1 What are your qualifications and experience?
2 What methods do you use ? Why ? What alternatives are there ?
3 What happens when my dog gets it right ?
4 What SPECIFICALLY happens when my dog gets it wrong ?
5 What resources do you offer me ? What support do I get ?
6 Do you guarantee results ?
7 How long does it take to see results ?
2 I use scientifically proven principles of psychology to change behavior with positive reinforcement / reward based training .Punitive training methods have been consistently shown to create aggression and anxiety in dogs subjected to them and to otherwise damage your relationship with your dog .
3 Dogs will be rewarded with various things of value to the dog eg treats ,toys , games , praise, physical affection etc .
4 Reward will be withheld or the dog may get a MILDLY unrewarding consequence eg be removed , or owner may walk away , or a verbal cue the dog got it wrong .In the case of strong aggressive dogs we are unable to hold , I may use a specific brand of a kind head collar to enable us to gently hold or remove the dog while training takes place . We do not use chokers , martingales (half chokers ) prong collars or electric collars . A specific design of harness which enables us to turn the dog from the front by a leash attached to the chest , which doesn’t interfere with walking ,impact the joints ,or put pressure on the throat, is the preferred option, but sometimes a head collar will be necessary to safely and kindly hold some strong or aggressive dogs . The dog will always receive a positive , rewarding , gradual introduction to the head collar prior to any training taking place .(A recent veterinary study has found that head collars cause less physical damage than many harnesses including y shaped harnesses. )
5 Clients receive extensive notes on all common problems and skills training so will never need a trainer again -because now you will know more than many of them ! Clients are encouraged to film the techniques in the consult , which can be done on a phone , receive a plan to follow, and follow up support by way of phone or email check in every 2 weeks( or more often if wanted ) as long as required , and receive uncharged support as needed by phone or email for the life of the dog.
6 and 7. I guarantee you will see improvement during the consult .In multi dog conflict(dogs who live together and fight ) results cant be guaranteed but I will be upfront about this and the chances of success prior to booking . As dogs learn by repetition the ultimate result depends on the client using the method consistently until the new habit is formed ,but as per reviews ,very good results are obtained within a relatively short period with practice .
