Yes! This is one of the most common behavioral problems that we help resolve - both aggression toward people and other dogs. You may be relieved to learn, that it's quite common for people who have self-diagnosed their dogs with aggression to realize that the issue is not true aggression at all, but rather much more benign behavioral issues that present as being quite serious. The combination of our unique methods and proper evaluation can improve even the most severe cases.

We are often the last stop after people have been through other unsuccessful training programs. Sometimes even several. Sometimes the failure rate is due to the skill level of the trainer not being enough for the particular dog or situation, sometimes it is an inappropriate or ineffective method, and other times it pertains to a lack of ability to transfer skills to the owners as well as no form of long term support. Fortunately, our programs not only fundamentally change the dog's state of mind, but they are designed to affect the long term memory, so results are not superficial or temporary. What's more, is the time we have dedicated to studying how human's learn best as well. Not only do we offer traditional lessons where our principles and techniques are easy to follow and practice, but we also grant our clients access to a private library of review material including videos and articles. This way, clients are able to learn at their own pace and can be relieved of the pressure of having to retain tons of information at once.

We understand that some of our specialized programs, like the board and train, are a valuable but serious investment for most people. While private lessons can be a useful alternative, if that still doesn't feel like exactly what you're looking for, I encourage you to check out our new membership communities! Our membership programs are designed to make expert dog training accessible and effective for anyone, especially for those who may not have the budget for other options. With our programs, you’ll receive practical, hands-on guidance that works with your lifestyle, whether you’re tackling training on your own or alongside expert support. Each tier offers value for any student—from DIY training tips and structured video content to interactive Q&As and tailored feedback in advanced tiers—so you can learn and progress at a pace that fits both your schedule and budget. Membership is a powerful tool for every dog owner, giving you direct access to quality training resources and ongoing support without the upfront costs of a board-and-train program. We believe every dog deserves quality training, and our goal is to make it possible for you to achieve this with the guidance and community support that make the journey effective and enjoyable. Also check out our free content on Instagram and Facebook!

This is surprisingly one of the most common concerns about training. What many believe is that training will make dogs robotic, sad, and essentially strip dogs of their personality. This couldn't be farther from the truth. I would passionately argue that the exact opposite is true. When a dog is given an opportunity to develop such essential life skills, learning super clear boundaries paired with a reward system they can be relieved of the burden of anxiety, defensive behaviors, fear, and confusion of their current state, and instead experience clarity, relationship, and harmony with their people and surroundings. Trained dogs have a purpose and a shared language with their people. This creates a connection, intimacy, and trust that was not possible before. Not only do dogs feel more confident and comfortable, but they are often rewarded with owners who want to spend more time with them, walk with and travel with them more. Their entire world's open up to new possibilites and experiences. Training programs like this one that truly honor the dog's mind will actually bring out their personalities, sense of humor, and sense of joy. Many owners are surprised to find dogs becoming more affectionate, attentive, calm, and secure.

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee on any training program. There are just far too many variables when it comes to the execution of the tools/techniques, great management and consistency that long term results depend on. We can guarantee our methods work, and our support system will always be available for your dog and family. We only choose the most dedicated, hard working, and resourceful owners. No matter how serious the behavior issues are, those who are committed to maintaining the training program always achieve phenomenal results. Owners who utilize all of our support material, communicate when they're feeling confused or sense backslides of any sort, and take additional lessons when needed, experience amazing transformations and go on to enjoy our experiential work shops, and other opportunities. We pride ourselves in being super present for our clients, and are only one quick phone call or text away to help people troubleshoot and succeed.

The board and train programs are by far the most effective and efficient option. For starters, it is appropriate for almost every dog and behavior problem. The boarding program creates total immersion for dogs to experience and live in a total transformation by be handled by a professional 24/7 in a highly personalized, quiet, one-on-one, home environment. What this does is it allows for a complete reprogramming while giving dogs an opportunity to practice a new mindset and skills in the real world. For many dogs, being taken out of the environment where their problems are occuring is very therapeutic and creates the perfect conditions for learning new things. One of the most important elements of a board and train is that it limits the potential for backslides, lapses in training, and other occurences that disrupt forward progress. It also takes remarkably less time than meeting once a week, or sometimes even less, for private lessons - where the results will also depend on an owner's personal time, skillset, and other variables, such as the dog's temperament and sensitivities. Lastly, dogs who have the foundation of their education put in place by a professional first are far easier to handle by beginners (their people) who are learning new skills.

