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Do you have a question that isn't answered here? Please contact us!
General Questions
What are your rates?
What are your hours?
Where are you located?
How do I reserve a place in a training class?
Can my children participate in training?
Will you come to my house to train my dog?
Can you board my dog for a couple of weeks and train her?
Do you offer training discounts for dogs adopted from shelters?
Can I do a behavior consultation by phone or email?
Do you offer a guarantee?
Training and Behavior Questions
How long will it take to train my dog?
Do I have to use food to train my dog and will I always have to use it?
Shouldn't my dog just want to please me instead of needing reinforcement?
Is there something I can do to stop my dog's aggressive behavior?
I've never had a dog. Can you help me choose the right one?
Do you have any special tips before I get a puppy?
When should I start training my new puppy?
Do I need to be the "alpha" or "pack leader" to train my dog?
Do you offer clicker training?
What kind of collar and leash will my dog need for training?
Is my dog too old to train?
Can you explain the scientific principles behind your dog training method?
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General Questions
What are your rates?
Rates for our training classes, workshops, doggie socials, and other group events can be found here. Our private training and behavior services are tailored to our clients' individual needs. Please call for rates and an initial consultation. To read our payment policy, click here. (Link will open in a new window. Close window to return to this page.)
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What are your hours?
We are a full-time dog training and behavior consulting service. Private consultations and training are by appointment only, and weekday, evening, and weekend times are available. Times for training classes, workshops, doggie socials, and special events are published in our current schedule.
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Where are you located?
Our beautiful, state-of-the-art Training Studio is located in the heart of the Bentonville/Rogers commercial district at 2805 SE Mid-Cities Drive, Bentonville, AR, a few short blocks west of Northwest Medical Center. Our central location along the I-540 business corridor (Exit 85 West) is easily accessible from surrounding communities in the Northwest Arkansas metro area. Click here for a driving map.
We also provide private in home dog training and behavior consulting services to most of the major communities in Benton County and Washington County, AR. See a list of our service areas here.
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How do I reserve a place in a training class?
You need to complete the enrollment process and pay for your training class before your place can be guaranteed. For your convenience, we offer online class registration and secure payment 24/7 at our Online Enrollment Center. If you prefer to register and pay by phone, just give us a call. Classes are small to optimize learning, and usually fill up quickly. So register today!
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Can my children participate in training?
Absolutely! We encourage the active participation of every member of the family. The more consistent everyone in the family is in communicating appropriately with your dog or puppy, the faster he will learn. Read our full policy on the attendance of children at our training classes here. (Link will open in a new window. Close window to return to this page.)
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Will you come to my house to train my dog?
Yes! Our in home dog training programs offer you the ultimate in convenience and flexibility. You can read more about our private in home dog training services here.
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Can you board my dog for a couple of weeks and train her?
No. We are not a kennel and do not board dogs, so we cannot offer you a board and train option. However, we do provide an innovative "Training by the Trainer" program in your home for your dog or puppy. Please click here for full information about this convenient, time-saving training option.
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Do you offer training discounts for dogs adopted from shelters?
Yes! In appreciation for families who adopt a dog or puppy from a shelter or rescue organization, we are pleased to offer a 15% discount on your newly adopted dog's first group training class. Click here for complete details, and thank you for saving a dog's life!
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Can I do a behavior consultation by phone or email?
Although in person consultations are always preferable, we are open to discussing the possibility of working with you long distance if that is the only option. There are some types of behavior problems that can be successfully handled long distance (puppy or dog potty training problems are an example); and others that definitely cannot (aggressive dog training is certainly one that cannot be addressed long distance). You are always welcome to call us to explore the possibility. If we determine that it is not feasible, we will do our best to help you find someone in your local area who may be able to assist you.
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Do you offer a guarantee?
We do guarantee that we will diligently apply all of our knowledge, experience, and skills, and our highest degree of commitment and professionalism, in every case and in all the services we provide. However, it would be unprincipled and unethical to guarantee a specific outcome or result for our work with any animal. This is because there are so many elements that play a part in a dog's behavior that are beyond our control. These include health and genetics, past history, current influences in the living environment, and the abilities, experience, and level of cooperation and commitment of the people who are responsible for the dog and participating in the training. We are confident that our clients will be very satisfied with how we conduct our services, and we pledge to do everything we can to help them achieve successful relationships with their pets.
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Training and Behavior Questions
How long will it take to train my dog?
Unfortunately, there is no simple or standard answer to this question. It depends on so many factors: the training goals; the dog's learning abilities; the learning curve, dexterity, and skill of the family member learning to do the hands-on training (this is one of the primary advantages of hiring our certified professional dog trainer to do the training for you); how often the new behavior is practiced and reinforced; the quality of the reinforcement used in training; the learning environment and any distractions that may be present; and the physical and emotional health of the dog.
