Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I train my dog?

If your dog only listens to you 50% of the time or when there is something in it for them, then they simply do not believe you are worth listening to. Dogs are by nature pack animals and will only follow the lead of a strong pack leader. The pack leader or “Alpha dog” is the highest ranking member - they are consistent and capable and their authority is never taken for granted. To gain your dog’s respect and get them to follow your lead you must become the pack leader of your household. We can teach you how.

Puppies learn from their mothers very early in life about discipline, boundaries, limitations and the ways of the pack. This lesson is so meaningful to a puppy that if it doesn't see a strong leader in it's new human pack, it will assume that role naturally.

Not all dogs are born leaders - in fact, there are very few "true" Alpha dogs. The majority of dogs live happier lives assuming the role of follower where they know their place in the pack and what's expected out of them. They need strong leadership, discipline and rules to obey or they will take over and you will have to obey their rules as a lower ranking member of the pack. If you treat a dog as a furry human, it will still treat you like a dog! That’s all a dog knows!

When you begin developing a more proper relationship with your dog - by becoming the pack leader - you will generally see four things begin to change:

• Your dog will start respecting you like never before.



• Your commands will suddenly have meaning and your dog will begin responding to them.



• Your dog will begin bonding with you much more closely.



• You will notice your dog starts actively wanting to please you!

We don’t just teach your dog commands, we teach you - the owner - how to be your dog’s ultimate leader. Understanding each other is the first step in building a healthy lifelong relationship with your dog.

How much time will this take?

Because we offer only one-on-one training, your dog will progress in about ½ the time or less it takes to complete a group class - somewhere between 3 days and 10 weeks, depending on the program you choose. For example, if you chose Level I, II and III Boot Camp your dog would be completely off-leash trained in 16 short days. It is not a miracle. We offer results, not just weeks and weeks of classes!

How much do I have to practice?

If you practice for at least 20 minutes a day, you will see results. Obviously the more you practice, the better your results are going to be. The dog-training team consists of 3 players: you, your dog, and your trainer. You control 2/3 of the team's time and efforts.

How long do training sessions last?

Training sessions generally last anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes, with one hour being the average. Follow-up lessons for Boot Camp graduates and lessons given to large families or multiple dogs may last up to two hours. The lesson is over when the dog and the owners have learned what was set to be accomplished that day.

How often are the lessons?

Weekly sessions will give you the fastest results, but in today's world we know schedules can be hectic. Many trainers require you to sign up for a particular time slot for all of your lessons in advance such as "every Saturday at 10:00". We understand that things "come up" and it is not always practical to schedule that far into the future. We can work with any schedule.

How much will this cost?

The cost of training depends on a number of factors such as your training goal, the type of problems you are having and the program you select. All of our programs are custom-tailored to each dog so the only way to accurately quote the cost of training is to schedule an evaluation and determine the needs of your specific dog.

Why shouldn't I just go to a big-name pet store or breed club and pay the $100 for a group class?

If you wanted a great steak dinner, would you go to a fast-food restaurant? Big pet store chains are all about QUANTITY, not QUALITY. With Metrolina K9, you're paying for the very best in professional training. Consider the following:

• Amateurs trainers typically charge around $100. They do not guarantee their training.



• Over 50% of the dogs we see each year have already been to group training with an amateur trainer.



• After all is said and done you do get what you pay for.

What methods of training do you use?

We use a Balanced Training Method - using both positive reinforcement and corrections. We do not use food bribery or harsh punishments. Although all of the dogs we train learn the same obedience commands, we use a different approach with every dog. No two dogs are exactly alike so we custom fit every program to meet the specific needs of each dog we train. Our methods are proven and the results speak for themselves.

Do you work with any breed of dog?

Yes, we work with all sizes and breeds of dog. Basically our motto is "Any dog, any problem". It is unfortunate that many people stereotype certain breeds as "problem" or "naturally aggressive". Many trainers, groomers and even vets simply refuse to work with certain breeds because of these stereotypes. We have successfully trained American Pitbulls, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Cane Corsos, Dogo Argentinos, Presa Canarios, Rottweilers, Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Beagles, Basset Hounds, English Bulldogs, Mastiffs and many other breeds that are often classified as "untrainable".

What is your Life-of-the-Dog Guarantee?

Because we are willing to keep up our part of the training commitment, we offer a Life-of-the-Dog Guarantee to each dog that completes our obedience training. This means continued access to training, advice, and assistance for the life of your dog.