LAST UPDATED: 4/15/22
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BEFORE TRAINING
REQUIRED FOR ENROLLMENT:
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INVOICE must be paid in full at least 30 days before the program begins.
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TRAINING AGREEMENT must be read & signed.
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REGISTRATION FORM must be fully completed. If there are any changes that need to be made after the form was submitted please let the office know immediately.
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Send UP-TO-DATE SHOT RECORDS over by UPLOADING them, faxing them to (888) 254-4885 or email to shots@ineedmydogtrained.com. They MUST include Bordetella, Distemper & Rabies.
SCHEDULING THE DROP OFF:
The Trainer will call you about 5 days before training is scheduled to start to schedule a drop off time. The exchange takes place at 516 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Suite D Metairie, La 70005 (Located behind The Sweet Life Bakery). Mike the Dog Trainer (Owner) ONLY picks up at our training center located in Hammond, La
DON'T FORGET THE SUPPLIES:
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The TRAINER PROVIDES THE KENNEL, BED & BLANKETS for the dog. No need to send one. We do not have the equipment to wash large beds.
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BLANKET: Not Required, we can provide one.
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TOYS: Not Required, we have many we keep sanitized... but send one if you like :)
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TREATS: Not Required, we have a variety. If your dog has certain food allergies please send your own.
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DOG FOOD: REQUIRED! We DO NOT supply dog food! Make sure to provide enough for the duration of the training. Also, due to increased activity we may have to increase the dogs food intake according to the work level , so it doesn't hurt to send a little extra. If your dog is on a raw/home cooked diet, please make sure it can be frozen, it's labeled with your dog's name, portioned out and bagged in a disposable container/ziplock for each feeding. We will warm/thaw it before serving. There is a $50 per week prep charge payable to the Trainer for RAW diet dogs. DO NOT change the dog's diet before the start of the program. If we have to come and get more there will be a $100 Trip Charge.
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FLEA & TICK PREVENTATIVE administered at least 5 days before coming to training. NO FLEA COLLARS ALLOWED!
NOTE: The Trainer and Top Dog Training Academy are not responsible for damaged or lost items (i.e. beds, blankets, toys, collars, name tags, rabies tags, chip tags, etc.) Please do not send anything you do not want lost or damaged. We CAN NOT guarantee their return or the condition.
DAY OF THE DROP OFF:
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Drop off is Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. Weekend drop off dates are available upon the Trainers availability at sign up and there is an additional $250 Weekend Service Charge.
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Please be ON TIME. Due to the Trainer's tight daily schedule they can not wait 15 minutes past the scheduled drop off time.
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The drop off takes about 45 minutes. This is when they will go over the training tools and work with your dog with you there to ease the first day jitters.
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DO NOT feed your dog the morning of drop off if your drop off is anytime before noon to avoid car sickness when they are on their way home with the Trainer.
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Please have a well fitted flat collar on and a leash attached before getting out of the car and coming into the training center. NO RETRACTABLE LEASHES ALLOWED & NO OFF LEASH ALLOWED for everyone's safety.
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If you dog is here for LEVEL 2 Aggression (biting/attacking) they MUST have a well fitted MUZZLE on before getting out of the car, coming into the building and handing over to the Trainer.
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Please have all the supplies as listed above before leaving the house.
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Make sure to give plenty of kisses to your pup before they leave for training :)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
WHAT IF I NEED TO CHANGE MY TRAINING DATES? You have up to 24 hours after sign up to change your training dates. Unfortunately after 24 hours there will be a $250 Date Change Service Charge, so make sure the dates selected will work for you before paying the invoice and signing the Training Agreement. We do pickups and Graduations Monday - Friday between 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. If you need a Saturday or Sunday date there is a $250 Weekend Service Charge and has to be requested at sign up and is only upon Trainer availability and can not be promised.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED & WHAT AREAS DO YOU SERVICE? We have 2 training centers, one in Metairie on the Southshore & one in Hammond on the Northshore. We say we service the South because we have clients come not only from all over Louisiana, but Mississippi, Alabama & Florida too. Our Louisiana Trainers live throughout southeast Louisiana in Jefferson Parish, St. Charles Parish & Tangipahoa Parish. Our Alabama Trainers are in the Montgomery area.
MY DOG IS NEW IN THE HOME & HAS NOT HAD ITS SHOTS YET. CAN IT STILL START? NO! This is for not only for your dog's safety, but other dogs we have in our care. Updated Immunization/Shots MUST include Bordetella, Distemper & Rabies.
