Frequently Asked Questions

Some common questions we get from our clients!

Do you offer in-home visits for training sessions?

Yes, your home is the ultimate starting point to build a strong and new relationship with your dog. It's where you both feel most at ease, making it the perfect place to start training your dog. Attending a dog training class may not be sufficient, as your dog may fall back into their old habits once you leave the facility. Therefore, starting the training at your home is the most effective way to begin this process.

What will we do in a training session? What does it look like?

Once we meet in person, we'll dive right into tackling the most pressing issues head-on. I'll explain what needs to be done and how we'll do it, and then we'll get to work.

I'm here to coach you every step of the way. Together, we'll discuss all of your pup's issues with a game plan to resolve them. We'll start by addressing the most pressing problems and begin changing them immediately.

And that's not all - we'll also teach your pup to walk perfectly anywhere, anytime. We'll establish new routines that you'll incorporate into your daily life with your dog that will benefit you immensely. We'll even venture out into the real world, exploring new environments in public, nature and parks to ensure the dog's training is reliable in all situations.

What's the duration and frequency of our training sessions?

Our first few sessions will be longer, around 2 hours, so we can really dive into the training process. As we progress, our sessions will become shorter, around 60-90 minutes.

I want to make sure that you feel comfortable and confident in our training, so I recommend seeing you and your dog every 4 to 7 days. This will give you ample time to do your homework and work on the techniques, drills and exercises we've practiced with your dog.

Dog training can be easy when we do it right, I often explain to my clients the simple analogy that using the right key is crucial to move forward in life. If you try to open your house door with your car key, you'll be stuck outside for a long time. The same goes for your dog and dog training, I have the right keys to get the right results. Let's use them properly and open up these doors!

I was informed by my previous trainer that my dog may not be trainable. Can you confirm?

Dog trainers often make excuses for why they can't help you with common behavioral issues such as pulling on the leash, leash reactivity, constant barking, fear, anxiety, or aggression. They often blame your dog's age, breed, past, intensity, fear, lack of motivation, or aggression for their inability to provide effective solutions. They may also offer excuses such as "keep practicing," "it takes time," or "just avoid triggers and use treats."

However, don't be fooled by their false expertise and promises of results. The truth is that they simply don't know how to help you and have never learned how. As a true expert in dog training and behavior solutions, I can assure you that your dog can change and I can help you achieve real results. Don't believe any excuses - trust in my proven methods and expertise to transform your dog's behavior.

Can you stop unwanted behaviors like leash pulling, reactivity to dogs/people/cars, aggression, fear, and anxiety?

I understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with any issues including leash pulling and leash reactivity. But with my extensive experience and expertise, I can assure you that solving these issues is not as difficult as it may seem. Let me guide you through the process, so you can achieve lasting results and positive change.

I'm here to help you with all of your dog's concerns, including leash reactivity, aggression, fear, barking, stress, and anxiety. It's crucial to choose a trainer/behaviorist who has real-life experience in rehabilitating these types of behaviors. As someone who deeply understands canine behavior and has expertise in helping these dogs overcome their challenges, I take great pleasure in helping these dogs find a more peaceful, relaxed, and confident way of life, free from stress.

Is your training right for my dog? what If they have issues like barking a lot, scared, timid, reactive, anxious, or fearful or people, cars and new places?

Yes, our work together will be eye-opening as you'll see what your dog's always needed from you in the first place. Scared, stressed out, reactive and anxious dogs need help, and I know exactly what they need to succeed.

In our training together you'll learn new routines to calm your dog down and boost their confidence. Excessive barking is often always caused by a lack of guidance, routines, outings, rules, structure, habits and proper lifestyle from their owner(s). We'll transform everything in your dog's experience of life and I know just how to do it.

Do you work with all dogs, no matter how old they are?

Yes, I train all dogs and educate/coach the owners, all dogs need their owner's involvement and commitment. I work with all breeds and can help with any type of dog, from Golden Retrievers to German Shepherds and Huskies to Chihuahuas. All dogs are trainable and all humans are coachable."

