FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the best way to contact Discover Pet Training?
A. Due to our busy schedule with clients and group classes it can be difficult for us to answer phone calls. We highly suggest the following ways to contact us for faster response: Facebook Message, Email, or Text (262-909-4512). You may also call us (262-909-4512) and leave a message but it may take us longer to get back to you, please be patient.
Q. What are the requirements to have my dog in group class?
A. For group class dogs need to be both dog and people friendly. They also need to be up to date with age appropriate vaccinations. Depending on the age of your dog these are the vaccinations we look for: Rabies, Parvo/Distemper, and Bordetella (Kennel Cough). We do accept titer tests as well. Please contact us for more info on titer tests that can be used. Puppies and Dogs also need a negative fecal within the last 12 months. Females that go into heat will not be allowed in class during the time they are in heat due to safety concerns. If your female goes into heat while in group class you will be given credit to join the next group class session. Dogs that are not people or dog friendly should enroll in our private training, again for the safety of all involved.
Q. What should I bring with me to group class?
A. Dogs need either a 4ft or 6 ft nylon or leather leash. Make sure the leash is strong enough for your dog but not too heavy for them. No Flexi leads allowed as these can cause injury and also help teach your dog to pull on leash. A flat buckle collar, Martingale Collar, head collar, Body harness, front clip harness or similar harness can be used in class. We do not allow prong, choke, slip, or shock collars in class. If you have a question about your collar, harness, or leash please contact us. Bring treats, we recommend three different kinds that your dog REALLY loves. High value treats are best, think string cheese, hot dogs, peanut butter, shredded meats, dried liver etc. You can also bring a tennis ball as a reward if your dog is ball driven. A favorite toy or chew to keep your dog busy during quiet times is a great item to bring too, but not required.
Q. How often would we meet for training?
A. Group classes meet once a week for 45 minutes for 4, 6 or 8 weeks depending on the class. It is the same day and time for each scheduled session of the class (Make up classes may be at a different time/day, fortunately we do not need to do make ups often). For private training programs it varies. Each plan is individualized to the dog and will have different requirements. That said we do require at least one meeting every 30 days for private training programs (Most programs require us to meet more frequently). This allows our trainer to evaluate progress and make adjustments to the program as needed. If more than 30 days go between training sessions for our private behavior modification training programs a new behavior consultation may be needed at an additional cost before continuing the program.
Q. What type of training methods do you use at Discover Pet Training?
A. We stay up to date with the latest science in animal behavior and use it within our training. Therefore we use positive reinforcement training methods and do not use any outdated forceful training methods that have been proven to do more harm than good. It’s amazing what we have learned about dogs over the last 25 years, all this info allows us to train in a friendly matter developing strong bonds with our dogs. All dogs learn differently but there is no need to do harm while training to get results.
Q.What training techniques and tools do you use at Discover Pet Training?
A. Training techniques we use include luring, capturing, and shaping. We praise and reward what we like in order to increase the likelihood it will happen again. We remove the option for reward for what we do not like to decrease the likelihood it will happen again. This keeps both owners and dogs interested and having fun while learning! Tools we use include clickers, targets, treats, toys, real life rewards, long and short leashes, body harnesses, front clip harnesses, head collars, martingale collars, verbal praise, timeouts, distance and more.
Q.What qualifications does the trainer have at Discover Pet Training?
A. We love when clients ask us this, the dog training world is not regulated and anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. Therefore it is important to know what qualifications the person you are hiring has. Marisha graduated from the University of Stevens Point with a degree in Wildlife Education and Captive Wildlife Management. Basically, this means she is qualified to care for wild animals in zoos, aquariums, and rescue centers. She interned at Oceans Of Fun Sea lion and seal show, learning all about clicker training. She has also worked and volunteered with several zoos including Wildwood Zoo in Marshfield WI, Racine Zoo in Racine WI, and Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, IL receiving experience with a large variety of animals. Marisha is a Certified Dog Trainer with Animal Behavior college (ABCDT) which she earned after graduating from their online and hands on dog training programs. She has earned the feline behavior certificate with Animal Behavior College as well. Marisha is also a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI) and has achieved the highest level of accomplishment within trick dog instructors becoming an All Star Trainer of the Year. Marisha has helped almost 200 dogs earn trick titles and actually is within the top 10 trick dog trainers in the entire world for how many dogs she has helped earn trick titles. She is also a Certified Stunt Dog Judge and can both help you work towards your Stunt Dog Titles and Judge for the titles. Marisha has also become a AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator allowing her to train and test dogs for the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) accomplishment and AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy. Most recently Marisha has gotten certified as a Pedestal Training Instructor and a Certified Canine Conditioning coach.
Q. Do you offer discounts for Puppies/dogs that are adopted?
A. Yes, we do! But only on our private training programs. Proof of adoption is required to receive this discount. Puppies and dogs need to be adopted from a rescue or shelter to receive discounts. Contact us for more info.
Q. What should I bring when I take my puppy to a Growing Up Social Puppy Social?
A. Our Puppy Socials are AMAZING! And the best part is you can come whenever, no need to sign up. But you need to know what to bring with you for when you show up, right? The first time you come you need to bring your puppy’s vet records showing they are up to date with age appropriate vaccinations and that they have had a negative fecal test. After the first week you do not need to bring the records each week, just bring them after your puppy gets another set of shots so we can keep our records updated. You should also bring treats for your puppy, soft smelly ones work best usually. Puppies also need to be on a leash (no Flexi leashes please as those teach your puppy to pull on leash from an early age). A regular flat collar or a body harness should be used with the leash. You can also bring socks and shirt that fit your puppy and we can help you get your puppy used to wearing them should they ever need to due to weather or injury. This is not required, but is often helpful to get them started young getting used to these items and we are happy to help.
Q. What forms of payment are accepted?
A. Cash, credit, or checks are accepted.
Q. What is Discover Pet Training’s refund policy?
A. A full refund will be given if canceled more than 7 days before the start of training, this time frame allows us to fulfill the spot that was reserved for you. This means in order to get a full refund with private training cancelation must occur 7 full days before our first training session is scheduled. For group classes cancellation you must notify Play and Stay Dog Lounge a full 7 days before the first class session is scheduled. In the case of cancellation less than 7 days Discover Pet Training would be happy to give a credit in the amount that can be used on a future group class or private training program. Once training has begun there are no refunds given for both private training and group classes.
Ava enjoys her puppy
socialization class.
Location:
Ottawa, IL
Contact:
phone: 262-909-4512
info@discoverpettraining.com
Hours:
Monday-Friday 10am-8pm
Saturday 10am-2pm
Sunday Closed