Frequently Asked Questions
WHICH PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR MY DOG?
Selecting the right training program is an important step for you and your dog. There is no good in a "one size fits all" approach when it comes to dog training, which is why The Art of Dogs works with you, your schedule, experience, and goals to help find the best fit for both you and your dog.
Most often, we suggest starting off with a one-on-one Private Lesson, or at least a Meet & Greet to get started. This allows you to bring your dog to meet one-on-one with our hear trainer, and create a personalized plan to best suit your lifestyle. Be sure to check out all of our training services to get an idea on what you're most interested in doing with your dog!
Most often, we suggest starting off with a one-on-one Private Lesson, or at least a Meet & Greet to get started. This allows you to bring your dog to meet one-on-one with our hear trainer, and create a personalized plan to best suit your lifestyle. Be sure to check out all of our training services to get an idea on what you're most interested in doing with your dog!
Do You board dogs at your facility?
No! We are a daytime training facility, not an overnight boarding kennel. After having worked at several boarding facilities over the 13+ years prior to opening The Art of Dogs, I decided that I would never want to run training services out of a boarding facility. I believe in keeping training as applicable to the real-world as possible, and to be minimally stressful for the dog. Boarding-facility-based programs simply are not able to provide this atmosphere for dogs, in my experience.
A few of our trainers do offer boarding services for our training clients, please contact us for more information.
A few of our trainers do offer boarding services for our training clients, please contact us for more information.
What should i bring to my dog's lesson/class?
Generally speaking- bring whatever you use with your dog on a daily basis when you interact with them along for our sessions! Tasty (non-crumbly!) treats, a toy or two that he/she really likes, your typical leash-walking gear, and any other items that you feel may be helpful for our lesson. If you've already purchased additional training tools that you haven't used recently or yet with your dog, bring those along as well so that we can see what you already have that may be the right fit. We also have a growing retail section full of many things you may want to add to Fido's bag of belongings!
HOW MANY LESSONS WILL IT TAKE TO REACH MY GOALS?
The number of lessons needed to reach your goals with your dog are dependent on factors that I won't know until we meet and get a baseline for where your puppy/dog is currently at, what the goals are, and what the outline will look like to realistically fit your daily life with your dog. It is important for the trainer to get a solid understanding of the intensity/severity of any troublesome behavior, the causes of why he/she is continuing to display these behaviors, and more before outlining a number of lessons with promises to fix a behavior.
We do offer a number of programs that are designed to fit the most common requests, such as lesson packages and camp programs, which serve as a solid baseline of options to choose from, and customize from there.
We do offer a number of programs that are designed to fit the most common requests, such as lesson packages and camp programs, which serve as a solid baseline of options to choose from, and customize from there.
Does your training come with a guarantee?
Simply put- no. It is unethical for anyone to place a guarantee on the behavior of an animal. There are a lot of factors that contribute to the intensity, why, when, and where of a dog's behavior. It is our job to outline these factors for you, and coach both you and your dog on how to not only learn, but also maintain the desired behavior and keep the undesirable behaviors at bay. We are here for lifetime support of our clients, and are proud to be the last trainer they need to find.
how DO I find a good dog trainer?
With so many options available online, it can be overwhelming trying to find a dog trainer to fit your needs.
We aren't here to convince you that we are the only option to help you with your dog- that simply isn't realistic. However, we are here to help in any way we can! When selecting a dog trainer, make sure that they have a depth of experience. More often than you would believe, many "dog trainers" that you can find online are people who like animals (who doesn't?!) and open up a dog training business as a way to make money in an unregulated industry. Always do a thorough check to find out what a trainer's real-world work history exists of, their relevant education, experience, certifications, and licensing. Any trainer that is unable to provide any of this information should not be taking money for professional dog training services. "If you think hiring a good dog trainer is expensive- try hiring a bad [or inexperienced] one!"
We aren't here to convince you that we are the only option to help you with your dog- that simply isn't realistic. However, we are here to help in any way we can! When selecting a dog trainer, make sure that they have a depth of experience. More often than you would believe, many "dog trainers" that you can find online are people who like animals (who doesn't?!) and open up a dog training business as a way to make money in an unregulated industry. Always do a thorough check to find out what a trainer's real-world work history exists of, their relevant education, experience, certifications, and licensing. Any trainer that is unable to provide any of this information should not be taking money for professional dog training services. "If you think hiring a good dog trainer is expensive- try hiring a bad [or inexperienced] one!"
Important Notes about The Art of Dogs
- We are closed on Sundays & all major holidays for in-person services.
- We are appointment-based for all of our services. If you arrive early for your booking, you are welcome to walk your dog outside, but please be mindful of the client who's session may still be taking place ahead of yours and do not enter early.
- The Art of Dogs is not affiliated with trainers outside of those currently listed on this website, nor are we affiliated with businesses of similar names, local or far, in any capacity.
- Dogs must be on-leash and your dog's leash must be in-hand at all times indoors and out, unless instructed otherwise.
- All services require a card on file, but only certain services require a deposit to reserve your booking. Payment must be completed by the time services have been rendered.
- We reserve the right to cease and/or refuse service to anyone that poses a threat or discomfort to our staff, any dog, or our facility. Safety and respect are always our top priority. Please be aware that cameras are in use at all times on the premises.