Real life training for real life situations
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DOES THE BOARD AND TRAIN WORK?
The board and train is customized to each dog and their owners lifestyle. You will drop your dog off on a Monday and pick your dog up each Friday with a 1.5hr lesson for the owner. You will have specific training to do each weekend at home or out and about. The program builds on itself each week and is designed to ensure continued success through out your dogs life.
CAN I COME MEET YOU BEFORE I BRING MY DOG FOR A BOARD AND TRAIN?
Yes! Contact us for an appointment.
WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE?
I became a Certified Master Trainer in 2015. I worked at Polite Paws in Kelowna as Head Trainer in the board and programs. I have trained 100's of dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes. I have rehabilitated dogs with the most common issues as well as dogs with unique behavioural problems. I have been the last hope for many dogs/owners, and have been successful in turning lives around.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
WHAT VACCINATIONS ARE REQUIRED?
Parvo, distemper, rabies and kennel cough.
WILL MY DOG LISTEN TO ME AFTER YOU HAVE TRAINED THEM?
Yes. You will be training your dog too! The process requires your involvement with a lesson for you with your dog each Friday. Together we will ensure your success well after the board and train is over. You will take what you have learned from each lesson and continue the training at home on the weekend with specific homework.
DO YOU PROVIDE SUPPORT AFTER A BOARD AND TRAIN?
Absolutely, I will provide continued support for 3 months following a board and train. Support will be given over the phone or by email for anything that is easy to answer. If practical help is required we will make an appointment for in person training.
IS MY DOG TOO OLD TO BE TRAINED?
If your dog is physically capable to train, they aren't to old. The old adage "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" isn't about dogs at all. Training and rehabilitation is for dogs of all ages.
WHERE WILL MY DOG SLEEP?
I have a dog room set up in my house. Each dog has an assigned kennel with blankets to sleep in for the duration of their stay.
CAN I COME SEE MY DOG THROUGH OUT THEIR TRAINING WEEK?
There is always an exception to the rule i,e medical reasons etc, but typically the answer is no. Your dog is learning a new way of being while at Instinct to Heel, to keep this process as least confusing as possible, it's best to hold off until your lesson on Friday. There are typically video updates daily, and of course you are most welcome to call or email for any specific updates.
I LIVE IN THE LOWER MAINLAND. HOW CAN I TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR SERVICES?
A customized board and train program can be arranged. Contact us and we can options.
WILL MY DOG MISS ME?
Each Friday you will be greeted like you have been gone for months. Through out the week though your dog is either working or sleeping. We should have a separation anxiety class for owners :)
I WORK ON FRIDAY, CAN I COME TO MY LESSON ON SATURDAY?
No. All appointments are in business hours.
DO YOU RECOMMEND USING E-COLLAR TRAINING?
Yes. When used properly, e-collar training is an effective and efficient training method. E-collar training provides freedom to dogs, and peace of mind for owners.
WILL YOU HELP ME E-COLLAR TRAIN MY DOG IN 1:1 LESSONS?
No. I strongly advise against using an e-collar without the training necessary to use this method effectively. Due to the complexity of e-collar training and the different types of personalities and temperaments of dogs as well as too many variables in environment it is impossible to provide e-collar training in 1:1 sessions humanely.
WHAT E-COLLAR DO YOU USE?
I prefer to use the Mini Educator made by e-collar technologies. I have found these to be the most reliable on the dog and the easiest to use for humans, The collar itself is water proof and has a range of 1/2 mile. E-collar technologies has a 2 year warranty for their e-collar products.
DO YOU PROVIDE E-COLLARS FOR THE BOARD AND TRAIN?
Yes, I purchase e-collars directly from e-collar technologies and have them on hand for my board and train clients.