FAQ's

General

Why should I train my dog?

Whatever age your dog is today! While there is no set age that you need to begin training, the longer you wait to fix behavioral issues, the more ingrained those problem behaviors will become. So, whether you have a young puppy who you want to establish proper behaviors with from the beginning, or an older dog who you would like to act a little bit better, the time to start training it is now!

What age should I start training my dog?

How old is too old to start training my dog?

It is never too late to start training your dog. In fact, obedience training can be a great way to keep your older dog happy, in shape, and mentally sharp when they are no longer able to be as physically active as they once were.

How long have you been training dogs?

Please see our BIOS for each instructors training resume

What kinds of classes do you teach?

Please see our GROUP CLASSES page for a list of and description for each of the classes we teach.

Philosophy

What is your basic training philosophy?

Our philosophy differs from many in that we focus on teaching dogs what they should be doing when faced with specific stimuli or situations. Using this philosophy encourages dogs to attentively and excitedly listen to their owner. Furthermore, it forces a positive perspective on training – finding ways to shape and reward your dogs’ good behavior, not correct their bad behaviors.

How many dogs do you train at once?

Unlike many training facilities, our goal is not to train the “most” dogs. While our facility could certainly support us doing so, we are much more concerned with ensuring that we have enough time in the day to provide every dog with the individualized attention and training you are paying for. As a result we will not accept more than 20 dogs in for their initial training at any given time.

Are all sizes of dogs together?

We accept dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages. At any time we may have a 5 lb. Teacup Yorkie to a 200 lb. adult Neapolitan Mastiff in for training or enrolled in the same class. Dogs staying with us for training are generally kept in personality matched groups of 3 – 4 dogs. Size is a consideration in the equation, but ultimately overall personality is the biggest piece of the puzzle when we are selecting social groups.

Are there any breeds you will not train?

No, we accept any dog, any breed, any size, any age, and any behavioral issue. Our years of experience with all types and breeds of dogs has provided us with the knowledge and tools to train all dogs regardless of breed.

Are there any behaviors which you will not work with?

We are one of the few training facilities in the country that is equipped to deal with any and all behavioral issue you may be dealing with. All we ask is that you are open and honest with us about your dogs’ behavioral history so we know what problems we need to work on.

Do you accept dogs of all ages?

All fully vaccinated dogs are welcome at Hunter Canine. For puppies this usually means around 16 weeks of age.

Training Retreats

What are the benefits of having my dog stay with you during training?

Having your dog trained at our facility helps to maximize the rate at which they are able to learn.

First and foremost, our training program provides them with a highly structured and consistent environment where they can easily absorb the training.

When staying with us, we are able to better observe their typical behavior patterns, and determine an appropriate method of reaching your training goals.

You get a break from the “chaos” and allow us to bring you back a dog which is fun and manageable to be around.

We have the ability to run them through all different sorts of scenarios on a daily basis, allowing a wider range of training options.

If you do the training at your facility, is my dog still going to listen at home?

Of course. While with us, we give your dog a crash course in obedient behavior and how to respond properly to specific commands and situations. That is why, when we bring your dog home, we spend time showing you how to achieve the same results with your dog. With the included group classes or private lessons you are able to refine and perfect your skills and have the dog you imagined when you signed up for training.

Where will my dog be kept while training with you?

Throughout the day and evening your dog will rotate between the training areas, an outside kennel run, and their assigned crate. They will be given ample time to run around, stretch their legs, and go to the bathroom. We also frequently bring dogs with us if we need to leave the facility for any reason.

Why does my dog have to stay in a crate at night?

Crate training, and having your dog feel comfortable, safe, and happy in their crate is an integral part of our training program at Hunter Canine. In this sense, having your dog stay in their crate at night, allows us to continue your dogs training – even when they are tired from a full day of leaning.

Additionally, we find that crating dogs during the evening helps to minimize their stress during their stay. In particular, by eliminating the noise associated with “fence fighting” that is common in facilities that use kennels at night, your dog is able to relax more comfortably, and sleep throughout the evening.

How much time will my dog spend out of their crate a day?

The majority! Between training time, time in their runs, and other time out with us, you dog will be busy for a large part of the day. In fact, their brains will be so overloaded and tired they will be happy to be able to go in their crates and take a nap or sleep for the evening!

My dog has medical issues and needs to be given medication. Can you administer that?

We are more than happy to administer medications for any of the dogs training with us, free of charge.

What will my dog be eating when in training?

We require that owners provide a bag of their dogs’ regular food during training. This helps your dog avoid any intestinal issues that may result from a sudden change in their diet, and helps us to keep costs down.

