FAQ
What kind of collar and leash will my dog need for training?What type of clothing and footwear do I need for class?
Do you offer a guarantee?
You say your methods are based on scientific principles, what are they?
Do I need to be the "alpha" or "leader of the pack" to my dog?
How long will it take to train my dog?
Why should I train my dog?
What age can I begin to train my puppy?
I didn't get a chance to practice training this week, should I cancel my training session?
I'm busy and don't have time to train my dog myself, do you offer a boarding and training program?
What are the benefits of private training?
I live out of the city, will you train outside of London, Ontario?
What breeds of dogs do you train?
I have an older dog, can I still train him/her?
My dog is just un trainable! What can I do?
Will training my dog with a trainer once a week for one hour be enough training for my dog?
Q. What kind of collar and leash will my dog need for training?
A. We recommend that you use a flat snap or buckle collar and a 6-foot nylon, cotton webbing, or leather lead. If you feel your dog would benefit from other types of equipment please speak with a trainer.
CanineLife will work hard with you to teach you to walk your dog without the need of any additional training equipment, but we know that in some cases a bit of extra help is needed. If necessary, we will recommend additional equipment that would be best suited for you and your dog.
We ask that you only use a short (6 foot) leash for training and put away your retractable lead. Retractable leads are excellent for providing your dog with the ability to exercise a further distance, but they do have risks when training.
Q. What type of clothing and footwear do I need for class?
A. Please wear flat soled non-slip running shoes and comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement. We ask that you do not wear sandals or heels in the training classes for safety purposes.
Q. Do you offer a guarantee?
A. We guarantee that we will teach you all of the knowledge and skills you need through the services we provide. However, because there are so many elements that play a part in behavior that are beyond our control including a dog's health and genetics, past history, influences that are present in their living environment, and the level of cooperation and commitment of the pet parents, we believe it would be unprincipled and unethical to guarantee a specific outcome or result for an animal. We are confident that our clients will be very satisfied with our methods and techniques and we willingly do everything we can to help them achieve successful relationships and positive results with their pets.
Q. You say your methods are based on scientific principles. What are they?
A. Scientific principles of dog training stem from basic psychology of learning theory. You may find yourself familiar with the names of Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936) and B.F. Skinner (1904-1990). These historical icons are founders of the principles of how learning occurs. These are the principles on which our methods are based and taught at CanineLife.Classical Conditioning was developed by Pavlov. Classical conditioning involves animals learning and association between events that are closely related in time, eventually the animal will begin to predict the proceeding event. An example of classical conditioning would be the excitement in your dog when you open a bag of treats or pick up their lead. Associations in a dog's life can be positive or negative and they will all have a large effect on exhibited behavior.
Training through classical conditioning allows us to use techniques to replace negative associations with positive associations, in turn positively changing the dog's behavior.
Operant Conditioning was formulated by B.F. Skinner.
Operant conditioning is a process of behavior modification where a specific behavior is increased or decreased through positive or negative reinforcement or punishment and each time the behavior is exhibited. The animal comes to associate the pleasure or displeasure of the results of their actions with the behavior. The animal will begin to think, 'If I do this, this will happen'. This is how dogs learn new skills and behaviors, and how unwanted behaviors are eliminated.
The basics of how dogs think and learn through Operant and Classical Conditioning are briefly discussed during your first training lesson. It is important that every pet parent understands the proper functioning of their dog's learning process and how to properly execute techniques to create a well-behaved dog.
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Q. Do I need to be the “alpha” or “leader of the pack” to my dog?
A. Dogs are pack animals and they require a leader. You do not need to take on an 'alpha' role and dominate your dog, you simply need to provide your dog with leadership and guidance, rules and boundaries. If a dog is unable to view an established leader in their 'pack' they will feel the need to fill the role of one. When this happens your dog will be in control of you and running the house on their own terms. Pulling you on the lead, stealing your socks, and jumping up on the counter are a few behaviors you may see exhibited in such circumstances. This is all normal dog behavior. They are living by instinct of what they know. Once you have established yourself as a leader to your dog, these behaviours will no longer be present. Techniques on the proper way to provide leadership to your dog are taught throughout group and private lessons.
It is not necessary for you to attempt to build a loving family relationship through 'dominance' or cohesion. All your dog requires are a set of rules that are taught and consistently enforced!
Q. How long will it take to train my dog?
A. The length of time that it will take to train your dog depends on many factors. A few of these factors include the simplicity or complexity of the pet parent's training goals, how quickly each person and dog is able to learn, the amount of time committed to training, the quality of training, the physical health of the dog and person, and the learning environment the dog is being taught in.
