How does it work?
 First, you will schedule a phone consultation with the trainer. This Allows us to gather a full and detailed history of the problem you are having. From there, we will craft a customized management plan that will minimize problems during the training process. We will then determine what training exercises to focus on in our first lesson.
Next, you will bring your dog to the 4Paws University training center for your first scheduled lesson. We will take some time to get to know your dog and then will instruct you on how to teach your dog necessary exercises. We will adjust all exercises to fit the needs of you and your dog.
Depending on the type and scope of the problem behaviors you want to address, additional lessons may be required. For example, while we can give dog owners housetraining strategies in one session, problems such as fear or aggression will likely require multiple sessions.
How long will it take to get results?
Unfortunately, dog's don't understand deadlines. For that reason, we create a training and behavior program that you can be successful with and will have long-term effects. How quickly that plan delivers the desired results depends on many factors outside of our control including:
- Type and intensity of the problem
- Current level of training
- Your time and commitment
If you have limited time or energy to work with your dog on a daily basis, or if you are inconsistent with the training or the methods used, you most likely won't be as happy with the results as those dog owners who follow the training program as outlined.
For some dogs, training and management are a lifetime process. For others, it can be a matter of just learning the right exercises to improve your dog's manners. We will work with you to set realistic and achievable goals.
Do you guarantee the results?
Because there are numerous factors that determine the success of a training program, including the dog's health and temperament and the compliance of all family members responsible for the dog, it is unethical to guarantee results.
Due to these reasons, we are restricted from offering guarantees regarding the outcome of any training or behavior service by the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers, as well as the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
Our goal is for you and your dog to achieve success. We will work with you to make any necessary adjustments to the training program so that you continue to make progress.
I want you to come to my house.
 Many owners like the convenience of having a trainer come to their home, but it is not necessarily more beneficial. Starting your dog's training program at our training center minimizes the many distractions that can occur at home and cut into your lesson.
Whether aggression, overexuberance or disobedience, in most cases we don't need to see your dog in action to address the problem. This is especially true in cases of aggression. See Understanding Aggressive Behavior to understand why.
In some cases, certain behaviors dictate that the dog be seen in the home. If you feel this is necessary, please contact us to discuss training options.
Can I contact you outside of my training sessions?
Of course! We will provide support by phone or email if you have questions or problems at any point in your dog's training, which may continue long after our training program has ended.
Do you use shock collars?
We will never employ or endorse the use of shock collars. Read why.
Will you train my "outside dog"?
We do not offer training services for dogs that are intended to live outdoors more than 8-10 hours per day (regular workday). Our training programs focus on teaching dogs to be well-behaved family companions.
Will you tell me to put my dog to sleep?
We will not tell any dog owner to euthanize their dog. We strongly believe euthanasia or rehoming is a personal choice to be made by owners after considering all factors, including severity and predictability of behavior, response to training, effective management and potential liability.
Our role is to provide the owner with a clear view of those factors. If euthanasia or rehoming is being considered by the owner, we can offer consultation and appropriate referrals for additional opinions, as necessary.
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