FAQ
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WHAT IS BALANCED TRAINING?
We are firm believers that in order to teach a dog how to behave appropriately in the human world we must teach the dog what IS acceptable and what IS NOT acceptable. The balanced training philosophy does exactly that. We communicate with dogs using the concept of pressure and release to ensure crystal clear communication with the dog. In balanced training, we always reward the dog for good behaviour and we apply guidance, structure, rules and boundaries to support and encourage these good desirable behaviours. Most dogs get plenty of love and affection but very few dogs get the leadership and guidance that they need to feel safe and protected. When a dog has to be responsible for his own safety and rules he tends to create a lot of chaos and undesirable behaviours.
In the early stages of the training process we use a lot of reward to shape the dog’s behaviour and to teach them what is expected from them. Once the dog has learned these expectations, the proofing phase begins to ensure that they listen to their handler no matter what distractions surround them. We never use corrections until the dog understands 100% what is expected from them in all situations. So, what do we mean by 'correction'? A correction is simply giving the dog the information he needs in each situation to be successful. It can be a verbal 'no', spacial pressure (using your body to block or encourage the dog's motion), or prong/e-collar guidance.
WHY DO YOU TRAIN WITH E-COLLARS?
Modern E-Collar training is the most effective, reliable and humane way of training... and the only safe way to have a dog off leash. E-collar allows your dog to stay tuned into you around high level distractions, former triggers for reactivity and overexcitement and works at a distance, making reliable off leash a possibility! If you truly want to transform your dog in the most humane and effective manner, E-Collar is the answer. We teach your dog the language of this collar so when they come home they are fluent and you just need to give the commands!
It’s NOT a shock collar! Thankfully, technology has come a LONG way and we live in an era of technologically advanced e-collars that are extremely safe and we only use the safest and most reliable brand from E-Collar Technologies. You truly get what you pay for when it comes to e-collars, and going with a cheap brand will not serve you or your dog. The modern and specialized collars that we exclusively use from E-Collar Technologies have levels ranging from 0-100 and all of our training is done using the lowest levels possible which, in most cases, cannot be felt by human skin.
We use low level, communication style patterning- modern E-Collar training looks NOTHING like the e-collar training of the past. Modern specialized e-collars from E-Collar Technologies provides the same feeling as a Tens Unit that you would experience from your chiropractor and does not burn or irritate your dog’s skin. This stimulating sensation is the medium we use to create the communication with the dog that allows us to achieve amazing results like safe and reliable off leash recalls.
WHY DO YOU USE PRONG COLLARS?
Prong collars allow us to communicate with our dogs using the least amount of force possible compared to other types of collars. Prong collars are designed to sit elevated off the dogs neck and apply even pressure around the neck, protecting the dog's trachea. When used and fit correctly, the prong collar gives us a way to communicate with dogs using very little effort and allows us to create a calmer and more tuned in state of mind within the dog. All types of dogs benefit from this type of communication whether they are nervous, fearful, over excited, aggressive, happy go lucky, etc. because the basic problem is always the same... a lack of clear communication. We teach dogs that their behaviour and decisions control whether or not they feel the guidance of the collar.
There is no denying that prong collars look unusual! The truth is, that they are the most gentle and effective way to communicate with a dog when used properly and by a professional. Not only are they a great communication tool, they are the most humane and safest tool when used properly.
AM I THE RIGHT TRAINER FOR YOU? ARE YOU THE RIGHT CLIENT FOR ME?
The trainer - client relationship is one of the most important parts of successful dog training. It is important that you become familiar with our training philosophy and the training techniques we use and be 100% on board. We want you to be comfortable with our training tools and we need you to be as excited about training your dog as we are! We're in this together, training your dog is a team effort!
Here are some of the qualities that we look for in our clients:
We are looking for clients who are completely open minded to the balanced training approach. Yes, we will use praise and reward to train your dog, but we will also correct bad behaviour. We will use praise, reward and tools to set up a clear communication system with your dog so that you can give him the information he needs to be successful.
We are looking for 100% commitment from our clients because the more effort you put in to training your dog, the greater your success will be. We have a training system and philosophy that works and we are looking for clients who are going to take our advice, tools and techniques and apply them to their lives to get amazing results... this is a team effort and we all need to give 100%.
For dogs that have behavioural issues (especially aggression, guarding and anxiety), we ask clients to stop giving excessive affection to their dog. Affection is a dog’s most valuable reward. Giving constant verbal, physical, and food praise increases their unwanted behaviours. Once your dog behaves in a calm, respectful and polite manner and understands what is expected of them should they be rewarded with affection. We ask that your dog sleeps in a crate at night and you restrict or totally remove furniture privileges as a way to manage certain behaviours.
