Frequently
Asked
Questions.

Day and Train FAQs

  • Yes and no. It is likely they will be more stressed in this new environment, but their reactions to other dogs and people will be the same.

  • Our canine behavioural experts are well-versed in every training method. We assess and pair the best methods to fit you and your dog’s specific needs. Our individually-tailored training program addresses your dog’s state of mind and identifies the underlying motivations behind their behaviours to tackle the root of the problem.

  • For all dogs participating in the Day and Train program, our trainers will be using prong collars and e collars during training sessions to establish clear communication and reliability in obedience. It is important to note that we only use the most trusted, tried-and-true brands of tools. Training tools we use can include prong collars, e collars, slip leads, and muzzles.

  • Only dogs who participate in our Day and Train will be taken out on walks (both individually and with a pack). Daycare dogs are not taken out on walks and will be given potty breaks out in the fenced yard during the day.

  • Yes. Unless you have done prior training with us at our K9 Academy training location, all clients will be required to complete an assessment over the phone with our trainers to be approved for our programs.

  • How often you would like to send your dog is completely up to you. However, we generally find that nervous dogs settle in quicker and find more success with consistent exposure. This could be anywhere from 3-5 days per week for the first few months until they adjust to the new environment, staff, and dogs.

E Collar

  • First things first, we would never put a tool on a dog that would hurt them. However, if a dog is exhibiting an unwanted behaviour (eg. reacting) or is repeatedly ignoring a command because your correction is not valuable enough, a positive punishment is needed.

    *Positive Punishment means giving an undesirable consequence after an unwanted behavior to make it less appealing.

    Simply put, the e collar is a humane and timely way to effectively provide a positive punishment to your dog.

    The e-collar delivers a TENS unit-type muscle stimulation, the same technology used by chiropractors and acupuncture specialists to trigger muscle reflexes., not the sharp, static shock used in “shock” collars (the cheap devices you’ll find on Amazon). It may feel uncomfortable when used at high levels, but it will not harm your dog.

  • This depends very much on your dog’s behaviours and lifestyle. If your dog spends a lot of time off-leash and their recall is not as sharp without the tool, our trainers may recommend keeping it on as a safety assurance. But when your dog has been trained with the e-collar correctly to curb problem behaviours, most dogs are able to eventually graduate to verbal commands only.

  • No. More often than not, the stimulation from the e-collar helps to snap your dog out of a highly aroused/alert state of mind, rather than inciting it further. Our trainers will determine the best training approach to ensure your dog’s needs are respected and that the methodology employed is helpful, not harmful.

  • First of all, the e-collar stimulation isn’t just a corrective tool. With proper training, your dog will recognize the stim as a reminder to “stop, look and listen”—just like your teachers in grade school flicking the lights on and off or clapping their hands three times. The stim pulls them out of that anxious state of mind, returning their focus to you.

    Which brings us to our second point: e-collars are actually the perfect tool for a nervous dog because they provide a direct line of communication between you and your dog. Nervous and anxious dogs thrive in a highly-structured environment, because it leaves them less room to make decisions. When they know they can default to their owner to guide them through uncertain situations, they’re able to grow their confidence.

  • We certainly don’t discount positive training, however, we recognize that it does not work for every dog. Many dogs—particularly those with reactivity, aggression, and anxiety—do not thrive with purely-positive training because the rewards do not outweigh their motivations. If your dog’s need to react is greater than their interest in receiving a treat or praise, then that tells you a correction is needed.

Daycare FAQs

  • At Academy Daycare, there is a fit for every dog. For dogs who may struggle in the Daycare program due to behavioural challenges (i.e. nervousness, aggression, anxiety, etc.), our staff may recommend starting with our Day and Train program. This program is completely customizable to each dog’s needs and training goals, and is a terrific way to acclimatize the dogs to the daycare environment in a structured, safe way. Some dogs may even prefer one-on-one attention from our trainers than social time with other dogs, and would benefit more from consistent enrolment in the Day and Train program. No matter your dog’s needs, our trainers create a program that will suit their needs.

  • No prior training is necessary to attend our Day and Train program. However, our trainers may recommend having your dog start with the Day and Train program or another training option before integrating them into the regular Daycare programming. This will be dependent on whether the dog has any specific behavioural issues we would need to address before easing them into the playgroups.

  • Intact dogs are welcome to attend the Day and Train Program, however, they are not permitted to attend the regular Daycare program. This rule is in place to minimize potential conflicts and risks associated with their hormonal behavior. By participating in the Day and Train program, these dogs will receive more one-on-one time with trainers and will be placed in smaller, carefully selected social groups, which helps manage any potential issues that may arise from their intact status.

  • We encourage you to take a look through our virtual tour (coming soon!). We do not offer in-person tours so as to not interfere with the Daycare and Day and Train programming.

  • This is very dog-dependent. Some dogs will start to like other dogs and will open up to more dog friendships after attending regular daycare. There will also be dogs who may not necessarily come to enjoy the company of other dogs after their time in daycare, but they will learn to be neutral and relaxed in other dogs’ presence.

  • Yes. Unless you have done prior training with us at our K9 Academy training location, all clients will be required to complete an assessment over the phone with our trainers to be approved for our programs.

  • The minimum age we will accept for daycare is 16 weeks old. All puppies and dogs must have received their rabies vaccination before they are eligible to attend.

  • Daycare can be an extremely beneficial experience for nervous dogs when social etiquette is enforced. While it can take some time for them to open up and create lasting friendships, with time, patience and trust in the trainers, they will gain lots of social confidence. Academy Daycare is one of the only daycares where the dogs are held accountable for remaining respectful to one another. In our care, nervous dogs learn to trust that the trainers will ensure that each dog’s space is respected so they can confidently explore their playmates without worry that their boundaries will be invaded. As canine behavioural experts, we understand each dog’s needs and match them with appropriate playmates who are compatible.

  • How often you would like to send your dog is completely up to you. However, we generally find that nervous dogs settle in quicker and find more success with consistent exposure. This could be anywhere from 3-5 days per week for the first few months until they adjust to the new environment, staff, and dogs.

  • Please note that we do NOT feed meals at daycare or day and train due to the risk of indigestion and bloat when playing and training after eating.

  • No. We currently only offer nail trims for $20.

  • Sending your dog to daycare is a terrific way to exercise and socialize them while you’re at work. Your dog will come home at the end of the day happy and exhausted. Many owners have cited an improvement in their dogs’ overall behaviour after regularly attending daycare, since they have received ample exercise and mental stimulation.

  • Of course! The trainers are always monitoring and managing the interactions between the dogs to ensure it is a positive experience for all of the dogs.

  • No. In our twelve years of socializing dogs of every breed and temperament, we have never had a dog fight (or anything akin to one) occur on our watch. Not only are we highly skilled at assessing dogs and placing them amongst compatible playmates, our staff are also experts at identifying any uncomfortable body language and interfering before any altercations can occur.

  • If any injuries occur during play or training, our staff are trained and equipped to provide first aid (should it be required) and will immediately notify the client to inform them of the injury. We also have contact with nearby emergency clinics should a vet be required.