FAQs
- What types of customers have you worked with?
Our specialty is in helping the "average family" and their pets live in happiness and harmony. We are experts in every facet of living with dogs... ranging from puppy raising, house training, dog manners, obedience, loose leash walking, multiple-dog families to helping even fearful, reactive and aggressive dogs overcome their fears, work around their triggers and adjust to be able to dwell among us safely and happily. With 15 years in dog training and behavior, our focus is on your individual needs and goals. Every person has a different idea of the "ideal" dog - what they want their dog to behave like... that's what we specialize in... helping you achieve your dream dog!
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Ask about credentials (are they certified through CCPDT, Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers, as a CPDT, Certified Professional Dog Trainer?) Are they members of APDT, Association of Pet Dog Trainers? Are they an AKC CGC Evaluator (American Kennel Club, Canine Good Citizen)? How many years have they been training, where and how did they get started? Who did they apprentice with or what school did they go to? Be aware that anyone can call themselves a "dog trainer" there is no government regulation on the industry and it is easy to start a business by getting a license. Ask where they teach classes, are they affiliated with a major rescue organization where they teach classes? Ask until you are convinced and then ask about their METHODS!!! Are they an "All Positive Reinforcement" trainer or do they use choke chains, pinch collars or electronic (shock) collars. Buyer beware!!! There are a lot of punishment-based trainers (correction-based) available as well as positive-reinforcement trainers (working with the science and research of BF Skinner and Ivan Pavlov) and some punishment based trainers are good at mis-representation by using the buzz-phrase "positive reinforcement" out of context.
- What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
It is important to work with someone you feel understands your needs and has the experience to really help you. As there is no regulation on the dog training industry, anyone can buy a business license and hang out a sign proclaiming themselves an "expert" in dog training. There are good training programs out there, but there is also a lot of poor training as well. Techniques vary greatly among trainers and while we at Pawsitive Steps endeavor to remain current in the scientific learning and study of animal behavior, by attending conferences, specialty workshops and online courses, etc., not every trainer is willing to make that investment of time and money. Also, there are many different approaches, opinions and methods, and some that have become popular with TV and internet audiences may cause more harm than good in the long run, or are not feasible to have everyone in the family try to do with the dog. Our goal at Pawsitive Steps is always SAFETY FIRST, for you, your dog and other people and their dogs you come into contact with. Secondly, we teach you only things you and your whole family can do...safely and effectively