Balanced Canine Training FAQp2

If we feel that your dog is truly aggressive and that you need more help than we can give, or that you and your family, or others, are in danger, we will be clear about those things.

We will gladly help you determine whether your dog’s behavior is truly dangerous, and at minimum help you learn how to manage that behavior for the safety of your family and for that of others. If we can help you further, we will. It is up to you, though, to ask for help.

Is my dog too old/ young/ Is it possible to train a dog of this breed?
As long as your dog is healthy and willing to learn, it should be able to benefit from training, no matter what the age. Karen prefers to start dogs in our Novice class at about 6 months of age, but there are exceptions to this general rule. We welcome dogs of all breeds into our classes. If you are unsure if your dog is ready or able to attend a class, contact us and we’ll help you determine if and when the time is right.

What should I feed my dog?
We do not make it our business to tell you what to feed your dog, as we are not nutritionists or veterinarians. We do have an article about how to read dog food labels if you are interested in learning more about kibble choices. Karen suggests that you do your own research to determine what is best for your dog and what your dog likes to eat, and that you provide the best quality food you can afford.

Your dog’s health and longevity depends largely on what you feed him, and if you’re like us, you want your dog(s) to live as a long, healthy life! Behavior can also be affected by the quality of nutrition a dog is getting.

Your veterinarian should be a part of this educational process, and of course there are plenty of resources on the internet, as well as books to read on the subject. Be aware that many dog owners are switching to “raw” food diets with great success. But do research these diets carefully. It is easy for a layperson to become confused. Having the right balance of nutrients and food types over time is essential to success, so be very careful if you choose to feed raw.

I just don’t know if my dog can handle a group class. I think we might need private training. What is the difference?
Some people feel that their dog is too wild, too aggressive, too uncontrollable, etc. for a dog training class. Private training offers a one-on-one solution for people who might feel embarrassed by their dog’s behavior, have physical limitations, need more direct guidance to hone their skills, or cannot attend normally scheduled classes. Private training may also help people with true dog aggression issues. Which one is right for you?

Although private training and classes with very small numbers can make training sessions feel less stressful in certain situations, we have found that most people benefit from the larger group environment. Students encourage one another each week. Sometimes, students make friends with other dog and handler teams and they make time to train together, which really does make things easier. Students who work hard can help teach students who fall behind a little, or inspire students who become lazy about doing their daily homework. As students correct their own mistakes, they can help to inspire other students who have similar difficulties.

Our first group class is always done without dogs (with the exception of dogs demonstrating what the results will be like). This gives owners a chance to relax, share their concerns, and concentrate on what they will need to do for the upcoming week. The first time dogs come to class, the handlers have already started to build a foundation for their obedience training. By the third week, much of the concern that handlers had about not being able to control their dogs in public is gone, and that fear and frustration is replaced by a growing sense of confidence and enthusiasm. Read/ watch videos of our testimonials for some examples.

For those who are concerned about their dog’s signs of aggression, a call to Karen, and perhaps a private consultation, can help determine how serious the situation is. In many cases, a dog is not truly aggressive, but has simply never been taught how to behave appropriately around other dogs or people. Our goal, then, is to teach him what he should be doing, so he can enjoy socializing with others instead of barking, lunging, etc.

Private training can help those who have special needs, or really need extra guidance from a professional. A handler with physical limitations, disabilities, or communication difficulties might be more comfortable in a one-on-one situation. A dog who needs to overcome serious behavior issues in a more relaxed environment might benefit from private sessions.

We have found that overall, students who attend group classes are more successful than those who purchase a package of private lessons. This is largely due to the peer pressure and common goals involved in the group environment. We have fun! Dog owners really do seem to enjoy coming to class and being in each others’ company, especially as they watch each other’s success build each week.