Simpler behaviors are going to take less time to train than more complex behaviors. What you can count on is that we will teach you proven, easy to use, and enjoyable training techniques that you can incorporate seamlessly into your everyday life. When training is approached in this way, every interaction you have with your pet becomes a teaching opportunity and progress will follow more quickly.
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Do I have to use food to train my dog and will I always have to use it?
No, but you will always need to use some kind of positive reinforcement if you want to train your dog with our method based on proven behavioral science. Positive reinforcement is at the heart of our teaching. It is through reinforcement that all behavior is built. This is a universal law, like gravity. Reinforcing a desirable behavior with a pleasant consequence strengthens that behavior and makes it more likely to be repeated. And isn't repeating desirable behavior exactly what we want our dogs to do?
The key to effective dog training is to make good behavior "pay off" for your dog so he eagerly wants to repeat it. When you shape behavior in this way, your dog doesn't even realize that he's being trained to do specific things or to act in appropriate ways. It's all just fun and games as far as he's concerned!
We teach you how to reinforce the behavior you want by using the things your dog loves and finds motivating, such as play, toys, praise, games, petting, opportunities for walks, tummy rubs, going for car rides, playing with other dogs, anything and everything your dog enjoys and is willing to work for (think "paycheck!"). We will teach you how to "mix it up" and vary all of your dog's favorite things to keep him guessing about what good thing is going to happen next. When you learn to use your dog's favorite things and activities in this way, you are actually making his good behavior even stronger than if you used only food to reinforce it.
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Shouldn't my dog just want to please me instead of needing reinforcement?
First, we ask that you read the answer to the question above for a quick explanation about how reinforcement works to shape behavior.
To this we would add that it's the recipient of the reinforcement that decides whether it is meaningful or not in any given situation - no one else decides. If you have a strong relationship with your dog (and positive reinforcement training will make a weak relationship strong, and a strong relationship stronger), certainly there will be situations where your dog will be willing to do what you ask without visible reinforcement. But there will be other times when a lack of reinforcement just isn't going to be sufficient. Without an incentive (reinforcement), your dog may no longer be motivated to do what you ask.
Perhaps an example will illustrate the point: Let's say that you really like, admire, and respect your boss. She's the best boss you've ever had and you really like going to your job. She's always telling you that you are her best employee, that you are irreplaceable and very talented and have tremendous skills. But one day your boss tells you that the business has fallen on very hard times and she can no longer afford to pay you, but she needs you to stay because you are her best and most valuable employee. She says it would mean a lot to her if you would stay, but you will need to work just for the satisfaction of helping her out. What is likely to be your decision? Remember, you really like and admire this boss. We imagine that you would be willing to stay and help out for a day or two, maybe even for a week or two. But we suspect that you may not find it rewarding enough to stay on the job long-term just because you like and want to please your boss. You need and deserve a real paycheck for your hard work. It is exactly the same for your dog.
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Is there something I can do to stop my dog's aggressive behavior?
If your dog is displaying aggressive behavior of any kind, you should immediately seek the help of a knowledgeable and experienced dog behavior professional. In the meantime, to keep everyone safe it is essential that you do whatever you can to prevent or avoid whatever appears to be triggering your dog's aggression. And it's imperative that any aggressive behavior in dogs never be punished, as this could result in a serious escalation of the aggression and possibly lead to a bite.
It is also important to understand that the sooner the intervention and treatment for aggression is started, the greater the possibility for a successful outcome. Aggression never gets better or goes away on its own; it only gets worse over time if left unaddressed. We have extensive experience with aggressive dog training. If your dog is exhibiting aggression or any other alarming behavior, please call us immediately to schedule a behavior consultation.
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I've never had a dog. Can you help me choose the right one?
Yes, and we would love to help you! We have particular expertise in matching people and dogs, and have helped hundreds of people and dogs form successful lifelong partnerships. We are also committed to helping people make decisions based on knowledge and understanding when choosing a dog.
Research has shown that the most common reason people chose a particular pet is the pet's physical appearance. However, incompatible and inappropriate matches based on the emotion of the moment and physical appearance alone can eventually cause disillusionment, distress, and irreparably broken relationships between people and their dogs. We have witnessed this firsthand. And saddest of all are the countless dogs that have been relinquished to shelters and/or euthanized as a result of this incompatibility.
