Frequently Asked Questions

What area do you provide services to?

I live in Austin and serve up to a 25 mile radius from there.

Am I the right trainer for you?

It is important to go into any new experience with an open mind and committed attitude. To see the best results with your dog, it is best to start from a blank slate, essentially starting things over completely. I am here to make the process as simple and smooth as possible. It is important to note that you will need to bring as much effort to the table as I do, and I bring a lot. I am not a magician who can change your dog overnight. The other 23 hours a day that I am not there is what really matters in order for you to see success in your training goals. I am very authentic with my clients and do not beat around the bush in my approach. I am here to educate, guide and support you, as well as show you your dog’s full potential.

Who should be involved in the training?

Bring the whole family! Anyone actively in the dog’s life should be a part of the training program.

Can you train senior dogs?

Absolutely! A dog is never too old to be taught new tricks ;)

Is there a guarantee in the training?

There are numerous variables involved in creating a well-mannered dog, including owner commitment, consistency and follow-through. It would be unethical for me to give a 100% guarantee. However, I make it my goal to only choose the most dedicated and hard-working owners that lead to consistent successful results. I am here to work with you and your dog as a team to achieve your goals together.

What tools do you use?

In order to offer the best, most customized service possible, I have a wide range of training tools I use including but not limited to: slip leads, prong collars, remote e-collars, gentle leaders/head haltis, long lines, bonkers(a rolled up towel), a pet convincer (compressed air to interrupt behavior), food, pet cots, and crates. All humane tools are used properly to allow me to help as many dogs as possible, no matter the size or problem. Ultimately, we want a relaxed, happy, confident dog and we will use a variety of tools and custom techniques to get us there!

Is a prong collar painful to the dog?

Absolutely not! My training philosophy does not include implementing pain or fear in the dog. I use prong collars when they are the best fit for that dog and the owner. My goal is education. If you are truly not comfortable using one after I have shown you how to use one, you will not be pressured to do so. The prong collar creates even pressure around the neck and allows us to use the least amount of pressure possible to communicate with the dog. This makes it one of the more humane and gentle tools you can use on your dog’s neck to teach them not to pull.

How often should I be working with my dog?

While you will spend an hour with me every week, it is the other 23 hours in the day that matter even more! Training, similarly to other life goals, should be viewed as a lifestyle change. Don’t picture it as a large mountain to climb, but break it down into simple tasks to accomplish together with your dog. Making smaller changes to the way you move around with and communicate with your dog will lead to those biggest changes coming about more seamlessly. Ultimately, to answer this question directly, start small, set aside 4 minutes a day, twice if you can! Then try 5 or 7 minutes, then 10 minutes at a time. Your sessions with your dog should be kept short and sweet, but consistent to ensure progress. Don’t make it a mountain! Continued effort is key in achieving your goals.

How do remote collars work?

These amazing tools allow you to give your dog the off-leash freedom they deserve, safely. We use a quality e-collar with 100 different levels to find the lowest level your dog can feel to teach them a new language. It is important to note that these collars are NOT the same as the old school “shock collars” that used to be and may still be available on the market today. The stimulation from the collar feels equivalent to a tens unit, a sort of “pins and needles” feeling. By overlaying the collar stimulation with leash pressure that they already understand, we are able to show the dog how to respond to this foreign pressure and teach them a new language that will eventually allow your dog to safely explore off leash. The beauty of this tool is that we are able to use it for every aspect of your dog’s training. It is very versatile and allows for clear communication to your dog.

Am I qualified to train your dog?

Before I became a trainer, I worked for a dog and cat boarding and daycare facility for 5 years.

-I learned and apprenticed for 6 months with another successful dog training business. I eventually taught classes, puppy socials and in-home clients of my own for the remaining 12 months I was with the company.

- I’ve Shadowed Michael Fraas, with Precision Dog Sport, In New Jersey for a weekend.

- I’ve Shadowed Blake Rodriguez for a day in New York at his Dream Come True K9 facility.

- I’ve Shadowed Keith Morris with Beyond K9, in Texas, for a weekend.

- I’ve Attended the IACP conference in 2015

- I’ve Attended Jeff Gellman’s, of Solid K9 Training, RV Dog Training Seminars, a comprehensive training seminar focusing primarily on dog behavior, obedience, and how to stop unwanted behaviors.

- I continually network with other trainers and look for opportunities to further my education in dog training, nutrition, and psychology

- In total I have been training for 6 years now and working with animals for 8.