Question 1

I'm looking for help with my dog... can you assist me?

Accepted Answer

A BETTER DOG Training & Behaviour travels to you and provides in-home behaviour evaluation, prevention and modification programs tailored to suit your individual needs. No matter what breed or size of dog, I'm here to help you!
 
To determine if my services are going to be the right fit for you, I provide a FREE 30 minute telephone consultation so I can learn more about the issue(s) you're experiencing. Don't worry, there's no obligation to book a session. 
 
Please contact me to schedule your free phone consultation. Call or text 604.866.0405 or email me at  aBetterDogTrainingCompany@gmail.com

Question 2

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

In order to help you to the best of my abilities I provide a FREE 30 minute telephone consultation so I can determine your needs and then provide pricing. This is also a great way for you to ask questions about me and decide if my services are going to be the right fit for you.
 
Please know that the phone consultation is free and does not oblige you to book a paid session. Contact me to schedule your free phone consultation. Call or text 604.866.0405 or email  aBetterDogTrainingCompany@gmail.com
 
If you have any questions I would be happy to hear from you!

Question 3

Do you provide virtual consultations and sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, virtual consultations and/or sessions can be provided by Zoom, FaceTime or Skype. Please contact me to discuss your needs.

Question 4

Are there any breeds that you don't or won't work with?

Accepted Answer

There's absolutely NO breed bias at A BETTER DOG Training & Behaviour... I'm happy to work with your dog no matter what breed.

Question 5

There's so much information available about dogs, training and behaviour. How do I tell the good from the bad?"

Accepted Answer

The first thing to understand is that, in most of the world (including here in North America), the dog training/behaviour industry is not regulated. That means anyone can set up a business as a training or behaviour 'professional' without any qualifications or experience. Accordingly, there is a lot of misinformation and outdated practices still being recommended and used today.
 
So who to trust? If you're looking for assistance with your dog you need to do your due diligence and research... you owe it to your dog and yourself. 
 
Some important questions to ask:
- How long in business?
- Business license and insurance?
- Relevent education/background?
- How does the person keep up-to-date with advancements in training/behaviour?
- Which other trainers/behaviourists does the person follow and look to as mentors?
- Does the person have experience with the specific issue you're dealing with?
- What tools and methods will be employed?
- Are there any negative side-effects to the methods being recommended, and if there are, how will they be handled?
- Can you can attend (just to watch) a session or class?
- Can references and testimonials be provided?
 
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me!

Question 6

Why is there so much controversy about using punishment with dogs... don't those methods work?

Accepted Answer

The concept of dog training that we're familiar with today actually got its start a long time ago with the training of dogs for the military where aversive methods such as coercion, force and punishment were used.
 
Our knowledge of canine behaviour has come a long way since then (especially in the last 20 years) but despite the significant advancements that have been made, the use of punishment-based techniques in dog training/behaviour remains wide-spread.
 
In my mind, it's not so much a question of whether or not punishment-based methods can work. Instead it's an ethical question of, "Why continue to use punishment-based methods when there is ample evidence that non-aversive methods are equally (or more) effective, more humane, and far less risky?" 
 
Generally speaking, punishment-based techniques cause the suppression of problem behaviours through the fear of subsequent consequences. While these techniques often give the appearance of being quick and effective solutions, due to the fact the behaviour is merely being suppressed the 'solution' often ends up being temporary because the underlying cause of the behaviour has not been addressed. In addition, it is common for punitive tactics to result in unintended negative behavioural side-effects. 
 
Questions? I would be happy to hear from you.

Question 7

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

The following forms of payment are accepted:
 
- Cash
- E-transfer
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express (through online app)

A BETTER DOG TRAINING & BEHAVIOUR

FAQ

Call or text Andrew at 604.866.0405 to book a FREE telephone consultation