FAQs

Indeed, you do. Our philosophy is that training is 70% focused on the human and 30% on the dog. Dogs typically grasp commands quickly, but for lasting results, owners must consistently reinforce these lessons. We provide one-on-one sessions, follow-up emails with video demonstrations, and in some programs, home visits to ensure you're effectively applying the training in your home environment.

The effectiveness of training largely depends on the owner's commitment. For behavioral issues, it's crucial that owners can enforce rules, provide consequences, and maintain consistency. If you're unable to discipline your dog or be consistent, the training may not yield the desired results. Success comes from establishing and enforcing boundaries, not just teaching commands. We're committed to only taking on cases where we believe we can make a positive impact.

While we don't offer guarantees, we've consistently seen progress with every dog we've worked with. Long-term success depends on the owner's ability to consistently reinforce the training. Dogs learn at different rates, and the training program provides the foundation. It's the owner's responsibility to maintain and build upon this foundation for lasting results.

We employ a balanced training approach, which means we use both rewards for desired behaviors and consequences for unwanted behaviors. This method has proven effective for addressing various behavioral issues that positive-only training sometimes struggles with. Our balanced approach allows us to communicate clearly with dogs, leading to quicker and more lasting results.

Yes, we do incorporate e-collars in our training. We view them as communication tools that allow us to convey a wide range of information to the dog, including balanced training methods. While they can be used for corrections, this is a small part of their function. Our goal is to achieve reliable off-leash obedience, which requires clear communication methods. We use a pressure on/off technique that doesn't rely on pain but on clear signals to the dog.

We do use prong collars in our training, but contrary to their appearance, they don't cause pain when used correctly. We utilize them as communication tools, applying the pressure on/off concept to clearly convey our expectations to the dog. Unlike flat collars, prong collars distribute pressure evenly and don't put direct pressure on the trachea. They're effective for dogs of all sizes and temperaments, allowing us to communicate effectively without causing discomfort.

No dog is too old to learn. Only mental declines due to age effect learning. Depending on the behavior and how many years you have left with your dog, the investment in training will be more or less worth pursuing.

Our approach is comprehensive rather than focused on individual issues. We believe that behavioral problems stem from underlying causes, often related to how we interact with our dogs. Our training programs aim to establish clear rules and boundaries, teaching owners how to consistently enforce these in a meaningful way. This holistic approach tends to address multiple issues simultaneously, even if you initially only had one concern.

It is not a waste of money to invest in the right training. Many owners come to us after being dissatisfied with other programs, often finding the previous approach too generic or lacking follow-through support. As specialized dog trainers in Bismarck and Fargo, ND, we pride ourselves on our advanced behavior modification and commitment to tailored, lasting solutions. We invite you to a consultation so we can show you our proven difference and create a plan that finally delivers the reliable, happy companion you deserve.

Our program aims to significantly improve your dog's obedience and behavior. We use a scoring system to measure progress, with the average dog starting at a score of 40 and finishing around 78. This represents a substantial improvement in obedience and reduction in problem behaviors. While perfection isn't guaranteed, most owners find this level of improvement transformative for their relationship with their dog. Remember, the key to long-term success is your consistent reinforcement of the training.