Frequently Asked Questions
Many owners have so many questions to ask before during and after the training period. We try to clear as much as possibble during the post-training hand-over sessions. But I thought I could also put down some common questions for I dont’t intend to spend too much time explaining over the phone or email.
1. Can I visit my dog during the training period?
Answer : Yes, you can. However it is suggested that you don’t visit during the first 2 weeks. The dog needs some time to adapt to the new environment in addition to that the new handler.
2. I am planning to send more than 1 dog. Can you reduce the price?
Answer : Regardless of how many dogs that you send to us, the effort involved in training the dog is the same or at time even more. It all depends on the dog. Every dog poses a different challenge. Our work is not like the normal Trading or Off-The-Shelf sales of goods. Such businesses the seller can save in terms of storage cost and marketing cost by selling more items at one go which also yields faster return on investment. Our work is different. The more dogs in our hand, the more time and energy we need to spend. In addition to that we have to ensure that the safety of our customers’ dog are given top priority at all times. In a nutshell for the amount of work and quality we produce as it can be seen clearly, we feel our charges are very reasonable. Infact we are planning to revise our charges to meet the ever increasing cost of living.
3. My dog is a small breed. Are the charges the same for the training?
Answer : Yes. Think about asking the same question when you send your kid to kindergarten, school or tuition centre. The teacher will look straight into your eyes and say that, it doesn’t make a difference. I have had more problems handling some 10KG mix-breed as compared to handling a 45KG Rottweiler. Just like the sizes the challenges in handling and training dogs comes in different sizes and shapes. In fact I have more issues training smaller breeds due to their pampered lifestyle and insecured temperament in their character.
4. Can the training period be shorter?
Answer : Yes, but it depends on the dog. We certainly don’t want to keep the dog longer than the normal. It is better for us to complete the training earlier. However if the dog has limitations in terms of learning curve, we have to ensure that it is given a bit of space and time to pick up.
5. What is the guarantee for my dog’s safety?
Answer : I wish more owners ask this question to me cause it will gauge on how much they care for their dog. Unlike at home, your dog will not be the absolute freedome to do everything as he wishes. This is training time and things are done based on a system and regimen. There is a time for everything. When it is not time for training and play they dogs will be in the kennels. They must learn to live by the kennel whenever instructed. The reason for timeliness for everything and staying in kennel is to ensure that we have perfect control of the dogs’ movement the whole day. When they are out of the kennel they are always on lease. When they are inside they are locked and kept within secured and safe perimeter. There are no two ways about this. After weeks of intensive training I expect the owners to follow the same practice as well.
6. Can you train my dog in my home? I am afraid of his safety and I can’t stay without seeing him a day and based on my past experiences, he too will be depressed.
Answer : I am both glad and sad at the same time when I hear this. It shows that you have so much love for your dog. But unfortunately have not established a firm relationship about dog ownership. Let’s address the emotional part first and give you some reassurance. As I have mentioned in my answer to Question 5, we pay attention to the details especially to customer’s dog. Anything can happen at anytime to anyone. Therefore whenver your dog is taken out from the kennel it is always on leash during training and when is walked in the public. No dog is allowed to be roaming freely. You must establish strong pack relationship between yourself and your dog so that each of you have understood yourselves well. This brings to the subject of training at home. A dog being a pack animal needs to build trust and accept a pack member as a leader before taking instructions from him. Before accepting a member as the pack leader, the dog has to live with, being fed by, handled by and cared by the member. This takes some time and most importantly skills and persistance. The line of communication between the pack member and the pack leader must be established very clear and firm. Only then the training sessions will be fun and fruitful. Without having any relationship, if a stranger walks into your house and attempts to train your dog right infront of you, guess what will your dog will be thinking. “Who is this stranger that is meddling with me and why is my master powerlessly watching allowing me to be pushed around like this?”. Imagine this happening again and again until your dog is immune to this. You risk of having a confused dog which anyone can walk into your house and walk him out without you seeing him again anymore
7. I do not have the proof of vacination. We never thought of keeping a copy as proof. Can we still proceed wit the Training or Boarding?
Answer : Yes but with one condition. I suggest you get a letter from your vet on the vaccination that was done. This is also important for you and your dog so that you can keep track of its medical history on a yearly basis. Also check with your vet the type of vaccination as there are from 4 in1 to 9 in 1. The higher the number the broader the coverage against canine infections. Once you get the letter, you can let me know and I will advice as to when we can begin the training or boarding as the dog is usually required to rest minimum 3 days after vaccination.