Frequently asked questions.

What is your service area?

  • 1300 E x Sunnyside x I80 

  • A flat fee of $60 is charged for clients outside my service area but within a 30-minute drive of my home. Fee is per visit. If you are outside of my service area, you also have the option of coming to me or working via remote consultation. 

How are virtual meetings conducted?

  • Virtual meetings are conducted via Zoom. You will receive a recorded copy of our session for your review. 

What does “evidence-based dog training” mean?

  • There is a lot of hubbub in the training world about alpha dogs and dominance. Much of it has filtered down through popular culture. 

  • Alpha training is based on the idea that dogs, which descended from wolves, follow a hierarchical behavior model. The alphas in a wolf pack are the breeding female and male. The rest of the pack would be made up of their offspring. So the notion of an “alpha wolf” is already flawed, not to mention that dogs, unlike wolves, do not form packs in the wild. If you look at feral dog populations, there are no packs! 

  • Dominance training is based on the idea that dogs misbehave to achieve a higher rank, which goes back to a flawed understanding of wolf social structures. The trainers that use these methods then justify the use of force and punishment in order to be “dominant.”

  • On the other hand, evidence-based dog training refers to dog training based on the known ways that animals learn: through operant conditioning (if I do x, y happens) and classical conditioning (if a happens, b follows). These two methodologies have been intensively studied for generations. Science has also found that using aversive-based training leads to increased fear and aggression in animals. 

  • I utilize and recommend (hell, advocate!) evidence-based dog training only. My training methods are based on the known principles of animal learning and avoiding the known negative consequences of aversive training. I will never recommend the infliction of pain on animals to produce behavior, and I will never tell you some mumbo jumbo about how your dog’s behavior is your fault because you aren’t being an alpha. (This is a great segue to the next FAQ.)

Why do I need to use treats?

  • Despite any impressions that Lassie may have given us, dogs need motivation to behave as we want them to. There are two ways to do this: through punitive (force-based) methods or by controlling the things a dog likes. Force-based methods can cause stress and lead to an increase in aggression and fear. I opt out of force-based training. I will motivate your dog by granting or removing things your dog likes (e.g., walks, games of fetch, trips in the car, and treats). 

  • Treats are one of the most efficient tools for motivation because they can be granted (or canceled) in quick succession. 

  • This means I will never use a prong, shock, or choke collar to train your dog. 

Is dog training a regulated industry?

  • The dog training industry is unregulated. This means anybody can pin on a name tag and call themselves a dog trainer without any previous experience or education. 

  • I completed a two-year intensive program through The Academy for Dog Trainers and graduated with honors. I received my certification in separation anxiety training through Julie Naismith’s SA Pro. I am a member of the Pet Professional Guild, a group committed to holistic, force-free pet training. I have seven years of experience working professionally with dogs. 

  • Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions about my background, education, or methods. 

I’m interested in booking. How should I get started?

  • If you are interested in booking, please schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation via my scheduling page.

Are there any forms I need to complete before our first meeting?

  • Yes, these forms will be provided to you when you book your initial consultation. If you have any questions, please contact me.

What if my question wasn’t addressed here?