FAQ

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General

How do I sign up?

To get started with us, simply click Sign Up and fill out the form. We’ll review your information and call you to set up an evaluation. After the evaluation, we will put together a schedule for training or dog walking.

Is the evaluation required? Do you do in-home evaluations?

The evaluation is required. It’s a way to get to know you and your dog, give you an assessment, make recommendations, and discuss your specific needs or challenges. It’s also a way for you to interview us. We prefer to conduct evaluations in public places because observing the dog when there are distractions gives us a much better sense of what we need to work on. That said, we can do in-home evaluations if you need.

What do I do if my dog is aggressive or anxious?

A general rule of thumb is if you are experiencing any of the behaviors listed on the Aggression Stopper page to sign up ASAP for a consultation.

Can I talk to you in person before I sign up?

Absolutely. We take phone calls from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. every night of the week.

Other trainers promise off-leash obedience from day one. Why do I need to do Level 1 and Level 2 with you?

Nitro K-9 offers professional-grade obedience training in a complete system that is designed to get your dog off-leash from the moment we start. However, we train all obedience on leash first, rather than starting with ecollars (as many of these trainers do), because that is how trust and relationship are established. The fact is, many of my clients never need to go through Level 2 to see off-leash results.

What is the difference between obedience for big dogs and obedience for little dogs?

The only difference between our two programs is the length of time of training sessions. Small dogs tend to have less stamina than large dogs. Keep in mind that all dogs are different, and if your small dog wants to go, go, go like a big one, we can make that happen!

Why do you train in parks and public places?

We conduct all our training in public places, and encourage you and your dog to do the same on practice days for one simple reason: people need their dogs to obey in the real world, and the real world is filled with distractions. Only by training in these real-world environments will you see real results.

How much will I need to practice?

Training a dog takes time and repetition, and your goal should be to train every day. Although this may seem daunting, even 10-15 minutes a day makes a huge difference. If you can train more, that’s even better. And remember, training is not something that happens just when you bring out the leash. Every interaction with your dog is an opportunity to reinforce what you’re learning with us.

Training Equipment

What equipment will I need?

For Level 1 training, you will need a prong collar and a leash. We use Herm Sprenger collars exclusively, and we are big fans of Biothane leashes, although you can use any leather or biothane six-foot lead you want. We will make sure your dog is properly fitted when you start training with us. For Level 2 and advanced training, special equipment may be needed depending on individual training needs.

Do you sell the training equipment I need?

Yes. In fact, most of our clients just get the prong collar and leash from us during the evaluation or first lesson. We normally have anything you need in stock, or can have it drop shipped same day.

Why do I need to buy a special leash for training?

Our training requires a stiff lead. We use a pulley system in our leash work. We also feel a leash with a slightly better feel such as leather or Biothane perform better for training in any level or sport. These leashes are inexpensive but perform better than a more expensive nylon or designer leash.

From a handler’s perspective what is the difference between leather and Biothane?

The leather leads that we sell and recommend are handmade and lifetime guaranteed. They are much different from what you see in pet stores and are very tough to break in. If your ride horses and have a favorite saddle, you’ll know what I mean. Over time, the leather breaks in to your specific handling style and are very comfortable to use. However, the drawback to leather leashes is weather–specifically rain and dampness.

The Biothane leads are very impressive because they are impervious to water and ice and fully functional under any conditions and over any terrain. If the lead drops into a puddle, lake or river, no problem: just grab it and go. They feel better than leather and are thoroughly tested by police, military, and civilian handlers. They require absolutely no maintenance and resist picking up stickers, thorns, and goatheads.

The 1/2″ wide material possesses 500 pound tensile strength and the 3/4″ wide material possesses 750 pound tensile strength.

My dog is over 35lbs; what size prong collar do I need?

We would recommend a 3MM or a 4MM Herm Springer. We will size your dog at evaluation and recommend the best fit for your dog.

My dog is under 35lbs; what size collar do I need?

We would recommend a 2.25MM or a 3MM Herm Springer. We will size your dog at evaluation and recommend the best fit for your dog.

My dog is over 35lbs what size leash do I need for level 1?

We would recommend a 6′ ¾ leather or Biothane professional grade training lead.

My dog is under 35lbs what size leash do I need for level 1?

We would recommend a 6′ 1/2 leather or Biothane professional grade training lead.

Service Dog Training

How does training a service dog with you work?

Upon evaluation of your dog and the details of your relationship with your dog, we will create a custom training program to prepare your dog for a specific psychiatric task or emotional support.

We generally work with our clients through our regular obedience training. Because we work one-on-one, we will create a specialized program just for you. In some cases, we can train the dog for you through our Hands Off program.

How much does it cost to train a service dog?

The cost for training a service dog is the same as obedience training. It will depend on your dog’s size and the amount of time required. Most people find training to Level 2 sufficient, provided the dog is old enough and has had enough practice.

Can you help me select a service dog?

Yes. We charge a flat hourly rate to investigate breeders, analyze pedigrees, and recommend specific dogs for the type of work required. However, please note that sometimes the most promising candidates wash out of programs. We can’t make any predictions or guarantees.

I got a dog from the shelter. Can he be a service dog?

Good service dogs are rare. There’s a possibility your dog can do it, but most can’t.

Can you sell me a fully trained service dog?

No. Dogs currently being sold as “service dogs” usually have market values from between $10,000-$15,000. We are opposed to dogs being sold for a profit for this purpose, and feel that it is absurdly expensive and that good people are being taken advantage of. That’s why we also don’t charge extra to train service dogs.

Can you train my dog to be a protection dog and a service dog?

No, and we won’t consider it even for a second.

Hands-Off

Why are there 7 lessons for in-person training, but 14 sessions for the Hands-Off program?

Our regular obedience training, where we work with you, is conducted approximately once a week, and you have time to practice in between session and check in with your trainer. The Hands Off program is completed within 14 hours total.

If you train my dog, will my dog follow the commands just like he does with my trainer?

Yes, but not right away. You will need to be trained too! That’s why we include two free lessons in our Level 1 14 lesson package—to show you what your dog has learned, and how to do the leash work and other commands.

Why do you only train during the weekday and not on weekends?

We like to give the dogs a little bit of a break. Keep in mind that you hired a professional trainer—and trust us, your dog will need some rest.

Can you help us with issues like barking, jumping, counter surfing, digging, crate training, etc.?

We are happy to evaluate the individual situation or issues and provide guidance and techniques for you to use. That’s why we’re here!

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