Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions to learn about what we do here at Vivid K9
What type of training do you practice?
I am what most would consider a balanced trainer. Meaning, I use everything in my toolbox to help the dog in front of me in order to gain the most amount of success as possible. This includes food rewards, verbal and physical praise, prong collars,
E-collars, martingale collars, slip leashes, and toys for reinforcement and rewards and more. I use whatever your dog finds to be motivating and rewarding!
Do you use tools?
Yes. Your leash is a tool, your collar is a tool and your food is a tool. I use them all for the most balanced approach. In our private training sessions we will use either a slip lead or a prong collar, depending on your dog. In my Board & Train program I train you and your dog on how to use an E-collar properly, for the most reliability off leash.
Where will my dog be staying?
I have the luxury of providing your dog with a home life experience for their training. They will be staying with me, in my home, training along side me in my every day life.
Will I be able to visit my dog during their board & train?
Yes. Half way through their program you will be required to come and have what I call a mid session with me and your dog. This session is the start of your relationship reset! This session will go over everything your dog has learned up to that point. It will also give YOU the practice to communicate with your dog through the E-collar with my guidance and coaching.
How long are the private training sessions?
Each session is no shorter than 1hr. Sessions may run close to 2hrs depending on you and your dog's skillset and struggles.
Can I do the The Shift without the E-collar?
No. I love to be able to give you and your dog that off leash freedom. I also strongly beleive that no dog should be 100% "off leash" without some sort of communication tool in case the enviroment doesn't work in your favor. This means either having a leash or an E-collar on your dog. This is a safety protocol I enforce for you and your dog's well being.
Can I do private sessions for E-collar training?
E-collar training is a complex and nuanced skill that i have spent many years learning. In order for you and your dog to be trained properly on this tool I believe a professional that has been educated on the E-collar should do it for you and then pass over the training in a way that is easy for you to understand. I do not believe a private session will give you all you need to be successful with this tool. I need time with your dog to really make sure they understand how the E-collar works. A rushed education on E-collar training could result in the tool being used improperly.
Will my dog be interacting with any other dogs?
Yes. Although your dog might not play with another dog or physically interact with them, they will be training while other dogs are present in the house. No dog is left unsupervised while free roaming with another dog. These interactions are strictly monitored. If your dog is dog friendly, they will have an opportunity to play with one of my dogs and/or another dog in my care if that dog is a good fit for a play buddy.
Will my dog still act like themself after the board & train?
A board & train program is not built to turn your dog into something they are not. It is meant to help your dog become the best version of themselves they can be. I beleive a board & train program is an amazing way to give your dog the opportunity to be MORE of a dog with MORE freedom. Not to take those things away. I am always making it my priority to really find out who your dog truly is so we can nurture that personality.