I Have Multiple Dogs, Can You Train Them Both?

I do charge a bit more for extra work, but I won't double the fee. Let's work together to make your home a happy place for everyone.

Can all dog trainers achieve the same results as you?

Absolutely not. Many dog trainers can't even help you with pulling on the leash, let alone other problems like leash reactivity to dogs and cars. Just ask your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or family members who have hired a dog trainer in the past. You'll be amazed to hear how many dog trainers can't even train dogs how to walk properly which is by far the most important aspect of dog training and of the relationship between you and your dog. My exceptional results stem from vast experience and expertise, making them truly one-of-a-kind.

What tools do you use?

I understand that every dog is unique and requires individual attention and care. That's why I take the time to assess each dog and situation to determine the best approach. My ultimate goal is to ensure that no dog feels any pressure around their neck while on a leash and during training. I believe in building a strong relationship between the dog and handler, where both are in sync and understand each other. It's important to note that tools alone don't train a dog, but rather it's the trainer who trains the dog.

Just like a construction worker's toolbelt, the tools are only effective when used correctly, at the right time, the right way. Just like a construction worker's tools don't build the house, but rather it is the worker's knowledge and expertise in the construction process that allows them to build the house effectively and professionally. I am a balance trainer and use a combination of tools and collars such as the micro-educator e-collar from e-collar technologies, food, treats, toys, leashes, Starmark collars, crates, marker words, beds, cars and treadmills to ensure the dog's training is properly conducted.

However, the most important tools I use in order to communicate with your dog are excellent body language, body movement, eye contact, timing, tonality, leash skills, leadership, guidance and praise. I feel a deep sense of satisfaction knowing that I possess a diverse set of skills in training dogs that enable me to assist all types of dogs. It's important to note that tools alone don't train a dog, but rather it's the trainer who trains the dog.

Do you use treats and food to train?

I train all dogs using proper reinforcement methods and techniques using food, treats, praise, acknowledgement, and proper communication which means proper leadership skills in body language, body movement, eye contact, tonality, timing, and guidance. Equipped with these elements, we can properly motivate and reinforce all good behaviors displayed by the dog during training.

How long should I train, work and guide my dog each day?

Dogs enjoy working, focusing, concentrating, paying attention, learning new things, walking, exploring, and being outside. You can train your dog as much as you want every day, both inside and outside the house, your dog will love every minute of it. However, I suggest that you walk your dog for at least 45 minutes a day outside, preferably in 2 or 3 walks. If you can walk your dog for 60, 90, or 120 minutes or more each day, that's even better!

I also recommend that you take your dog to new environments and out in nature, which we'll do together during our training. This will help them have a fulfilling experience of life, free from stress, fear, and frustration. Giving them new outings in new locations with a set of rules and standards of behavior is excellent for their maturity, emotional development, desensitization to the world, and overall fulfillment. I want you and your dog to feel connected, on the same page, and able to go anywhere, anytime with ease.

The more you lead and train your dog daily, the happier and better off your dog and you will be.

Will you teach my dog and me proper crate training methods and address issues like impulse control, door manners, counter surfing, not listening, food exercises, jumping on people, barking at dogs, people, and cars. Can you do all this?

I will cover everything on your list. You'll be amazed at how much you and your dog will learn and have fun doing together. Plus, I'll leave you with homework after each session to practice what we worked on.

About Michael Wilkes

Leadership Based Dog Training is a professionally owned dog training company that focuses on the best dog training techniques and strategy. My primary goal is to provide high-quality dog behavior training services that help you develop a better relationship with your furry companion. There is so much noise out there and so many opinions out there that the everyday dog owner can easily become confused, overwhelmed and misled. It has been my goal and mission from the start to cut through all that noise and help dog owners get the best training and coaching starting on the first session.

514-965-5869

Michaelwilkes75@gmail.com