What happens if I don’t get the results I want from the training? Is there a guarantee?
Due to the many variables involved to create a well-behaved, balanced dog, including owner commitment, consistency, and follow-through, it would be unethical for us to offer a 100% guarantee. However, we only choose the most dedicated and diligent owners so, in our experience, we consistently see breakthrough results and amazing transformations. We work hand in hand as a team in your dog’s rehabilitation. This process of teamwork and collaboration begins before we even meet your dog, moves through the training process, and continues long after your dog has gone home. Once you hire us, we consider you part of the training family, and your success is our utmost priority.
Due to the many variables involved to create a well-behaved, balanced dog, including owner commitment, consistency, and follow-through, it would be unethical for us to offer a 100% guarantee. However, we only choose the most dedicated and diligent owners so, in our experience, we consistently see breakthrough results and amazing transformations. We work hand in hand as a team in your dog’s rehabilitation. This process of teamwork and collaboration begins before we even meet your dog, moves through the training process, and continues long after your dog has gone home. Once you hire us, we consider you part of the training family, and your success is our utmost priority.
What does a day at Prairie Oaks Training Board and Train look like?
The dogs sleep inside in our home in the kennel room. We only work with a small number of dogs to give every dog the attention they need, and maintain a relaxed environment. First thing in the morning, all dogs go out on a 45-min to 1-hour long structured walk, followed by breakfast. We then get started with one on one interaction and training exercises. Every day dogs have the opportunity to participate in our unique socialization/play time (client’s dogs will not be in danger of interacting with dangerous dogs). After this, dogs go through several more hours of hands-on training, alternating between active commands, duration work, and specific behavior modification. They will also receive plenty of rest, down time, and personal one-on-one attention. You dog’s safety is our primary concern.
The dogs sleep inside in our home in the kennel room. We only work with a small number of dogs to give every dog the attention they need, and maintain a relaxed environment. First thing in the morning, all dogs go out on a 45-min to 1-hour long structured walk, followed by breakfast. We then get started with one on one interaction and training exercises. Every day dogs have the opportunity to participate in our unique socialization/play time (client’s dogs will not be in danger of interacting with dangerous dogs). After this, dogs go through several more hours of hands-on training, alternating between active commands, duration work, and specific behavior modification. They will also receive plenty of rest, down time, and personal one-on-one attention. You dog’s safety is our primary concern.
What kind of safety protocols are in place at the training center?
The dogs sleep inside in our home in the kennel room. There is someone home with the dogs the majority of the day and all night. There are fire alarms/detectors, carbon monoxide alarms and intruder alarms throughout the kennel and house. We also have multiple gate systems so that dogs can't easily escape the kennel or property. Marcia and Sarah have many years experience in animal first aid, veterinary care and animal handling. Marcia was a firefighter for 10 years and has worked in the emergency management field for 20 years. We know how to handle emergency situations, because we've been in many emergency situations. We understand the need to evacuate the property early if needed (say if there is a fire) and have portable kennels, leashes, collars and other equipment to get your dog out safely if needed.
The dogs sleep inside in our home in the kennel room. There is someone home with the dogs the majority of the day and all night. There are fire alarms/detectors, carbon monoxide alarms and intruder alarms throughout the kennel and house. We also have multiple gate systems so that dogs can't easily escape the kennel or property. Marcia and Sarah have many years experience in animal first aid, veterinary care and animal handling. Marcia was a firefighter for 10 years and has worked in the emergency management field for 20 years. We know how to handle emergency situations, because we've been in many emergency situations. We understand the need to evacuate the property early if needed (say if there is a fire) and have portable kennels, leashes, collars and other equipment to get your dog out safely if needed.
What tools do you use to train my dog?
It's important to understand the concept of using tools in dog training. Tools don't train your dog. First, we need to understand learning theory and how dog's learn and communicate. Tools are then used to communicate and teach your dog the desired behaviors. We use the tool that facilitates the best conversation with your dog. The communication is based on "yes" and "no". Most of the time the conversation is based on yes. There are times when your dog needs to be told "no". This is called a correction and could be in the form of a verbal correction or pressure correction. We never yell, hit, intimidate or dominate your dog. The tools we use to communicate with your dog could be food, treats, slip leashes, transitional leashes, Halti's, prong collars, clicker training or e-collars. We also use toys, play and activities to teach your dog correct behaviors, like when interacting with other dogs or people. The type of tool used is also considered depending on the owner's goals for the dog. Do you want a rock solid recall? Is your dog leash reactive? Is your dog fearful? All of these things are taken into consideration when evaluating and training your dog.
