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shaggydogtraining@gmail.com
Creating Positive Relationships Two Barks and One Meow At A Time!
343-453-1400
Frequently Asked Questions
This page answers common questions about training, behaviour support, booking, and policies at Shaggy Dog Training.
This page will help you understand how services work, what to expect, and whether this approach is the right fit for you and your dog or cat. If you are unsure where to start, the Services page outlines options based on your goals and needs.
Training & Behaviour Support
What types of training and behaviour issues do you work with?
Shaggy Dog Training provides professional dog training and behaviour support for puppies, adolescents, adult dogs, and senior dogs.
Services include puppy foundations, obedience and life skills, leash manners, recall, reactivity, fear-based behaviours, separation anxiety, and multi-dog household challenges.
Behaviour plans are tailored to the individual dog and home environment rather than using generic programs.
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Do you work with aggressive or reactive dogs?
Yes. Many clients seek support for leash reactivity, fear-based aggression, resource guarding, or difficulty with visitors. Each case is assessed individually to determine scope, safety requirements, and whether additional veterinary involvement is appropriate. See more information here or book services here.
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Do you train puppies? When should training start?
Training can begin as early as eight weeks of age. Early puppy training focuses on socialisation, confidence-building, handling, bite inhibition, and foundational skills that prevent future behaviour problems.
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Do you work with older dogs or rescue dogs?
Yes. Dogs of any age can learn. Training plans are adapted to medical history, mobility, previous experiences, and stress levels to ensure humane and effective progress.
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Do you work with cats as well as dogs?
Yes. Cat behaviour consultations are available for enrichment, handling, fear, inter-cat tension, and household integration. Behaviour principles are adapted specifically for feline learning and welfare.
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Do you help with leash pulling and recall?
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Yes. Leash pulling and unreliable recall are among the most common dog training concerns. Training focuses on building loose-leash walking skills, engagement, and reinforcement history in real-world environments. Recall training emphasises safety, responsiveness under distraction, and gradual progression to more challenging settings.
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Can you help with fear of strangers or visitors?
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Yes. Fear-based behaviours around unfamiliar people, guests, or strangers are addressed through structured behaviour modification. Plans typically include gradual exposure, management strategies, and reinforcement of calm alternative behaviours. Each case is assessed individually to ensure safety and realistic progress.
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What is the difference between training and behaviour modification?
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Training teaches specific skills such as sit, stay, loose-leash walking, and recall. Behaviour modification addresses the underlying emotional drivers behind behaviour, such as fear, anxiety, or reactivity. While training focuses on teaching a behaviour, behaviour modification focuses on changing how a dog feels in a given situation. Many cases involve a combination of both.
Training Methods
What training methods do you use?
Shaggy Dog Training uses science-based, force-free training methods grounded in modern learning theory. This includes positive reinforcement, classical and operant conditioning, desensitisation, and counter-conditioning. Training focuses on teaching new skills and changing emotional responses rather than suppressing behaviour.
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Do you use prong collars, shock collars, or punishment-based tools?
No. Tools or techniques that rely on pain, fear, or intimidation are not used or recommended. Training prioritises long-term behaviour change, safety, and emotional stability.
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Will my dog still learn boundaries without punishment?
Yes. Clear structure, consistent reinforcement, and appropriate management create reliable behaviour. Dogs learn through repetition, timing, and reinforcement rather than through fear or correction.
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Do you guarantee results?
No ethical dog trainer or behaviour professional can guarantee specific outcomes. Progress depends on consistency, environment, health, and learning history. Clients receive structured plans and guidance designed to create measurable improvement over time.
Separation Anxiety
Do you work with separation anxiety in dogs?
Yes. Shaggy Dog Training provides structured support for dogs experiencing separation anxiety or isolation distress. Plans are tailored to the individual dog and focus on building calm independence through gradual, structured exposure.
How long does separation anxiety training take?
Timelines vary depending on severity, history, and consistency. Improvement typically occurs over months rather than days. Progress is measured by reduced distress and increased ability to remain relaxed when alone.
Can separation anxiety be fixed quickly?
Quick or forced exposure approaches often increase anxiety and risk setbacks. Sustainable improvement requires a gradual, evidence-based plan designed around the dog’s emotional threshold.
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How do I know if my dog has separation anxiety?
Signs may include panic vocalisation, destruction near exits, elimination despite house-training, or attempts to escape when left alone. A consultation helps determine whether the behaviour reflects separation anxiety or another underlying concern. You can book your assessment consultation here.
Owner Involvement & Expectations
Do you train the dog for me?
Training is primarily guardian-led with professional coaching and structured guidance. While hands-on support may be available in certain cases, long-term success depends on consistency within the home environment.
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Why is owner involvement important in dog training?
Dogs learn within their daily routines and relationships. When owners understand timing, reinforcement, and management strategies, skills generalise more effectively, and behaviour change becomes sustainable.
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How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions depends on the complexity of the behaviour concern, training history, and consistency between appointments. Some goals are achieved within a few sessions, while behaviour modification cases require ongoing support.
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What determines progress in training?
Progress is influenced by consistency, environmental management, stress levels, health, and the clarity of communication between dog and owner. Structured plans are provided, but implementation between sessions plays a significant role in outcomes.
Booking, Payment & Policies
How do I book a training session?
Sessions are either booked online through the scheduling system on the Services page or directly through the consultant in the initial Discovery Call.
Each service description outlines who it is suitable for and what to expect. You can also discuss this with the consultant in the Discovery Call. Click here to Book A Call.
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Is payment required in advance?
Yes. Payment is required to confirm and hold all appointments. Package sessions must be paid in full at the time of booking.
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What is your rescheduling policy?
A rescheduling fee applies to all appointment changes. Weekend reschedules incur a higher fee. Changes are not permitted within 24 hours of an appointment. Full policy details are provided at booking.
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Do you offer refunds?
Services are non-refundable 72 hours from the time the services are set to begin. A package is considered a service in progress for 72 hours from the start of the first appointment; refunds are not possible halfway through a package.
Package policies and terms are outlined at the time of booking.
Location & Service Area
Where do you offer in-person dog training?
Shaggy Dog Training provides in-person dog training and behaviour consultations within Eastern Ontario, including Kingston, Belleville, Trenton, and surrounding communities. Service areas may vary depending on travel distance and appointment availability.
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Do you offer consultations outside your immediate area?
Remote consultations are available to all of Canada and can be effective for many training and behaviour concerns. In-person services are limited to the Eastern Ontario region.
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What if I am outside your in-person service area but need hands-on support?
Many behaviour modification and reactivity cases benefit from beginning online to build foundational skills, communication clarity, and safety strategies. Establishing these skills before in-person work often improves outcomes and reduces stress for both dog and trainer.
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Consultations can begin online, with transition planning for in-person support when appropriate. Shaggy Dog Training maintains a network of trusted trainers across Ontario, Quebec, and select areas of Canada to support clients who require local, hands-on training once a foundation has been established.
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Book a Discovery Call today to discuss if this is an option for you and your dog.
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Do you travel outside your primary service area?
Travel beyond the standard service radius may be considered on a case-by-case basis and will involve additional fees. Availability depends on scheduling and distance.