When choosing a dog, it's far more important to consider the dog's overall energy level and exercise needs; physical strength and size at adulthood; personality; even how much veterinary care and grooming will be needed. Consider, too, the things that any dog will need to become a great family companion, such as ongoing socialization with people and other dogs, and appropriate training so he can blend harmoniously with your life. And if you are thinking about a puppy, it's vital that you take into account the traits the puppy will possess as an adult. Bear in mind that the largest and most challenging dog began life as a tiny, adorable puppy.
Unfortunately, many people don't even think about these key factors until it's too late and they realize they have made the wrong match. That's why early education for prospective dog owners about these matters is so critical.
We will be happy to sit down with you and evaluate what you are looking for in a dog in relation to your lifestyle and experience level. We will then make specific recommendations so you can have a stronger basis from which to make your decision.
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Do you have any special tips before I get a puppy?
Yes, we certainly do! Bringing a new puppy into your family is a big decision that shouldn't be made lightly or on the spur of the moment. As irresistible as those adorable puppies in the pet store or supermarket parking lot may be, we encourage you to do your homework before bringing a puppy into your home.
Go to the Resources page of our website and download your copy of the free e-book Before You Get Your Puppy by Dr. Ian Dunbar and read it from cover to cover before beginning your search. This important and absolutely free e-book by the behaviorist who invented early puppy socialization classes 25 years ago contains the guidance you need to get started. This free e-book will also help you determine if bringing a puppy into your life is the best choice for your lifestyle, or whether the adoption of a more experienced and settled adult dog might be a better fit. The book also educates you about where to look for the right puppy (not in pet stores or parking lots, but from a shelter or responsible breeder) and how to select the best match for your family. The book also gives you tips on what you need to do to prepare for your new puppy's first days at home, and includes an entire chapter on house training your puppy and how to prevent and stop destructive chewing right from the outset.
Once your new puppy is home, we recommend that you enroll right away in one of our puppy socialization training classes so everyone can get off to a great start. And remember that your puppy arrives with a clean slate. This is your opportunity to put him on the right path from the very beginning. Behavior problems are so much easier to prevent now rather than fix later on. So go ahead, download your free e-book right now and start your education!
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When should I start training my new puppy?
Right away! In fact, you may not realize that training actually began before your new puppy entered your home. Since learning is going on all the time, you might as well ensure that your puppy is learning the right things by enrolling in one of our puppy training programs now!
Puppies, like very young children, are "sponges." Every interaction with you, your family, the physical environment, strangers, the veterinarian, neighborhood children, other dogs, etc., is shaping your puppy's perceptions, reactions, and experiences for better or worse.
The window is very short in which puppies most easily learn to cope with the world that will confront them when they are adults. Therefore, early and appropriate socialization and training are fundamental to preventing problems and minimizing the risk of aggressive behavior in the future.
Most canine experts agree the puppy "socialization window" ends when a puppy is around 16 - 18 weeks of age. This doesn't mean an older puppy or adolescent or even an adult dog can't learn after this age; of course they can, but the job is going to require much more dedicated effort the longer you wait. The earlier you start working with a puppy, the more success you can expect.
Our puppy socialization classes and in home puppy training programs are specifically designed to get you and your puppy started on the right path of early socialization and house manners. Puppies can be enrolled in our puppy kindergarten classes at any age, as long as they have a clean bill of health from your veterinarian and vaccinations are underway (at least the first series of the four that are normally required). So do yourself and your new puppy a huge favor and get started now!
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Do I need to be the "alpha" or "pack leader" to train my dog?
The answer to your question depends on how one views "leadership." All social groups need leadership to avoid dissolving into chaos, and human families are certainly social groups whether or not there's a dog in the picture. But what if there is a dog in the family? Does the type of leadership one would expect to use in building loving and cohesive family relationships need to be different for the dog? We think not.
Much of the lore about the need for people to dominate their dogs or be the "pack leader" is based on decades-old, faulty conclusions drawn from outdated studies of wolf behavior. Current research clearly refutes these old-school ideas by documenting the social structure within wolf packs as being far more fluid and cooperative than was previously thought.
Dogs respond best to benevolent mental leadership and guidance, not physical domination. Your dog needs a leader, but not a dictator. Your dog needs an understanding, fair and consistent teacher and guide. That teacher, guide, and benevolent leader needs to be you.
You can learn more about our training philosophy here.
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Do you offer clicker training?
Yes! A clicker is an easy-to-use "cricket" type device that makes a distinctive "click-click" sound. This sound is used as a "signal" in dog training to "mark" the exact point in time when the dog has successfully performed the correct behavior. After the "click," comes the reinforcement (treats, toys, praise, or whatever). This "marker signal" is not the actual reinforcement or reward. Rather, it's simply a promise that the reinforcement is on its way. When the dog realizes that his behavior is causing the marker signal and the reward to happen, he begins to repeat the behavior voluntarily and rapidly in order to earn as much reinforcement as he can before you stop the training game.
