Frequently

asked

questions

 

My dog has a problem with inappropriately eliminating/digging/chewing/etc.  Can you help me?

We have dealt with a number of problem behaviors in client dogs with great success.  While we are not Animal Behaviorists, we invite you to call and discuss your problem!   We can evaluate your situation, offer suggestions to help, and, if necessary, refer you to a qualified Animal Behaviorist.

 

I’d like my dog to become certified for therapy work.  Can you help us reach this goal?

We love therapy dogs, and we’re always happy to help a team achieve certification!  We’ve worked with folks who have gone on to work almost daily as therapy teams!

 

I want my dog to get her AKC STAR Puppy Award or Canine Good Citizen certificate.  Are you able to help with this?

Absolutely!!!  Our Puppy Partners class and Polished Partners class are structured for, and end with the STAR Puppy and CGC test, respectively.   The test is included in the class!

 

I don’t live in your area; can I bring my dog for a lesson?

Sure!   We’ve worked with clients who have come from as far away as Pittsburgh, PA.   We’ll be happy to arrange for a place to conduct your lesson.

 

Do you do protection training?

Partners With Paws limits itself to working toward proper socialization, manners and obedience training.  We do not deal in protection work.

 

My dog went through another obedience class, but didn’t do so well.  Can you help?

Absolutely!   About half of our clients come to us after having gone through a class elsewhere.   Because we offer one-on-one classes, we are able to customize classes to your needs—reinforcing strong behaviors, strengthening weak behaviors, and introducing new ones that may not have been a part of your prior class.

 

I have a couple friends who would like to take a group class together.   Are we out of luck?

Not at all!   When we first began, we dealt exclusively with one-on-one training with no more than one family at a time.   While this continues to be our major format, we are now offering “Mini Group” classes, consisting of up to four dog / handler teams.   It’s a great way to take a class with friends or family and their dogs, have fun, and get a special price – all at the same time!!

 

Is my dog too old to learn?

Certainly not.   There’s simply no truth to the old saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”   Dogs can learn at any age!

 

I think my dog is too stubborn to learn obedience.  Can you do anything to help?

You bet!   Like people, not all dogs learn in exactly the same way, and there is simply no “one size fits all” approach to training.   We draw on a diverse bag of tricks to find the exercises and games that work best for both you and your dog.

 

Will you train my dog for me?

Partners With Paws does not currently offer a board and train service.   A part of our training curriculum involves educating owners in the theory and everyday application of the behaviors taught in class.   Handing off a trained dog causes a gap in that understanding.   We also emphasize development of a deeper relationship and bond between the dog and owner, and working with your dog through training is a wonderful experience which grows and strengthens that bond.

 

Do you offer boarding / grooming / doggie day care?

Partners With Paws is devoted entirely to socialization, obedience and manners training, and does not currently offer boarding, grooming or day care services.