What training method does The Cultured Canine use?
At The Cultured Canine, we use only positive, humane training techniques firmly based on the latest scientific knowledge in canine behavior and training. Under our instruction, you will learn how to use a clicker when training, how to play the training game, and how to make maximum use of your dog’s hierarchy of favorite foods and toys.
We consider it our privilege and duty not simply to train your dog and hand her over, but to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the ways in which dogs learn. We do this because it will provide you with valuable insight into your dog’s nature and behavior, thus strengthening the bond between you, and because it will enable you to troubleshoot future issues by yourself.
What will my first consultation with The Cultured Canine be like?
Following a brief telephone or email discussion, we’ll schedule your first face-to-face consultation in your home. The consultation lasts 90 minutes and includes a thorough behavioral assessment of your dog and a conversation about specific problems you wish to resolve. We’ll set realistic goals and develop a training program around your schedule.
We invite you to ask questions during the consultation and highly encourage you to do so. The meeting is for both of us to gather information and lay the foundation for a successful working relationship.
Does The Cultured Canine carry insurance?
Of course. The Cultured Canine has comprehensive professional liability insurance.
Why is it particularly important to train small dogs?
Because their pocket size and irresistible charm seduce us humans into treating them like toys instead of animals. We handle them freely, groom them often, and carry them everywhere. But all the lovely fuss and attention place enormous strain on a dog’s social skills—skills that are not innate: they must be taught.
Owners are often told that small dogs are hard to train. This is absolutely not true. As with any dog, it simply takes knowledge, time, and consistency.
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How long will training take?
Every dog is unique, and so is his or her learning curve. As a rule, however, basic manners like housetraining and loose-leash walking can be taught fairly quickly, while more complex matters or advanced behaviors require a longer commitment.
What is separation anxiety?
Many dogs dislike being left alone. But, thankfully, most of them do not suffer from separation anxiety. Common symptoms of this disorder include panting, whining, and shaking as the owner prepares to leave the house, self-mutilation (e.g. chewing on paws), and destruction of windows and doors while alone. Separation anxiety is a serious and heart-breaking behavioral condition which often worsens if left untreated. Many dogs, however, respond well to treatment, which include gradual desensitization, careful management, and, in some cases, medication under veterinary supervision.
The Cultured Canine offers tailor-made separation anxiety protocols for owners whose dogs suffer with this challenging condition.
If you train my dog, will he listen to me?
We’ll make sure he does. Once your dog has mastered the skills he needs, we move on to teaching you the training philosophy and easy-to-learn handling skills. This will happen in a hand-over session. One of the great benefits of positive reinforcement training is that the dog becomes an active participant in the training process. The result is a pup who loves to learn and can’t wait to work for you. All you have to do is learn the language.
What is Board & Train?
A sort of boarding school for dogs, if you will. Your dog is a guest in the trainer’s home while learning new behaviors. In certain select cases, The Cultured Canine offers board & train to toy breed dogs, that, if chosen for this program, stay in their own, luxuriously appointed room, and work daily on developing good manners. After graduation, your dog’s new skills are transitioned into your home through a hand-over session where you learn the cues and how to use them effectively.
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