It's important to understand the concept of using tools in dog training. Tools don't train your dog. First, we need to understand learning theory and how dog's learn and communicate. Tools are then used to communicate and teach your dog the desired behaviors. We use the tool that facilitates the best conversation with your dog. The communication is based on "yes" and "no". Most of the time the conversation is based on yes. There are times when your dog needs to be told "no". This is called a correction and could be in the form of a verbal correction or pressure correction. We never yell, hit, intimidate or dominate your dog. The tools we use to communicate with your dog could be food, treats, slip leashes, transitional leashes, Halti's, prong collars, clicker training or e-collars. We also use toys, play and activities to teach your dog correct behaviors, like when interacting with other dogs or people. The type of tool used is also considered depending on the owner's goals for the dog. Do you want a rock solid recall? Is your dog leash reactive? Is your dog fearful? All of these things are taken into consideration when evaluating and training your dog.
Do you use corrections to train my dog?
We use the "yes"/"no" concept when training your dog, which involves rewards 90% of the time and corrections 10% of the time. The reward and correction concept is important because it teaches your dog what is acceptable and what isn't. Corrections are given in a calm manner, called calm corrections. There is no anger or frustration, we're not upset. We just communicate to your dog that what ever the dog is doing, is not acceptable. Corrections are usually given when a dog understands what we are asking of him, he's just refusing to do it. A pop on the leash, as a correction, usually lets the dog know that it's not the behavior that we are looking for. There are other forms of correction like having the dog re-do the command until he gets it right, then he gets a treat. Or verbally letting a dog know that he is not doing the command correctly by giving a verbal correction, such as "ah, ah". Corrections that we use are very simple and it's never an emotional episode.
We use the "yes"/"no" concept when training your dog, which involves rewards 90% of the time and corrections 10% of the time. The reward and correction concept is important because it teaches your dog what is acceptable and what isn't. Corrections are given in a calm manner, called calm corrections. There is no anger or frustration, we're not upset. We just communicate to your dog that what ever the dog is doing, is not acceptable. Corrections are usually given when a dog understands what we are asking of him, he's just refusing to do it. A pop on the leash, as a correction, usually lets the dog know that it's not the behavior that we are looking for. There are other forms of correction like having the dog re-do the command until he gets it right, then he gets a treat. Or verbally letting a dog know that he is not doing the command correctly by giving a verbal correction, such as "ah, ah". Corrections that we use are very simple and it's never an emotional episode.
Is my dog too old or too young to train?
You can begin training your dog at 8 weeks of age. It's best if you start training your dog the moment you get him. Teach him house rules as soon as you walk into the house. No jumping, stay off furniture, wait at the door before going outside. This is true for all ages of dogs. Your dog is never too old to train. Remember that everything you do with your dog is training. They are learning what they can and can't do the minute you begin to interact with your dog. We can start your puppy in our puppy class, or your adult dog in one of our training packages. It's never too late to train your dog. Dogs coming into our facility need to be at least 14 weeks old and have had all of their vaccinations.
You can begin training your dog at 8 weeks of age. It's best if you start training your dog the moment you get him. Teach him house rules as soon as you walk into the house. No jumping, stay off furniture, wait at the door before going outside. This is true for all ages of dogs. Your dog is never too old to train. Remember that everything you do with your dog is training. They are learning what they can and can't do the minute you begin to interact with your dog. We can start your puppy in our puppy class, or your adult dog in one of our training packages. It's never too late to train your dog. Dogs coming into our facility need to be at least 14 weeks old and have had all of their vaccinations.
I have tried other trainers before and didn’t get the results I desired – what makes your program and approach different and more effective?
