FAQ's

Q: How expensive is it?
A: Fees are based on $60 an hour. If I take a little longer, it isn't a problem. This is problematic, due to the number of questions you may have, while IMPORTANT, may be off the subject at hand.

I charge an additional .60 per mile fee most in home consults.

Q: How long does it take?
A: Each session should be approximately 1 hour in length. Most behavior problems usually take no more than 4 sessions (once a week = 4 weeks). The initial consultation visit is an interview, defines the issues to be addressed, and the programs I offer. YOU want the behavior nipped in the bud as quickly as possible and so do I.

Obedience training takes once a week sessions for 8 weeks. I could teach you what the dog should know in 4 weeks, but because I am teaching you some human coordination techniques as well, it takes twice as long. Sometimes small behavior problems can be addressed, while working primarily on Obedience at the same time.

Q: How long have you been doing this? What is your experience?
A: I have been training my own dogs for 22 years. I have been teaching Obedience training with All Breed Obedience Training Club (ABOTC) for 18 years. In that time, I have worked with literally thousands of dogs (and owners) of all breeds and disposition. I have recently been fortunate enough to become associated with a gentleman from Austin, TX, who is a Pack Behaviorist. He was formally a director of the Austin SPCA and director of the DOG BOY foundation, also located in Austin. After spending several days with him I discovered a whole new respect and appreciation of dog training. He has offered me his full support in my efforts and is available to me as a private "resource" for any situations which I am either unfamiliar with, or need another avenue of thought on.

Q: Is there a Guarantee?
A: Like all things in life, there are no Guarantees. I will state however, that I will never give up on any dog, unless there is evidence that the dog simply has gone too far to be rehabilitated (SEVERE aggression). My tenet is: If you don't give up on me, then I will not give up on you...or your dog!

Q: What about financial considerations?
A: I will not become a millionaire from dog training. Sad, but true. Reasonably, I expect full payment up front. I have found that if the owner commits a financial obligation, they are more likely to follow through with their part of the work. I am willing to work with you on a payment schedule if money is a real issue.

Q: What methods do you use?
A: I am committed to a "dog/human friendly" form of training. I use both POSITIVE and NEGATIVE reinforcements based on behavioral science.
NEGATIVE reinforcement does not mean punishment! Punishment constitutes a NEGATIVE reinforcement applied at the wrong time, usually long after the incident and out of proportion to the event. If we work together, I will explain the difference.

Many "modern" behaviorists and trainers today have TOTALLY done away with what they consider the "old" methods in their practices. While I am all for more humane and progressive forms of training, the attitude that "everything past is bad" is; "Throwing out the baby with the bath water." In my opinion, this leads to permissiveness for the sake of human feelings. Have you ever seen a female snap at her pups when she has had enough? It isn't inhumane, it's the natural world of canines! Remember, NEGATIVE reinforcement is not punishment, it is avoidance conditioning!

For those more informed about canine training methods, I was formally trained in the Koehler method of dog training. I have modified these methods to fit more progressive forms of training. I will teach you how to take command, with respect, of your dog.

Q: Is there a pill I can give my dog for this?

A: I was asked this once! Unfortunately, other than sedating the dog into a stupor, there isn't. Every dog is an individual, just like us humans. Even the best of thought out programs may require "tweaking", dependent upon the dog. If the trainer or behaviorist is really good, and looking for it, every dog should teach them something new about training. Nothing is set in concrete.