Have Questions?
General Frequently Asked Questions
What is balanced training?
Balanced training combines positive reinforcement with clear, fair corrections—such as e‑collars—so your dog understands expectations and learns more efficiently. This method builds a respectful and trusting relationship, resulting in real-world obedience in Port Washington, Milwaukee, Sheboygan, and West Bend.
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How do I know which program is best suited for my dog?
Simply fill in our contact form, including details like your dog’s age, behavior, and your training objectives. Based on that, we’ll recommend the best training path—Board and Train, private one-on-one sessions, or group obedience classes—all tailored to dogs in Port Washington, Milwaukee, Sheboygan, and West Bend.
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At what age can my dog start training?
Puppies can start training as early as 8 weeks old. We offer age-appropriate programs that focus on building confidence, socialization, and early obedience skills. Older dogs can begin training at any time—it's never too late to learn!
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How long will it take to train my dog?
Training is an ongoing process. While many owners start to see improvements within the first few sessions, achieving reliable, long-term behavior often takes weeks or months of consistent practice, especially for more advanced or behavioral work.
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Do you work with all breeds and sizes?
Absolutely! Whether you have a small puppy or a large working breed, we welcome dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes throughout Port Washington and the broader Milwaukee–Sheboygan–West Bend region.
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What tools do you use in training?
We customize tools to match your dog’s needs and your comfort level. Tools may include:
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Flat collars or slip leads
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Prong collars (when appropriate)
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E‑collars with TENS technology for precise and safe communication
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Treats and food-based rewards
We demonstrate proper use and discuss benefits and safety for each tool.
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Do you offer ongoing support after training?
Yes! Most of our programs include ongoing support via phone, text, or email. We’re here to help you maintain your dog’s progress and answer questions that may come up after the program ends.
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Can the whole family be involved in training?
Absolutely. We encourage all members of the household to participate in lessons and be involved in the process to ensure consistency and success at home.
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What if my dog has already been through training somewhere else?
No problem! We can build on previous training—focusing on areas needing improvement—or start fresh, depending on your goals and your dog’s current skills.
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Are you insured?
Yes, we carry full insurance covering all Board and Train programs, private lessons, and group dog training classes in Port Washington and surrounding areas.
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What is your cancellation policy?
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Board & Train: Cancel up to 2 weeks before the start date.
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Private Lessons: If you're unsatisfied with the training style, cancel within 1 week after your first lesson—you'll only pay for that session.
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Group Classes: We do not offer refunds within a week of the class starting.
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Can I observe a training session?
Definitely. We encourage transparency—observing a session helps you feel confident in our methods and ensures it’s a good fit for your dog.
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What forms of payment do you accept?​
We offer flexible payment options:
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Cash, cashier’s check
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Credit or debit card
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Venmo, Zelle, PayPal
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Financing via PayPal or Afterpay
Do you work with aggressive and reactive dogs?
Yes! We specialize in reactivity and aggression training for both dogs and humans. We evaluate each case individually to recommend the best program—private lessons, our hybrid Board and Train, or behavioral coaching in Port Washington, Milwaukee, Sheboygan, and West Bend areas.​
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How does your E-collar differ from others?
We use TENS-based E‑collars, similar to therapeutic muscle units. They provide fine-tuned, low-level stimulation to enhance communication, build off-leash reliability, and reduce reactivity—safely and effectively.
Board and Train FAQ's
Why does my dog need to stay with the trainer during the week?
During our Board and Train program in Port Washington, WI, your dog stays with us to receive daily, focused training sessions, often multiple times a day. This structure allows us to build a strong foundation, establish a consistent routine, and begin addressing behavior and mindset shifts effectively without the distractions of home.​
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What makes your Standard board and train unique?
We follow an alternating week format: your dog spends one week with our professional trainer and the next week back home with you. This real-world hybrid model:
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Keeps owners involved in the process
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Reinforces training at home
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Prevents regression
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Improves your ability to apply and maintain new behaviors long-term
This approach is ideal for families across Port Washington, Milwaukee, Sheboygan, and West Bend looking for lasting, practical obedience results.
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What training methods do you use?
We use balanced training methods, combining positive reinforcement with clear communication and appropriate corrections. Depending on your dog’s needs and the program, we may use:
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Slip leads
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Prong collars
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E-collars (for reliable off-leash communication)
All tools are used with care, based on your dog’s temperament and learning style. Our priority is creating calm, respectful, and confident dogs in both calm and high-distraction environments.
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What commands or behaviors will my dog learn?
