FAQ
Puppy Foundations – Frequently Asked Questions
What age should my puppy start training?
The ideal start age is 8 to 12 weeks, as this is the most important social and learning window in a dog’s development. Puppies can begin training immediately after coming home and do not need to wait until they finish vaccines for in-home sessions.
Does my puppy need prior training?
No. Puppy Foundations is designed specifically for puppies with no previous training experience. We build skills from the ground up using reward-based teaching methods.
What skills do puppies learn during this program?
Training focuses on:
• Potty training routines
• Crate training
• Calm handling and grooming behaviors
• Bite inhibition
• Name recognition and focus
• Sit, down, recall foundations
• Leash walking basics
• Impulse control
• Socialization planning and confidence building
Is this a group class or private training?
All Puppy Foundations training is private, one-on-one coaching either in your home or at approved outdoor locations to meet your puppy’s individual needs.
Do you use positive reinforcement?
Yes. All training is strictly evidence-based positive reinforcement. No pain, fear, or intimidation methods are used. Learning is built through rewarding desired behaviors and setting puppies up for success.
How long are the sessions?
In-person sessions are 60 minutes.
Virtual coaching sessions are 45 minutes.
Do I need a consultation before starting Puppy Foundations?
No consultation is required for Puppy Foundations. Puppies without aggressive behavior can begin training immediately.
Are vaccinations required?
For in-home sessions, no additional vaccines are required beyond what your veterinarian has recommended for your puppy’s current age.
For any public training setups, puppies must be current on age-appropriate vaccines.
Can my whole family participate in training?
Yes. Anyone living in the home is welcome to participate. Consistency across caregivers is essential for puppy success, and family involvement is encouraged.
Will this fix puppy biting and chewing?
Normal puppy mouthing and chewing are developmentally expected behaviors. Training focuses on:
• Bite inhibition
• Teaching appropriate toy outlets
• Management strategies to prevent damage
• Creating calm routines
If concerning bite-risk behaviors appear beyond normal puppy development, referrals may be recommended.
Do you handle aggression cases?
Puppy Foundations is designed for normal development and beginner training needs.
Aggression or high-risk behavioral issues are not within the scope of this program and will be referred to specialized behavior professionals.
What do I need to have before our first session?
You’ll need:
• A martingale collar or a harness
• A standard leash (4–6 feet)
• High-value soft treats
• A crate or safe confinement space
• Toys for redirection work
A preparation checklist is emailed after booking.
How often should sessions be scheduled?
Most puppies benefit from training every 7 to 10 days. Consistency during early development matters more than long gaps between lessons.
Do you offer virtual training?
Yes. Virtual Puppy Foundations sessions are available for families who prefer remote coaching or require flexible scheduling.
What support is available between sessions?
All Puppy Foundations packages include:
• Email support between sessions
• Written homework assignments
• Training trackers and daily routine templates
Your success continues beyond the lesson hour.
What happens if I need to reschedule?
Sessions may be rescheduled with 24 hours’ notice at no charge. Late cancellations or no-shows may be forfeited.
What is your refund policy?
Training services are non-refundable once sessions begin, due to time reservation and curriculum preparation.
What results should I expect?
While every puppy learns at a different pace, families typically see:
• Major improvements in focus and calm behavior
• Reduced biting and chewing issues
• Increased confidence in public and new environments
• Strong obedience foundations
Owner consistency is the biggest factor in long-term success.
Manners & Everyday Obedience – FAQs
Who is this program for?
For dogs who need better everyday skills for living in the home and navigating public spaces. This includes pulling on leash, unreliable recall, jumping, lack of impulse control, difficulty settling, and general manners issues.
Do I need a consultation before starting?
No. Your first training session includes assessment, goal selection, and immediate hands-on training. You can book directly without a separate consult.
Is aggression accepted in this program?
No. Cases involving human-directed aggression, bite history, or severe dog-to-dog aggression are outside the scope of Manners & Everyday Obedience and will be referred to appropriate professionals.
What training methods are used?
All training is evidence-based positive reinforcement only. No aversive, fear-based, or intimidation techniques are used.
Are sessions private or group?
All sessions are one-on-one private coaching customized to your dog and household.
How long are sessions?
Sessions are 60 minutes. Virtual coaching sessions are 45 minutes.
How often should lessons be scheduled?
Most dogs benefit from training every 7 to 10 days for best progress and skill retention.
Does my family need to participate?
Anyone living in the home is welcome to join sessions. Consistency across all handlers leads to better long-term results.
What support is included between sessions?
Package clients receive:
• Written homework instructions
• Personalized training plans
• Email support between sessions
What equipment do I need?
A normal flat / martingale collar or harness, a standard leash, and soft training treats. A full equipment checklist is sent after booking.
Behavior Support – FAQs
Who is Behavior Support for?
For dogs struggling with non-aggressive behavior challenges such as:
• Fearfulness or nervousness
• Reactivity without bite history
• Separation distress (non-destructive)
• Sound sensitivity
• Poor emotional regulation
• Confidence and coping skill deficits
Do you treat aggression cases?
