Frequently Asked Questions
Do you require a consultation prior to booking or scheduling a program?
Yes. We require that all new clients schedule a complimentary consultation prior to beginning their training program. This consultation lasts 30 minutes and is free of charge to new clients. These can be booked directly on our website under "contact".
Can my dog come to Ally K9 Academy if they have behavioral issues including aggression, poor dog to dog socialization, leash reactivity, separation anxiety, ect?
Of course! That is what we are here for. Dogs who are determined to have behavioral issues in their consultation will have the opportunity to participate in their own personalized behavioral program. If you feel that your dog would benefit from our rehabilitation services, please review our behavioral modification tab under "Services & Pricing" and contact us to set up your personalized consultation.
What programs require deposits?
Most of our programs do require deposits. For virtual owner coaching sessions, no deposit is required. Deposits are non-refundable and are subtracted from the total amount due. Payments must be made in full before you dog's program can begin. Deposit amounts are listed on the program information page.
Deposits are non-refundable for the dates booked.
Deposits are non-refundable for the dates booked.
What is the minimum age that my dog can start training at Ally K9 Academy?
For train and board programs, puppies must be fully vaccinated 2 weeks prior to the start of their program. For our Auggie's Angels Service Dog program, we start dogs as early as 8 weeks.
What vaccinations do my dog need to participate with Ally K9 Academy?
- Rabies at 4 months and older
- Distemper (DHPP)
- Bordetella
Additionally, your dog must be current on flea and tick prevention to participate in Train and Board program. All dogs participating in group lessons, train and board, and puppy socialization must have gotten a negative fecal sample 7 days prior to the start date of their program.
Will you give my dog their medications?
Yes. We can administer medications as instructed.
Does my dog have to be spayed or neutered prior to starting with Ally K9 Academy?
If your dog is over 6 months old and is still intact, we may be required to modify your dog's program prior to proceed with their training. To learn more about our spay and neuter policies, please review the "Spay/Neuter Certification (section 1e)" as well as the "Unaltered Dog Release (section 1f)" sections of our New Client Contract.
Do you offer off-leash training?
Yes! At Ally K9 Academy, our goal is for your dog to be as reliable off leash as they are on leash. Due to safety and county ordinances, if you choose to partake in our off-leash training, your dog will be required to be trained on an e-collar. An e-collar acts as a virtual leash to ensure that your dog stays safe for the duration of the training session.
E-Collar FAQs
What is an e-collar and why do you use them for training?
An e-collar is a collar with a stimulation mechanism. It is not used as a punishment or a “shock” as many people assume. Instead, it is simply used as a training device for communicating with your dog. I have undergone special training and classes to properly use the mini educator e-collar for training. At Ally K9 Academy, we simply use the e-collar as a non-painful correction followed immediately by positive reinforcement. In the proven relationship based training methods I teach, your dog is never shocked into submission or harmed in any way. Unlike a shocking device, the e-collar is used to get the dog’s attention and keep them focused on the handler during training sessions. Since dogs and humans do not speak the same language, we need to find other ways to communicate effectively with them. Because pressure is one of the the best ways to communicate with the canine mind, we find great results by using gentle stimulation from the e-collar to communicate. Using an e-collar during a training session is the equivalents of someone tapping your shoulder to get your attention, or setting your phone on vibrate so it will get your attention when someone is calling you. Your dog will learn to listen to those "taps" as if we are saying, "Hey I'm trying to get your attention".
Does my dog have to use an e-collar? Also, what does it mean to be a Balanced Trainer?
We HIGHLY recommend the use of an e-collar in your dog's training to promote lasting and sustainable training results. When using only treats for training (this is called purely positive training), we are no longer training our dogs, but instead we are bribing them to listen. Once the treat pouch and clicker are gone, so is your dog's attention. Trainers like this get their business off of our emotions as dog owners because who doesn't like to hear the words "purely positive" when it comes to their fur baby? However, that is not what dog training is all about. I like to remind my clients that while we love our dogs like family, we need to remember that they are animals. When we set our emotions aside and realize the amazing benefits of of balanced training (using both treats/positive reinforcement AND communication tools such as the prong training and e-collar) we make our dog's world that much bigger and build a bond with them that is based on trust and mutual understanding- not simply food. Regardless of if you choose to do on or off-leash training with your dog, we have proven that, when used properly, these collars can encourage incredible, long lasting results.
Won't an e-collar hurt my dog?
No, absolutely not. During our consultation, we will place the e-collar on your arm so you can feel the gentle stimulation. Many clients notice that they will not even be able to feel the simulation from the collar when it is set to a typical "working level" for many of our doggie clients. I will then place it on my arm and repeat the stimulation before placing it on your beloved pet. Doing so gives you the chance to practice using the collar on me before using it on your pet. This way, you are able to make any mistakes on me the trainer, not your dog. I train dogs because I love them, and I would never do anything to cause them harm. I will also never do anything to a dog that I wouldn't do to myself first.
Will my dog be scared to wear the e-collar?
No! Because we use it as a positive communication tool, I have found that many dogs get excited when the e-collar is placed on them because it means they will get to train and have more freedom!
What if my dog isn't old enough to start e-collar training?
We do not start dogs on e-collar training until they are at least 5 months old. Before they reach this age, we use the clicker/treat method of training to start their obedience training.
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