FAQ
General
Yes, books and videos can be very helpful reference resources. Patricia McConnell, a world renowned author, behaviorist and the expert who has guided Dog’s Best Friend Training philosophy and training from the beginning, has a complete selection of materials available for purchase. These materials use the same science- and research-based curriculum that Patricia and current Dog’s Best Friend Training owner Aimee Moore developed over recent decades.
The term “positive” has at least two meanings in dog training. One is positive, as in dog-friendly. In that sense, Dog’s Best Friend Training is all about positive dog training. We train with food reinforcement or clicker training and do not use force, shouting, or other “negative” forms of coercion to train dogs.
The other use of “positive” in dog training is as a technical Learning Theory term. In that sense, there is “positive reinforcement” and “positive punishment,” among other things. In those terms, “positive” just means you’re giving the dog something, in the mathematical sense of addition. You’re giving treats or giving pain/annoyance. So in that usage, “positive dog trainer” doesn’t make sense.
Positive dog training is the way to go!
Give us a call, we can help get to the truth of why your dog is behaving the way he or she is behaving. It is very common to think you as the owner are causing problems with your dog. Most of the time it is NOT you. Let us help discover the positive steps to take and change your dog’s behavior.
We offer classes for Puppies, Adult Dogs, Specialty Classes (agility and tricks), as well as, Dog Behavior Consulting and In-home Services like dog walking or pet sitting.
We utilize positive reinforcement-based techniques. We want to help owners effectively train their dogs through a healthy relationship built on trust, knowledge and clear communication. Dog’s Best Friend Training does NOT use punitive methods.
Great question. The below list of items are what we believe help us excel and standout in the industry.
1. Training and methods. The staff has been in this field for years, learning, evolving, and incorporating the innovative cutting edge, effective methods that truly work. Aimee makes sure the entire staff learns and is current with new, effective training methods. A class is only as good as its professional staff and its curriculum; it is only as good as the methods and techniques that are effectively passed from instructor to student.
2. Convenience. Training and class locations are across the greater Madison area; a huge range of time offerings are provided for the classes DBFT offers.
New classes are starting all the time.
3. Breadth of class offerings. DBFT has among the largest scope and selection of classes in the area and offers a complete program with extensive class offerings.
No matter what focus area your dog requires, we will have a training solution.
4. Continued innovation. DBFT does not remain stagnant and instead evolves to incorporate new and innovative methods into dog training methods. There have been changes and will continue to be changes to how people can most effectively train dogs – we will continue to incorporate the best new methods into the curriculum.
5. Breadth of services. Based on client needs, DBFT has expanded its offerings to include dog walking and pet sitting.
Puppies need to have started their puppy vaccination series, which includes parvo virus and distemper. All other dogs need to be current on their parvo virus, distemper and rabies vaccinations. The vaccination for bordatella, commonly known as kennel cough, is recommended but not required.
Yes, we sell gift certificates that can be used for dog training classes or in-home services. Please call us at 608-277-1339 with your credit card information and we will email you the certificate.
Classes
If we need to cancel class due to weather or for any other reason, we will post a notice on our Facebook page and change the message on our answering machine at the Dog’s Best Friend office to state that classes have been cancelled.
We understand that people sometimes have to miss a class due to illness or unexpected schedule changes. Our Puppy Kindergarten, Puppy II, Beginning, Intermediate, and Really Reliable Recall classes all include email handouts that explain each week’s exercises and homework, so you can continue to practice at home even if you need to miss a class. Missing classes will not prevent you from successfully completing the course. Your trainer will help ensure that you have the skills you need to stay caught up with the rest of the class.
Yes, two people are able to attend per dog. Please remember, however, that parents are solely responsible for their children, and it can be difficult to watch both dogs and kids at the same time. Children are welcome to participate in class, but we do ask that adults do the majority of the training during class time, so we can be sure that parents understand the exercises and can help kids practice at home.
We are so happy that people are eager to sign up for classes! Please know that as soon as we have class dates and times finalized they will be posted on our website. Generally, classes are posted online 6-8 weeks before the start date, so if you are looking for classes that start August 1, for example, start checking our website mid-June.
Some of our specialty classes, such as Nose Games, Remote Control and Stop the Pulling are offered less frequently than our family dog training and agility classes.
If you would like to receive email updates about Dog’s Best Friend classes, please sign up for our mailing list and follow Dog’s Best Friend Training on Facebook. We do not keep waiting lists for classes that are not yet scheduled.
You should receive an email within 3 business days (M-F) letting you know whether you are enrolled or if the class is filled and you are on the waiting list. Please add info@dogsbestfriendtraining.com to your trusted recipients list to ensure receipt of all communications from Dog’s Best Friend regarding classes. If you have checked your spam email folder and it has been longer than 3 business days and you have not received an email from us, please call the Dog’s Best Friend office at (608) 277-1339 to check on the status of your registration. Our office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