Can you train my dog in another language?

We can train your dog in any language you choose. If you have specific commands that you would like your dog trained with, please inform us at check in and we will happily meet your request.

How do I find out how my dog is doing while in training?

If you have specific concerns during the week, or would like a quick update on progress, please text, call or email us.

What can I do to prepare my dog for his or her training retreat?

To ensure that your dog is ready for their retreat, please make sure you have the following ready for their drop-off:

Veterinary records, which show they are up to date on their shots (see below)
Their food and any specific instructions for feeding.
- We recommend providing 1.5x the amount you would normally feed over the course of their stay.
Any medications your dog may need and instructions for administration.

What types of shots or vaccinations must my dog have?

While there is considerable debate as to proper vaccination schedules for dogs, the health of the dogs in our care is of our primary concern. As a result we require proof that your dog is current on the following vaccines to be enrolled in a training retreat or group class:

Rabies
Bordatella
Distemper/Parvo (commonly referred to as DHP, DHPP, 5-in-1 or 7-in-1)

My dog is coming in for a training retreat, what time do I need to drop them off?

We will prearrange a time with you, that coincides with your busy schedule, and our training day so we have the proper time to thoroughly cover everything associated with your dogs stay.

My dog is coming home from a training retreat, what time will you be there?

In home transition times will be determined by mutual agreement only, and are scheduled the day you drop your dog off.

Once I place a deposit, can I cancel or request a refund?

Deposits are nonrefundable unless we are for some reason unable to accept your dog for training. If you are unable to leave your dog with us when initially planned, we will happily reschedule their stay.

Group Classes

Why should I train my dog?What kind of equipment will we be using in class?

All beginner classes require a leash, collar, and plenty of rewards. We will go over the specific types of collars and leashes that we use, during the first week of class.

For our more advanced classes, we will go over those requirements during the first week of class.

What happens in case of inclement weather before or during a class?

Training in the rain is a great training experience for the dogs, so we will frequently train in light rain. However, in the case of heavy rain, thunder, lightning, or excessive heat please check the homepage of our website, our Facebook page, or your e-mail to see if classes will still be held.

I missed a class session. Can I make it up?

If you miss a class, you are welcome to join one of our Training Retreat classes as a make-up. Please just get in touch with us, so we can arrange a day for you to make it up.

Rattlesnake Avoidance

Why is rattlesnake avoidance training so important?

Simply put, rattlesnakes in Arizona pose a serious and legitimate threat to you and your dog. A single bite can lead to severe and permanent nerve damage if not death. Additionally, the hospital and veterinary bills associated with the treatment of a rattlesnake bite are astronomical.

Fortunately, thanks to your dogs’ genetic abilities, he or she is an excellent line of defense in preventing a bite from ever occurring. By teaching them to avoid an area where they detect the scent or sound of a rattlesnake, you are reducing the likelihood you or your dog will be bit unknowingly.

How many dogs do you train at once?Why do you use an electronic collar when teaching rattlesnake avoidance?

Unlike obedience training, where the goal is to motivate the dog to do something, the goal of rattlesnake avoidance training is to motivate them to avoid something. The best, easiest, and most reliable way to do this is to create a negative association for the dog to the specific stimulus you want them to avoid – in this case the smell and sound of a rattlesnake.

Using an electronic collar provides us with the ability to create this negative association with the proper timing and intensity for each individual dog. Additionally, using an electronic collar allows the dog the freedom to work more independently, which focuses the association on the snake, rather than the handler.

Can my dog get bit during rattlesnake avoidance training?

Safety is our #1 priority at Hunter Canine. To combat any potential safety issue for the dogs, we have designed a specially structured container to house each snake that is used in this training. These containers allow your dog to get close enough to create the proper association, while at the same time protecting them from the snakes.

If I bring my dog in for rattlesnake avoidance training, will he or she avoid all snakes?

No, your dog has only been trained to detect and avoid rattlesnakes.

Where do you get your snakes from? Are they actually poisonous?

All of the snakes we use have been “donated” by clients and other individuals who have found them on their property. This ensures that we are getting the types of snake that your dog will actually run into locally.

All of our snakes have their fangs in tact. Defanging, a process which must be done repeatedly, is painful to the snake and not truly effective in eliminating all of the snakes venom. However, each of the cages used in training is specially designed to eliminate any risk to your dog from the snake.

I found a rattlesnake on my property, do you want it?

For the time being we have enough snakes to support our program. Please call your local animal control station to help with removal of your snake.

Accepted Payments

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards.