Below are commonly asked questions and answers related to dog training and the Dog Gone Good training programs:

Q: Can a dog really be trained?
A: Absolutely! All dogs are capable of being trained. With the proper attention and the owner's consistent efforts, dogs can be trained to be peaceful, well trained companions.

Q: What will I have to do in between classes?
A: In class you are given the tools you need to work with your dog. A total of 30 minutes of training each day will help ensure optimal results. This can be done in 10 or 15 minute increments and by more than one family member.

Q: Is my dog too young to be trained?
A: A dog’s optimum training period starts at 6 weeks of age. See class requirements.

Q: Is my dog too old to be trained?
A: A dog is never too old to learn. Adult dogs of all ages welcome. See class requirements.

Q: Are other family members/children allowed to come to class?
A: It is important for all family members to participate in the training at home. All adult family members and older children are encouraged to come to class. Younger children are welcome too, but the main focus needs to be on your dog. Therefore, it is usually best to have more than one adult present if young children will be coming to class.

Q: What is Dog Gone Good’s success rate?
A: Most of our clients are referred by vets, groomers, or our previous clients. This is because our clients are successful and happy with our program. To read statements from some of our clients, please click on Success Stories on our menu bar. Your dog's success also depends on you. In class you are given all the tools you need to work with your dog on class content at home (see above). What you get out of the class will depend on what you put into it each week. Your dog will work for you if you motivate him. In class you will be taught how your companion thinks and how to figure out what motivates him the most. Each class will consist of instruction, demonstration, practice and instructor feedback, discussion and questions, review of homework and class handouts.

Q: What training method does Dog Gone Good use?
A: We use positive reinforcement and leadership based training methods. We motivate the dog to learn through reward based training using treats, play, praise, etc. We also incorporate leadership exercises so your dog will not only know what you want him to do, but will also be compliant and obedient to your commands. We do not use any physical corrections in our training program.

Q: Do I have to use treats to train my dog? Will my dog become food/treat dependent? Will I always have to use treats?
A: We do not have to use treats if you choose not to for our in-home training program. In classes, treats work best because they can compete with the other distractions in class. Outside of class, treats are only a small part of the training program. If treats are used properly, your dog will not be food/treat dependent. We also teach you how to wean your dog off of treats without loosing the desired behavior.

Q: Does Dog Gone Good offer guarantees?
A: Our business runs almost entirely on referrals. This is because our clients are very satisfied.     View Success Stories
No one can guarantee an animal's behavior just like one can't guarantee a person's behavior. There are many factors that can affect a dog's behavior such as health, breeding and temperament. Your dog's success highly depends on the your commitment and compliance to the training program. Therefore, we are not able to offer money back guarantees. If you follow through with the training you should see an improvement in your dog's behavior. If your dog's behavior improves from training and then regresses in the future, it is most likely because someone who interacts with the dog is not following the maintenance program (unless health related). Therefore, we do not offer a guarantee to retrain in the future at no charge. Please keep in mind that this allows us to keep our rates down. We are often told that are rates are very reasonable. We believe in only charging our clients for the time needed to train their dog. All families and their dog's are different. We personalize our in-home training program to fit your needs and will recommend a sufficient amount of time to give you the tools you need to continue to be successful once we have finished our time together.    Get Free Estimate