Frequently Asked Questions

An initial consult is an introductory conversation where we get to know each other and discuss your and your dog’s needs, goals, and challenges. The main purpose of the call is to determine which training program would be best suited for both of you. It’s also an opportunity for us to see if we are a good fit for working together towards your goals.

An initial consult is a crucial first step in our process for several important reasons:

1. Tailored Solutions: To provide you and your dog with the best possible training program, we need to understand your specific needs, goals, and challenges. The initial consult allows us to gather this essential information and customize our approach to fit your situation perfectly.
2. Ensuring Compatibility: It’s important for both parties to determine if we are a good fit for each other. The call helps us assess whether our services align with your expectations and whether we can effectively work together towards your goals.
3. Setting Clear Expectations: The initial consult is an opportunity to discuss what you can expect from our services, including the methods, timelines, and outcomes. This helps in setting realistic expectations and ensuring that we’re on the same page.
4. Building a Strong Foundation: By starting with a conversation, we establish a foundation of trust and clear communication. This initial interaction helps build a strong working relationship and ensures that we address any concerns or questions you might have from the beginning.
5. Efficient Planning: Understanding your needs upfront helps us plan and allocate resources more efficiently, leading to a more effective and streamlined training experience for you and your dog.

Overall, the initial consult is mandatory because it allows us to provide a personalized and high-quality service tailored to your specific needs, ensuring a productive partnership. Should you decide to move forward with a training package, the cost of the initial consult will be credited towards your package.

Day training offers a convenient solution where our professional trainer works with your dog during the day while you’re away. Our trainer focuses on specific behaviours or skills and keeps you updated on progress. All you need to do is, participate in transfer sessions and learn how to maintain the training at home.

Get started with day training today to give your dog the focused, effective training they need in their own home with minimal disruption to your schedule.

Have a puppy? Have a dog?

An Online Q&A Hour for dog training is a virtual session designed specifically for pet parents enrolled in our programs. During this time, you can ask questions about your dog’s training journey, covering topics like behavior, techniques, and any challenges you’re facing.

Our professional dog trainer will offer expert advice and tailored solutions that directly relate to your specific program. This interactive opportunity not only enhances your training experience but also connects you with other dog owners on the same path. Whether you’re looking for tips on basic commands or guidance for behavioral issues, this session is here to support you and your dog’s success!

While we strive to achieve the best possible results, we cannot guarantee specific outcomes within a set timeframe or number of sessions. Each dog is unique, and progress depends on factors such as their individual behaviour and consistency in following the training plan. Our goal is to work closely with you and your dog to achieve the best results and support continuous progress.

To ensure the safety of your dog, the trainer, and everyone involved, keeping your dog on a leash is essential.

1. Private Coaching: Dogs should be on leash when the trainer arrives. Leashes can be removed only when instructed by the trainer.
2. Day Training: Dogs must be on leash during the first session. For subsequent sessions, puppies must be in a confinement area, and adult dogs without a solid recall should also be confined when the trainer arrives.
3. Group Classes: All dogs and puppies must remain on leash at all times, unless otherwise directed by the trainer. Owners must maintain proper leash control throughout the class.

In our group classes, we facilitate small, supervised playgroups for short periods. We do not let all the puppies or dogs off leash together at once because this can lead to issues such as fear responses or bullying behaviour.

Instead, we create playgroups based on similar sizes and personalities, while our trainers help you monitor body language to detect any signs of fear or discomfort. This way, we can intervene if necessary to keep interactions positive and enjoyable for all participants.

At Woof Wizards, we adhere to the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, including the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) Effective Behaviour Intervention policies, as recognized by our CPDT-KA Certification, Fear Free Professional Certification, and memberships in The CAPDT and AFFA. These organizations consider tools like choke chains, prong collars, and e-collars to be aversive and therefore not in alignment with our training philosophy.

An aversive is a stimulus or technique used to reduce or eliminate unwanted behaviours by creating discomfort, pain, or an unpleasant experience for the dog.
Potential Risks: The use of aversives can lead to various problems, including:

• Fear and Anxiety: Aversives can cause fear, anxiety, and stress in dogs, potentially leading to behavioural issues or aggression.
• Decreased Trust: The bond between the dog and the trainer or owner can be damaged, as the dog may become fearful or distrustful.
• Suppression of Behaviour: While aversives might stop a behaviour temporarily, they do not teach the dog what to do instead and may suppress the behaviour without addressing the underlying cause.

The CCPDT, or Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the professionalism and standards of dog training. Founded in 2001, the CCPDT provides certification for dog trainers to ensure they have the necessary knowledge, skills, and ethical standards to effectively and humanely train dogs. The CCPDT is widely recognized in the dog training industry for setting high standards and promoting best practices, helping both trainers and the public find qualified professionals.

https://www.ccpdt.org/

CPDT-KA stands for Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed. It’s a certification offered by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) that recognizes dog trainers who have demonstrated a strong understanding of canine behaviour and training principles.

“CPDT-KA® indicates that a dog trainer has passed a comprehensive exam and has at least 300 hours of dog training experience. Professionals who pass the CCPDT’s examinations have been tested for fundamental knowledge and skill in humane, science-based dog training techniques.” “All certificants must earn continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain their designations and must also adhere to strict Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics and Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) Effective Behaviour Intervention policies in their practices. “

https://www.ccpdt.org/

A Fear Free Certified Professional is an individual who has undergone specialized training to help minimize fear, anxiety, and stress in pets, particularly in veterinary and pet care settings. The Fear Free certification program, developed by Dr. Marty Becker and a team of veterinary and behavioural experts, aims to improve the overall experience for pets and their owners by promoting humane, stress-reducing practices. Certified professionals are trained to use strategies such as gentle handling, positive reinforcement, and environmental modifications to create a more comfortable and less frightening experience for pets.

https://fearfreepets.com/about/what-is-fear-free/

The CAPDT, or Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers, is a professional organization based in Canada dedicated to promoting high standards in dog training and behaviour. Founded in 2006, the CAPDT supports dog trainers by providing resources, continuing education, and certification opportunities to enhance their skills and professionalism. Overall, the CAPDT plays a significant role in advancing the field of dog training in Canada by ensuring that trainers are well-trained and adhere to best practices.

The Alberta Force-Free Alliance (AFFA) is a group based in Alberta, Canada, dedicated to promoting positive, force-free training methods for dogs and other animals. The AFFA advocates for training practices that are humane, science-based, and focused on reinforcing desirable behaviours rather than using punishment or aversive techniques. By focusing on force-free and positive reinforcement methods, the Alberta Force-Free Alliance aims to improve the lives of pets and enhance the overall effectiveness of training practices in the region.

https://www.albertaforcefreealliance.com/