No. I do not take cases involving:
• Human-directed aggression
• Bite history
• Severe inter-dog aggression
• Redirected bite risk
These cases require specialized behaviorists or veterinary behavior teams.
Is a consultation required for Behavior Support?
Yes. A Behavior Support Consultation is required before any training sessions to assess safety, scope, and treatment planning.
Is medication advice provided?
No medical or medication decisions are given. If medical or veterinary consultation is indicated, referrals are made to appropriate professionals.
What methods are used?
Behavior Support utilizes:
• Evidence-based positive reinforcement
• Desensitization and counterconditioning
• Welfare-first management strategies
No aversive training is used.
Is this fast training?
Behavior change takes time. Progress is measured in small, layered successes, not quick fixes. Consistency and owner involvement are critical to long-term improvement.
Do you provide written plans?
Yes. All Behavior Support packages include:
• Step-by-step training and safety plans
• Homework tracking forms
• Ongoing email support
Enrichment & Lifestyle Coaching – FAQs
Who is this service for?
For dog owners who feel overwhelmed or stuck and want help creating:
• Balanced daily routines
• Appropriate physical and mental outlets
• Healthy enrichment plans
• Environmental management strategies
• Calm household structure
This service is ideal for busy families, multi-dog homes, and dogs with high activity or sensory needs.
Is this training or behavior modification?
This is coaching, planning, and lifestyle design, not technical skill training or aggression rehabilitation.
Can this help reactivity or anxiety?
Yes. While not a replacement for formal behavior modification, lifestyle coaching often significantly reduces stress-driven behavior issues by meeting dogs’ baseline needs.
Is virtual coaching available?
Yes. Sessions can be conducted either in person or virtually.
How long are sessions?
In-person sessions: 60 minutes
Virtual sessions: 45 minutes
What do I receive?
Clients receive:
• Personalized enrichment plans
• Weekly routines and activity schedules
• Mental exercise libraries
• Management strategy worksheets
• Email support between sessions
Do I need a consultation?
No. A consultation is not required for Enrichment & Lifestyle Coaching.
However, an Initial Lifestyle Assessment is required. This assessment helps us understand your dog’s daily routines, environment, and enrichment opportunities so we can tailor coaching to your family’s needs.
Training Policies & Frequently Asked Questions
What is your cancellation policy?
Appointments canceled or rescheduled with 24 hours’ notice or more may be moved to a new date at no charge.
Sessions canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice or missed appointments will be charged the full session fee.
What if I have an emergency?
One same-day emergency cancellation per client may be rescheduled at no charge. Additional same-day cancellations will be billed as missed sessions.
Are training services refundable?
No. All training services, assessments, and packages are non-refundable once purchased.
Unused sessions may be rescheduled within the active package period or transferred to another dog in the same household.
Do packages expire?
Yes. Package sessions must be used within the following timeframes:
3–4 session packages: 3 months
6+ session packages: 6 months
Unused sessions expire after the package period unless written arrangements are made in advance.
Are consults or behavior assessments refundable?
No. Consultations and assessments are completed professional services and are non-refundable.
What happens if I arrive late?
Sessions begin at the scheduled start time. Late arrival does not extend your scheduled training time.
What if the trainer is late?
You will still receive your full training session or be offered to reschedule.
Do I need to be present for training?
Yes. Clients must attend sessions unless previously approved.
Training focuses on coaching the handler first and the dog second.
Should other household members attend?
All adult household members involved with the dog are encouraged to attend sessions for consistency and safety.
Can children attend sessions?
Children may attend if they can remain calm, follow safety guidelines, and stay supervised.
Young children often observe rather than actively participate in training.
What if my dog becomes sick or injured?
Sessions may be rescheduled with advance notice.
Training will not be conducted if a dog is ill, injured, or under sedation.
What about bad weather?
Outdoor sessions may be modified, moved indoors, or rescheduled due to unsafe heat, storms, or other hazardous weather.
What equipment do I need to provide?
Clients must bring the following to each session:
Flat collar or H-style harness
Standard leash (no retractable leashes)
High-value treats suitable for their dog
Do you use aversive training tools?
No. Chaos To Clarity K9 practices science-based positive reinforcement only.
We do not use choke chains, prong collars, shock collars, physical punishment, or intimidation techniques.
What if I don’t see results?
Training results depend on consistency, household participation, and environmental management.
Behavior change cannot be guaranteed. Additional sessions may be recommended if goals have not been met.
Can sessions be transferred or resold?
Sessions are non-transferable and cannot be resold.
They may only be used for dogs within the same household.
Do you guarantee behavioral outcomes?
No ethical trainer offers behavior guarantees.
We guarantee professional instruction using modern science-based methods and individualized training plans.
Right to Refuse Services
Chaos To Clarity K9 reserves the right to discontinue services due to safety concerns, inappropriate client conduct, or unwillingness to follow humane training protocols. Unused sessions remain non-refundable.
What payment methods do you accept?
Chaos To Clarity K9 accepts cash, credit/debit cards, and electronic payments.
Payment is required in full at the time of booking or prior to all sessions.