Q: At what age should I start training my puppy?

A: Training can begin as early as 8 weeks, focusing on socialization and basic commands. With our guidance, you can set your puppy up for success by establishing good habits from the start. We'll help you navigate the specific developmental stages of your puppy and provide support as they grow into adolescence and adulthood.

 

Q: Have you worked with aggressive or reactive dogs before?

A: Absolutely. Aggressive and reactive dogs are some of the most common cases we work with, especially high drive working dogs or bully breeds like pit bulls. Our balanced approach helps dogs gain trust, security, and manners in a structured way.

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Q: What is balanced dog training, and why do we use it?

A: Balanced dog training combines both positive reinforcement (rewarding good behavior) and corrective techniques (redirecting or discouraging unwanted behavior). A balanced approach allows us to address a variety of behaviors while ensuring that the dog’s emotional well-being is maintained. It’s not about punishment; rather, it’s about giving clear guidance on what is acceptable and what isn’t. BMC K9 trainers use this approach to offer a well-rounded method that helps dogs understand boundaries and reinforces desirable behaviors in a way that is fair and effective.

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Q: Is it too late to train an older dog?

A: It’s never too late for a trainer to help you with an older dog. BMC K9 trainers can create a customized plan to address your dog’s unique needs, whether you're looking to untrain unwanted behaviors or teach new skills. With patience and consistency, many older dogs are able to learn just as effectively as younger ones. We will help you modify your approach based on your dog’s age and energy level.

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Q: Can you completely eliminate reactivity?

A: While no trainer can fully erase a dog's reactivity, we can reduce it to a point where its next to nothing. By identifying triggers and building your dog's confidence, we teach them new coping skills and give you the tools to manage situations calmy.

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Q: Why do you use e-collars in dog training?

A: E-collars, also known as remote collars, are used in dog training to bridge the communication gap between humans and dogs, particularly when other forms of communication might not be as effective due to distance or distractions. The collar provides a mild, non-painful stimulation that is used to get your dog’s attention, similar to the sensation of a gentle tap on the shoulder. It’s a tool for reinforcing communication, not for punishment.

When used properly by a professional, an e-collar can help dogs understand specific cues, particularly in situations where verbal commands or leash control are less effective—like during off-leash training or in noisy environments. The stimulation is paired with positive reinforcement (like treats or praise) to ensure that your dog learns the desired behavior in a positive, clear, and consistent way.

The goal is to enhance the training process by creating an efficient way to communicate across distances, making it possible for dogs to reliably respond to commands in real-world settings. It’s about giving your dog a clear "yes" or "no" signal that helps them succeed, not about creating fear or pain.

 

Q: Is an e-collar mandatory in your dog training programs?
A: No, an e-collar is not mandatory. While it can be a useful tool in certain situations—especially for off-leash training or in environments with heavy distractions—many dogs can be trained successfully using only positive reinforcement, verbal commands, and traditional training tools like leashes, or certain collars. 

The choice to use an e-collar depends on the individual dog and the training goals. For some dogs, it may not be necessary at all, while for others, it can be a helpful way to reinforce communication in specific circumstances. 

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