Frequently Asked Questions

Booking & Training Logistics

  • A 120-minute structured assessment designed to help owners and their reactive dogs better understand triggers, fear, aggression, and overstimulation. It provides in-depth guidance to create a personalized training plan before starting reactivity training.

  • This assessment is required for all new clients with reactive dogs before beginning reactivity training. If your dog barks, lunges, growls, or shows fear-based or aggressive behaviours around people, other dogs, or in specific situations, this session is the starting point.

    • Detailed discussion about your dog's behaviour and history

    • Identification of specific triggers causing reactivity

    • Live behaviour assessment in a controlled setting

    • Immediate strategies and management techniques to reduce reactions

    • Creation of a personalized training plan tailored to your dog’s needs

  • Reactivity training requires a customized approach. The assessment helps determine your dog's specific challenges and the best training methods to ensure safe, effective progress. It also helps you as an owner understand how to support your dog throughout the process.

  • Yes! Following the assessment, you can book Candid Reactivity Rehabilitation Training, where we work together on real-world reactivity training, confidence-building, and trigger management.

  • You will receive a clear training plan outlining:

    • Immediate management strategies to reduce reactivity

    • First steps for training and behaviour modification

    • Ongoing training recommendations (private sessions, structured exposure, or continued behaviour work)

  • Every dog is different. Some may see progress within a few sessions, while others need ongoing support. I provide personalized recommendations based on your dog’s progress.

  • Yes! I offer ongoing support and guidance to help owners maintain progress.

Training Programs & Services

  • From the start, I emphasize clarity, structure, and consistency to help puppies develop confidence and stability. Puppies need a structured environment to learn boundaries while safely exploring their surroundings. I guide owners in setting early expectations, reinforcing positive behaviours, and avoiding common mistakes that can lead to long-term behavioural issues.

  • Obedience training focuses on teaching commands and improving manners (e.g., sit, down, recall, leash walking), whereas Candid Reactivity Rehabilitation Training addresses problem behaviours such as reactivity, anxiety, or aggression. While obedience training is useful for all dogs, behavioural training is essential for those struggling with specific challenges.

  • Yes! I teach reliable recall and off-leash obedience by focusing on engagement, impulse control, and distractions. However, not all dogs are suited for off-leash freedom, and safety is always the top priority.

  • Absolutely! Many rescue dogs have gaps in training, fear-based issues, or past traumas, and I tailor training to help them gain confidence and adjust to their new home.

  • Currently, all training is conducted in-person to provide hands-on guidance and real-world application.

Behavioural Issues & Specializations

  • I work with a range of behavioural challenges, including:

    • Reactivity (leash lunging, excessive barking, over-excitement)

    • Under Confidence/Fearfulness

    • General Socialization

    • Aggression (dog-dog or dog-human)

    • Separation Anxiety

    • Jumping Up

    • Impulse Control Issues

    • Destructive Behaviours

    • Resource Guarding

    • Chasing & Prey Drive Management

  • Training can significantly improve separation anxiety by teaching independence, relaxation, and coping strategies. However, severe cases may require a combination of training, behaviour modification, and lifestyle changes.

  • Yes! I assess why your dog is barking (boredom, anxiety, territorial behaviour) and teach alternative behaviours to reduce excessive vocalization.

  • Dogs can learn at any age! While puppies absorb information quickly, older dogs can still develop new habits and behaviours through consistent training.

  • Yes! I help owners train multiple dogs while ensuring they each receive the guidance they need.

Training Methods & Philosophy

  • My training philosophy centres on building a robust communication framework and fostering meaningful interactions with dogs while remaining flexible in methodology. I utilize a comprehensive blend of classical and operant conditioning techniques to achieve optimal outcomes for each individual dog. While my initial approach is always rooted in positive reinforcement, I adjust my techniques when necessary to ensure clarity and success for the dog. My ultimate goal is to create a balanced, well-adjusted, and confident dog that understands clear expectations and boundaries.

  • I prioritize positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviours but recognize that some dogs need additional guidance. In certain cases, I use fair and humane corrections to provide clarity and prevent dangerous or inappropriate behaviours. Every training plan is tailored to the dog’s temperament, needs, and learning style.

  • I use a variety of training tools based on the dog’s needs, including treats, toys, verbal markers, clickers, long leads, and structured collars or harnesses. I focus on effective communication and fairness to ensure the dog understands what is expected.

  • Classical conditioning focuses on associations (e.g., pairing a sound with food to create a positive response), while operant conditioning teaches a dog that its actions have consequences (e.g., sitting earns a treat). My training incorporates both to create a well-rounded learning experience for your dog.

Pricing & Policies

  • Pricing varies based on the type of training and number of sessions. For detailed pricing, please contact me directly.

  • Yes! I offer bundle packages for clients who need ongoing training.

  • Cancellations require at least 24 hours’ notice. Sessions cancelled with less notice may incur a fee.

  • Training success depends on owner commitment. While I do not offer refunds, I ensure that training methods are adapted to achieve the best possible results.

Future Offerings & Additional Support

  • Currently, I offer private training only, but group classes will be available soon!

  • Stay updated by following my social media pages for announcements on training workshops.

  • Yes! I provide resource recommendations on dog training, behaviour, and enrichment. Feel free to ask during your session!