Precision K-9 FAQ

Precision K-9 Services LLC

Frequently Asked Questions
(& not so frequently asked questions)

Answers to questions most people have, can be found below. Some answers even have photos in which I cannot show you on the phone or at class please take a look.

Most all questions can be answered by reading the information on the following pages... Pet Dog Training, Pet Training Contract, or the actual page for the class your wanting to take, however, below you'll find extra information, rules and common questions.

Please look through all the questions below click on that question to go straight to the answer, if you still have a question after viewing this page shoot us an email please! Thanks for taking the time...

See Contract for more class rules, you will also receive rules & directions to class location via e-mail before your 1st class.

If you want to check in before sending in the contract because you need a very specific time and or day and have NO flexibility and want in soon, feel free to email to ask, but you'll want to get the contract/payment in the mail that day, I will not hold a time for more than a couple of days, in fairness to other clients.

We train all breeds as well as mixed breeds. The age, as long as the dog is 8 weeks or older we'll train it. It's 9 years old? Been there done that, even a few older than 9. It has behavior problems? Most dogs do. We will go over all your behavior problems.

You can find some equipment locally and some you need to order depending on, quality wanted/needed, and what your looking for. A couple of places to order from are... Active Dogs & Bridgeport equipment. I suggest buying quality equipment.

Our training times vary depending on the season, classes taken. and current clients already on the schedule. Our schedule can change daily/weekly as customers start and finish or move to the next class. Since we schedule by first contracts received, if your wanting, say an evening, and they are all taken, if you send in the fee and contract, as soon as one is available, you can slide in that spot. We do not hold a time/day (if we previously spoke) without the fee and contract so get that in ASAP.

We do observe all Holidays. We have 5 weeks vacation each year, so you may, or may not, hit a time that we are on vacation during your class (just FYI)

Odds are yes. We opened the business in 1996 and trained dogs years before that. Odds are we have trained your breed, or the popular mix breeds, and maybe a lot of them. But even if not, it doesn't matter what the breed is. Our training methods have worked on every dog we have trained and the thousands+ more that use the methods we use. Ask us more about it if you like!

Depends on the class taken this information is under each class available (E.g. Puppy Class, Basic Class, go back to the Pet Obedience page and click the appropriate link).

But for example... if your looking at Basic Obedience class, you come to class once a week, for 6 weeks, each class is about an hour (sometimes more). So 6 trips to training class= about 6 hours. You will be expected to work the dog at home daily.

For general obedience class, currently -Scott Depot about 1/2 mile from the Exit

Just go to our contract page please read it completely, email us for a contract, fill it out send it in with fee, we will contact you with a start day and time after we receive the contract. If you email the contract to us we will invoice you for payment.

Class pricing can be found on the individual pages describing the class (i.e. Puppy Kindergarten, Basic Obedience, Advanced Obedience etc...) go back to the Pet Obedience page and click the appropriate link, price is near the bottom of the page.

No, No, No! First of all once a week for a few weeks won't socialize your dog to much. How old is the dog? Is it in a socialization period? Is it in a fear imprint period? Will all the other dogs in your Group Class be well behaved or dominate or aggressive etc.. to your puppy/dog ? Will your puppy/dog pick up any disease at the Group Class? Will you and your Puppy/Dog be able to concentrate in that atmosphere ? You need to be able to learn so you can teach your dog at home, your dog needs to be able to focus, to learn, what is being taught. After you and the dog are doing very well at the exercises we at Precision K-9 Services will tell you when and how to start various distractions pertaining to the exercises taught and depending on the individual situation. You are responsible for socializing your puppy daily not just once a week at a dog class. Socialization is more than playing with other dogs, contrary to popular belief, it is about real life situations and the world we live in and the world that particular dog will be exposed to. Ask us, at your class, about socialization!

With our very busy schedules, it is unlikely that we will have the time to meet with someone just to get payment and contract. This also keeps us from making an appointment that someone won't keep. This is just one of many reasons we have this policy in place. We have been doing business this way for many many years and it works for us. Please send in your fee with Contract. See the contract page. If you need references just ask, no problem.

Sorry, no, our policy is, we must receive your contract before we schedule your class.

If your dog is over 6 months and is aggressive toward people and you are afraid it will bite, or it has bitten someone already then you may need to do a temperament test before the Basic Obedience Class.

If it has some aggressive behavior but hasn't bitten and you don't think it will and you feel you have enough control or strength while it is on leash to hold it back from people while you go through obedience, then go ahead with the obedience and we can do the temperament test later if we think it is needed. (all classes are private instruction) we will of course address the problem and obviously teach you how to handle the dog while teaching the obedience.

If it has "dog aggression", and not people aggression, no problem as classes are private instruction and there aren't other dogs in class. This issue will be addressed however.