WHAT IF MY DOG BECOMES ILL OR HAS AN INJURY RIGHT BEFORE TRAINING STARTS? Dog MUST be in GOOD HEALTH to begin the program. DO NOT send if recently sick with an illness such as; diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, has worms in their feces, has heart worms, is on heart worm treatment, or just recently had major injury/surgery. We can always reschedule. There is a $250 Reschedule Service Charge if less than 30 days notice is given. A body check will be done the day of pick up. The dog's health will be assessed daily and if anything arises we will inform you immediately. Management may also request a Vet's clearance if necessary.
WHAT IF MY DOG HAS BECOME AGGRESSIVE SINCE I ORIGINALLY SIGNED UP? Please let us know about any aggression issues the dog may have. DO NOT hide this from us! As Trainers we will know if this has been an ongoing aggression issue. If this is hidden from us the dog will be returned to you immediately and NO REFUNDS will be issued. This is for the safety of the dog, owner, trainer, their family/kids/pets, other dogs in our care and the general public. If the dog becomes aggressive from now until the start of the program please let the office know immediately so we can change you to the Aggression Management Program. This information can be updated by calling the office at (888) 949-6559.
HOW OLD DOES MY DOG HAVE TO BE TO START ONE OF YOUR PROGRAMS? 12 weeks/3 months for our Puppy Program & 24 weeks/6 months for our Basic, Advanced or Aggression Management Program. We can tell their age by their teeth. We have had issues in the past with Clients trying to get into our program early by fudging the dog's age. It's not fair to put training stress on a puppy under 24 weeks versus when it is old enough mentally to handle the commands taught and also field trips for public distraction work. Puppies that are under age for the program it was signed up for will be sent home and docked a $250 Service Charge for a reschedule. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN. The training will then have to be rescheduled at a later date and that could be months down the line. Enjoy your puppy for the short time it is a puppy and just be patient until it's old enough to start one of our programs.
HOW MUCH EXPERIENCE DOES YOUR TRAINERS HAVE? We don't just hire anyone to train dogs. Our Trainers have either been to dog training school, have owned their own training company in the past, are Vet Techs, Breeders, etc. We are a STRONG TEAM and it shows not only through our training we provide for these wonderful dogs, but our Excellent Customer Service we want to provide you for life!
WHAT SUPPLIES DO I NEED TO SEND FOR MY DOG?
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Kennel & Bed: NO. The Trainer provides these 2 items.
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Blanket-Toys-Treats: YES you can send, but NOT REQUIRED. We have plenty of supplies on hand.
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Dog Food: YES! YES! YES! We do not provide food. Please send enough plus a little extra for the duration of the training. DO NOT SWITCH YOUR DOG'S FOOD AT LEAST 2 WEEKS BEFORE TRAINING STARTS!
WHAT TYPE OF TRAINING METHOD DOES TOP DOG PROVIDE? We consider ourselves Balanced Trainers. The Owner and Head Trainer has developed his own system of training by making training fun and rewarding for the dog. We use a lot of praise and affection, treats if the dog is food motivated, transitional training tools, and the E-Collar is used as another form of communication to go along with the verbal and/or hand commands/cues. Our training method builds trust and confidence within the dog so they can live their BEST life. All of our Trainers use this developed method for all our Clients; we all train the same way.
WHAT COMMANDS WILL MY DOG LEARN ? PUPPY TRAINING: We go over a few easy commands to teach you how to teach your pup during the puppy growing stage; "Come", "Sit", "Down", "Place" and how to walk on a leash. This helps lay the foundation of training before they come to us for training once they turn 6 months. BASIC OBEDIENCE: We cover the following commands: "Come", "Sit", "Place", "Down", "Off", "Break" & ON LEASH "Heel". We also will practice door manners. We take the dogs on field trips to local dog friendly places to practice public manners and having those distractions is good for these lessons. ADVANCED OBEDIENCE: The same as the Basic Obedience, but we will get the dog OFF LEASH with better recall. AGGRESSION MANAGEMENT: We do the same commands as listed above in the Basic Obedience, but do On Leash Heel and add the command "Leave It". Aggressive dogs are not trained Off Leash. We also provide the dog with Aggression Therapy Sessions; Example: Your dogs growls when someone goes near their food bowl. So every time your dogs eats, we may pet your dog, use a fake hand to touch the food bowl while they eat, stand near their food bowl, etc.