Instead of a clicker, you can use a short, upbeat word like "Yes!" or "Good!" as a marker signal. In fact, it's always useful to teach a word signal even if you use a clicker, because you may not always have a clicker with you when you have an opportunity to teach your dog something new. When training deaf dogs, we can use the flash of a pen light or a thumbs-up sign as a visual marker signal instead of a sound.
The important point about training with a marker signal is that it establishes a clear way to communicate with your dog so you can more easily teach him what you want him to do. It is an exceptionally efficient way to train because the animal receives immediate positive feedback for his actions. And these positive reinforcement clicker training techniques are exactly the same ones used at Sea World to train whales and dolphins. So if a four ton killer whale can respond eagerly to clicker training, your dog or puppy will too!
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What kind of collar and leash will my dog need for training?
We recommend that you start with a well-fitted regular collar (with a snap or buckle), and a 6-foot long nylon, leather, or cotton webbing leash no wider than 5/8". For rambunctious puppies and small dogs that may easily choke themselves or back out of their regular collars, a well-fitted harness is a good choice.
Standard harnesses sometimes encourage larger dogs to pull on leash. So for them we highly recommend the newer style walking harnesses with the leash attachment at the front of the chest, which decreases their ability to pull. Our favorites are the Easy Walk™ Harness by Premier Pet Products and the SENSE-ible™ Harness by Softouch Concepts. These harnesses are comfortable and safe tools for building better leash habits.
We also recommend head halters for dogs that pull particularly hard on leash. However, some dogs are not as comfortable with a head halter as with a harness, and more patience may be needed to accustom the dog to wearing a head halter comfortably. We can fit your dog with any of these options at our Training Studio or in your home; just give us a call.
By the way, we recommend that you put aside your retractable leash during training. Although it can be a marvelous tool for safely exercising dogs in open areas, a retractable leash is unwieldy and can be unsafe when used in dog training classes. A good quality, regular 6-foot leash is your best bet for training.
Please note: Because of the potential risk of inflicting physical and/or emotional damage to dogs, we disallow the use of pinch/prong collars, choke collars, or electronic stimulation/shock collars in our training programs.
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Is my dog too old to train?
No! As long as your dog is in reasonably good physical and mental health, he or she is capable of learning and can be trained. We have actually worked with many older dogs that have taken to training like the proverbial duck to water. Mature dogs tend to be more settled and focused, which actually makes training easier. By the way, don't let your older dog fool you into believing that she doesn't know anything. She's been learning all her life, even if it hasn't been formally structured. If perhaps she hasn't been learning exactly what you've wanted her to learn in the past, our positive reinforcement training methods can help redirect her to learn the things you do want her to learn now. You really can teach an old dog new tricks!
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Can you explain the scientific principles behind your dog training method?
If you've taken a basic college level course in psychology or Learning Theory, you've likely heard the names of Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936) and B.F. Skinner (1904-1990). Both of these men were pioneers in exploring and quantifying the principles behind how learning occurs. These principles are at the heart of the methods we teach and use at Every Dog Can.
Pavlov discovered the principles of Classical Conditioning, also known as "learning by association." This is primarily how a dog's emotional responses to the world around him are formed.
A simple example of learning by association is seen whenever your dog gets excited as you take the bag of dog food out of the cupboard. He's excited because the sight of the bag in your hand triggers his anticipation of eating a delicious meal, along with all the wonderful feelings associated with the meal. This daily ritual of feeding has been repeated often enough for your dog to develop a strong positive association with the sight of the bag of food.
Just as positive associations create positive emotional responses and behavior, negative associations generate very negative emotional responses and behavior. Negative associations are often one of the root causes of serious dog behavior problems such as fear, anxiety and aggression. When rehabilitating these serious behavior problems, we use Classical Conditioning to gradually replace a dog's negative associations with new, more positive associations. And these new positive associations can bring about a positive change in the dog's behavior.
B.F. Skinner's principles of Operant Conditioning explain that what a dog does "operates" or has a direct effect on his world. The dog learns that his actions involve choice and have consequences: "If I do this, then that will happen." We use Operant Conditioning to train a dog to perform a specific action or behavior by giving a pleasant and desirable consequence for his correct choice: "If you sit, then I will throw the ball for you to fetch." We will know that the pleasant consequence has in fact reinforced the behavior when the frequency of the dog's correct choice or action increases over time.
If you want complete details about the science behind what we teach at Every Dog Can, we highly recommend you read Dr. Pamela Reid's book, Excel-erated Learning: Explaining how dogs learn and how best to teach them. You'll find information about it on our Resources page.
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