We are often the last stop after clients have been through multiple trainers. Unlike other training approaches that only focus on developing rehearsed behaviors, bribing with treats, or merely managing/bandaid-ing the problem, we have developed a unique approach that fundamentally changes the dog’s state of mind. Once we address the dog’s state of mind, the sky’s the limit for what we can create. By cultivating new habits, teaching the dog to make better choices, training calmness instead of excitability, and employing duration work, we are consistently successful with dogs that others are unable to help.
We are often the last stop after clients have been through multiple trainers. Unlike other training approaches that only focus on developing rehearsed behaviors, bribing with treats, or merely managing/bandaid-ing the problem, we have developed a unique approach that fundamentally changes the dog’s state of mind. Once we address the dog’s state of mind, the sky’s the limit for what we can create. By cultivating new habits, teaching the dog to make better choices, training calmness instead of excitability, and employing duration work, we are consistently successful with dogs that others are unable to help.
Dog training is a journey, a lifelong commitment to you and your dog
Dog training is a journey. It's a lifestyle change. What you had been doing hasn't been working. As you begin to get a handle on training, you and your dog will begin to incorporate training into your everyday life. Training will become easier as time goes on. You may have been living with your dog and it's unwanted behavior for a couple of months, maybe even years. You will see drastic changes in your dog with just a few days or weeks of training. But that's just the start. It's the foundation. What happens next is a lifestyle change. You bring your dog home and work with him so that he understands that the rules he learned in training applies at home too. Your dog will probably challenge you. Don't get mad, or upset, or frustrated. Just remind your dog that he can't do that behavior any longer. Praise your dog and give him a treat when your dog stays in place when you ask him too. If your dog breaks the place command, bring your dog back to the place cot and let him know that he must stay there until you tell him to move off place. This is where your mindset changes to one of "this is how I'm going to live my life with my dog". It's hard at first, but once you and your dog get into a routine, it becomes easier. You and your dog will begin to fall into a pattern. Your dog will listen to you. Instead of yelling at your dog, you're praising your dog. Instead of destroying things, your dog will be calm. Whatever program you do with us, it's just the start. It will be up to you to finish your dog. You will see some fantastic results with your dog and the best part about training is that you and your dog will form a bond. That is what I love so much about training dogs. You form an incredible bond with your dog. You can start doing things with your dog instead of leaving him out in the yard or locking him in a separate room when company comes over. Come train with us. We are excited to help you and your dog become partners in this journey.
Dog training is a journey. It's a lifestyle change. What you had been doing hasn't been working. As you begin to get a handle on training, you and your dog will begin to incorporate training into your everyday life. Training will become easier as time goes on. You may have been living with your dog and it's unwanted behavior for a couple of months, maybe even years. You will see drastic changes in your dog with just a few days or weeks of training. But that's just the start. It's the foundation. What happens next is a lifestyle change. You bring your dog home and work with him so that he understands that the rules he learned in training applies at home too. Your dog will probably challenge you. Don't get mad, or upset, or frustrated. Just remind your dog that he can't do that behavior any longer. Praise your dog and give him a treat when your dog stays in place when you ask him too. If your dog breaks the place command, bring your dog back to the place cot and let him know that he must stay there until you tell him to move off place. This is where your mindset changes to one of "this is how I'm going to live my life with my dog". It's hard at first, but once you and your dog get into a routine, it becomes easier. You and your dog will begin to fall into a pattern. Your dog will listen to you. Instead of yelling at your dog, you're praising your dog. Instead of destroying things, your dog will be calm. Whatever program you do with us, it's just the start. It will be up to you to finish your dog. You will see some fantastic results with your dog and the best part about training is that you and your dog will form a bond. That is what I love so much about training dogs. You form an incredible bond with your dog. You can start doing things with your dog instead of leaving him out in the yard or locking him in a separate room when company comes over. Come train with us. We are excited to help you and your dog become partners in this journey.
I can’t afford your programs, but I’m in a bad situation with my dog – what can I do?
In special cases, we can sometimes arrange a payment plan. I don't want any dog to go untrained because of problems with payment – please contact us for details.
In special cases, we can sometimes arrange a payment plan. I don't want any dog to go untrained because of problems with payment – please contact us for details.