Please understand that we correct the bad behavior while they are with us or they may not exhibit the bad behavior at all while with us, so we will give you the tools and knowledge to address any issues once they come home. Example: "My dog is still digging". They might not have dug when they were with us so we can not correct something we didn't see them do OR "My dog is still chewing". We always recommend a dog be placed in a crate/kennel while you are away from home. Dogs get bored and some may chew. If you can not trust your dog while you are away, then please kennel them. We DO NOT guarantee the following: Aggression, Anxiety, Potty Training, Digging or Chewing.
WHAT IS AN E-COLLAR AND WILL MY DOG BE TRAINED WITH ONE? An E-Collar is a remote dog training system that usually consists of a wireless remote and a wireless receiver (collar). E-collars allow you to remotely send signals, like a tap on the shoulder, to your dog to help them in the training process. It has been compared to a TENS unit that is used in a Chiropractor's office for muscle therapy. We recommend the client feel the system before training starts to ensure its safety. IT DOES NOT HURT!
E-COLLAR versus SHOCK COLLAR VIDEO
Please understand that Top Dog Training Academy will train your dog with an E-Collar for our Board N' Train Programs. After the training is complete your dog will continue to wear the collar for obedience. We CAN NOT promise and/or guarantee the dog can transition off the collar once the program is complete, even though we have had most of our clients transition off the collar. It is your responsibility to continue to enforce the commands and to hold your dog accountable once home after the training.
I ALREADY HAVE A COLLAR, CAN I USE MINE? Top Dog ONLY approves E-Collar Technology Educator System or Dogtra Brand. Most Client's have off brand shock collars and we WILL NOT & DO NOT USE SHOCK COLLARS.
CAN I MEET MY TRAINER BEFORE TRAINING STARTS? Yes! You can schedule a Meet N' Greet and the cost is $45. You can always request a FREE video conference call.
WHERE CAN I SEE OWNER TESTIMONIALS ONLINE? We encourage people to read our Customer Testimonials before making a final decision on signing up with us. We strive to provide QUALITY Training & Customer Service from the beginning :)
WHERE CAN I SEE SOME SAMPLE VIDEOS OF MY TRAINER'S WORK? You can view all our videos by visiting our YOUTUBE CHANNEL. Here are just a few samples we would love to share with you.
MORE QUESTIONS? CONTACT US
DURING TRAINING
WELCOME TO THE PACK!
We know it’s hard to leave your fur baby for training! But rest assured, we will LOVE & CARE for them as if they are our own. Please read the following below so everyone is on the same page. If you have any questions please let your Trainer know or you can call the office directly at (888) 949-6559.
The Trainer will be sending update pictures and videos as the dog “progresses” with the training; NOT everyday. Pictures will be sent the first few days and videos will follow by day 4 or 5. Please understand that inclement weather OR an unexpected long training day can set us back with sending update pictures and videos one evening, so PLEASE understand this may happen and we will make sure to get you an update the following day as soon as we can. We also ask that you please do not request pictures and videos due to the interruption of training sessions and/or night time dog care... they will come throughout the training, WE PROMISE :)
You are more than welcome to send the Trainer a message. If they don’t respond right away to a text, they may be in training sessions due to their working hours lasting between 8 - 10 hours a day and their phone may be on airplane mode (silent) due to filming. They are usually available between 7 - 9 pm in the evening and try to send updates then.
Please understand that our training is a marathon, NOT a race. At first the videos are going to be the easy, slow and steady commands; then as the days pass you will see an increase in the training progress and the commands become more complex. As Professional Trainers we want to do what's best for the dog and by rushing training can ruin what we are trying to accomplish. #Trust The Process :)
Here is a list of the commands your dog will be learning during training: “COME”, “SIT”, “PLACE”, “DOWN”, “BREAK”, “OFF” & “HEEL” (Loose Leash or Off Leash). We also work on NO JUMPING UP ON PEOPLE & DOOR MANNERS. The dog will be introduced to outside distractions by taking FIELD TRIPS with the Trainer.
If you have any questions please reach out to your Trainer. We are also here to help along the way, so don’t hesitate to call us directly. We look forward to this training as much as you do! We love to see dogs living their BEST life with the freedom of having the obedience we instill in them!
Happy Tails!