When your dog has behavioural issues you need to recognize that there’s a problem and that the way you are living with your dog is a part of the problem. I am here to help you work through the issues and set you up for success at home. Your management once the dog returns home is what will lead to long term success so you need to ensue that everyone that will be handling your dog is on the same page and enforcing the commands, rules, discipline and boundaries in the same way.
We are looking for clients who will follow through with their homework- in fact be excited to do their homework! Dog training is a lifestyle that doesn't stop after class or after the board and train program ends. It is imperative that you be committed to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week follow through at home for the success of your dog's training. The clients we work with are committed to giving their dogs daily structured exercise and upholding our household management program. Dog training is not just a set of commands... it is a way of life that includes rules, boundaries, expectations and accountability. We're creating a new lifestyle for an entire family... not just one dog.
Daily structured walks are vital to your leadership success and bonding with your dog. You do not need to walk your dog for hours, the goal is to provide structure, not exhaustion. You need to walk your dog in a structured heel for an amount of time that works for you- this builds your leadership and exercises your dog’s brain as well as their body.
To us, dog training is not just a series of commands that your dog performs to receive a treat. Dog training is creating a calm, well behaved, truly obedient dog in real world situations... even around distractions! The idea of working with your trainer once a week or dropping your dog off for a board and train and then thinking nothing else is required is unrealistic. Yes, your dog will make drastic improvements once we are done training, but the work doesn't stop there. Your dog will need to be held accountable on a consistent basis for the new behaviours and skills that they have learned. This is why we place SO MUCH importance on educating and empowering owners. If you don't use it, you lose it!
MY DOG IS VERY FEARFUL, ANXIOUS AND NERVOUS... SO I SHOULDN'T USE E-COLLAR RIGHT?
Actually, modern E-Collar training is the gentlest and most effective way of training dogs with these types of issues. Our e-collar training system is designed to create more confident, relaxed and comfortable dogs.
WHO WILL BE TRAINING MY DOG?
We will set up your dog’s program and will be working hands on with you and your dog implementing the program but ultimately it will be YOU who is training your dog by completing your DAILY homework exercises between sessions and following the training program before and after the Board and Train.
DO YOU TRAIN SMALL DOGS?
We train all breeds and sizes of dogs. The only difference in training the different sized dogs is the size of the equipment used. You will see French Bulldogs, Chihuahuas, Yorkies and lots of other little guys in our social media posts. Here is the link to Youtube videos featuring small dogs.
DO YOU TRAIN USING TREATS?
No, we don't typically use treats , however; we do use a dog's regular meals during training. We have found it super helpful to have dogs work for their meals or 'paycheck'. When a dog has to work for a living his mindset will shift from entitlement to making effort, this is referred to as 'food drive'. Training goes so much faster for a dog who has a high food drive and a great attitude about work. If your dog is not food motivated at all, we can work on building their food drive and spicing their kibble up with treats if necessary. Eventually, we phase out the food when the time is right.
MY DOG ISN’T FOOD MOTIVATED, CAN YOU STILL TRAIN HIM/HER?
YES!!! Although we like to use food to introduce new skills, it’s not a deal breaker if the dog isn’t food motivated. We just go ahead and train the dog. Don’t let food training (or what you’ve heard about food training being the only option) stop you from reaching your goals with your dog! So so so many dogs aren’t motivated by food and they are still just as trainable by using different approaches.
ARE DOG TRAINING RESULTS GUARANTEED?
Due to the high number of variables and conditions involved in dog training, it would be unethical for us to offer a 100% guarantee. However, we only choose the most committed and diligent clients to work with so we have found that our clients make dramatic changes and see break through results with their dogs. We will work hand in hand with you as a team in your dog's training and it has been our experience that this kind of support and encouragement breeds amazing transformations. Our comprehensive training program, go- home sessions and followup combined with owner commitment and follow through, will make us a great training team.
DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTS FOR MULTIPLE DOGS?
No. We put the same amount of effort and time into each and every dog who comes through our program. Even when training multiple dogs each dog has to be individually trained and then the dogs are trained together so this actually means more training so no discount is offered.
DO YOU OFFER ONE ON ONE SESSIONS AND ONE WEEK PROGRAMS?
We get asked this quite a bit for dogs who “are trained and don’t need the full program” or “my dog only has this one issue!” We used to offer similar services, however we quickly found the dog’s training was not nearly up to our standards and they ended up requiring the full program. It can take up to a week for us to build a relationship with these dogs so we stopped offering this “quick fix.” We are looking to make long lasting changes in these dogs, and a week or a few hours of training one-on-one is not nearly enough time. Time is one of the greatest tools in dog training.
