FAQs
What kind of training methodology does Good Dogs Stay use?
Good Dogs is always expanding our knowledge base with the most up-to-date scientific methods that are available. We integrate all of the Positive Reinforcement and force free training that we have learned. We use no Tools except our hands, body language, and tone. All dogs are taught loose leash walking manners with a front clip harness and 6ft leash.
What is the difference between a dog trainer and a dog behaviorist?
Dog training is working on basic obedience behaviors as well as manners, impulse control and other behaviors such as greeting guests. Good Dogs Stay is committed to helping people understand what your dog is saying to them. Dogs are pre-loaded with an entire language. Humans are pre-loaded with the ability to learn new languages. Good Dogs Stay is committed to help the dogs understand what we expect of them and the people know how to communicate what those expectations are.
Behaviorists are specially trained to work with aggressive or reactive behaviors by studying the dog's body language, interpreting what they are seeing, and then creating a plan to desensitize and recondition emotional responses. Behaviorists usually work in conjunction with a veterinarian, who manages the medications that are often used as an adjunct to behavioral modification. They also tend to be much more expensive than working with a trainer- sometimes costing in the 10s of thousands of dollars.
Misty falls somewhere between a trainer and a behaviorist. Along with her credentials as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer from Catch Canine Academy, Misty holds a certification for working with reactive dogs through Mike Shikacio's Master Class, one of the world's most recognized specialists in working with reactive and aggressive dogs. Misty has begun her course work with the intention of earning her Doctorate in Animal Behavior. Misty is quite simply a "dog training nerd" who immerses herself daily in the study of new modifications that can help her clients and their handlers.
What part of the Denver Metro do you service
Good Dogs Stay services all of the Denver Metro from Castle Rock to Brighton and Golden to the Airport. Wherever you live, we are happy to meet you. All programs start in the home, and then Pawgress to the neighborhood and then out in public.
What is the benefit of Private lessons?
Private lessons allow you to be able to handle the individual needs of each dog and handler alike. There is time to speed up or slow down depending on the abilities of your dog and this is a prime way to get help for our reactive and fearful friends. We are also able to make sure that each handler is able to use the program and work on people things like timing, consistency, and understanding.
What results can we expect from this training?
Standard operating procedures with most trainers, are that they work within a "session-based" format. When you work with Good Dogs, we will be helping you to train your dog to meet the goals that you've set for him or her. These goals are set during your initial consultation. and it is with these goals in mind that your program will be built. As we Pawgress through the program we will be doing intermittent testing to ensure timely completion of programs. If we get to the end of your program; and there are still items on "UGHHHH That dog list", and you have done the program well, then we continue to work with you and your dog to finish things up. We do not charge for the extra hours of training. These extra hours are at the discretion of Good Dogs Stay.
Does Misty work with fearful or reactive dogs?
Misty has spent the last 3 years working almost exclusively with fearful and aggressive dogs. She always has a few puppies on program to balance out her work, but she has found a passion helping hurt, scared dogs build their confidence and calm their fears. Watching dogs change from fear-ridden animals to self-assured friends and pets is the highlight of her work. She has an affinity with these dogs that allows her to speak to the most shut down dogs she sees. Misty is building her relationship with the Court systems in Colorado to help with dogs who are involved with the courts or facing termination due to a biting incident. She meets each new challenge with the intention of helping each case from where they are, without the pressure of rigid time restraints. Obviously, it is to everyone's benefit to have a dog complete their training within the perameters of the program, but clients can rest easy knowing that Misty will be there supporting them until the problems have been managed and the dogs have "turned the corner" in the training program. She also ensures that the handlers have the tools to continue moving forward as we know that change takes repetition and management.
What are the client's responsibilities during training?
It is vital to the sucess of the program that handlers attend each class and learn new methods to help their dog. All of the Management tools that we put into place are usually temporary and they are designed to set up the environment for success. It is extremely important that you trust the process and follow the instructions that your trainer gives you. If there are accomodations let us know and we will re-work the command to fit your needs. Equally, repetition is what will change your dog. Each week your trainer sends a Report card to your email after class that goes over what we worked on. Through the client portal you are able to access your homework that will give you detailed instructions on how to continue to develop a command.
What does a session with Good Dogs look like?
