Frequently Asked Questions


In-board training requires that your dog be left with Neuman K-9 Academy for specified duration of the time. Our programs enable your dog to learn commands quickly and effectively. Having your dog on site is a intregal component to the success of our training. With consistent and countless repetitive commands, we accomplish much more than a weekly dog training program. We have many testimonials stating that customers were concerned about leaving their pet for the length of time required, but after the training was complete, they gave us great feedback, and loved the weekly updates we included in their pet's training.



Puppy Imprinting - 10 weeks or older
Boot Camp - 6 months or older
Obedience Training - 6 months or older
Advanced Obedience - 12 months or older
Personal Protection - 12 months or older **pending evaluation**



All dogs stay in our home with its own private crate or kennel. In between training sessions, each dog has supervised opportunities to socialize and play. Unlike some boarding facilities, with potential health risks and the stress of barking dogs, the Neuman K-9 Academy is a fenced in, gated property, in a country setting. We want our guests to feel at home, while living in an environment that is conducive to dog obedience training.



Yes, your dog will perform the commands it is trained to do. Just as police dogs, and service dogs, are trained and turned over to their handlers, we complete the training and turn your dog over to you. Upon completion of the program, you will receive a DVD demonstration of your dog performing the commands, plus you will receive two follow-up, handler training lessons.



Dogs will always be dogs. No form of dog training can guarantee that your dog will never misbehave. However, our methods of training are effective, simple, and easy for you to follow. We guarantee follow-up assistance for the life of your dog. We stand behind our training.



We use email as our primary method of communicating with owners. We send weekly updates that include photos, and a short narrative describing how your dog is responding to training.



We use a style of training referred to as operant conditioning and transition. The dog goes through three phases: acquisition, proofing, and generalization. Through hands-on training and experience, we have developed a variety of ways to teach commands to dogs. We use their inherent personality traits, and temperaments. We start by finding out what motivates the dog. Then we create conditions to encourage the dog to follow commands that occur naturally (sit, down, heel). We focus on timing positive reinforcement. The dog intuitively offers a response to a command.



Clicker training is a method of marking behavior with a clicker. It is followed by secondary reinforcement (treat). Clicking a clicker, or offering a food treat will not stop your dog from chasing down a squirrel.

 

We do not use clickers for training. In the early stages of training, we mark proper behavior with release and reward, however, as we transition into phase two, the dog learns to perform on command. Our training program has been proven effective, and if a squirrel appears, you will definitely see a difference in the attention your dog gives you, instead of the squirrel.



Yes, however, we believe in reinforcing commands with the use of positive motivation. We introduce a corrective collar later on, when we feel it would be helpful. We will use a corrective collar to emphasize control, not to inflict pain. There are three phases of dog obedience: acquiring information (learning), proofing or ensuring the dog understands the command, and generalizing (proficiency through consistent execution). Throughout all phrases, we train, first and foremost, with positive motivation. We use a corrective collar as reinforcement, in the later phases, once we believe the dog is capable of consistently following a command.



We need vet records to confirm that your dog has received the distemper combination, rabies, and bordetella (kennel cough) shots. If you do not have these records, they can easily be obtained by contacting your vet.



If your dog is not ready to graduate, we will continue dog obedience training at no cost to you. We guarantee our training 100%.



Visits are not recommended while your pet is in training. Once your dog is dropped off, it is normal for your dog to go through an adjustment period. Visiting your pet may prolong transitioning, and cause further separation anxiety. For our program to succeed, we do not schedule visits for you and your dog, until graduation or final pick up. We do send out weekly reports, and show you the process of training, and your dog enjoying it's stay with us.



We can train your dog to respond to Czech, Dutch, French, or German commands.



Your dog will be trained one-on-one by a certified, Master Trainer. Each custom-tailored program (dog obedience, boot camp, positive behavior modification, puppy training, or personal protection training), is centered in repetition, consistency, and reward for dogs of all ages, and personalities. We are certain you will bring home a dog that is obedient to your commands, and prepared to participate in your life.