Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I train my dog?
If your dog only listens to you 50% of the time or when there is something in it for him, then he simply does not believe you are worth listening to. Dogs are by nature pack animals and will only follow the lead of a strong pack leader. The pack leader or “Alpha dog” is the highest ranking member - he is consistent and capable and his authority is never taken for granted. He’s firm but fair.
To gain your dog’s respect and get them to follow your lead you must become the pack leader of your household. We can teach you how.
Puppies learn from their mothers very early in life about discipline, boundaries, limitations and the ways of the pack. This lesson is so meaningful to a puppy that if it doesn't see a strong leader in it's new human pack, it will assume that role naturally.
Not all dogs are born leaders. Majority live happier lives knowing where their place in the pack is and what's expected out of them. They need strong leadership, discipline and rules to obey or you will have to obey their rules as a lower ranking member of the pack. If you treat a dog as a furry human, he’ll still treat you as a dog! That’s all he knows.
When you begin developing a more proper relationship with your dog - by becoming his pack leader, you will generally see four things begin to change.
Your dog will start respecting you like never before.
He will begin responding to your commands (your commands will suddenly have meaning).
He will bond to you much more closely.
He will begin actively wanting to please you.
We don’t just teach your dog commands, we teach you - the owner - how to be your dog’s ultimate leader.
Understanding each other is the first step in building a healthy lifelong relationship with your dog.
How much time will this take?
Because we offer only one-on-one training, your dog will progress in about ½ the time or less it takes to complete a group class-somewhere between 3 days and 10 weeks, depending on the program you choose.
For example if you choose L3 in Boot Camp that means that your dog will be completely off-leash trained in 10 short days. It is not a miracle! We offer results, not just weeks and weeks of classes!
How much do I have to practice?
If you practice for at least 20 minutes a day, you will see results. The dog-training team consists of 3 players: you, your dog, and your trainer. You control 2/3 of the team's time and efforts.
How long do training sessions last?
Training sessions in your home generally last from 45 to 90 minutes, with one hour being the average. Follow-up lessons for Boot Camp graduates and lessons given to large families may last up to two hours. The lesson is over when the dog and the owners have learned what was set to be accomplished that day.
How often do you come to us?
Weekly sessions will give you the fastest results, but in today's world, we know schedules can be hectic. Because all training is one-on-one with you and your dog, we can work with any schedule.
How much will this cost?
That all depends on your training goal and the program you select.
Ask yourself this: How much does a waste of time & money cost?
Amateurs usually charge around $100. They do not guarantee their training.
Imagine paying good money and then your dog is more aggressive, destructive, obnoxious, and disobedient than before.
Over 50% of the dogs we see each year have already been to group training with an amateur trainer.
After all is said and done you get what you paid for.
How much does an In Home Evaluation cost?
Our completely customized in your home evaluation and consultation will cost you
$100.00 if you live in our regular service area and
$150.00 if you live in our extended service area.
Your evaluation is free if you sign up for any obedience level of training at the time of the initial meeting.
Please note that the evaluation fee is non-refundable if the client signs up at any later time or if the dog is human-aggressive.
Why shouldn't I just go to a big-name Pet store or breed club and pay the $100?
If you wanted a great steak dinner, would you go to a fast-food restaurant? Big pet store chains are all about QUANTITY, not QUALITY. With Complete K-9 Academy, you're paying for the very best in professional training - guaranteed.
What Methods of Training do you use?
We use a Balanced Training Method - using both positive reinforcement and corrections (not to be confused with punishment). We do not use food bribery or harsh punishments. Although all dogs trained by us learn the same commands we use slightly different approach with every dog. We custom fit every program to the client's specifications and problems and to their dog's temperament.
With thousands of dogs trained by Gabriela Urevitch in the past 17 years, both in the continent of Europe and in the USA, our methods are proven. The results are reliable.
Do you work with any breed of dog?
Yes, we work with all breeds of dog, regardless of size and nature. We do not pick and choose our "fights" like so many others do. Our clients tell us they were not allowed in group classes and are often turned down if aggression of any kind is even mentioned during the phone conversation with the so called trainer. Many trainers, groomers and even vets simply refuse to work with certain breeds because of these stereotypes. We have successfully trained American Pitbulls, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Cane Corsos, Dogo Argentinos, Presa Canarios, Rottweilers, Siberian Huskies, Rottweilers, Beagles, Basset Hounds, English Bulldogs, Mastiffs and many other breeds that some people perceive as "untrainable".
What is your Life-of-the-Dog Guarantee?
Because we are willing to keep up our part of the training commitment, we offer a Life-of-the-Dog Guarantee to each dog that completes our obedience training. This means continued access to training, advice, and assistance for the life of your dog.