Cherrie & Michael Kaminsky, OWNERS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
WHERE DOES MY DOG STAY WHILE TRAINING? During the Board N' Train Program the dog will live with its Trainer in their home. We want to provide the dog with a "Home" environment versus a kenneled environment, like other dog training companies. By having the dog stay in our home is less stressful for the dog. We want them to feel at home during their stay. All dogs are housed inside the home and only go outside to potty, play & have social time. Our Trainers live throughout Southeast Louisiana (Jefferson Parish, St. Charles Parish & Tangipahoa Parish).
CAN I COME AND INSPECT THE TRAINER'S HOME BEFORE TRAINING STARTS? That would be up to the individual Trainer. Some have had issues with Clients showing up late at night unannounced just to see their dog, therefore some don't allow this anymore. We do have videos of the Trainer's training inside their homes so you can see the environment is CLEAN & SAFE. The Owners would never allow a Trainer to be part of this team if they could not provide a clean and safe environment for any dog :)
CAN I VISIT MY DOG DURING TRAINING? Unfortunately NO you can not visit the dog during the Board N' Train Program because it will set the dog back in training. It's like visiting a child in daycare during the day and then leaving without them. Dogs have feelings too and we don't want them sad and/or stressed. The Trainer will send you update videos and/or pictures throughout the training program.
CAN I FACETIME MY DOG DURING TRAINING? Unfortunately NO because this is the same as an in person visit. Believe us... we have tried this before. Some dogs don't care once mom/dad hang up and then some are "off" for the rest of the day.
WHAT DOES A "TRAINING DAY" LOOK LIKE AT TOP DOG? We want to provide your dog with the same "Home" environment that you provide. We train in small time blocks throughout the day. The dogs have socialization / playtime with other dogs their size and one-on-one play time with the Trainers. We also have one-on-one cuddle time when we are winding down at the end of the day. At night, we make sure they are all cozy and ready for bed by playing soft music to go to sleep in their kennel. So in other words... YES we do LOVE to spoil them as if they are our own.
DOES MY DOG HAVE TO SLEEP IN A KENNEL AT NIGHT? YES! This is for safety reasons. Anything can happen while we sleep, so this is a MUST! We only do 1 dog per kennel also, so if you have multiple dogs with us then we will put them next to each other, but NOT together in the same kennel.
WHAT IF MY DOG BECOMES ILL DURING TRAINING? The Trainer will send the dog home if it has diarrhea for more than 24 hours, vomiting, coughing, not eating/drinking well, has itchy skin/rash, we find parasites in their stool, we suspect an ear infection, or anything the Trainer does not feel comfortable with. All dogs have to be up to date on all shots before starting the program and we do not accept sick dog's into the program, therefore DO NOT send your dog sick to training! If a dog is sent home early due to an illness, the Trainer will see when he/she can fit the dog back into the training program at a later date and that can be weeks or months down the line. We may request a clean bill of health from the Vet before the dog can return to the Trainer's home.
WHERE DOES MY DOG GO FOR FIELD TRIPS? We take many field trips during training with dogs that are here for the Basic, Advanced, Aggression or Service Dog Program. This is great for distraction work and helps your dog learn how to have manners while out in public places. Some places we may visit will be local parks, Home Depot, Lowes, Bass Pro Shop, Tractor Supply, or anywhere we can bring a dog. The dogs in our care have to travel in a kennel or doggie seat belt while in a car due to safety & insurance reasons.
WHAT PRECAUTIONS DO YOU TAKE IN CASE MY DOG GETS AWAY? We have that covered! As Trainers we are EXTRA careful with dogs and them getting away from us. They don't know us at first and we know that fear and/or anxiety can make a dog "BOLT". All dogs have to wear GPS Apple Air Tags on their collars 24/7 while in our care. This has never happened, but we want to make sure any "what ifs" are covered!
WILL I RECEIVE UPDATES DURING THE TRAINING PROGRAM? YES! The Trainer will text and/or email update pictures and/or videos frequently throughout the Board N' Train Program; usually every 2 - 3 days and depending on the training progress of the dog. Please understand that our main focus is training dogs and our days do not just consist of taking pictures and videos all day. If you call or text during the day and the Trainer does not immediately respond please understand they may be in a training session. If you call or text the trainer after 8:00 pm please allow them to respond by the following morning if they do not respond that night. WE ASK YOU DO NOT REQUEST UPDATE PHOTOS/VIDEOS. THEY WILL COME THROUGHOUT TRAINING, WE PROMISE. :)
WHAT IF MY DOG NEEDS MORE TIME THEN WHAT I PAID FOR? Because every dog learns differently and at a different pace, if the Trainer feels the dog needs an extra day or two added for training, they will call to ask permission and plan. There is NO charge for extra days needed.
