Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Start
- Requirements for Training
- Location
- Scheduling
- Training Methods
1. How to start a training program?
1. How to start a training program?
What program should I start with?
Check out our "Which Program is Best" Quiz to determine your ideal training plan.
Generally, a Virtual Private Session is the best starting point so you can discuss all of the details of your situation directly with Kelsey. That being said, if you are enrolled in the Membership prior to booking your first session, you will get a 20% discount on your private training!
I got a new puppy, where do I start!?
Enroll in our FOCUS on Puppies Program right away! Classes fill up quickly so it's best to save your spot as soon as possible! Check out our Puppy Training page for more details about the ideal puppy training program.
When can my puppy start classes? Should I wait until they are vaccinated before starting classes?
It is highly recommended that puppies start in the FOCUS on Puppies Program as early as possible, ideally between 8-12 weeks old. Even if the puppy is not finished with vaccinations, they can (and should) start training. Waiting to start puppy classes until after the vaccinations are completed will result in puppies that are not properly socialized before 16 weeks of age, significantly increasing the likelihood of developing behavior issues as they mature. Also, Virtual Training works at any age - even before bringing your new puppy home!
How do Virtual Training Sessions work?
Once you purchase Virtual Training Sessions, you will receive detailed directions via email for how to set up your video conference calls.
-For Virtual Training, click this link to learn how to prepare for sessions and how the to train your dog through a virtual platform.
-For Online Self-Study Courses, click this link to enroll directly in the course of your choice and get started at your convenience.
I signed up for the Membership, what now?
Check your email! New Pack Members will receive a "Next Steps" email within 48hrs of signing up. To view our Getting Started playlist for Pack Members: CLICK HERE
Requirements for training?
Requirements for training?
What vaccinations are required for training?
Vaccinations are ONLY required for in-person services; however, you will be prompted to enter vaccine information when you create your Client Portal.
Puppies should have their first set of vaccinations prior to the start date of In-Person training to give them some immunological protection. At 16 weeks of age, puppies should receive their final DHPP vaccine, and by 6 months of age, they should receive their Rabies vaccine. Adult dogs (over 6 months) are required to be current on vaccines or present titer results excusing the dog from receiving the DHPP or Rabies vaccine.
Is my dog too old to start training?
No dog is too old to be trained. The earlier the dog starts a training program, the better, but any age is still acceptable. The only services with age restrictions are in the FOCUS on Puppies Program.
What should I bring to classes?
Virtual Training: If you are enrolled in Virtual Training read through our Prepare for Virtual info page.
In-Person Training: Please bring a collared and leashed dog to class. Retractable leashes, prong collars, choke chains, and/or E-collars (shock collars) are not appropriate for class. Instead, please bring the dog on a 4-6ft leash and standard buckle collar. Body harnesses and/or head halters (Gentle Leader) are preferred. Also, please bring MANY high value treats to class sessions. Treat pouches are recommended, but a sandwich sized or quart sized ziplock full of treats will also work. Additionally, bringing a high value chewie, like a bully stick or stuffed Kong, will help keep dogs busy during the lecture portion of class. Check out our Recommended Products page for extra tips.
Can I bring other family members/children to training?
Yes! We highly recommend bringing all of the adults who work with the dog regularly to the training sessions. This allows for everyone to receive the information and be on the same page when working with the dog. It is up to the parents discretion as to whether or not bringing the kids to class will be beneficial. The hour class session is about 70% lecture and 30% hands on practice. Adults should always do most of the hands on training while the dog is learning, then the children can practice with the dog for a few minutes per exercise. Some parents feel that the kids may be a distraction for them and/or the dog, others prefer that the children are involved in the sessions.
Social Distancing Protocol: please contact us for permission to bring more than 3 people to any in-person training session. In order to maintain appropriate social distance for the session location, there may limits on the number of people attending a session.
Location?
Location?
Where are classes held?
Group Courses will be held at the Pawsitively Trained Studio (20345 SW Pacific HWY #106, Sherwood, OR 97140). The Studio is in between Progressive Fitness and Paws for Elegance. On occasion, sessions will be held in new locations, but owners will always receive notice via text or email prior to class time in these scenarios.
Training Walks require the trainer to take the dog without the owner. The doggie handoff is generally at the Pawsitively Trained Studio, but may be at the client's home or in public, if the trainer approves those locations.
Private Sessions may be held in the virtually or in the Studio, depending on the type of private session purchased.