Unfortunately, we strongly discourage people from visiting their dogs while they are staying here for training. We know how difficult it is for families who miss their dogs terribly, but please know that your sacrifice is worth it. We do our best to send lots of pictures, videos, and updates, but find actual visits to be totally counter productive to the dog's progress. Often, the attachment to their people is far too strong that seeing them throughout the process is confusing and disrupts the dog's ability to settle in and consider this their temporary home. Luckily, our four legged friends don't have a concept of time or perception of how long they are staying here. Crazy to think about, right? Dogs adjust quickly in this peaceful environment with lots of exercise, activity and awesome learning. The more patient you can be while they learn, the better the results!

Only if you don't uphold your end of the bargain! It's totally normal for dogs to test boundaries and try old behaviors - but your education here will have you prepared to handle it! If you follow the protocol, and ask for help when you need it, dogs only get better with time and practice! Sometimes I use the analogy of an orthopedic surgery. The surgeon can fix the problem, but if a patient returns to their old activity without utilizing physical therapy, and following the strict orders to maintain the progress, the success rate will suffer!

Without a doubt. Dogs are far too intelligent to ever forget their people. As mentioned in another FAQ answer, dogs don't have a concept of time. They are totally unaware of how long they are here, and do not think abstractly about themselves - they are truly in the moment. That totally works in our favor! Fortunately, you are the only one suffering while missing your dog. Your best bud will be busy playing, getting plenty of exercise and learning. As soon as you come back, they will be just as excited as ever to be with you again. No dog has ever forgotten an owner, and they never will.

Our exclusive Board and Train program offers a truly immersive experience at our beautiful facility set on 13 serene acres. With a large, securely fenced yard, quiet surroundings, scenic trails, and a limited number of select dogs, we ensure individualized attention and a calm environment. Each dog enjoys private, one-on-one care within a peaceful home setting, including daily training sessions, personalized exercise, and enriching off-campus adventures. Our program spans four transformative weeks and includes follow-up lessons to engage the whole family in the training process, so everyone learns together. For ongoing support, our top package grants six months of access to our membership program, allowing for continued growth, guidance, and community. We are proud to provide an unparalleled level of care and attention in our area. No local facility can match our commitment, philosophy, and training methodology. As a Training Without Conflict (TWC) student of Ivan Balabanov, I bring a specialized approach that blends structure and play, capable of addressing complex behavioral challenges or just providing foundational skills for well-mannered companionship. For dogs with challenging behaviors, we offer an intensive, structured program focused on creating lasting change in areas like reactivity, aggression, or anxiety. Our balanced approach includes specialized training that respects each dog’s individual needs and capabilities. For dogs without serious behavior concerns, we provide thorough, engaging training that fosters obedience, good manners, and social skills, enhancing their bond with their families. This dual focus makes our program perfect for families seeking either behavior modification or advanced training for a happy, reliable companion. With a philosophy rooted in honoring each dog's individual character, we’re committed to supporting every dog and family in achieving the highest level of success. Packages are customizable to suit individual needs, ensuring every dog receives a program tailored to its unique requirements and goals.

The simple answer is, I don't know. This is because the results in this case come down to the individual. There are just so many variables - from the amount of time a person is able to spend per day on training their dogs at home, the temperament of the dog, the issues at hand, how often one can make it to lessons, the number of accidental set backs, the skill level of the handler.. just to name a few. The only instance when a time line can be placed on a certain scenario is with boarding and training, because so many of these variables are controlled. In this program, it's ultimately up to you!

The awesome thing about dogs is that you will be a part of training no matter what! Even if we are doing a large portion of the fundamentals, you and your family will have plenty of work to do learning all of the skills, and applying them to your life. Please don't feel as though you're missing anything. There is no shortage of great work to do.

