FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Have a Question? Here’s an Answer
WHAT IS YOUR TRAINING METHODOLOGY?
Positive reinforcement combined with good management and stress control is how I achieve results. I follow LIMA guidelines which outline how behavior problems should be approached in the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive way.
WHAT IS COOPERATIVE CARE?
Teaching animals to voluntarily participate in veterinary exams and husbandry procedures.
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Examples: Waiting politely in the exam room, standing quietly for vaccinations, calmly allowing complete physical exams. Husbandry includes cooperating with nail trims, ear cleaning, taking pills, hoof trims, easy haltering and deworming.
CAN YOU REALLY TRAIN CATS, PARROTS AND EVEN REPTILES?
All animals are welcome. Dogs and cats are what I see the most. Luckily, no matter the species, training comes down to setting up the situation properly, rewarding what you like and timing. Not only can I teach your pet, but I can teach you how to teach your pet. With patience and perseverance great things are possible.
WHAT DOES REMARKABLE BEHAVIOR DO DIFFERENTLY THAN OTHERS IN YOUR FIELD?
My combined zoo and domestic animal experience makes me view animal training a little differently than most. I know for a fact, because I have done it, that you can take a blood sample from a rhinoceros that has been trained by his keepers to participate. If a rhino will cooperate in this procedure, a dog can be taught to tolerate nail trims, ear cleaning, and restraint. Of course, no rhino has ever been held down to have his nails trimmed! Dogs who have a history of being hurt, scared or handled roughly will not learn as quickly as a puppy (or a rhino)!
CAN MY DOG REALLY STOP TURNING "CUJO" EVERY TIME HE SEES ANOTHER DOG?
Short answer: Yes
Long answer: Results will vary depending on factors such as: how long your dog has been practicing the "bad" behavior? Are you willing to change habits to help your dog learn new coping skills? Is your dog afraid of other dogs or is she a frustrated greeter? Do you live in an apartment or in a house? All this and more needs to be considered and will be addressed in your behavior modification plan. When you, me and your dog work as a team the behavior improves significantly.
DO I HAVE TO USE FOOD TO TRAIN MY DOG?
If you want fast results, food is the easiest tool to use. However, there are lots of things we can use to reinforce your dog that are not food. You might be surprised to learn that your dog is in charge of letting us know what he or she finds reinforcing though! Praising a dog that doesn't care if you are pleased will not result in the behavior you want.
FINE PRINT
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Payment for Services is due the day of your session
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Packages must be finished within four months of purchase or remaining sessions are forfeited. There are no refunds for unused sessions if you are the reason they were not scheduled
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There are no guaranteed results with behavior modification as each pet and situation varies. However, I promise to do my best to help you and your pet. If you are not happy with my services, I will strive to find you a better fit for your needs
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Time for training sessions vary. If your pet is tired or is not enjoying the session I will end early or switch to enrichment activities rather than forcing your pet to continue with training
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I understand that unexpected things happen. There is no penalty the first time you cancel an appointment without giving 48 hours notice. After the first incident, a late cancellation is counted as a session against your total
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If I have to cancel a session, I will reschedule it to the earliest available time that works for you. If I have to cancel additional sessions, you will be awarded a free 1/2 hour for each additional cancellation (barring acts of God and shelter in place orders)
