Frequently Asked Questions

What methods do you use?
Companion Training utilizes positive training methods which are used to produce working assistance dogs, therapy dogs and dependable family pets. These methods have been developed and evolved through a combination of both experience and education. We pride ourselves in utilizing and developing fun & humane methods that teach your dog to love and respond with excitement to his/her tasks at hand. Although our methods have always been of the highest quality, the quest to “raise the standard” of results seen in our k9 companions is forever evident at Companion Training.

At what age can I start training my family dog?
Training should begin the day your puppy is taken away from its mother. A puppy is in a extremely important developmental stage between the ages of 8 weeks and 16 weeks old.

At what age do we start training my assistance dog?
This depends on each individual’s situation. It is ideal to start with a puppy as early as 10 weeks old. This allows for the proper socialization and basic training techniques to be established with excellence from the very beginning. As your dog matures, he/she is then taken through the next series of developmental tasks. The training will be consistent until your dog has successfully passed through its puppy stage and on into a working adult K9.

Group classes vs. private lessons?
All dogs have different personalities and therefore learn best by different methods. Private training allows an experienced trainer/behaviorist the opportunity to shape the obedience technique to best suit your dogs personality & breed tendencies. Every dog is unique and special. We offer groups for controlled socialization and fun distraction proofing after a dog thoroughly understands his commands and manners.

Can I train my dog in a group environment? 
The problem that arises in a group setting is that one person may have an excited Labrador, the next person has a dominate/independent rottweiler and the person next to that has a timid terrier. It is obvious these dogs should not be taught using one generic training technique.

How does a residency program work?
We have a special program that is very unique in the dog world. WE DO NOT BOARD DOGS IN KENNELS ALL DAY. Our residency program consists of your pet being cared for in a loving home environment while being trained for you by a professional. #1. You and your trainer will meet for an evaluation & consultation, Lay out which commands you would like to have your pet respond to reliably & go through your dogs specific needs and daily routine. #2. At the end of the residency program you will meet with your trainer for private handling classes. This ensures that you know how to give the commands properly both verbal & hand signals and that you know how to maintain your dog’s level of excellence through out the years to come. Do to the popularity and limited training homes available, reservations are highly recommended during peak vacation months and before Christmas.

Is my dog too old to be worked with?
No, it is never to late. Behaviors can be shaped at any age, the younger the dog means that there are fewer habits to reform. Adult obedience starts at 18 weeks of age-or older.

My dog is aggressive toward other people, can this be helped?
We need to start in on an aggression management & counter-conditioning program immediately, as to prevent any (more) accidents from occurring. Do not wait and let the problem escalate, it will not disappear on it’s own. DO NOT euthinize your pet, there are behavioral solutions and preventative measures that can be taken to ensure that your pet (who is depending on you) can maintain a long and happy life.