Not all dogs and people are ideally suited for private lessons in dog training. Here’s why: Behavior Complexity: Certain behavior issues, such as aggression or severe anxiety, require more comprehensive, immersive training that private lessons might not be able to fully address. In these cases, a board-and-train program can provide the controlled environment and structure needed for a dog to make significant behavioral progress. Time Commitment: Private lessons heavily rely on the owner’s consistency in practicing and reinforcing techniques outside of session time. Some people, however, may not have the schedule flexibility or available time to commit fully to this. Without consistent reinforcement, the dog may not retain what they learn, or keep the momentum necessary to really change, which can be frustrating for both the pet and the owner. Training Skills: Training at home requires patience, persistence, and a certain skill set to effectively apply techniques between sessions. Some owners may feel overwhelmed or uncertain in handling these strategies on their own. In these cases, more support in a structured boarding program can make training less stressful and more productive. Ultimately, selecting the right approach depends on each dog’s needs and each person’s goals, lifestyle, and capacity for training at home.

You may be surprised to hear that it is totally unnecessary to have lessons at your house versus here. The tools and principles are completely transferable no matter what. In fact, sometimes dogs do best when they come to a new environment where they create new associations and a "classroom" to learn in. You will be successful either way.

It's truly a shame that prong collars have acquired the reputation they have. While their appearance may seem harsh, they are actually quite safe and extremely effective. Often portrayed as dangerous, harsh or abusive, they're far from it. Misinformed opinions paired with out of context pictures on the internet are very misleading. Prong collars not only help leverage the sheer strength and/or drive of most dogs, but because they evenly distribute pressure around a dog's neck with such well designed, beveled prongs, they can help execute the most effective touch with the least amount of force - and as a stimulation that dogs are the most naturally familiar with. They are actually far safer and effective than harnesses, flat collars, choke chains, halti/gentle leaders, etc. However, no piece of equipment should be used without a proper education - prong collars without training are not independently effective.

Electric collars are similar to prong collars in that they have acquired a somewhat bad reputation by uneducated and misinformed people. No one could argue that these tools can be abused, but in the right program, electric collars are totally safe, physically harmless, and ultimately life changing. An e-collar works as a versatile communication tool, sometimes used to reduce undesirable behaviors, but without causing any lasting physical harm. It delivers brief static, vibration, or tone pulses that provide valuable feedback, with the advantage of being able to be associated with something in the environment, rather than a person, and/or from a distance. Think of it as a controlled tap sound or touch that dogs can understand in context. The e-collar uses very mild static electricity, comparable to the static we feel from touching certain surfaces. Its levels are adjustable, allowing trainers to match the most effective level for each dog’s needs, ensuring that the signal is appropriate in any given circumstance. As with the prong collar, you will have full understanding of all of it's nuances and effectiveness before you ever use it on your own with your dog.

Each student, both dog and person alike, is treated as an individual here. Our goal is to give you access to information about tools and techniques, dog psychology, nutrition, wellness, and everything in between so that you can discover what works best for you and your dog and have a great life together.

Play is a vital component in dog training, not only because it’s enjoyable but because it helps dogs fulfill natural instincts and drives in a constructive way. Many dogs are hardwired with certain instincts—whether it’s hunting, herding, or retrieving—each rooted deeply in their genetics. Structured play allows these drives to be expressed and channeled, providing an outlet for behaviors that might otherwise become problematic if suppressed or misdirected. On a neurological level, play stimulates the release of endorphins, creating positive associations and reinforcing enjoyable experiences. When a dog experiences a rush of these feel-good chemicals, it encourages relaxation and reinforces a sense of security in training environments. The physical activity involved in play also contributes to their physical well-being and helps them develop a well-rounded awareness of their surroundings, improving coordination and confidence. Play in training is also about teaching and cooperation. Structured games establish rules, offer boundaries, and even introduce penalties in a safe, low-stakes environment. When a dog learns to play by the rules, it cultivates their ability to cooperate, adapt to changing conditions, and follow cues—all of which are essential for effective training. This fosters rapport and helps build a foundation of trust between the dog and the handler, transforming the training relationship into a friendship rather than a strict command-based exchange. One of the unique benefits of play-based training is its adaptability to challenging scenarios. A dog who learns through play to approach new situations with curiosity and joy can transfer that mindset to more stressful situations, like meeting new people, interacting with other dogs, or even vet visits. This “play-to-learn” approach effectively creates a mental bridge between the fun they experience in training and other, potentially intimidating experiences, making it easier for them to navigate challenges with resilience and confidence. In essence, play taps into a dog’s natural instincts, enhances their learning through enjoyable experiences, and ultimately builds a lasting, joyful partnership that extends well beyond the training field.