Question 1

What counties do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Salt Lake, Utah, Summit, and Weber counties, from Ogden and Layton in the north, through Salt Lake City, Sandy, Draper and South Jordan, into Lehi and Provo, and up to Park City and Heber.

Question 2

Are you certified?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bart and Jeff are both certified graduates of Innovative K9 Academy with honors.

Question 3

What are your hours?

Accepted Answer

8am – 10pm, 7 days a week.

Question 4

Won't my dog feel sad and abandoned?

Accepted Answer

There's a little bit of anxiety, they're in a new place, new people, learning new things but they live in a home with us, not a warehouse or shelter. We create the optimal environment for growth so your dog becomes the best version of themselves and we love them all most as much as you do!

Question 5

If my dog trains with you for a month, won't they mind you better than me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but that is why need to transfer the training to you. You get videos before pick-up, an extensive hand-on session the day of, and three follow-up sessions. We're always available by phone, text, or email after that to help with this transition. We help you build the same relationship that we have built with your dog.

Question 6

Will my dog be safe?

Accepted Answer

Your dog stays in our home, not a warehouse. We watch closely for health and anxiety issues and offer a free evaluation up front so everyone is comfortable before day one.

Question 7

When can my dog start?

Accepted Answer

We only train up to 4 dogs at a time so each one gets real attention. Availability moves quickly. A non-refundable deposit reserves your spot.

Question 8

How old does my dog need to be?

Accepted Answer

If your puppy is under six months of age and has completed all required vaccinations, they can absolutely begin our Board & Train program. Because puppies this young are still developing mentally and emotionally, we divide the program into two phases. During the first week, your puppy will stay with us to begin building a strong training foundation. We focus on positive reinforcement, food-based training, socialization, engagement, and addressing age-appropriate puppy behaviors with gentle, appropriate corrections.  Once your puppy reaches six months of age, they will return to complete the remainder of the Board & Train program. This approach allows us to work with your puppy at the appropriate developmental stages while achieving the same results as our standard program.  If your dog is six months of age or older, they can complete the entire Board & Train program at one time as soon as an opening is available.   For our 1-on-1 Training Program, puppies under six months of age typically complete two or three lessons to establish the fundamentals. We then resume and complete the remaining lessons once your puppy reaches six months of age. Dogs six months and older can begin and complete the full 1-on-1 program without interruption.

Question 9

Do you offer a two-dog discount for board & train?

Accepted Answer

No, a second dog isn't less work in board & train.

Question 10

What's your training philosophy?

Accepted Answer

Balanced. Not positive-only, not correction-only. Fair, humane boundaries with lots of positive motivation and clear, consistent communication. If you want a positive-only trainer, that's not us.

Question 11

Do you guarantee your work?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we guarantee the techniques and our ongoing support. Three follow-up sessions plus free group sessions. We don't guarantee behavior itself, because there are so many variables, behavior isn't static; medical issues, environment, and repeated triggers all change it, did you continue to work with your dog and blanket behavior guarantees are dishonest.

Question 12

Where do we train? Do you come to me?

Accepted Answer

First sessions are at your home. Later sessions move to parks, Home Depot, and other real-world distraction environments.

Question 13

How long is each session?

Accepted Answer

About 45 – 60 minutes, depending on your dog's attention span and your questions.

Question 14

How much homework will I have?

Accepted Answer

Plan for a minimum of 10 - 15 minutes two or three times per day.

Question 15

Is there a discount for two dogs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, depending on the situation we can work something out.

Common questions

General

Board & Train

One-on-One Training

Ready to make your dog a Top Dog?