FAQs
Q: What areas do you serve for dog training?
A: We provide dog training at our home base location. We primarily provide in‑home dog training in Windsor and throughout Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland, and nearby communities. If you’re unsure whether you’re in our service area, just contact us with your zipcode and we will let you know.
Q: What kinds of behavior problems can you help with?
We work with puppies and adult dogs on common issues like leash pulling, jumping, barking, reactivity toward dogs or people, anxiety, and basic obedience. We also offer more advanced behavior modification plans when dogs need extra support. We’ll start with a consult to decide what’s best for your dog.
Q: How does an in‑home training program work?
We begin with a consultation to discuss your dog’s history, current challenges and your goals. Then we create a customized training plan and coach you through each step during sessions in your home or neighborhood. You’ll get clear homework and ongoing support so the training sticks in real life.
Q: How long does it take to see results from training?
A: Many families start seeing changes after the first few sessions, especially with consistency at home. The exact timeline depends on your dog’s history, behavior issues and how often you practice. We’ll give you a clear plan, likely coordinated with a package/membership and realistic expectations so you know what to expect at each step.
Q: Do you use positive reinforcement training methods?
Yes, but we are considered balanced trainers. Our approach is positive, relationship‑based and focused on clear communication between you and your dog. We reward the behaviors we want and give your dog clear guidance and structure so they feel safe and confident. However, some behavioral problems may require further intervention. We will always communicate the method so you can understand the pros and cons. For our safety and the safety of others we do also use box muzzles in our training.
Q: What should I do to prepare for our first session?
A: We have a list of your dog's biggest challenges and your goals from your phone consultation, this allows us to make a game plan and organize the way your dog needs to learn to achieve your goals. Have your dog’s regular leash, collar, harness, and/or any other tools you use with your dog ready, plus some small treats they love. It’s also helpful to limit intense play right before I come so your dog can focus during our time together.
Q: Do you work with puppies as well as adult dogs?
Yes. We offer training for both puppies and adult dogs. For puppies, we focus on socialization, basic manners, house training and preventing future behavior issues. For adult dogs, we can work on obedience, leash skills and behavior problems like reactivity, barking, or anxiety.
Q: What are the benefits of your dog exercise programs like PlayCamp, lure course racing, bikejoring, and hikes?
A: Our exercise programs provide a powerful mix of physical and mental enrichment. PlayCamp offers safe, supervised social play to build confidence and burn energy. Lure course racing and bikejoring tap into your dog’s natural drive to run and chase, giving them a serious cardio and strength workout in a controlled, structured way. Guided hikes add varied terrain and new scents that challenge your dog’s body and brain. Together, these activities help reduce boredom, anxiety, and destructive behaviors, leading to a calmer, fitter, and happier dog at home.
Q: What are the benefits of your packages and memberships?
A: Our packages and memberships are designed to give your dog consistent training and exercise while saving you money. Bundling sessions lowers the cost per visit, locks in priority scheduling, and helps your dog make faster, more reliable progress through regular, structured work. Many clients choose memberships for ongoing support, steady behavior improvement, and a predictable monthly investment in their dog’s training and wellness.
Q: Do you focus on obedience, behavioral training, or service dog training?
A: All three are important parts of what we do. Vanessa specializes in behavior and service dog training and is highly focused on the advanced skills and reliability service dogs need. When she has availability, she also takes on obedience cases. When Vanessa is booked, our other trainers provide obedience, puppy training, and foundation skills, so every dog gets the right level of support.
Q: What do you do for service dog training?
A: We support service dog teams from start to finish. This includes evaluating dogs for service work, building strong obedience and public access skills, and teaching specific tasks based on the handler’s needs (such as mobility support, medical alert, or psychiatric tasks). We also help with real‑world practice in public settings, troubleshooting behavior issues, and providing ongoing follow‑up so the team stays confident, safe, and reliable over time.