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Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions Answered Here
Please review this information prior to submitting your contact or registration form.

How do I know which board & train program is right for my dog?

 After you have filled out your registration form, Collected Canines will conduct a phone interview with you. Once that is complete an assessment will be made of your dog and the program best suited will be recommended.

Can I choose the length of the program?

We do not shorten programs because we care about the well-being of your dog and the longevity of your results. On occasion, we require more time for difficult cases, but we will communicate that when necessary.

Do you have a puppy program?

At Collected Canines, we are open to all ages of dogs. However, our services are very in demand, and we book up to 2 months in advance. Unfortunately, this means that by the time puppies are ready for our program, they typically aren't puppies anymore! That's why we don't have a program specifically suited to puppies. We hope to have something for puppies up and running by spring 2023.

Will you take my dog out on field trips?

Yes, we will typically take your dog to dog-friendly stores, trails, and establishments as part of their training program. We believe in "Real world Training" and having your dog be exposed to many different environments. 

Will you take care of my dog’s feeding and exercise needs?

Yes, we will collect all relevant information regarding their scheduled meal times, and we will have you bring their food so they can maintain their regular diet. Collected Canines uses their desertion when feeding your dog. Ex. If we have had a day filled with lots of activity your dog will typically eat a larger meal that day. It is always advised to bring more food than normal. 

Will my dog be fixed after the program is done?

We pride ourselves on helping your dog become the best version of themselves they can be. We will be realistic with you about your dog’s limitations, whether that’s due to genetics or environment. Training is not a one-and-done approach, and it will require continued maintenance and dedication from you during and after the transition to keep up the results.

Will my dog be fixed after the program is done?

We pride ourselves on helping your dog become the best version of themselves they can be. We will be realistic with you about your dog’s limitations, whether that’s due to genetics or environment. Training is not a one-and-done approach, and it will require continued maintenance and dedication from you during and after the transition to keep up the results.

Will my dog be fixed after the program is done?

We pride ourselves on helping your dog become the best version of themselves they can be. We will be realistic with you about your dog’s limitations, whether that’s due to genetics or environment. Training is not a one-and-done approach, and it will require continued maintenance and dedication from you during and after the transition to keep up the results.

Does my dog have to be spayed or neutered to participate in a board & train program?

No. However, It is advised if your female is coming up on a heat cycle that we begin the training once it is complete. 

What types of behaviours do you deal with?

General basic obedience, off-leash reliability, manners, mild unwanted behaviours (barking, chewing, selective hearing, etc.), dog reactivity, human reactivity, resource guarding, anxiety, fearfulness and more.

What if I have questions after my dog’s board & train ends?

Collected Canines provides ongoing support post-program. This can include text messages, phone calls, video consults and even 1-on-1 refresh sessions as needed. We also provide you with a 90-Day Bootcamp Manual for your reference. 

Are there any issues or dogs you won’t work with?

Unfortunately, we are currently not able to take on dogs with serious separation anxiety or human aggression. 

What is an e-collar? Is it the same as a shock collar?

We don't use shock collars, which are typically around $30 to $50. We believe these tools are outdated and use a modern, technologically advanced e-collar from E-Collar Technologies.

How much does an e-collar cost?

The e-collars we use are E-Collar Technologies brand, and they cost around $300.

What is a prong collar? Does the brand matter?

 Collected Canines only uses Herm-Sprenger prong collars. This is because Herm-Sprenger has designed a prong collar that is both safe and effective. It has angled, blunt (never sharp) ends and a trachea plate. This setup helps distribute pressure evenly around the neck, protecting the dog’s trachea from damage and allowing for a lighter touch from the handler. Unfortunately, many pet-store prong collars are not designed in this way, so we do not advocate for their use.

What if I'm not comfortable using certain tools?

We completely understand that some people may not be comfortable using the above tools, and we support your right to make decisions for your dog. Our clients come to us because they trust our expertise and recommendations. If you don’t feel comfortable with the tools and methods that we use, that’s perfectly ok, and we support your choice to seek out a different trainer.

What is balanced training?

 Balanced training allows for the incorporation of all quadrants of operant conditioning — positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, negative punishment, and positive punishment. It does not mean the equal application of all of these things. This allows us to draw on the appropriate techniques to formulate a personalized plan for each individual dog, depending on their unique motivations and challenges. We are open-minded, caring, humane, and realistic all at the same time.

What kind of rewards do you use?

 We assess and identify what each dog finds motivating, whether it is food, treats, toys, affection, or a combination.

Do you use the same
approach/tools with every dog?

No. Every dog is different, so we assess them thoroughly and adjust as needed.

Where will my dog stay during a board & train?

Your dog will stay in the trainer’s home. This is beneficial over a commercial training facility because it most closely replicates the environment your dog will go back to, minimizing the difficulty of transition as much as possible.

How many dogs do you take at a time?

Collected Canines focuses on quality over quantity. This means that we only take on 2-3 board and trains per session. Our personal dogs will, of course, be present as well.

Where are you located?

We are located in Brantford Ontario.

How far in advance do your board & train programs book?

We are currently booking 2+ months in advance, so if you are interested in training with us, please reach out as soon as possible.

Are structured boarding and day socials only available to past or current clients?

Yes. In order to book boarding or socials, your dog must have completed one of our programs. This ensures I have know every dog well.

If I’m not sure if my dog is a good fit for your program, should I fill out a registration form anyway?

Absolutely! We would love to hear from you, and we can help you make a decision about whether our training is right for you and your dog.

Located

Waterdown, Ontario
Canada

collectedcanines@gmail.com

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© 2020 by Collected Canines.
 

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