Oh Good Dog Professional Dog Training

FAQs

• What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

  Please visit our website for a list of service we provide.

• What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

  Training your dog not only provides physical and mental exercise, but it also opens up a line of communication. Well trained dogs are dogs that can safely be given more freedom, and thus happier lives. By training you and your dog, we can effectively prevent, solve, and manage many behavior problems. In general, I start all of our custom training programs off with a training consultation over the phone. A behavior evaluation at your home can be scheduled if necessary. This allows me to meet you and your dog, get a detailed history, and lay out training goals. From there I will help you decide which of our training programs best suits you and your dog’s individual needs. Training programs are available for all ages and breeds. Behavioral rehabilitation cases are decided on a case-by-case basis based on your dog’s unique needs and your availability/commitment. Keep in mind that training your dog is a lifelong commitment to your dog and at different stages of his life. There are basic skills that can be taught quickly and minor behavior issues that can be resolved in one session. But in most cases, trainers promising immediate results for major problems like aggression are using punitive methods. That instant cure may look like a miracle, but there is fallout from the use of punishment—it only suppresses behavior, rather than addressing the underlying problem. If you were having a plumber fix your sink, it would be reasonable to expect a guarantee that the problem would be fixed within a specific time frame, at a specified cost. But when dealing with dogs and humans, behavior cannot be guaranteed. Should a dog who has an excellent, rock-solid recall, for example, be expected to come to you immediately when called 100% of the time? No. Dogs aren’t robots. Should you expect the dog to comply a very high percentage of that time? Sure. Then there’s the human end of the behavior equation, which can be guaranteed even less than the dog’s. Once a trainer has completed a training session, it’s up to the owner to continue to practice. We all know how hectic life gets, and sometimes in that multitasking frenzy, things fall through the cracks. Trainers returning for follow-up visits have heard, “I didn’t have time to practice with my dog” more times than we’d like to count. But again, there goes the guarantee. We must also account for handler error on the part of the owner, who is, after all, learning new skills along with the dog. If the person doesn’t lure the dog with the food treat in the correct manner to achieve a sit or down, or doesn’t properly manage the dog who jumps on visitors, it negates the chance for the skill to be taught or the problem to be solved, no matter how good a job the trainer did. However, I do provide a Life-time Support Guarantee. When you and your dog enroll in any of my training programs, I make a long-term commitment to your desire that your dog become an enjoyable pet. My involvement in your dog’s training does not end after class. Should you need help, I am always available to you. The guarantee provide ongoing, free assistance in dog behavioral problems, no matter if the same problems reoccur, or if new problems arise. I can teach you how to better communicate with your dog and introduce rules of your home. Ultimately, it is up to you to track progress and practice your games and solutions. I can promise you this—if you stick to my training plan and make sure that everyone in your household is consistent—you will see changes in your dog’s behavior.

• What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

  Francis is from San Diego California. He has always had a love and passion for animals since he was a child. Growing up he owned an assortment of pets including dogs, cats, reptiles, and other cage animals. He holds B.Sc in Animal Science and Zoology from Massey University in New Zealand. After graduation, he decided to follow the passion his dogs reminded him of all the time and made his way to Texas to attend Starmark Academy for Professional Dog Trainers and Canine Behavior Specialists. Francis got hired as a trainer upon completing the program where he trained and rehabilitated hundreds of dogs at Starmark Animal Behavior Center. He utilizes his science background and incorporates his knowledge on animal health, behavior and welfare into dog training. Francis has two dogs which he will train them for agility, competition obedience, disc sport and IPO. His goal is to help people not only training their dogs, but to understand why their dogs do what they do. He enjoys educating and coaching clients to build a better line of communication and relationship with our furry friends!