MORE QUESTIONS? CONTACT US
AFTER TRAINING
DISCLAIMER: Please DO NOT text or call the Trainer during training to ask questions about the AFTER THE TRAINING section. Please save all questions pertaining to this section for the Graduation Lesson.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE GRADUATION LESSON...
✅ The Trainer will call about 5 days before training ends to schedule a time for the Graduation Lesson. SOUTHSHORE: 516 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Suite D Metairie, La 70005 (Located behind The Sweet Life Bakery). NORTHSHORE: Mike (Owner) only does graduations at Kiwanis Park located in Hammond, La.
✅ Please be on time for this Lesson. The Trainer may have another graduation scheduled and this can hold everyone up. Children under 6 must have an additional adult present during lesson whose responsibility is in supervising that child. DO NOT bring other pets with you from home to the session unless this is part of the reintegration and approved by the Trainer. Also ONLY the owners and immediate family members can be at the Graduation and are the only ones that will be taught how to implement the commands at home. We do not allow 3rd party people to watch or work the dog: i.e. groomers, dog walkers/sitters, nannies, etc.
✅ Please LIMIT the Graduation Lesson to 2 people learning the system and practicing with the dog and Trainer. You can teach other family members once you get home.
✅ Be prepared to PAY ATTENTION to the Trainer! This session is VERY IMPORTANT to the continued success with your dog once you get home. Please expect the lesson to last anywhere from 1-2 hours and be prepared to learn and work with your dog. By fully completing this lesson will Guarantee your training warranty. (See Invoice & Training Agreement)
✅ When you first meet up with the Trainer they may NOT have the dog with them. Your dog may be in the kennel room while you guys go over the use of the collar and the foundation of the training.
✅ When they do bring your dog out of the car please DO NOT judge them for the first 10-15 minutes because they have missed you and will be super excited to see you again. Let them get away with wanting to greet you and give you kisses. We are training pet level dogs, not military dogs... so we want dogs to be happy, excited and playful :) Once the excitement wears off, the Trainer will take back over.
✅ The transition may be stressful for the dog, so the Trainer will stop during the lesson if the dog needs a break. They always do what’s BEST for the dog.
✅ DO NOT expect perfection at this lesson. This is a transition to transfer leadership back to you, the owner. It will take you time to learn the system, the collar usage, terminology, etc. The owner understands that although the dog(s) will learn obedience and new routines while in the care of the Trainer, it will be their responsibility to continue and maintain the learning upon their return to the home environment. Dogs do not generalize well; this means that behavior taught while in our care will only be solidified through clean, calm and consistent "repetition" once home. Top Dog recommends owners commitment to continued training with their dog.
✅ You will be issued a TRAINING REFERENCE GUIDE at the end. We recommend that you do read it and keep it on hand.
✅ Lastly... This is a BIG DAY, so prepared to take a Graduation picture with your dog!
E-COLLAR DEMO VIDEO:
REGISTER YOUR E-COLLAR:
E-COLLAR MINI EDUCATOR 300 SERIES MANUEL:
ORDER REPLACEMENT E-COLLAR PARTS:
CUSTOMER SUPPORT LINE:
E-COLLAR WAIVER GUIDELINES
I hereby acknowledge that I have been instructed on the proper usage and wear of the e-collar system for my dog that was provided to me by Top Dog Training Academy LLC (Top Dog) and fully understand the methods and techniques of what to do and what not to do with the e-collar. I accept any and all responsibility of use, including negligent and misuse of the e-collar. Furthermore, I have been advised of the following:
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I will only have the collar on my dog when I am with them and will remove it when I am not, that was described to me by Top Dog.
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I will remove the collar every night prior to bed (or daytime if I work the night shift and sleep during the day), that was described and shown to me by Top Dog.
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When I put the collar on my dog, I will ensure that it is the two finger tight method, that was described and shown to me by Top Dog.
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If my dog will be wearing the collar for longer than 3 to 4 hours at any given time, I will check and move the collar to a different location on my dog’s neck if necessary, that was described and shown to me by Top Dog.
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I will only place the collar unit on my dog’s neck below the ears, that was described and shown to me by Top Dog.
