FAQ

Virtual training works a lot better than it seems like it should. I can provide more accurate feedback on training sessions through video which can be watched at half speed and paused, and virtual sessions are far less stressful on dogs who are fearful or reactive toward people. When the coaching session is focused on helping you learn instead of being stressed out about managing your dog, you’re able to learn more and continue making progress after you’re no longer having regular sessions.

Virtual training is far more flexible than in person training, so virtual training sessions can look a little different for everyone. For someone who needs more skills practice, we can hold a training session with your dog and problem solve in real time. For other meetings, we might focus on discussing concepts and use video between sessions to check skills.

We will cover the same skills as most training programs cover in person, and more. We will cover leash skills, how to teach new behaviors, how to address things your dog is concerned about it as well as enrichment, management, and trauma informed principles of safety, relationship, stress relief, and coping.

Unfortunately, due to the nature of this program with the additional workbook and resources, the program is non-refundable. I advise scheduling a free call if you have questions or reaching out by email if you need help finding a positive trainer in your local area. Note everyone learns to the best of their ability online, and that’s ok! This program is for people who know themselves well enough to know they enjoy and excel at online learning.

Traumatic events are incredibly subjective and therefor difficult to say for sure whether an individual has or has not experienced trauma. Trauma informed care will benefit ALL dogs, not just dogs who have experienced large traumatic events and help them make progress around triggers, especially if you have previously worked with trainers on counter conditioning/desensitization and have plateaued at a certain point in your training. However, trauma informed care will be REQUIRED for dogs who have experienced more objectively traumatic events such as large medical events, high stress long distance transportation (imported dogs), or dogs separated from their litter too early.

Trauma informed care will benefit EVERY dog, not just dogs who have experiences a traumatic event. Trauma is not defined by the event that happened, but rather by the animal’s ability (or lack thereof) to cope, and the resulting long-lasting effect on the animal’s nervous system. There are events we can say are highly likely to produce trauma such as early separation from the litter or being imported from another country, but can also extend to medical events, vet visits, or the first scary experience with something. When in doubt, or when other training methods have failed, err on the side of “it might be trauma!”