Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

  • Not at all!

    It's what I'm most known for and what I love doing, but I also enjoy doing other pet dog training as well!

  • No. Ethical trainers don’t guarantee results any more than doctors guarantee they can cure you.

    The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers prohibits their members from guaranteeing results, and I would have my credentials revoked if I did so.

    Guaranteeing results is a slimy marketing gimmick. I’ve had many clients over the years come to me after working with a “results guaranteed” trainer who didn’t get the results they were promised (and also didn’t get a refund).

    I CAN guarantee that I will do everything possible to help you get the results you want and will be honest with you about what you can expect in terms of progress and results.

    Results will depend on a number of factors, including:

    • how often you practice and work with your dog

    • how closely you follow your trainer’s instructions

    • your dog’s health, temperament, genetics, early socialization and experiences, breed, and personality

    • your training goals

    I totally understand wanting a guarantee. I’ve been taken advantage of by trainers, too. It’s frustrating to keep paying money and not getting results, especially when you’re broke - I’ve been there. It’s normal to have concerns, and I’m happy to chat with you, just reach out!

  • While I don’t offer service dog training, I can help with good behavior and manners that service dogs will need.

  • Nope!

    It’s never too late to train a dog, no matter how old they are or how long they’ve had problematic behavior.

  • Right now!

    The sooner you start training your puppy, the easier it is. Puppy brains are primed for learning, as they have more neural synapses before 12 weeks. Not only is it easier for young puppies to learn, but they haven’t yet learned a bunch of bad habits!

  • Just some great training treats and your dog! Nothing fancy!

    We may talk about options for equipment at our session, depending on your dog and your goals.

  • It varies from dog to dog and will depend a lot on your training goals, your starting point, and your commitment to training.

    People and dogs all learn at different rates.

    My goal is always to help you reach your goals as quickly as possible!

  • Check out the Trained For You option!

  • I specialize in reactivity, which is the bulk of what I do.

    However, I take a very limited number of aggression cases. Whether I choose to take an aggression case will depend on many factors, including the severity of the aggression, risk to me and others, and owner commitment to training, management, and safety.

    Book a free call or shoot me an email, tell me about your good dog, and I'll let you know if I can help and if I have room in my schedule!

  • No.

    As a small business, offering discounts is not feasible, but you can make monthly payments if you’re on a budget!

  • I’m not a behaviorist; I’m a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (even better!)

    The requirements for a behaviorist include, among other things, having a master’s degree or PhD from an accredited college or university in a biological or behavioral science with an emphasis in animal behavior and a research-based thesis.

    Unfortunately, there are many unethical trainers who falsely call themselves behaviorists despite lacking the credentials.

    There are only a few behaviorists in Washington State - none are in Spokane.

    Click here to see a listing of all accredited behaviorists in the US.

  • There is a no-refund policy, so please be sure you’re able to commit before purchasing a class or other training service.

    The owners who are committed to the training process see the best results!

    If you have any questions before booking, please book your free call and let's chat!

  • Absolutely! I’m always happy to talk with you and answer any questions!

Private Training

  • Yes!

    Monthly payment plans are available for those wanting a more budget-friendly option.

  • You’ll pay the deposit when you sign up, then you’ll make either 4 monthly payments (for the 5-month program) or 1 additional payment (for the 2-month program).

    You’ll receive an invoice to pay online.

  • Where you need it!

    We can train in your home, walking around your neighborhood, at a park, etc.

    Many owners feel frustrated that their dog does it so well at home, but when out and about won’t listen at all. This is common, and it’s one reason I fully believe in training where YOU need it. We aren’t limited to a training facility or your home - we can work anywhere!

  • Each session is an hour.

  • Wednesdays through Saturdays.

    There are weekends and evenings available to accommodate most schedules.

  • No, the cost is the same regardless of how many dogs we work with during your one-hour session.

  • As long as it’s safe and appropriate to do so, absolutely! I love seeing kids train dogs. However, there must be an adult present and participating in the session.

Online Training

  • Training will occur on Zoom, and you’ll be sent a link to join my Zoom Room.

  • Each session is an hour.

  • Wednesdays through Saturdays.

    I have weekends and evenings available. For those in different time zones, I will do my best to be flexible!

  • Online training is incredibly helpful. We’ll use a lot of videos: you’ll video your dog’s behavior issues and yourself doing the exercises I provide, and I’ll share video of various training exercises that I want you to work on.

    You’ll be able to share videos anytime you’d like, and I’ll provide feedback and guidance.

Trail Ready

  • There are no makeup options for classes. Please prioritize your attendance so you don’t fall behind in the training.

  • Children who are old enough to behave appropriately (sit quietly and not approach other dogs) are always welcome to attend.

    For safety reasons, I do require kids be 13+ years of age to hold the leash in class and physically able to maintain control of the dog. Otherwise, parents may hold the leash while the child works with the dog.

  • Classes run for 4 weeks and are 45 minutes.

  • Because of my small class sizes, there are no refunds given for cancellations. Please be sure of your commitment before you register for a class.

    You’re always welcome to reach out with any questions beforehand!

  • No. Trail Ready is not suitable for dogs who cannot quietly and safely be around people/dogs. Let’s work together 1-1 first and then discuss whether class is a good fit.