Frequently
Asked
Questions.

General 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.

  • One hour, unless specified otherwise.

  • Yes. The trainers will often bring out their own dogs during sessions to increase distraction levels and work through reactivity issues in a safe, controlled environment.

  • 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.

  • Withhold feeding your dog meals on the day of the session. A hungry dog is much more eager to learn!

  • Curbing problematic behavioural issues begins with establishing strong, clear obedience. How can we expect our dogs to listen to our commands to stop their reactivity or excessive barking if we don’t hold them accountable for anything else? Practicing obedience exercises ensures your dog knows that you are the leader. So when it comes time to call them out of a potentially dangerous situation, they know to listen.

  • No, we take all the proper precautions to ensure every dog and person is safe during sessions. This is further outlined in the paperwork sent ahead of the first session.

  • 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.

  • While we can confidently say you will see improvement in our sessions, we cannot fully guarantee that every behaviour will be 100% corrected. No trainer, no matter how skilled can provide this guarantee. There can always be extenuating factors (i.e. genetics, consistency, time) that can affect the effectiveness of training.

  • Just as our training methods can differ, so too can our use of tools. Our trainers will only enlist the aid of training tools if they believe the dog will benefit and improve with their support. It is also 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. We do offer a bathing service that includes a full bath, shampoo, blow dry and brush for $25. This will need to be pre arranged prior to drop-off. However, if the dogs do become excessively dirty during their stay, we will provide a complimentary bath.

  • 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! We carefully arrange our playrooms according to the dogs’ temperament and size, so small dogs who attend our daycare program are paired with dogs of similar size and play styles.

  • 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.

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.