Question 1

What age can my puppy start training?

Accepted Answer

It’s never too early to start! We start working with puppies as young as 10 weeks, and up to 12 months old.

Question 2

What kind of training method do you use?

Accepted Answer

We follow a balanced training approach, which means we use a mix of rewards, structure, and gentle corrections to help your puppy learn clearly and confidently. We start with food rewards, leash guidance, and verbal markers (like “yes” or “no”) to communicate what’s expected.
As your puppy progresses, we may introduce tools like a slip lead, martingale collar, or training collar (sometimes referred to as a remote collar or e-collar) depending on your puppy’s age, size, temperament, and your comfort level. These tools are used thoughtfully and always with the goal of creating a calm, well-behaved, and happy dog.
We walk you through everything step by step, so you feel confident using the tools and communicating with your puppy in a clear, consistent way.

Question 3

How long are the training sessions?

Accepted Answer

Each private puppy training session lasts about 1 hour. This gives us plenty of time to teach new skills, practice them with you and your puppy, and answer any questions you have. We move at your puppy’s pace, keeping things positive and productive while allowing breaks as needed. Most families choose to meet once a week, which allows enough time between sessions to practice the homework and see steady progress.

Question 4

What will my puppy learn during training?

Accepted Answer

We focus on the essentials to help your puppy grow into a well-behaved, confident adult dog. These include:
Name Recognition: Teaching your puppy to respond to their name consistently is the first step in building engagement and communication.
Sit, Down, and Stay: Core obedience commands that help build calmness, impulse control, and a solid foundation for future training.
Recall (Come When Called): Also known as recall—this is one of the most important skills for safety and reliability both at home and in public.
Loose Leash Walking/Heel: Helping your puppy learn to walk calmly beside you without pulling, making walks more enjoyable and controlled.
Potty Training: Establishing a consistent routine, recognizing signs they need to go, and reinforcing appropriate bathroom habits.
Crate Training: Teaching your puppy to see their crate as a safe, calm space can help with house training, boundaries, and reducing anxiety.
Confidence Building: Gently exposing your puppy to new sounds, surfaces, people, and environments to help them become a well-adjusted dog.
Handling Distractions and Boundaries: Teaching your puppy how to focus around new people, pets, or noises, and respecting rules in the home and outside (like not jumping, chewing, or bolting out doors).
These skills create structure, promote trust, and set the stage for a calm, confident, and respectful companion for years to come.

Question 5

Do I need to be present during training?

Accepted Answer

Yes—we work with you and your puppy together, so you learn how to communicate and continue the training consistently at home.

Question 6

How many sessions will my puppy need?

Accepted Answer

The number of sessions depends on your puppy’s age, temperament, and how consistent you are with practicing at home. Most families start with a 4 or 8-session private package, meeting once a week. This gives us time to build foundational skills like name recognition, sit, down, come when called, and polite leash walking, as well as address common challenges like biting, potty training, and boundaries in the home.
You’ll likely see progress after just a few sessions, but puppies thrive with routine and repetition—so ongoing training over several weeks helps everything “stick.” Some clients choose to continue with follow-up sessions as their puppy enters new stages, like adolescence, to reinforce good habits and stay ahead of behavioral changes.
We’ll always recommend what’s best for your specific pup and goals—and we’re happy to adjust as you go!

Question 7

Do you offer support between sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We provide weekly homework and guidance and encourage communication if you have questions between sessions.

Question 8

What should I bring to training?

Accepted Answer

For each session, please bring a standard 4–6 foot leash (no retractable leashes) and your collar of choice—whether that’s a flat buckle collar, martingale, or other tool you’re currently using. Also bring plenty of soft, high-value treats—think small bits of chicken, cheese, or your puppy’s favorite training treats. If your pup has dietary restrictions, bring appropriate alternatives.
A treat pouch or bag is helpful to keep rewards accessible, and if you’re working on crate or potty training, feel free to bring a crate if needed. Having some water and potty bags on hand is always a good idea.
And don’t forget to bring your patience and a positive mindset—training is a team effort, and we’re here to support both of you every step of the way!

Question 9

What if my puppy misses a session?

Accepted Answer

We understand that things come up—whether it’s a vet visit, a family event, or just a busy week. If you need to cancel or reschedule, just let us know as soon as possible. We ask for notice by 8pm the night before your scheduled session to avoid a $25 cancellation fee and help us keep things running smoothly.
Missing a session won’t undo your puppy’s progress, but consistency is key when it comes to training. If your puppy does miss a week, we’ll pick up right where we left off and adjust your training plan as needed. We may give you a few extra exercises to work on at home to help stay on track in between sessions.
Our goal is to support your puppy’s development, even when life gets a little unpredictable—just reach out and we’ll work with you!

Question 10

Is training indoors or outdoors?

Accepted Answer

Most sessions are held in your home or a controlled indoor setting, especially in the beginning. As your puppy progresses, we may work outside or in real-world environments to help them generalize their skills with more distractions.

Question 11

Do you train with e-collars or prong collars?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we use a balanced training approach, which means we incorporate a combination of rewards and clear communication tools to guide your puppy’s learning. Depending on your puppy’s age, temperament, and behavior, we may recommend tools such as prong collars or e-collars (also called remote collars)—but only when your puppy is ready and when you, as the owner, are comfortable with it.
These tools are not used to punish or scare your puppy. Instead, they serve as a gentle way to reinforce boundaries and communication, especially as your dog moves into more advanced training or develops stronger behaviors. We spend time teaching both you and your puppy how to use these tools correctly and fairly, always starting with the lowest level of pressure possible.
E-collars, for example, use muscle-stimulating feedback (not a shock) similar to a TENS unit used in physical therapy. We work to ensure it’s paired with clear direction and praise, so your puppy understands what’s expected in a positive and productive way.
Balanced training is about finding the right fit for each individual dog and building a strong relationship based on clarity, trust, and consistency. We’re happy to answer all your questions about tools during your consultation!

Frequently asked questions