During all programs, the speed of your program, as well as the length of your class, is based upon the dog's ability and willingness to interact and engage with learning. We work the dogs to "threshold" because once they are over their individual limit, they are unable to focus or process more information. Moving through the program, you will watch as your dog goes from somewhere around 25-30 minutes to a full hour of training. As they do their homework and get their "training muscles" stronger, they will be able to handle more difficult tasks. During your program you will spend time working on secondary behaviors that are required to be able to attack the "target issue." The more repetitions of each command the better the understanding from your dog This means that during some sessions it may seem as though you're not addressing the "target issue", but Pawgress will continue to be made as your dog gets stronger and learns more. . Generally speaking, most sessions last between 30-60 minutes.
when Is my dog too old/young for training?
Good Dogs Stay has yet to meet a dog that is too old to train. When it comes to older dogs it is all about expectations. We are not concerned about sitting if it is hard, instead we would require a silent stand. When Good Dogs is training puppies, we believe that dogs should be placed into training early when there are issues before they have a chance to become problems. We also do not ask a puppy to be at the same level as an adult dog. At Good Dogs Stay, we will strive t meet each individual dog where they are in their lifecycle and cater their training to the needs and abilities of each dog.
How long will it take to train my dog?
During the initial consultation you will work with Misty to make a list of things that need to be addressed. Most of them are usually covered by the Good Dog 15, however there are 3 slots for client need/choice. This gives Misty room to add behavioral issues to an obedience package and graduate you in a timely fashion. Every dog is unique in their abilities and motivations and will evolve their behaviors at their own pace. While the program may run over session wise for added threshold appointments, vet appointments, or having to go to the groomer, Misty will stick by you as long as you are following the program and doing the homework until you see the success and can duplicate it yourself. All adult programs involve behavioral modification because it is necessary to train the dog and usually the humans out of long-practiced behaviors. Our trainers strive to keep the communication open so that there is no mistaking the Pawgress that your dogs are showing. Weekly homework and being open from 8am-8pm gives you a direct line to your trainer if there are ever any questions. Communication is so important, and they won't bite- we promise!
Does Good Dogs offer any guarantees for services?
While Good Dogs Stay becomes a huge part in your dog changing, the real change comes from the dedication and commitment you give to following the program, not skipping ahead, and reinforcing newly learned behaviors everyday. Due to these variables results can not be guaranteed. Misty's promise to you is that she will do everything in her power to ensure that you and your dog are left in a more educated and powerful place then when you met. She has many scientific based tools in her toolbox and she will use as many as needed until she finds the one that work best for both dog and guardian. In the event that Misty doesn't feel that adequate Pawgress is being made outside of class time, the program for your pet may need to be reevaluated with new goals set, there is no extra charge for extra sessions.
What happens if there is a problem?
Refunds are given under the following circumstances: 1. Within 24 hours of paying the deposit through the "buyer's remorse clause" on the contract. 2. Within 24 hours of completing the first class. There will be no deposit refunded and the client is responsible for the first month's payment. They are then released from their contract. 3. Post 24 hours after completing the first class there are no refunds or cancellations allowed. If you are unhappy in some way with your training package or service, please know that Misty is just a phone call away. It is her desire to see every one of her human and dog clients succeed, so she will always be happy to work with you on whatever has come up
Why would training classes be cancelled?
Good Dogs Stay strives to attend all classes as scheduled. There are times that we are unable to have class due to the well being of the dog or the human. We will not have class for the dog in the case of surgery, injury, grooming, routine vet care or traveling.
During Inclement weather there are many environmental conditions that require reschedules:
1. In the winter below 32 degrees. We cannot train outside due to the frostbite on paws and also the adverse effects for the handlers.
2. In the spring, if there is thunder or ligtning active it can cause its own fear and we do not want them to associate training and fear.
3. In the summer over 90 degrees. Dogs can suffer heat stroke at these temperatures.
4. When it comes to the human condition if there is an illness, we will not be having class as we are in potentially 30 homes per week and do not want to be spreaders of sickness. If there is a Covid-19 or flu diagnosis we will discontinue class for 10 days to be sure our more vulnerable clients are not put at risk. Missed sessions are not lost, where possible we will reschedule classes and what cannot be rescheduled will be tucked to the back of the program.