Your dog will learn core obedience commands such as:
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Come
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Sit
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Down
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Heel
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Place
We also work on:
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Impulse control
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Leash manners
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Socialization
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Neutrality around people and dogs
Our 7 week and advanced programs include off-leash freedom and reliable E-collar communication.
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What is included in the program?
All Board and Train programs include:
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Daily hands-on training
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Structured socialization
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Training in real-world environments
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Weekly owner lessons and homework
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A customized training plan
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Lifetime phone/text support for questions after completion
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Boarding availability with refresher for dogs
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Discounted future lessons
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Will I receive updates during my dogs stay?
Yes! We send 2-3 updates a week, which may include photos or videos of your dog’s progress. You’ll also have lessons and homework at the end of each training week to help you stay engaged and reinforce progress.
What is the Behavior Modification Program, and who is it for?
The Behavior Modification Program is designed for dogs with severe reactivity or aggression. It includes prep lessons before the Board and Train begins, allowing the dog to gradually build trust with the trainer before staying in their home. This format supports safety and emotional well-being, while still following our structured alternating week schedule.
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What should my dog bring for their stay?
Please bring:
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A little over a weeks worth of food
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Any necessary medication
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A properly fitting collar and leash
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A familiar item like a toy or blanket for comfort
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Will my dog forget me or bond more with the trainer?
No—dogs don’t forget their owners. In fact, the training helps improve your relationship. Our alternating week format helps your dog learn with the trainer, then practice and bond with you at home, ensuring you're an essential part of their progress.
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What happens after the program ends?
You’ll receive:
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A final go-home lesson
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A personalized training recap
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Continued support via phone or email
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Optional refresher lessons or discounted follow-ups for ongoing success
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How do I know if Board and Train is the right choice for my dog?
Board and Train is great for:
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Busy owners with limited time for daily training
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Dogs needing obedience fundamentals
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Dogs with behavioral issues that are challenging to address alone
If you're unsure, we recommend filling out our contact form and we can help you determine the right program for your dog’s needs.
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Will my dog be exposed to other dogs?
That depends on the program.
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For most programs, your dog may be socially exposed to our stable, well-mannered dogs to build confidence and learn appropriate interaction.
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In other cases (especially with reactivity), your dog may work in close proximity to other dogs without direct contact to safely build neutrality.
Dog Training Classes FAQ's
What happens if it rains on the day of my class?
In the event of rain, we adapt based on the size of the class and weather severity. Light rain? We’ll train under the gazebo. Severe weather? The class will be rescheduled and added as an extra week. Our goal is to ensure your dog’s learning stays consistent and enjoyable, regardless of the weather.
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Can more than one family member attend the class?
Absolutely! We strongly encourage family participation in our group dog training classes in Port Washington and surrounding areas. Consistency across all household members leads to faster, more reliable results at home.
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What happens if I miss a class?
We understand life gets busy! For group dog training classes, missed sessions are non-refundable, but we’ll do our best to catch you up. For private dog training lessons, please give us at least 24 hours' notice to reschedule without penalty.
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What training methods do you use?
We use balanced training methods, which means we focus on clear communication using a mix of positive reinforcement and appropriate corrections. Our goal is to create calm, confident dogs with reliable behavior in real-world situations.
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What training tools do you recommend?
We recommend tools based on each dog’s individual behavior and needs. For dogs that pull, we typically suggest the 3mm Herm Sprenger prong collar, which:
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Reduces pressure on the trachea
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Distributes correction evenly
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Improves communication with your dog
​We always show you how to use tools properly and safely to ensure a positive training experience.
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What should we bring to my dog training class?
For every class, please bring:
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A standard 6-foot leash
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A 15-foot long line (provided during week one)
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Training treats or kibble (your dog’s food works great!)
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Your dog’s current collar or training tool (flat collar, martingale, or prong)
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A water bowl and fresh water
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Can reactive or aggressive dogs join class?
If your dog shows signs of reactivity or aggression, we recommend starting with our private lessons or hybrid Board and Train program. These offer controlled, low-pressure environments better suited to modifying intense behaviors. Group classes may be too overwhelming initially and could hinder progress.
How much time should I dedicate to training at home?
We recommend daily practice sessions of 10–20 minutes, multiple times per day. Consistency is key—your dog will progress faster the more you reinforce what they learn during class.
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What results can I expect?
​Results depend on your goals, consistency, and your dog’s individual learning pace. With regular practice and follow-through, most owners begin seeing noticeable improvements within the first few sessions.
