Why do you not do formal assessments?

 

The casual assessment takes a few minutes at the beginning of the session; however, there is no right or wrong to the exercises.  I spend a lot of time discussing behaviours; previously applied methods; dogs' history/likes/dislikes/common reaction etc in the session which allows us to then talk about the best technique for your dog; goals, and lifestyle. The most relevant and helpful information is displayed by the dog after the proper techniques are applied for a few days.  I do not need to see a dog jump, lunge, bark or bite  - I have seen hundreds do those behaviours.  I need to see the changes once we apply the right techniques, so we can continue to make progress.

 

Should all family members be present for the sessions?

 

The first session is a lot of information, so young children will most likely get bored.  All adults who will be applying the training techniques; corresponding between sessions; and participating in follow up sessions need to be present for the first session.  The follow up sessions can have anyone attend, as long as one person from the first session is present.  The follow up sessions are generally more hands-on and exercise based.  Please see Program and Pricing for more info

 

 

How do we know how many sessions we will need?

 

We don't.  Once we start the training we will have a good idea. There are many factors involved.  You are expected to teach and apply techniques between sessions so that each session advances the progress of the training.  Often people are comfortable applying the techniques on their own after a few sessions (2 session minimum is required) and keep in contact as they continue along. 

 

 

So there is no limit to the number of sessions? 

 

No. And Yes.

 

I have structured the DogLogic business module this way for over 25 years.  It works best for rescued dogs; dogs over 6 months; and busy clients.  "Unlimited sessions" are for the purpose of "working at the Dogs' pace" and addressing change in behaviours,   Unlike classroom training, I do not have a structured agenda.  Sessions are for the purpose of providing my clients with the information, skills, advice and knowledge relative to their concerns, so they can confidently proceed with the training on their own. 

 

Clients are required to apply the techniques on their own.  The unlimited program allows clients to contact me if there is a change in behaviour or concerns different than ones we have addressed; or if they need a refresher.  Because dogs progress and regress for varying reasons at different stages, clients who are no longer actively partaking in regular sessions can contact me at any time if changes occur or they have questions.    I encourage my clients to contact me as soon they notice changes, as these problems can often be quickly and easily resolved through information and advice provided via email/ phone/ text/ and/or sessions.   It is not uncommon for communication to exceed the number of sessions. 

​

 

How do I know your advice won't be the same as the other advice I have received from trainers or material I have researched?

 

Often advice offered by other trainers and in books/on-line are not successful.  Having said that, often they are, but when they are, people do not contact me :-) 

 

Common examples of techniques I do NOT recommend are:

 

kneeing; teaching "off" or "down"; or ignoring to prevent jumping;

crating and negative response to prevent messing/chewing;

​

using treats or other distractions to prevent lunging; biting or barking

 

getting the dog to "look at me" to deter negative reaction 

​

removing the tug-o-war toy or pinning down a dog to decrease aggressive tendencies; hand feeding to decrease food aggression; leash tied around waist to over-come anxiety;

​

getting other people to feed treats to decrease aggression or anxiety.

​

I do not do clicker training, 

 

I do not use the crate - I am not opposed to it, I just don't rely on it for training.

​

I do not use the E-collar or the Gentle Leader (Head Halti)

​

​

Are DogLogic Techniques "positive"?

​

No.  And Yes

 

NO - DogLogic does not rely on Positive Training techniques as a NOUN.  The term "positive training" has become a generic technique which relies on Reactive actions after the dog has done the correct behaviour.  The Reactive actions are commonly treats and praise for positive behaviour; verbal reprimand etc for negative behaviour.

​

YES- DogLogic Methodology is positive, when speaking as a VERB.  The techniques work "with" the dogs' personality; history; and current lifestyle.   Dogs MUST LIKE  the techniques in order for them to be successful.  The techniques must MAKE SENSE  to the dog.  So, in this sense, DogLogic Methods are positive,

 

Does DogLogic offer payment plans?

 

 

I do not offer payment plans because the first session provides a ton of information. We then build on these tools in the follow-up sessions and with communication between sessions.  I do not train based on time in sessions and I do not charge that way either. When people pay for time they want to rush to the end result, which is not the best way to approach working with dogs over 6 months of age or adopted dogs.  If people pay in increments, they may attempt to continue the training on their own without obtaining the skills and information required to successfully continue on their own.

  

Is it twice the price for two dogs?

​

Not if the dogs are living in the same home and the people are the same people working with both dogs.  Basically - the people learn the skills, which may vary between the dogs, so may be slightly more time consuming, but "family dogs" work as a whole.

​

What if we decide to re-home our dog after working with DogLogic?

 

 

Many people contact me when they are at their wits' end and/or "have tried everything".  My goal is to provide honest and realistic advice and once the techniques have been applied, you will be able to make educated decisions as to the best and most realistic options for your family and your dog.  

 

Although most of my clients keep their dog, the situations and dogs I commonly work with are not standard, and the outcomes vary.  If you feel your dog may be more suited to a different lifestyle or home environment you will be able to comfortably and safely re-home your dog, and I will assist you in this process. The training program goes with the dog to the new family (terms apply).

 

​