FAQs

At what age should my dog start training?

As the old adage goes - training starts the moment you bring your puppy home. This is true, but it’s also important to have reasonable expectations for your dog depending on their age.

For example, an 8 week old puppy is ready to learn basic household rules such as where to go potty, what is appropriate to chew on, and even the basics of commands like sit and down. However, expecting them to walk perfectly on the leash or hold a long down stay when they are at that age is just asking for frustration.

Good dog training is a lifestyle, and just like any relationship it begins the moment you bring your puppy home and requires attention, care and consistency for the life of your dog.

Is the puppy orientation enough? Should I plan for private sessions at 5 months old?

Our puppy orientation and/or private sessions are designed to get you and your puppy started off on the right paw!

As your dog grows and matures so will their training needs.

We are here for you as a continued resource for questions and information after the initial work with your puppy, and recommend that you plan on training your dog in REAL WORLD situations with us once they reach the appropriate age when they can handle those difficult distractions, often around 5-6 months of age. 

What types of training tools do you use?

Our goal is to teach your dog to work with you using a method that is balanced and relationship driven. While our primary tools are based on positive reinforcement, we do put a strong focus on real world dog training and believe that there is a time and a place for correcting unwanted behaviors.

Our external tools may include starmark collars, prong collars, remote collars, food, crates and place mats. Our internal tools include praise, affection, compassion, patience, verbal tone, body language, a calm demeanor and a sense of humor. We believe that the essence of balanced training is approaching each dog with an open mind. 

The external tools we use are of the highest standard and are outstanding at effectively communicating with our dogs and promoting a calm state of mind. 

What is a Starmark/Herm-Sprenger Prong?

They are dynamic training collars that allow you to communicate with your dog using evenly distributed pressure around their neck. As opposed to flat collars (that don’t evenly distribute leash and collar pressure) and harnesses (which lack in the way of precise communication), a properly introduced and appropriately used Starmark and Herm-Sprenger collar provides an effective and safe way to communicate with your dog. 

What are remote or electronic collars?

Remote collars, or electronic collars, give you the ability to communicate with your dog from a distance using low levels of electronic stimulation.

Don’t compare modern remote collars with outdated or current low quality models! The remote collars we use provide lots of flexibility. Often the levels we use with our training dogs are imperceptible to human touch or at most feel like a strange tickle.

Like any tool, we take the time to introduce e-collars fairly and so that it makes sense to the dog. 

What remote collar do you use?

We use the Mini Educator by E-Collar Technologies.

What vaccinations does my dog need to do a Board & Train or Day School Program?

We require proof of Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, (also known as DAAP or DAAPL) and Bordatella vaccines, as well as current use of a flea/tick preventative and heart worm preventative.

Do you offer any sort of guarantee?

It would be unethical of us to guarantee that your dog will act in a certain way no matter who they are with or what the situation.

However, we absolutely guarantee to be a committed source of advice, coaching, and encouragement for the lifetime of your dog!

Once you and your dog work with us you are part of the Walden Dog Training pack. We know that training is an ongoing process, and we want to work with people that are committed to making positive changes in their dog’s lives.

Your success is truly our success!