dogs consistent feedback and understanding why dogs behave the way they do. Desired behaviors are taught and encouraged using positive reinforcement (such as treats and praise). Unwanted behaviors are discouraged by teaching the dog that these behaviors simply do not work and hold no value. For example, rather than using a leash correction or a verbal correction to stop a dog from jumping up, we assume that the dog has learned that jumping on people is a good way to get attention. Therefore, we stop giving attention for jumping. When the dog picks a different behavior (such as sitting), the dog is positively reinforced for that choice with food, toys, and praise.



WHAT DOES REkALIBRATED k9 DO DIFFERENTLY THAN OTHERS IN THE FIELD?

If you have previously sent your dog away for training, you may have found that although your dog came home from "boot camp" with a long list of new skills, it was hard to maintain those skills once he or she returned home to you. Here at REkALIBRATED k9, we strive to teach YOU how to train and handle your dog. We want see you and your dog reach your goals together as a team. Therefore, we focus largely on private lessons and group classes where owners are encouraged to set their own goals and learn how to reach them.



WHAT TYPES OF DOGS DOES REkALIBRATED k9 TRAIN?

All types! The science behind behavior does not change—whether you've got a 5 lb chihuahua mix or a 100 lb pure bred doberman!



DO YOU OFFER A TRAINING GUARANTEE?

No. As a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) certified through CCPDT, I am forbidden from making any guarantees when it comes to training. The ability to affect behavior depends on a lot of things: whether homework instructions are followed, what the environmental circumstances are, etc. Success in training hinges on things as simple as the amount of time spent practicing and as complex as genetics. It is generally a huge red flag for a dog trainer to offer a guarantee. By doing so, they are implying a lack of knowledge of all of the factors that play a role in shaping behavior. To learn more about CCPDT's Code of Ethics and to get more information on selecting the right dog trainer, click here.



I WORK FROM 9-5. HOW WILL I BE ABLE TO FIT TRAINING INTO MY SCHEDULE?

No worries! We take appointments as early as 10 am and as late as 7 pm every single weekday. Our most popular appointment times are at 4:00, 5:30, and 7:00 pm central time.



WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINER?

Unfortunately, the dog training industry is presently unregulated. This means that anyone can start to call themselves a dog trainer whether they have the experience or education to be safe, effective, and humane... or not. For this reason, it is important to ask questions about what kind of qualifications and experience your dog trainer has. Professional associations such as the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (https://apdt.com/) and the International Association of Canine Professionals (http://www.canineprofessionals.com/) provide registeries and trainer searches to help dog owners connect with professionals who have been vetted and assessed for quality and education. A Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) has documented at least 300 hours of training time and has been recommended by a veterinarian in order to qualify to sit for an exam offered by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (http://www.ccpdt.org). The trainer must pass the exam and adhere to the CCPDT's code of ethics in order to be certified by the council. In order to keep the certification, a trainer must also submit at least 30 hours of continuing education credits every three years. This helps assure consumers that a trainer is up to date on the lastest research on canine behavior and conforms to an enforceable code of ethics.



Puppy Training Questions

WHEN SHOULD I START TRAINING WITH MY NEW PUPPY?

The best answer is: as soon as possible! We accept puppies for training as long as they have had their first round of vet-administered parvo and distemper shots for at least 7 days (this usally means puppies are about 10 weeks old) and stay on an age appropriate booster schedule. However, you should begin working with your puppy even before they are old enough for their first pupy class. Visit the Puppy Programs page and download the two books BEFORE You Get Your Puppy and AFTER You Get Your Puppy for more information.



MY FRIEND/CHILD/PARENT WILL BE GETTING A PUPPY SOON. CAN I GIFT THEM TRAINING?

Absolutely! We have gift certificates available, just ask!