1. What happens if I don’t get the results I want from the training? Is there a guarantee?
Due to the many variables involved to create a well-behaved, balanced dog, including owner commitment, consistency, and follow-through, it would be unethical for us to offer a 100% guarantee. However, we only choose the most dedicated and diligent owners so, in our experience, no matter how severe the issues, we consistently see breakthrough results and amazing transformations. We have never come across a dog we could not help. We work hand in hand as a team in your dog’s rehabilitation. This process of teamwork and collaboration begins before we even meet your dog, moves through the training process, and continues long after your dog has gone home. Once you hire us, we consider you part of the MVP Dog Training family, and your success is our utmost priority.
2. Does MVP use treats to train dogs?
Our training approach is relationship-based. Alicia believes firmly that our dogs should be working for us, not for a food morsel. From time to time, she may use them in certain situations. Treat training has many limitations and tends to cause dogs to be overly-excited, hyper, and food-fixated rather than relaxed and calm, which is great if you are training flyball or agility, but not when you are training a family dog to calmly co-habitate with you!
3. Why do you use E-Collars for Off-Leash Training?
Modern E-Collar training is the most effective, most reliable, most humane, and transformational training available today. The ForceFree Method™ is an intuitive system of training that makes sense to both people and dogs. Effective and gentle, the training method works with the dogs instincts rather than against them. We achieve off leash reliability, even with distractions, amazingly fast. Most dogs perceive the training as simple “pack cooperation” and play. Therefore, they quickly shed rebellious behavior, and give you more focus than you imagined possible. Doesn’t that sound like more fun than correction after correction?
4. My dog is uncontrollable on the walk – pulling, lunging, barking, growling – can you fix this?
We consistently get fantastic results with all levels of issues, from mild pulling and disobedience, to severe dog reactivity. Check out our Private In-Home Training page and see what package is best for you!
5. I have tried other trainers before and didn’t get the results I desired – what makes your program and approach different and more effective?
We are often the last stop after clients have been through multiple trainers. Unlike other training approaches that only focus on developing rehearsed behaviors, bribing with treats, or merely managing/bandaid-ing the problem, we have developed a unique approach that fundamentally changes the dog’s state of mind. Once we address the dog’s state of mind, the sky’s the limit for what we can create. By cultivating new habits, teaching the dog to make better choices, training calmness instead of excitability, we are consistently successful with dogs that others are unable to help. This will be the last dog training you will ever need.