FAQ
Q: Can you tell me a bit about your education and experience as a dog trainer?
A: When I first started training dogs, I was just a teenager. I was one of those people whom everyone would bring their dogs to. I did not really understand why things worked the way they did but I could somehow see what I needed to do in order for the dogs to listen to me.
Someone thought I was quite talented with dogs and took me under his wings. I met lots of "dog people" in the show ring and obedience circle who had showed me a lot of valuable techniques. I started off working with dogs coming from very nice pedigree. They were selectively bred with very nice temperament.
I was a "reward-based" trainer. I attended lots of seminars and read lots of books on how to train with positive reinforcement. I was mainly training for shows and obedience competitions. I was winning but I did not really understand dog psychology very well back then.
Later on, I started working with challenging dogs. This opened my eyes to the need of a more in-depth approach in order to transform the dogs effectively. I had the pleasure to work with and learn from many great balanced trainers along the way. I was able to see how dogs that I used to think were impossible to change ended up thriving in front of my eyes. I was able to help dogs and their families to live a much happier life with methods and techniques which I did not even know existed before.
Working with lots of dogs from a wide spectrum of backgrounds and histories has really widened my horizon and given me valuable insights into canine behaviours and psychology that I did not understand before.
After working with thousands of dogs and their families for almost three decades, if I have to name one lesson I have learned that I will consider really helpful, it would be my ability to break down complex concepts into simple-to-understand analogies and easy-to-follow routines that everyday families can implement and become successful in.
I have helped over 3000 families with what I have learned over the years. I would love to use my knowledge to help you and your dogs as well. Thank you.
Q: My dog is fearful and nervous especially on leash – I shouldn’t use an ecollar with him, right?
A: Actually, modern low level ecollar training is the best training tool for dogs with these types of issues. My low level ecollar training system is not designed to shock dogs into submission; on the contrary, it is designed to create more confident, relaxed, and happy dogs.
Ecollar is a great tool for leash reactive dogs because ecollar is like a leash but without the physical restriction felt on the dog's neck which will often induce more opposition reflex and confrontation.
We have helped thousands of reactive dogs to enjoy a much bigger world and a much happier life in the last 27+ years utilizing proper ecollar training.
Q: My dog is uncontrollable on the walk – pulling, lunging, barking, growling – can you fix this?
A: Yes, we help dogs like this all the time. All the dogs that we train are taught to follow the handler's body on the walk calmly. Our goal is a dog who can walk on a loose leash in the real world next to the handler without constant treat dispensing, leash correction, nor commands.
Q: Do you always take pictures and videos during training sessions? Who owns the pictures and videos?
A: Yes, I always try to take as many videos and pictures as I can to document the training. The videos are non-commercial videos published for educational and informative purposes which are provided to the public 100% free.
The published videos and pictures are our intellectual properties. They belong to Perfect Companion K9 Training.
Q: I’ve been told by other trainers that my dog’s violent behavior can’t be fixed, and I should consider having him euthanized. Is this really the only option?
A: I have helped thousands of clients who have heard this from other trainers before. Chances are very high that I can fix the problem behavior that other trainers can’t.
My training focuses on creating well-behaved dog through the development of respect and trust. I do not just suppress a bad behavior with fear or try to redirect the behavior with food.
I will be spending lots of time to transform your dog from the inside out.
I will also be working with you extensively to make sure you can provide the guidance your dog needs in order to thrive under your care. As long as you are committed to following the recommendations and daily structures, you should succeed.
Q: After the training my dog is fixed so I can just do whatever I want with him, right?
A: Usually a dog's behavior problem is related to how the owner has been living with the dog. I can transform the dog while he is in my care, but if the owner continues to do what he used to do, the dog could go back to the way he was before the training or even worse. It is very important that owners follow my instructions and recommendations and are committed to adjust their life styles if needed in order to remain successful.
Q: What can I expect from your training program?
A: In order to have a good idea on how I train and what you can expect, I would like to invite you to watch my videos on my web site, my FaceBook page, my Instagram, and and to read my blog on my web site.
We will be working together as partners. It is very important that you join this partnership with good understanding and expectation. I am very transparent and I show all my work because I want you to have an accurate idea on how your dog will be trained and what kind of result you can expect.
If you are interested in working with me, please book a consultation so we can discuss this in greater depth.
Q: Can you guarantee result with your board and train program for life?
A: I can guarantee to give you the result you ask for, and meet - and likely exceed - your expectation at the end of the board and train program.
I can promise you that I will give you back a transformed and very well behaved dog. Not only that, I will do everything I can to teach you how to apply the new techniques after your dog is back in your home. I am committed to provide you with my continued support for as long as you have your dog. I care about your dog and I want to see you succeed.
However, I cannot force anyone to do something they do not want to. If you do not follow my instructions and choose to do things differently, I cannot guarantee that the training will not revert back. Your dedication and commitment are paramount to your success.
Q: Do you only work with clients from Vancouver?
A: We have had clients who flew their dogs from US airports (such as LAX) for us to pick up and train. We have had clients who drove their dogs here from Kelowna, Penticton, Kamloops, Salmon Arms, other Provinces such as Alberta, as well as from the US such as WA, OR, and CA.
We have helped many clients who had to relocate to Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Europe after the completion of their trainings.
We are very experienced in helping clients outside of Vancouver. We also have a network of competent trainers who can provide follow-up support services for our clients in other parts of the world.
In short, as long as you can get your dog here, we can help you and your dog no matter where you may be located originally or where you have to relocate to after.