 FAQ's
How do you train the dogs?
Where is the Academy?
How should I choose a trainer?
Why should I hire you?
I'm planning on bringing home a new puppy - Can you help me?
My adult dog still goes to the bathroom in the house - Can you help?
Our methods are gentle, fun and effective. I never advocate using force or intimidation - why do that when there are more effective ways to get our dogs to offer the behaviors we desire? Don't be surprised if training becomes the most enjoyable thing that you and your dog do together!
Technically, I use lots and lots of positive reinforcement, and occasionally negative punishment (which means that sometimes I take away things that the dog likes). I never use methods which would deliberately cause fear, physical discomfort, or pain.
People generally resort to intimidation and threats because they are frustrated and don't know what else to do, or sometimes because they honestly believe that it is the best or only way to change the dog's behavior. Fortunately, there are lots of clever ways to teach dogs that are both gentle and effective.
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Dogwood Acres Canine Academy operates out of the Dogwood Acres Pet Retreat's beautiful facility at 439 West Central Avenue in Davidsonville, MD. We enjoy conducting classes, play groups and private lessons in or spacious and comfortable training room, and we have access to many large, fenced play yards and wooded trails. Having access to all of the resources of the kennel provides lots of advantages to our students.
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Choosing a trainer or other dog-related professional can be baffling. Unfortunately, our profession is not licensed and any individual can claim to be a trainer or even a "Master Dog Trainer" and dubious credentials are conferred by any number of schools and programs, some of which are seriously sub-par. The individuals that you entrust with your dog bear a great responsibility, and it is up to you to evaluate their claims. "Loving dogs" is very nice, but it is not a professional qualification. Caveat Emptor!
When you are evaluating someone who claims to be a dog professional, be it a trainer, a dog walker, or a boarding facility, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is this person educated in gentle modern methods, or is he using harsh techniques that make me uncomfortable or seem to frighten or hurt my dog?
- Do I trust this person? Do I feel comfortable with this person handling my dog?
- Does this person appear to like me and my dog? Are they respectful of our needs, preferences and limitations? Does my dog like this person? Does my dog seem comfortable with the training process, or stressed?
- Am I comfortable expressing questions, discomfort or objections to this person? Do I trust that they will take the time to explain things so that I can understand what they are doing and why? Do they make me feel frustrated or embarrassed when I question or disagree with their recommendations, or do they try to work with me in a respectful manner?
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As a loving dog owner and a busy person (and aren't we all?) you want to know that the investment that you make will:
- Be effective
- Not frighten or harm your dog
- Maintain or improve your relationship with your dog
- Resolve current problems and prevent future problems from arising
- Make your life easier
- Make your dog more fun to live with
I do my utmost to provide the above, and to make my recommendations easy and fun for both you and your dog. I want you to experience success immediately, and to continue to be happy and successful throughout your training experience -- to that end, I use a wide selection of techniques, strategies, and methods to provide the right solution for you and your dog.
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Absolutely! The younger the better! Getting started on the right foot from day one will save you a lot of trouble later on. You'll need effective plans for safe socialization, housetraining, very simple good manners training, teaching your new pal how to control his needle sharp puppy teeth, and establishing lots of good habits as early as possible. It will make the months and years to come so much easier for both of you!
Training very young puppies is a joy - they haven't learned any bad habits yet! The biggest hurdle is usually educating the owner about what they need to do to prevent bad habits from developing.
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New toilet habits can be learned at any age, as long as the house soiling is not being caused by an underlying medical problem or a serious behavior issue such as separation anxiety. Otherwise, it may take a while, but good results are achievable given time and patience.
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