Where Obedience is a Way of Life

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I train my dog?

Training not only solves (and prevents) behavior problems, it gives you a stronger bond with your pet. A well trained dog is more trustworthy around strangers, children, and new situations. She does not have to be left at home while you go to the park or locked in the basement while you entertain company. Training teaches a hyper dog how to contain himself and gives a shy dog the confidence she needs. The neighbors may think it’s magic when they see you and your well behaved dog walking through the neighborhood… we know it’s good training and consistent practice.

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How much does it cost?

Because there is no “one size fits all” answer to dog training, I do not quote prices without first completing the free evaluation. The cost will depend on many factors including your goals for the dog, the dog’s aptitude for learning, the dog’s personality, and the type of program you choose.

As you compare prices, please remember that not all services are created equally. Group lessons may cost less than private lessons, but are you going to get the individual attention that you need? Will your dog be able to focus on learning new commands around such heavy distractions?

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How long will it take to train my dog?

The initial training time depends on your goals for the dog and the type of program you choose. Dogs, like people, never stop learning. We believe that obedience is a way of life, not just a cute trick. After the initial training, it’s really the way you interact with your dog on a daily basis that counts.

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What is puppy preschool?

Puppy preschool is for dogs 8 – 16 weeks old. It focuses not on obedience, but on socialization and basic manners. Puppy preschool is also a great place to get answers to your questions about puppy “issues” such as play biting and housebreaking. You can find a full description on our “Classes and Programs” page.

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Do you work with aggressive dogs?

Yes. However, because of the wide variations of aggression that dogs can display, we are unable to give advice without first completing an evaluation in person.

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What makes you a “certified” trainer?

As you may know, there is no nationwide or statewide certification for dog trainers. There are a handful of schools in the US that train and certify trainers. Some professional organizations issue certifications to trainers who pass a standardized test or procedure. We graduated from the Master Trainer course at National K-9’s School for Dog Trainers (www.nk9.com). We are certified in puppy development, basic and advanced obedience, breed identification, tracking, behavior modification, scent detection, utility, assistance dog, retrieval, personal protection, and police K-9.  The main focus of Flying Colors is pet dog training.

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I don’t have a dog yet, but can you help me find one?

Absolutely! We belong to a network of trainers around the country who have connections to reliable breeders and dedicated breed rescue groups. We can also temperament test a shelter dog or rescue dog you’re thinking about adding to your family.  We are happy to help you decide what breed (or mixed breed) is right for you based on your personality and lifestyle.

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