Virtual Sessions are held via ZOOM video conferencing. Check out our Prepare for Virtual info page!
Monthly Member Meet-Ups are held in a rotating location. If you are enrolled in the Monthly Meet-Up, you will receive a text the weekend prior with location details. These are always held within a 15 min driving radius of Sherwood, OR.
Scheduling?
Scheduling?
How do I schedule sessions?
For Non-Members: CLICK HERE to book services. CLICK HERE to enroll in our Memberships. CLICK HERE to enroll in a Self-Study Course.
For FOCUS on Puppies: Check out the "Next Steps" email (sent within 48 hrs of purchase) for direct links to all puppy services.
For Pack Members: LOGIN to your Training Hub and navigate to the Your Training Schedule page to book services at the discounted rate. All clients (Pack Members, Non-Members, and Puppy Members) can also use this method for booking services.
What if I can't make it to a training session?
For Group Training: Always notify us via text or email if you are unable to make it to a scheduled class session. There are no makeup sessions for missed Group Training. Puppy Pre-K comes with Self-Study material to thoroughly cover any missed class lessons. If Kelsey needs to cancel a class for any reason, you will be rescheduled to another time.
For all other services: You may cancel sessions or Memberships through your CLIENT PORTAL. Keep in mind that the schedule fills up in advance, so it may take time to reschedule a session.
Review the Cancellation, No Show, and Return policies in our Waiver of Liability and Policies HERE.
How often should I book private training?
Ideally, sessions are on a recurring schedule every two-three weeks. This provides enough time in between sessions to practice but still keeps up with a consistent schedule. Since every situation is different, weekly sessions or monthly sessions may be more appropriate. The flexibility of private training allows for many different options to best fit the needs of each client.
How long will it take to train my dog?
It depends! It depends on the training goals for the dog. It depends on the training foundation the dog starts out with and the training foundation the owner starts out with. It depends on how often the training exercises are practiced in between sessions. Etc. For reference, our FOCUS on Dogs Membership contains a comprehensive training program, covering necessary skills from puppyhood to adulthood, and can take about 8 months to a year to complete every lesson. Alternatively, some clients don't need more than a few Virtual Private Sessions to receive all the necessary info for their training success... It depends!
How do I access the online videos?
To enroll in a Self-Study Webinar, CLICK HERE. To enroll in our Memberships, CLICK HERE. You will receive login information for the Pawsitively Trained "Training Hub" platform shortly after purchase. Once your Training Hub account is created, you can simply click the Training Hub link (or save to your desktop/Home screen) to view the online video content. Your recordings from your virtual sessions can also be found in your Training Hub.
Training Methods?
Training Methods?
Do you use prong collars, chains, or shock collars for training?
No. These tools are not needed to create behavior change and have a successful training program. Because these aversive tools are not necessary, Kelsey feels that it would be unethical to promote the use of these products. If you are currently using these tools with your dog, Kelsey will teach you how to comfortably wean off of them and switch to easier equipment.
Do you use clickers for training?
Clickers are allowed and even encouraged, though Kelsey does not typically use a clicker in training sessions. Kelsey uses a verbal marker ("yes") instead of a click, so the clicker training method is the same, but the clicker itself is not needed in class.
What style of training do you do?
Kelsey is a rewards-based, science-based, LIMA-based Certified Dog Trainer and Family Dog Mediator. This means that positive reinforcement (usually with food reinforcers) is typically the chosen method when teaching animals new behaviors. Though occasionally there are negative consequences (like withholding good things) adding punishment is generally avoided. The main focus will be to set the animal and human team up for success, and teach the animal how to make good choices. Our relationship-centered training will also strengthen the animal-human bond and make training sessions not only easier, but more enjoyable, for both the human teacher and the animal learner. This is preferred over methods that set the animal up to make mistakes in order to apply a "correction". We want the animal to learn what to do rather than what not to do.
My pet does (_____________), is that something you work on?
Kelsey has worked with hundreds of dogs and other species with a plethora of behavior challenges over the years. Animals who are fearful, reactive, aggressive, anxious, over excited, hard to control, etc. are all welcome to sign up for training. Kelsey highly recommends having a thorough vet check before starting a training program to rule out any potential health factors. Things like allergies, intestinal issues, endocrine issues, pain issues, etc. can all effect behavior and should be addressed prior to starting a training program.
Please contact us with any questions, comments, or concerns! Congratulations on helping your pet become Pawsitively Trained!