You Must Give a 24 hour notice for cancellation of a class via Email (angie@precisionk-9services.com) and make sure you receive a response back that we "Got it!". No Excuses.

If you cancel last minute- If you cancel and I had already left to go to class, - you are a no-show, you forfeit that class and you are responsible for emailing and setting up any classes you have left (minus that one). That is over an hour of my time I could have done other thing with. I will not return to class without notification that you WILL be there next scheduled session.

Your properly canceled sessions will be rescheduled, possibly on different days and times.

IF YOU CANCEL MORE THAN ~ 1 TIME IN PUPPY ~2 TIMES IN BASIC ~3 TIMES IN ADVANCED, YOU MAY LOSE YOU SPOT AND WE WILL GET YOUR REMAINING CLASSES IN WHEN WE ARE ABLE. IN ADDITION IF CANCELATIONS CONTINUE TO BE A PROBLEM YOU MAY LOSE YOUR REMAINING CLASSES WITHOUT REFUND.

We do not often have this issue, however when it happens these people are holding up spots for people waiting to get into our classes. We have had a lenient policy and try to work with people as much as possible but will not have people take advantage of it. I have recently had one person take 4 months to complete a Basic Obedience class I would schedule, she would agree, then cancel right before, sorry that is just ridiculous! Thus this New Rule!

Yes, if he/she will be working the dog at home then that person needs to be at class. But no more than 2 people should be training the dog or come to class.

No one under 18 please. After the dog is trained you can show other family members how to handle the dog. The exception to this is IF we need to work on something pertaining to children then we will schedule the proper day within your class time to work the specific issue.

I'm under 18 and your contract states you must be 18 or older, can I still take the class or attend?

I own two dogs I want to put them into training, should I bring them at the same time?

That is fine, we have had people bring 2 and 3 dogs, some customers had a family member as a handler for each dog. Other customers just switched off the dogs and one person worked each dog separately. Or you can schedule the dogs on different days and times. Class prices listed are per dog however, regardless if they come together or not. Class time- allow for approx 2 hours with 2 dogs. If they are a big distraction to each other they will need to be done separately but bringing them together will still save you a trip.

Our obedience classes can be very physically demanding, depending on the dog, even for the healthiest of people. You do need to be sure your physically able to work the dog. If an injury prevents proper training, you may want to think about someone who can train the dog for you, then pair the dog with you after the hard work is done. E-mail to discuss it further if you are at all in question. If you decide to handle yourself and can't do some exercises because of your physical capabilities we can try to adapt (even if it's not up to my standards of training), or we will have to leave them out, and maybe replace those exercises with something else.

All classes are outside, dress appropriately. Classes will be canceled in bad weather (Tornado, Hurricane, Blizzard, Hail, Severe Lighting Storm, Flood...). You will receive an e-mail, and maybe a phone call, otherwise class is still scheduled.

My dog has already had Basic Obedience somewhere else, do I still have to go through your Basic before Advanced?

Yes, you will have to complete OUR Basic Obedience before doing our Advanced Class.

If your dog is still growing you will probably need to purchase several collars, don't purchase a large one because you think he will grow into it. Fit him as he grows. I can send a video to you to be sure you have the proper fit before coming to class if needed.

The easiest way to tell you how to measure for length for the two types of slip collars...

If you are using the typical collar with two o-rings you want the collar to just fit over the dogs head. Example: if a 16" won't fit over the head at all and a 18" fits then you would not get a 20" it would be too big. Use the 18". Comes in 2" increments even numbers. This type of collar goes over the dogs head.

With a toggle collar you can get a different fit. Great when the regular slip collar is a bit too big. Comes in 2" increments odd numbers. This type of collar wraps around the neck and hooks.

The Herm Sprenger brand from Germany has been the best in my experience. You'll have to order it.

PLEASE DO NOT BUY CHEAP EQUIPMENT!!! I HAVE SEEN SLIP COLLARS BREAK (ON SMALL AND LARGE BREEDS) WE DO NOT WANT TO LOSE YOUR DOG!!!! AND IF YOUR DOG IS AGGRESSIVE YOU COULD BE LOOKING AT A LAWSUIT IF IT GETS AWAY FROM YOU AND BITES SOMEONE!!!

Here are a couple pictures of equipment that broke in class, I've had equipment failure on other dogs but didn't take pictures unfortunately, but trust me it happens. I can't stress enough "BUY GOOD EQUIPMENT!"

This broke on a Miniature Pinscher in the early 90's (yes I kept it) it happened at Teays Valley Park.

This chain, as well as another one that broke on a client at home, was purchased at Petco, just FYI.

