Frequently Asked Questions
how does an e-collar work?
At Olympia Dog Training we use E-collars, high quality muscle stimulants, (think tens machine) not "shock" collars. As balanced dog trainers, we believe in giving our dogs the yes's and the no's so they can more easily navigate through our world. Delivering valuable, non-painful corrections, free from emotion or frustration, for dangerous or nuisance behaviors or for non-compliance of known commands is a necessary (in our opinion) part of living a life with them with less conflict. E-collars are a very neutral, disconnected, quick, and effective way to communicate with our dogs. They also give us the ability to enjoy on and off leash adventures safely and give our dogs a happier, clearer, and more inclusive life! And that’s the coolest, non-cruelest thing we can think of!
are prong collars cruel?
Prong collars, also referred to as pinch collars, are a very misunderstood training tool. While they may not look very enticing, they are actually, when sized and used correctly, in our opinion, the safest and most effective option for dogs that pull on leash. They allow owners the physical control they need to be able to communicate to their dogs more clearly and consistently with very little force, which is not true of other – advertised as “more humane” – options. They create an aversion to pulling, eliminate yanking and cranking, and evenly distribute pressure around the whole neck, not just the front as a flat buckle collar would. Quality and design does matter! Herm Sprenger is the only brand of prong collar we use and recommend. And the term “pinch collar” refers to the way you pinch the prong links to get them on and off, they DO NOT pinch your dog’s neck.
Do you have a training “guarantee”?
Because success in dog training is dependent on so many different factors, like owner follow through and the individual dog’s temperament among other things, we do not offer a training guarantee. Owner coaching is a big part of our training, we work hard to make sure each dog and family has the tools and knowledge that they need to be set up for the best chance of success. We also offer a la carte lessons and follow up training to help you problem solve, fine-tune, and build on the foundation your dog has gained through our training together.
Do you use treats for training?
Ultimately, we are helping you get reliable obedience without relying on treats or food. But, we do focus on using FOOD (your dog’s meals) when it is beneficial to the training, to teach and reinforce behaviors we want. Having your dog work for a resource they need to survive builds food drive and your relationship as a provider, nurturer, and authority figure. Helping build your dog’s food drive so you are able to use it as a reward for training is a part of our program, so if your dog is not particularly food motivated, we can help you get there. We sometimes will use treats depending on the circumstances.
Why is a consult call necessary before we start a program?
Before we even schedule training with you, we want to get to know you and your pup - your struggles, your story, and your goals. We also know that finding a trainer and a training program that’s right for you is a big decision and we want to make sure that we are a good fit for you, and that you are a good fit for us. Here at Olympia Dog Training, we are not just dog trainers, we are people trainers. We believe that the foundation of obedience is a solid and balanced relationship between dog and owner and that’s not something we can create for you, that’s something we help YOU build. Through these Coaching Consult Calls, we can give you an inside look into our methodology to make sure you are on board with all the things we will ask of you in training, make sure you are educated on, and comfortable with, the tools we use, and get you set up with a plan of action to prep you for training so you can start to see positive changes in your relationship with your dog right away. Consult calls are $75, but if you book a program with us within 48 hours of our call, we will put the consult fee towards the cost of your program, so your consult is free.
Can I visit my dog while they are training with you?
We know you are going to miss you pup! But we do not allow visits for B&T programs. Giving dogs the time and structure they need to learn without the distraction and preconceived ideas that come with their people, sets them up for the best chance of success. We do keep you in the loop with lots of updates and you can check in via phone/text anytime. You can also follow along with their training journey on our social media pages.
If my dog comes to you for a Board and Train or a Hybrid program,
will they listen when they come home?
That's completely up to you! Here at Olympia, we focus on more than just obedience commands. Teaching you how to motivate your dogs to listen by creating an appropriate owner/dog relationship, AND address any unhealthy mindsets your dog may be harboring (anxiety, fear, poor coping mechanisms) sets everyone up for the best chance of success. Dogs, much like kids (and adults for that matter), are very opportunistic and learn very quickly who they have to listen to and who they can pull a fast one on. How quickly and how well your dog listens to you is directly related to YOUR individual believability and relevance to them. This is something that does not transfer over from person to person. B&T and Hybrid programs allow the trainer one-on-one time to TEACH your dog commands, get them used to structure, and give you a head start on e-collar conditioning. How YOU enforce the new rules, hold your dog accountable, and gain relevance to them will be the determining factor in whether or not your dog listens to you when they come home. We emphasize owner coaching in all of our programs to make sure you have the tools and knowledge you need to be successful. We also use training tools and methods that are user friendly and allow owners to more easily replicate training. Because after all, if your dog only listens to us, that doesn't do you, or us, much good.
Why do you require crate training?
Crate training is an extremely important part of the relationship building process, it is a natural way to fulfill our dog’s needs, a way to create a safe and structured environment for our dogs, to help nurture a healthy mindset, and the first step in preventing and treating a HUGE number of behavior issues. Dogs are den animals and need a dark, quiet place to themselves to sleep – dogs need a lot more sleep than we do and it’s hard for them to get it in our super overstimulating world. The crate allows us to introduce the structure and boundaries needed to harness an appropriate working relationship with our dogs. It allows our dogs to learn to be calm on command and to cope with frustration. It helps our dogs become and remain adaptable. Dogs needs structure and guidance, crating is not mean, it’s just the opposite!
how long does my dog have to wear the e-collar? Are they always going to need it to listen?
Our goal for our clients is to make sure that your dog is listening to YOU, not just to the e-collar. Consistency is KEY! We're sure you've heard that 1000x before! How consistent you are with using your training tools in the early stages, will determine whether they become a crutch or a safety net. If you are giving commands without a means to follow through, if you are giving your dogs an opportunity to blow you off when the e-collar is not on, then yes, they become collar smart very quickly and listening becomes dependent on the collar being on. Think, if there's a cop driving behind you for 3 miles vs 6 mos. The former, you're way more likely to go back to your "old ways" when they turn the other way, the latter would help you create better driving habits and get rid of that risk vs reward mentality. Training tools are there to improve communication. Our goal is not to wean you off of them or help you get rid of them, but instead to ensure they are just a safety net, a way for you to feel more confident and safe with your dog out in the world. The way we see it, it's better to have your tools and not need them, than to need them and not have them.
Do you offer boarding services?
We offer boarding with the option of tune-up training for clients who have completed an adult program with us. This ensures we know the dog, the family, and that all boarding dogs are trained on the same program. We have a limited number of boarding slots available so be sure to book well in advance. Some restrictions may apply. Message us for more details.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule a lesson?
We understand life can be a bit unpredictable, if you need to cancel or reschedule a lesson, please give us a 36 hour heads up to allow us to fill in another client that may be waiting on a cancellation. Cancellations made within 36 hours will result in a forfeit of that lesson. Rescheduled and unused Puppy Kindergarten lessons must be redeemed within 3 months of the start date of that program, and adult program lessons within 6 months of the start date. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Do you offer group classes?
We currently do not offer any group classes but hope to be able to offer a group Puppy Kindergarten soon. Stay tuned!