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If the collar or area near the collar gets wet, I will remove the collar, dry the area where the collar was placed, and then put the collar back on my dog, that was described and shown to me by Top Dog.
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I will not attach a leash to the e-collar but use a separate collar or harness to prevent the collar from rubbing on the dogs neck, that was described and shown to me by Top Dog.
Having clearly understood the above mentioned, I hereby waive and release Top Dog, its employees, contractors, owners and agents, of any and all claims while on the grounds, at home or any area your dog is, thereto, resulting from participation in Top Dog including specifically, but without limitation, any injury or damage resulting from the action of any dog, including my own. I understand that I hold Top Dog harmless from any medical bills, legal fees, or any other costs associated with the misuse of the e-collar.
Finally, I understand that the success of my dog relies largely on my part of training with my dog once the dog comes home. I agree that all obedience commands guaranteed to me by Top Dog have been trained into my dog and that it has been demonstrated to me that my dog can do said commands. I understand how to control and train my dog using Top Dog’s methods that have been shown and demonstrated to me.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
HOW IS THE GRADUATION SCHEDULED? The Trainer will contact you about 5 days before the training end date to schedule the time to meet at our Training Center. The Graduation will be scheduled on your contract training end date and is done between the hours of 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. Please make yourself available on this date for up to 3 hours. Weekend Graduation dates are available upon the Trainers availability at sign up and there is an additional $250 Weekend Service Charge.
WHERE DO WE MEET FOR THE GRADUATION? The Graduation takes place at our Training Centers located in Metairie or Hammond. Mike (Owner) ONLY does Graduations at our Hammond Training Center.
WHY CAN'T WE MEET PAST 4:00 PM? Because certain times a year it gets dark early and we just keep the times consistent year round. We also want to make sure the Client and Trainers are safe at night, even though we are located in safe areas.
WHAT IF I CAN NOT MEET ON THE GRADUATION DATE & TIME? If you can not meet the Trainer please let them know at least 48 hours in advance. We CAN NOT promise a time change on the scheduled date. If you have to pick up at a later date then there is a $50 per day boarding charge. The Trainer's schedules are VERY tight, so please pre-plan to be available the day of the Graduation. The Trainer will set an exact time and meeting place about 5 days before the training ends.
WILL I HAVE TO CONTINUE WORKING WITH MY DOG ONCE IT GETS HOME? YES! To continue the pattern of good behavior and for the owner to master the obedience. USE IT or LOSE IT! Continue to work as a TEAM so your dog can live it's best life! Remember... your dog knows these commands, you don't. You just learned how to implement the commands once home, so Practice Makes Perfect! Got Questions? Call your Trainer OR Call (888) 949-6559.
WILL MY DOG BE THE SAME DOG ONCE IT COMES HOME? NO, even better! Your dog will have their same personality because we build their confidence and trust while with us for training, we don't change who they are. Your dog was also socialized a lot with other dogs while with us, so returning home to being an only dog may be a little adjustment. If they mope around, give them time to settle back in and learn to be the only dog again! Remember, in most cases your dog was home all day sleeping while you worked, they came to training and had a more active environment the last few weeks (training, playing, field trips, etc), once they return home they want to relax and that's OK. And last, your dog may have calmed down due to training, so of course their behavior may be a little more docile. Enjoy your calmer and newly trained dog. Example: If you send a 6 month old rambunctious puppy for basic training and they return home listening and calmer, it's NOT a bad thing!
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY DOG ONCE WE GET HOME? Please understand that the Trainer has had your dog for 2-4 weeks and the dog has become acclimated to the Trainer and the commands coming from them. It may take a few days or up to a week for the dog to understand that you are now the boss/leader now. This requires you and your dog to work as a TEAM so you can regain that leadership role.
Sometimes your dog may experience stress diarrhea when returning home and we rarely see this happen. Dog diarrhea is caused for numerous reasons including stress. Common stressful situations that can trigger gastrointestinal (GI) upset in a dog include adoption, boarding, increased activity (training), separation anxiety, changes in the household or environment (back and forth from owner to trainer and back to owner), introductions of a new pet or family member, change in water PH, etc. So... if your dog experiences this once home; don't be alarmed! Try some home remedies (canned pumpkin) and after a day or so, if not cleared/clearing up then contact your Vet and they may have to subscribe a little medicine.