As stated on the contract no refunds. We have always had a no refund policy. Any monies once received, will be seen as a commitment from you, and we have blocked off time just for you on our schedule. Payment is non-refundable no matter how many classes, if any, are attended. No Refunds No Exceptions. Make certain you are ready to start and finish training! Applies to any and all classes, includes Gift Certificates.

No, we begin training the first scheduled training day. Unless your dog is people aggressive and has bitten people badly before, then you may need to schedule a temperament test to determine what steps to take with your dog, otherwise we have no need to see your dog ahead of time.

I just need a couple of exercises fixed/refreshed, my dog was trained elsewhere. Can you help me with a couple of things I need worked on?

I suggest you return to your original trainer. Or your welcome to take the appropriate class (by age of your dog e.g. Puppy or Basic) and we can work on your issues once our obedience has been put on the dog.

Advanced Obedience Class is taken after you finish OUR Basic Obedience Class. You can NOT take our Advanced Class before first taking our Basic Obedience Class. It is a requirement. No @ home training, nor another trainers Basic will be accepted to enter our Advanced Obedience Class.

It is best if you go straight to Advanced from Basic without any time (weeks/months) between. The dog's training and your handling is correct and fresh. If you wait we may had to add another charged class as a review, this would be determined on the first day of Advanced.

Also, if your in Basic, and have decided to continue on with Advanced once your done, if you would go ahead and do another Contract and Deposit for Advanced and get it to us ASAP that will ensure you keep your spot on the schedule. Otherwise we could preschedule another client there, and you may have to be moved to another time/day.

If you can provide me with days for the 4, 6, or 8 weeks needed depending on the class taken, ahead of time so I can preschedule you, we will work with you as best we can. We have done this with many people in the past and it has never been a problem. Otherwise we will get you in as we can on a weekly basis, but it might take more time to finish.

Puppy Class- You need a 6' leash appropriate for the age and breed. A thin nylon leash with a smaller snap if it is a very small pup or small breed. You do not want heavy leather with a large snap to weight the pup down. When the puppy ages you can get a nice leather leash. Also you don't want the puppy chewing on a good leather leash!! But there are thin leather leashes if you want... You need to have the proper equipment before coming to your first class.

Puppy Class- Flat collar "buckle type" NOT the snap type !!!! Nylon or Leather is fine.

Puppy Class- Treats anything soft, like hot dog (natural of course, non pork (my preference)) What I used to use... Natural Dog Food Rolls by Natural Balance (They have changed the formula on these in 2014 some to the better and some ingredients I liked are gone but still a good option) Also liver, chicken, what ever the dog LOVES! Do not bring hard, crunchy or large size treats.

Puppy Class- You'll need to bring a crate for the first session. I prefer the plastic type of crate, or aluminum type, but realize some like the wire ones as some come with a wire divider to make it adjustable. You can break those down and bring them if needed. Soft crates cannot be used. The door needs to swing right to left or left to right, but cannot be a drop down door.

Slip collar (choker) (see above) and a 6' Flat Leather or Nylon leash. Leather is better. No chain or retractable leashes. You do not want to use rolled (round) leather or nylon leashes. You need to have the proper equipment before coming to your first class. If you have any questions about the equipment you need please call or e-mail.

I just had my dogs ears cropped is there a problem with training during this time?

I have trained dogs with tapped ears, it wasn't a problem. As long as your vet has cleared the dog there shouldn't be an issue.

My dog is scheduled for spay/neuter, OR my dog just got Spayed/Neutered, can I still come to class?

If your scheduled for spay neuter, I would either wait on training, but know Spay/Neuter won't fix any issues your having such as Aggression, running away, etc.... or wait on fixing the dog till after the training is completed. If your dog is under 12 or 24 months I suggest you do some homework before having your dog fixed!

If you have already fixed your dog, if the dog is cleared by your vet to work no problem, if it's been 10-14 days and the dog is healing well it shouldn't be an issue starting, otherwise wait till the dog is healed.

We do 90% of our training on location (off our property). The ONLY people that will be coming to our place, which is our personal residence, will be "Puppy Buyers" and the occasional "Police Officer". NO other customers will be coming to our property. So there is no need for us to place our address on this web-site, or give you directions, unless your in that category. And then we are by appointment ONLY. We also do not receive mail here, only UPS/FedEx so be sure to send the contract to the PO Box. If you feel you need to speak to us about this matter please feel free to call, and we can further explain. We can also give you as many references as you wish from any of our customers, ranging from past or current, Regular Classes, Police, In-kennels, Puppy Buyers, etc... The Training Location will be given to you when we set up your scheduled training time/day. Most likely it will be in Scott Depot about 1/2 mile from the Exit. (Also it's not in a seedy/scary area, it's in a nice safe environment) ;-)