F.A.Q.

Q. Can I learn the same thing from reading a book or watching a video/ tv program on training?

A. Let me answer this question with a question.....Have you ever tried learning to golf, play tennis, or ride a horse from reading a book? Books and videos certainly are helpful, I have several good ones I recommend, but they don't replace customized coaching and training. There are things we all do that we don't realize we are doing that undermine our leadership with our dog. It takes an experienced eye to point this out. If you have ever watched Super Nanny you will see what I mean. Besides, I haven't figured out how to teach a dog to read yet!

Q. What is it like at "Camp Good Dog" Board and Train?

A. Your dog's safety, health, and comfort are our first priority! We take a very limited number of dogs to ensure that each dog gets a lot or personal one-on-one attention. Your dog will NOT be in a kennel run, left outdoors alone, or confined to a crate all day. Camp Good Dog is a cozy home environment that your dog may not want to leave! It may take about a day for the average dog to relax and adjust to the new environment. There will be new friends to play with (if appropriate), new sites, smells, sounds and a new routine with several structured training sessions. Also, a spacious, fully fenced yard to explore! We make great strides to reduce stress and make your dog feel right at home. What is unique about ONE GOOD DOG! is the family environment. After all, your dog lives in a home so, wouldn't it make sense to train him in one?

Q. What should I bring to Board and Train?

A. It is very important to bring your dog's own food and feeding instructions. You may also want to bring your dog's crate, one toy, leash, collar with ID tag. I recommend an ID tag even if your dog is micro-chipped. Please also include veterinary records if not already provided (vaccination history or titer test, worming/fecal test results, flea control). I recommend monthly flea control but if you prefer to administer it on an "as needed" bases, please send it with your dog with a note of the date of his last dose. Dogs can pick up fleas on walks through the neighborhood or at the park.

Q. Is training a worthwhile investment?

A. Consider the cost of replacing your soiled carpet, your expensive piece of antique furniture that is now chewed up, vet bills for counter surfing, damaging someone else's property, injuring someone, 12 years of chaos and stress, your time! Consider the cost of replacing a dog that doesn't come when called. Training and coaching doesn't guarantee that no ill will befall you because of your dog but it really really helps! Often aggressive behaviors can be avoided before they start. It is true in dog training as it is in medicine, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". So, please don't wait until you are desperate and ready to get rid of the dog.....get help today!

Q. How much does it cost?

A. Give us a call or email us so we can discuss your needs and desires for your dog. We will be happy to discuss options and even meet with you and your dog and recommend the best training for your unique situation.

Q. If I use treats to train my dog, won't I always be dependent on treats to get my dog to obey?

A. Actually, no. We teach leadership. When your dog respects you as leader, he wants to please you. Also, we teach you how and when to fade the treat and make it random. You will not stop using treats all together but you will not be dependent on them all the time! Really.

Q. What is the best treat to use?

A. A soft, healthy tidbit no larger than a pea. Something your dog likes. It is good to vary the treat used and to have different values. We can explain this in detail at your coaching session.

Q. My dog gets "the runs" when I feed him treats or change his food, what can I do about this problem?

A. Certainly check with your veterinarian if you are concerned. I have found that some dogs are more sensitive than others to the introduction of a new food or treat. A spooonful of plain yogurt has cultures that help with digestion. We feed it to our own dogs every day. Give your dog just a small quantity of a new food or treat to give his system a chance to adjust. It can take up to a week to adjust to a new food. Slowly increase the amount of the new food each day.

Q. I was told to never give my dog people food because he will beg for food all the time. Is this true?

A. No! but this needs an explanation. It is more how and when you treat not what it consists of. For example, sometimes we use chicken or cheese tidbits as a high value positive reinforcement for "Come Here" training. This will not cause your dog to beg for food. If you feed your dog at the dinner table or while you are cooking a meal or give him a part of the sandwich you are eating, this will teach him to beg. If your dog walks up to you, nudges you and barks, and you give him a treat, then you have reinforced begging or being demanding and pushy. Always have your dog work for treats and make it your idea, not his.