Q: What is your training process and methods?

A. We are very often the last stop for clients who have tried several unsuccessful trainers because most training approaches merely focus on developing rehearsed obedience behaviors or just managing the problem. 

At Smart K9 Training we specialize in behavior. Our method has evolved into an approach that addresses the human-dog relationship and the dog’s fundamental state of mind. By addressing your relationship with your dog and the state of mind, we breakthrough to help you form a better relationship with your dog and open a clear line of communication that allows us to start cultivating new habits, mindful choices, and calmness instead of over excitability. 

In addition, we use obedience to provide safety and consistency for your dog because work builds confidence, instills a sense of purpose, creates engagement, and enhances focus. This is a comprehensive lifestyle approach with emphasis on setting a tone of leadership between you and your dog, setting a standard of expectation by requiring your dog to earn affection and privileges, and establishing a structured routine that makes life easier on you & your dog.

However, it's very important to understand the real secret to our success is the team effort of our clients. Dog training is a team sport. We need you to be committed to following a reasonable routine with your  dog that includes regular walks, daily obedience sessions, and enforcement of all the commands and behaviors we accomplish in training.  In this way, with dedicated clients, we are consistently successful with dogs that others are unable to help. This will be the last dog training you will ever need.

1st Step: Avoid conflict. 

Engagement and Relationship building through rewarding games that enhance communication under low to no distraction (Verbal Marker System). Also, implement structure that engenders believable leadership and certainty in the daily routine. Knowing what to expect relieves anxiety and also builds confidence.

2nd Step: Adding rules and criticism. 

As Confidence grows with the thrill of winning games, trust in our guidance grows as we repeatedly guide and direct our dog to the reward. When our dog is confident and trusting enough to accept criticism from us, we begin to add rules that make the games more challenging. The process of adding challenges teaches our dog that following rules is rewarding and taking direction from us helps them win the game. This creates a dog that willingly offers focus and engagement.

3rd Step: Add in communication systems. Every dog and every is different just like every owners expectations for their dog is different, we take a customized approach when creating a training protocol. We do not believe in a "one sized fits all" training program and take you and your dogs individual needs into deep consideration when training. 

4th Step: The 3 D's of dog training. 

Once our dog is giving us plenty of engagement, the trust is strong, and communication is clear, we then add Duration, Distance, and Distraction to all the obedience our dog has learned through the games. During this process we routinely interrupt our dog's impulses while making it rewarding to focus on us. This creates a mindful dog who understands his choices matter, who is accustomed to having his impulses interrupted, and who recognizes direction from us as help to win the game. This is a dog who wants our input and is willing to accept guidance from his leader.

A: The short answer? No. 

Our trainers are experts in reading and understanding dog behavior. They may see minor to major behavior issues that typically have never been seen/ brought to your attention by anyone else because they are not trained in behavior. 

In some cases, with "happy-go-lucky" dogs the doors are wide open as to which programs you would like to enroll your dog into.  In other cases the trainer may only accept your dog into one of our training programs. 

All of these things will be discussed at your evaluation.

A:  We do not believe in a "one size fits all" approach to dog training and may recommend and teach you how to safely use more advanced training tools like prong collars, slip leads, and collars. 

If you are uncomfortable with the use of any of these tools or would like to learn more about them, we ask that you bring this up during your new client evaluation. 

While in many cases advanced training tools are not necessary, in others it may help to provide the clear communication your dog needs. It is important to remember that these are tools that need to be taught to both you and your dog and taken seriously. 

A: No. Dogs sleep in individual kennels inside our climate controlled Training Center. We only work with a small number of dogs to give every dog the attention they need, and maintain a relaxed environment. Your dog's day proceeds with several hours of hands-on training, alternating between active commands, duration work, socialization with our balanced pack, socialization, and behavior modification exercises tailored to your dog's needs. They will also receive plenty of rest, down time, and personal one-on-one attention. Your dog’s well being is our primary concern.

A: Yes. We can make accommodations for clients traveling from more then 4 hours away. We need to meet you and your dog in person before they can be accepted into a training program. This is for our staff's safety and making sure we are all on the same page in regards to the training process and expectations.  We have many clients from 1 - 12h away and we can be flexible with scheduling, please email us.

Training fees must be paid in full to reserve the Dog’s spot in Training, 

 Training cancelled more than fourteen (14) days prior to scheduled drop off will receive a fifty percent (50%) refund of the total anticipated cost of services as though they were fully rendered; cancellation within fourteen (14) days of scheduled drop-off date shall result in no refund.

Evaluation fees are transferable up to one time if reservation is canceled within 72 business hours. Otherwise, evaluation fees are non-refundable.

A: We've never met a dog we could not improve. However, dog training is a team effort.  No matter how severe the issues may be, dedicated and diligent owners consistently see amazing breakthroughs and transformations with Smart K9 Training. 

Once you hire us you are part of the Smart K9 Pack, your success is our top priority, but your dog can't achieve full potential without you, and there will be homework. Even though we can help any dog regardless of size, breed, or issue, we need owners to be 100% committed and consistent to make it work. 

As such, it would be unethical for us to offer a 100% guarantee due to the many variables involved to create a well-behaved and balanced dog.

A: We have dealt with many clients who have heard this from previous trainers. Please call and ask to speak with a trainer so we can get you in for an evaluation as soon as possible. There is a good chance we can help with the issues you are having when other trainers have not been able to. We firmly believe that 99% of dogs can be rehabilitated with the right guidance.

We do not train dogs younger then 8 weeks old but starting your puppy in training young is always ideal to prevent behavior issues and get to know your dog even better!

All dogs must be CURRENT on vaccination records for THEIR AGE! 

We REQUIRE rabies, bordetella, and distemper. 

We do not specifically train potty training at out facility, so it is recommended your puppy / dog is potty trained before attending a board and train program. 

We do accept intact males and females into our facility. We are not a "free for all" facility. 

Please take a well rounded approach and do your own research before early spay / neuter is done on your dog.