Why is it important to find a certified trainer?
Dog training is an unregulated industry. I believe that states should create some kind of licensing requirement, but in a space that has a vacuum for oversight, certification organizations like IAABC and CCPDT provide some amount of oversight that indicates that a trainer upholds ethical values in their training. These organizations are not perfect, but they do hold trainers to a standard and require some amount of continued education after initial testing.
What do I need for a lesson?
A dog, a leash, a collar or harness, proof of vaccination, and a big bag of treats. No one training tool will be perfect for all dogs, nor do I believe that training tools are necessary for most dogs. While some dogs work well on collars, a harness may be safer for your dog's needs. I may suggest certain items, like a long line or type of harness, for future lessons, however, I do not require or encourage clients to purchase specific training tools like an e-collar or a prong collar. You will likely need more treats than you expect!
What do your lessons look like?
Virtual lessons vary based on your dog's need, but take place in a zoom meeting where I will talk you through, and demonstrate if possible, training exercises and skills. If your virtual lesson is focused on an anxious behavior, we will discuss management techniques and a protocol to decrease anxiety in relevant settings.Â
For in person lessons we will meet in your home or a mutually agreeable outdoor park. I will take a history of your dog's behaviors and list of concerns that you have, we will prioritize what to work on first, and I will demonstrate and talk you through skills with your dog that will either address specific obedience cues or take steps toward a larger goal. My goal is to help you and your dog engage better with each other and I encourage all adults and teens responsible for the care of the dog to be available for the lesson if possible. For most lessons you can expect 3-4 practice "homework" items.
If you would like your dog to receive training but do not wish to be a part of the lesson, please contact me at emily@springtaildogtraining.com and we can discuss an option that works for you.
Why do you separate behavior modification and obedience lessons?
I separate behavior modification and obedience lessons because I want to know what we are dealing with! Sometimes dogs who struggle with obedience are actually dealing with some form of behavioral struggle that is standing in the way of their obedience, but knowing ahead of time what you feel is going on with your dog can help me to understand the situation a little better.
There is a service that I would like but I don't see it on your website, does that mean you don't offer it?
Not necessarily! I do not do boarding or regular dog walking, but there are many more services I am happy to discuss-- if you are getting married and would like your dog to be handled at the ceremony or for pictures, you would like to sign your dog up for enrichment sessions tailored to their interests, would like me to work with your dog one-on-one and not be involved in a session yourself, or anything else, please let me know! I am happy to work with you to find a mutually agreeable program for your dog regardless of if I have thought about it on my website. Feel free to text me at 267.670.0830 or email me at emily@springtaildogtraining.com to set up a time to talk.
Training is expensive, do you offer discounts or payment plans?
I am deeply committed to assisting families struggling with dogs who have severe anxiety. If this is your issue, please contact me at emily@springtaildogtraining,com or by text message to discuss.