Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I determine if we should enroll in group or private lessons?

A: This is based on several things: the handler’s schedule; the dog’s reactivity / vocalization; family involvement and previous foundation. Your trainer will assist you with this decision at your evaluation.

Q: How can I work on my dog’s reactivity in a private lesson?

A: We invite other dogs to private lessons. Specially selected experienced students will attend some of your private sessions. The student will provide distractions for your dog and assist us to set up real world situations for training purposes.

Q: What will Fido learn?

A: We offer pet obedience packages that train your dog to pay attention to you, heel, sit, sit stay, down and down stay and we set the foundation for a lifelong Come When Called command.

Q: What comes after pet obedience?

A: We hope you will stay involved and join us for Graduate Drop-In School. In Grad School your dog will build more reliability. Grad School also helps the handler to prefect their skills and builds handler confidence. Grad School is open to all Auntie Dog program graduates.

Q: What else can my dog do at Auntie Dog?

A: Auntie Dog offers AKC Rally workshops and Run Thrus; Therapy Dog workshops and certifications; Obedience Run Thrus; the AKC Canine Good Citizen test and we sponsor off site outdoor training events for PawTalk members. In addition our students participate in a number of charity walks and fundraisers.

Q: Why do I need an evaluation? Isn’t that just a sales gimmick?

A: We want to meet you and your dog before recommending the best course of training for you. If your dog has specific behavioral challenges, we want the opportunity to discuss them, observe them and to determine the best way to proceed in order to meet your training goals. We do not charge for the evaluation service and will not pressure you to purchase training before you are ready.

Q: I want references before I purchase training.

A: Review our website and select a few student testimonials that interest you. We will provide you with the contact information at your evaluation.

Q: What kind of equipment will my dog train in?

A: We do not support or teach a “one collar fits every dog approach”. That would be unfair and ineffective. We use flat collars, nylon slip collars, toggle chains, prong collars and remote collars. We select the best collar for the dog and the family’s training goals. Equipment is included in most of our training packages.