Success will be seen sooner rather than later when training is begun at a young age in dogs. This occurs because unwanted behaviors are stopped before they have a chance to start. However, older dogs still have the ability, drive, and focus to learn!
Simple behaviors will be less time consuming then complex behaviors. We believe all levels of training difficulty are completely attainable by any person and their dog with dedication and consistency. The more time you spend training your dog, the better your dog will be!
CanineLife will provide you with fun, proven, easy to use training techniques that will be easily incorporated into your daily routine. Every interaction with your dog is an opportunity to train them. You will learn how to implement this method through our training program.
We believe that dog's should be able to have a lifelong training experience. It should become part of their routine and your routine. Training is the only way they are able to educate themselves and a great way of exercise. There are many dog sports that you and your dog can explore to keep your dog active. Please speak with a trainer for more advice on which sport would be best suited for you and your dog.
Q. Why should I train my dog?
A. There are several good reasons to train a dog. Training will build the bond between you and your dog, allow you to condition your dog to behave how you would like it to, and allow you and your dog to live in harmony. Training is key to avoid unwanted behaviors from occurring. Dogs that are well trained are welcomed and well liked throughout the neighborhood and society. Families with well trained dogs are generally much happier since their dog is eager and happy to work for them.
80% of dogs put in a humane society are there for behavioral issues, and 80% of those dogs are euthanized. Over 20 million pets are euthanized every year, that's 1 every 1.6 seconds.
Q. What age can I start training my puppy?
A. We believe you should begin to train your puppy as soon as possible. It is best to have your first lesson before you get your puppy so you are prepared and ready to properly housebreak and crate train your puppy, as well as have a clear understanding of the training methods to begin training your dog successfully from the minute you bring them into your home.
Q. I didn't get a chance to practice training with my dog this week. Should I cancel my next training session?
A. No, you should not cancel your lesson. It is important for your dog to have a routine, specially with training. We don't want you to fall behind any further with your lessons. It is understandable that people have busy lives and unexpected interruptions; your dog's extracurricular activities should not be interrupted because of this. Our instructors are very understanding and will help you regardless of your chance to practice, or not.
Q. Will you take my dog and train him/her?
A. At this time we do not offer this service. It is a very expensive method of training for a dog owner and often times the dog will end up having trouble following cues of the owner because they didn't teach the dog all of the steps of the behaviors. However, if this is your preferred method to have your dog trained, services are available, but remember, you will still have a lot of work to do when the trainer gives you your dog back!
Q. What are the benefits of private training?
A. Private training gives you one full hour per week (or however frequently you wish) of one-on-one training time with the instructor. You will still learn all of the proper techniques and obedience that you would in a classroom setting. Programs can be modified to suit your schedule and your training needs. Private training is done in your home (other accommodations are available if needed) so you do not have the extra travel time to and from classes, and often many problem behaviors are seen in the home that are not seen in a classroom setting.
Q. Will you train my dog and I in our home outside of London, Ontario?
A. Yes, we will come to your home and train outside of the city within reason at a higher cost. However, if you wish to pay the same prices as listed, you are welcome to come into the city and have private training done at another location. Please inquire about the fees for your area.
Q. What breeds of dogs do you train?
A. At CanineLife we welcome all breeds. We do not discriminate against any breeds of dogs. Pit bulls are welcome but must comply to the regulations of the Ontario By Law (must be muzzled, be on a 4 foot leash, and the leash must not leave the owners hand when outside of your home).
Q. I have an older dog, can I still train him/her?
A. Yes! You can and should train your dog through every stage of life. Older dogs still have the ability and drive to learn and work for you. Older dogs need rules, boundaries, and exercise, just like any other dog!
Q. My dog is just un trainable! What can I do?
A. We believe that every dog can successfully become a well-mannered member of the family when time is invested to teach proper training methods in a positive environment. All dogs are different and so are their needs. Our trainers will work closely with you to find the right method of training to allow you and your dog to be successful and happy.
Q. Will training my dog with a trainer once a week for one hour be enough training for my dog?
A. Dogs require consistency in their lives, and therefore require more than 1 hour of training throughout the week. Training should be done on a daily basis and can be incorporated into your daily routine. CanineLife's classes will teach you an easy way to fit training into your schedule so you are able to achieve the training results you desire of a well-mannered dog! We believe that the best method of teaching your dog is to train in small sessions of 3-5 minutes each. You can do it!
Do you have another question you need answered? Please e-mail us or call today!