WILL MY DOG BE GOOD AROUND MY NEW BABY? There is no definite YES or NO to this question. We always tell Clients to use proper safety at all times when dogs and children mix. Also it's important to teach children as they get older how to properly handle themselves around family pets and strange dogs. We have a handout in the reference guide that goes over this. It is the Client's responsibility to use their best judgement when it comes to their dog(s) and children. A good rule of thumb... every dog bites!
WHY IS MY DOG SHEDDING? Sometimes we give dogs baths before returning home. The grooming after a bath sometimes triggers shedding. Even professional groomers experience this with some dogs; they are bathed & groomed and still shed a little after grooming.
DO YOU RECOMMEND MY DOG BE CRATED/KENNELED WHILE I AM NOT HOME? YES. We ONLY recommend this, but it is totally up to you if you want to continue implementing this or you want your dog to run free while you are not home. We got them use to a crate/kennel while they were with us so continuing should be easy. Now just remember... we don't guarantee chewing, digging, potty accidents or marking... so make sure you can trust your dog if left out while you are away from the home. We ONLY guarantee the obedience/commands. Here are 3 crates/kennels we recommend and that we use in our homes and cars. Just choose the size that best fits your dog. Make sure to get one that your dog will be comfortable in, not too small! PETCO AMAZON BASS PRO SHOP
DID YOU POTTY TRAIN MY DOG WHILE WITH YOU? We DO NOT guarantee potty training! Although we do work with your dog on using the bathroom outside and also keep them on a schedule by bringing them out 5-6 times a day.
HOW DO I UPGRADE MY DOG'S TRAINING? If your dog went through our 2 Week ON LEASH Program and now you want it OFF LEASH, you can upgrade for a 10 Day Board N' Train at a later date. We need 3 of those 10 days to make sure the dog is up to date on it's commands before attempting off leash control training. The cost is $1500. This will also upgrade your program Guarantee.
MY DOG IS HOME FROM THE AGGRESSION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. WHAT PROCEDURES SHOULD I FOLLOW?
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WHY does my dog have to wear the e-collar? Because it is for backup. It isn’t to be used to over stimulate, but to communicate with the dog. This is the method that was used for this program and you will need to continue implementing this method once home.
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WHEN does my dog have to wear the e-collar? Anytime it’s out and about with you and you’re going to be holding the dog accountable. The only time the collar does not need to be on is when you are not home or when you are sleeping.
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Will my dog ever be able to be off the collar permanently? We as Trainers live by this motto… “Better safe to have it on and not need it, then need it and don’t have it on.”. This even goes for our non aggressive dogs.
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When having the dog out in the home, we recommend the dog be supervised by the Owner(s) and/or put up in it's kennel until it can be supervised.
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If you do not have an enclosed yard then your dog should be on a leash, in a dog yard or on a lead. NO OFF LEASH CONTROL ALLOWED with Aggression Management cases!
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Listen and follow the Trainer’s recommendations for your dog for continued success. As professionals we know how to keep you and your dog safe. REMEMBER… other people may not have trained and well behaved dogs, so it’s up to you to keep your dog in control at all times. Remove yourself and your dog from any situations you don’t feel comfortable in.
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As per the contract you know that Aggression is NOT a guaranteed fix but we provided your dog with not only obedience training but Aggression Therapy Sessions; exposing them to their triggers. We addressed it each time they showed aggression, which means once the dog knew it could not get away with the behavior any longer with the Trainer it stopped. Once home the dog “may” test boundaries and it’s up to you to establish Leadership with your dog with the e-collar on. It takes a few days for the dog to settle back into the home after training is complete, so please be patient with them. When they were with us they had “structure” and it helps if you continue that once they are home. Don’t overwork your dog as soon as it comes home, let them settle in and readjust.
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Set your dog up for success at all times. Here is an example... If your dog comes to us with dog aggression and we teach it how to get along with other dogs and you bring your dog out and about and it so happens that another dog becomes aggressive with your dog… if your dog defends itself does not mean it’s aggressive, it's a natural instinct for your dog to protect itself. You have to remember that other dogs may not be a trained and well mannered. So approach other people with dogs cautiously and under control. Because of this reason, this is why we do not recommend dog parks.
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Remember you have a lifetime of Trainer Phone Support and Refresher Lessons. Call or email us if you have any questions or need anything. Our CUSTOMER SUPPORT line is (888) 949-6559 and our email is support@ineedmydogtrained.com.
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PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!
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