Do you offer any programs that are less than 3 weeks or less expensive?
Our comprehensive Board and Train program is designed to support you through your training journey by rehabilitating your dog and helping you reach all of your training goals. We want to set you up for success when you train with us and our well rounded training approach give you the best chance at the long term success you are looking for.
We do not offer a-la-carte services for training or programs outside of our listed Board and Train program. We understand that our training approach may not be the one that all dog owners are seeking but still encourage you to use our Free Resources links on our website as training information you can apply at home. We do not offer discounts, payment plans or exceptions to our standard programs and fees.
DO YOU OFFER TOURS?
Since we operate this out of our home we do not offer tours. We have dogs on site that are in various stages of training and having strangers in their space while training is an unfair distraction. We post daily on our social media, where you can see the dogs interacting with their indoor and outdoor environment.
CAN I COME VISIT MY DOG DURING TRAINING?
No. During board&train it is very important that your dog is fully immersed in our program and subjected to any distraction that may derail their progress. The changes that will be made to their behaviour and mindset require that your dog starts fresh and builds their skills before reintroduction to their pack. You can follow the progress on social media and through our personalized updates that are emailed to owners at various stages of the training.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO USE THE PRONG/E-COLLAR ON MY DOG? WHEN CAN I STOP USING THEM?
The prong collar and Ecollar are the tools that help you to communicate with your dogs making life easier and more harmonious for you both so the goal shouldn’t be to stop using them, but to continue using them lifelong for longterm success. These tools are like the ‘walkie talkie’ between you and your dog making it a simple matter of giving your dog the information and guidance that keeps them safe, helps them make good choices, and addresses poor choices. Our own personal dogs are trained very well but they still wear these tools when we are training or going off leash and always will because we LOVE our dogs. It's like an insurance policy. Yes, these dogs are trained and yes they don't seem to need the tools anymore BUT they are not perfect, they are dogs and all dogs get distracted and can do silly things. So they wear their e-collar 'just in case' like an insurance policy.
What we cannot emphasis enough is that removing the training collars should not be the goal in your mind. It is okay to leave the e-collar on; it is a very reliable backup measure much like your seat-belt. You are NOT a bad driver because you have fastened your seat-belt and likewise, you are NOT a bad trainer/owner because your dog is wearing an e-collar. Do you ever become a good enough driver that you no longer need to wear your seat belt?
DO YOU OFFER REFRESHERS FOR GRADUATES?
Yes! Once your dog has graduated our board&train program they are welcome back for refresher training. Graduate dogs are welcome back for refreshers when things have gotten a little off track at home and the dog needs to brush up a skill. Pricing and further information is available under the Services/Rates tab on the website.
I WANT TO TAKE MY DOG BACK TO THE DOG PARK AFTER TRAINING
So many of our clients have dogs that first developed severe behavioural problems from bad experiences at doggy daycare, off leash parks, and other locations where they were mistreated, harassed, and/or attacked by off leash dogs... or they were the ones who were enabled to do the attacking! This is one of the main reasons that we don’t recommend these places for dogs- simply put it can lead them right back to their behavioural issues after training.
After training we recommend that clients avoid dog parks because unknown and possibly unfriendly dogs can cause a bad experience for your newly trained dog, especially for dogs that have come for rehabilitation for dog reactivity or aggression. A lot of dogs cannot stay mentally healthy and balanced in the same type of environments that initially created their severe behavioral issues. Another reason for avoiding dog parks is due to the risk of disease and infections from the environment and other dogs, such as kennel cough and leptospirosis.
If a top goal of a potential client is to take their formerly dog aggressive and/or reactive dog into these dangerous/unpredictable environments, we find this to be in conflict with the training and will undermine your dog’s behaviour and mindset rehabilitation.
WHAT METHOD OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
We love e-transfer! We also accept cash and PayPal. If you'd like to pay by credit card we can accommodate that too! We do all our invoicing through PayPal which gives you the option to pay either by credit card or via your own PayPal account (if you have one, but it's not necessary... you can simply pick pay by credit card) when you opt to pay the invoice.
HOW DO I CONTACT FIND YOUR BALANCE DOG TRAINING?
Contact us on our Questionnaire page by filling out and submitting the form. We will get back to you soon but PLEASE be patient with us. We are a very small business with very high demand and we are typically booked months out. So, it can take some time for us to go through all of the Questionnaires we recieve and reply back to each one. If we think we can help you, we will certainly be in touch, thank you for your patients!
DO YOU TAKE IN DOGS FOR REHOMING?
We are so sorry to hear about your situation. Unfortunately we do not take in dogs for rehoming under any situation. We recommend contacting your local rescue groups for help rehoming your dog.