The short answer: About five weeks. The length of stay of the residency programs depend on a few factors. After the drop off we always give each dog as much time as he or she needs to get acclimated to their new surroundings. It is pertinent to note that COVID has created the necessity for a longer period of adjustment, as many dogs are less socialized secondary to many people working from home and less opportunity for interaction. No training happens on the first day because they are usually so focused on playing with the other dogs and getting used to everything. The pickup date is also not counted because we do an entire training session (usually 2 hours) with you to work on all commands. They are usually SO tired by the end of this that they wouldn’t be able to focus on any other training (it really tires them out mentally). Also, during this time the weather is so unpredictable – when it rains we are unable to set up distractions outside. Of course, the entire stay is included in the original package price – we do not charge extra for any days added on the program due to outstanding circumstances. My goal is to get each dog where they need to be before going home regardless of any extra days that may be included. Our commitment is to have every dog one hundred percent completed to the highest standards, and every dog is different. We have always had a very open acceptance policy for training and do not exclude dogs with behavioral problems and challenging personalities and sometimes the difficulty cannot be predicted. In addition, Katie works exclusively on her own with the exception of logistical assistance. Katie would like to keep this service affordable and we do not want to continually raise prices to try and make this service less and less affordable for families.PLEASE NOTE: Due to the extreme high demand of this service we are not able to give estimated completion dates. When the dog is finished we will work with you to find a pick up date that aligns with your schedule.
How do I learn how to use the obedience commands with my dog?
On the day of pick-up (after training is completed) you will meet with Katie for about 2 hours for the final consultation. The dog’s entire family/household should be present if possible. During this session each member of the family will be trained with using all commands taught during the training program. Your dog is the easy part; we are as much people trainers as we are dog trainers! Both are as equally important to ensure the success of the training.
Why is obedience training so important?
Obedience training is important to you, your family, and your dog. All dogs crave leadership and if there is none (from your dog’s perspective), your dog will assume it’s his/her job to take over this position. This often causes bad manners and behavioral problems. Obedience training establishes leadership and teaches your dog his/her proper place in the family “Pack”. Your dog is actually much happier, and better behaved, when YOU and the other humans in the family are the leaders!
Obedience training gives your dog a “job” to do with mental stimulation. Working with your dog for only 10-15 minutes twice a day is actually more fatiguing for him/her tan an hour of playing in the yard!
How does it work?
Our trainer Katie Fern designs a program specific to your needs and your dogs needs, while basing the progression on the personality and learning aptitude of your dog. In other obedience programs, the trainer demonstrates a command and the students in turn teach their dog. With Katie Fern’s Off-Lead training program, she will first fully train your dog with each command, then help you to learn how to reinforce it at home.
What do I have to do?
You will be expected to work with our trainer during your final evaluation session. Your “Homework” will be to practice, with your dog, the commands you learned during this training session. We recommend 15-20 minutes twice a day to reinforce these commands permanently in the home.
Where does the training take place?
Training takes place in Katie Fern’s home, and in surrounding public areas. Katie will take your dog to the parks, vet offices, grocery stores, and anywhere that socialization and distractions can occur! Your dog will become part of the family – playing with many other dogs on a regular basis, and ending the day tired and ready to work the next day!
Where will my dog stay during training?
Training is done in Katie’s home as a residency program. Your dog is crated overnight and when left alone, for the safety of your dog. He/she will have supervised free time to reinforce training, and also address any behavioral issues. This gives Katie the opportunity to correct any negative behaviors in his natural environment. (Example: taking food off the able, jumping on furniture, barking, chewing, drop it, or leave it, etc.) During your dogs “vacation” we take lots of field trips to vet offices, pet stores, soccer games, swimming, walks, and bike rides (YES! You can expect to ride your bike with your buddy alongside you!), to ensure good behavior with heavy levels of distraction.
Can my kids be involved?
We definitely encourage everyone in the family to take part. Training must be consistent and fair to be effective. Your dog needs to understand that ALL the humans in the pack are leaders, even the little ones!
Can you train more than one dog?
Yes, definitely! The more the merrier!
What are the follow-up sessions?
All packages come with one follow up session to ensure the reinforcement of the training. These are scheduled at your convenience. The dog will stay with Katie for about three days. During these sessions Katie will meet with you one on one to clarify any training or commands so that you feel comfortable reinforcing them at home.
How old does my dog have to be to start?
We begin formal obedience training around 5 months old. There are some exceptions when we might start a dog earlier. We strongly encourage clients to book as soon as possible, as we are generally fill very quickly. We recommend holding a spot before you get the puppy if possible to ensure that your dog can start at five months.
Is my dog too old to benefit from this type of training?
No dog is too old to learn new “tricks” in spite of the old saying! However, the older a dog is the more time it will take to change behavior. Patience, persistence, and consistency is crucial to produce the desired results.
