Playful Pandemonium

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Will my dog be trained after one session?

No. The re are many factors in having a consistently well-behaved dog. It depends on you, your pup, and your individual goals.

 

We’ll give you the tools, skills, and knowledge you need to continue working with your dog at home. Even just a few short weeks of class can go a long way - they cannot, however, magically erase years of unwanted behavior. Expecting too much from one training session can put too much pressure on you and your dog, and can take the fun out of training for everyone. Instead, begin your session with an open mind and absorb everything you can. By taking the skills from class and continuing to work with your dog, you'll see continuous improvement. Training is supposed to be an ongoing effort in your relationship with your dog - not just a one-time event!

 

What do you guarantee?

Here at Playful Pandemonium we guarantee:

 

• A commitment to teach only humane, gentle, and fun training for both you and your dog

• Customized training plans that fit your lifestyle

• A kind and productive professional relationship where we'll treat you with the same kindness, understanding, and respect that we will give to your pets

• To be dedicated to your learning goals and do everything we can to help you reach them

• To use, teach, and keep up-to-date on the latest and soundest methods offered by the scientific community

 

Are you insured?

Yes, we are fully insured through Business Insurers of the Carolinas. 

 

Do I need to be the alpha when training my dog?

Absolutely not.

 

There is no need to dominate or be the "alpha" when training your dog. Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years and are no longer the same as their ancestral counterparts. In addition, the initial study which perpetrated this myth is severely outdated.

 

Please feel free to read this great article explaining it further here. 

 

What will happen to my dog if she gets it right?

What does your dog love? Food, fetch, tug, praise? We'll reinforce desired behaviors with something your dog loves. We will mark the desired behavior with a "click" or a verbal cue to let her know we liked what she did, thereby encouraging the desired behavior to continue.

 

What will happen to my dog if she gets it wrong?

Reinforcement for the undesired behavior will be removed and your dog will be given another opportunity to perform the desired behavior.

 

What's wrong with training focused mainly on positive punishment?

Here are just a few of the many pitfalls:

 

• You can cause physical pain and damage to your dog

• It is difficult to gauge and control the appropriate intensity

• Dogs can develop "punishment callous", and the undesired behavior may return when punishment stops

• It is difficult to have perfect timing and consistency

• It can suppress desired behaviors and inhibit offered behaviors

• It does not teach the dog what to do in place of the undesired behavior

• It can cause your dog to mentally and physically "shut down"

• It can cause your dog to become aggressive

• And, most importantly, it can damage the dog's confidence, trust in the trainer, and relationship with their human.

 

 

Do you use shock, prong, or choke collars?

Absolutely not.

 

Any results that are derived from these harmful items are damaging to the long term trust you have built with your dog, and won't encourage any further positive behaviors. Your dog will be disinterested and mistrustful of you and your training sessions, as they will now be associated with fear and pain!

 

What training equipment do you use when training a dog (or recommend I use)?

While collars are great for holding ID tags, they can do damage to your dog's neck and throat if your dog walks with pressure on the leash (i.e. pulling). We recommend using a properly fitted front- or back-clipping harness to lessen the chances of damage to your dog's neck and to keep him comfortable as he learns to walk nicely on a leash without pulling. We also suggest a 6'-8' flat leash rather than a retractable leash. These tools will give you more control than a collar and help you avoid injury while you're training.

 

What age should I begin training my puppy?

You can begin training your puppy as soon as you bring her home! She'll need guidance and consistency from day one.

 

Do you work with all dog breeds?

Absolutely! They all learn the same way. 

 

Do you charge extra for multiple dogs?

Nope! We are more than happy to work with multiple dogs.

 

What about rescue dogs and rescue organizations?

Yes! We're glad you asked. Discounts are available to rescue organizations and people who have adopted rescue dogs. Please contact us for more information.

 

What is your availability?

Sessions are generally available seven days a week between the hours of 9AM and 6PM.

 

What if my schedule changes and I need to reschedule our appointment?

I'm more than happy to reschedule your appointment as long as you contact me 24 hours before our session is scheduled.

 

 

 

Have a question but don't see it on this page?

Please feel free to contact me here!