Frequently Asked Questions
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More importantly, the question is are You Ready for Training?
As the old saying goes, “Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything”.
Environment dictates behavior, and you are part of your dog’s environment. Therefore, you very much affect your dog’s behavior at any given time. What’s great is that you are the most powerful entity to help your dog! However, you must be fully committed to possibly changing your habits, if need be, in order to help your dog succeed.
There are a number of variables that will determine your success.
Consistency of lessons
Compliance to the agreed training plan between lessons
Patience in the process
What we guarantee is our compassionate approach for each lesson with the intent to help you achieve your goals. We can give you the tools, the knowledge, the space to learn, but it is ultimately up to you to implement everything into your everyday life.
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Start with an Initial Private Lesson for New Client to establish your training needs and embark on the right path. We will help you decide whether private training or a group class is suitable to your dog's needs.
If your dog is reactive, you select the Initial Private Lesson for Reactive Dog. Please review the How do I Know if My Dog is Reactive?
Puppies between the ages of 10-20 weeks may join a Puppy 1 group class without an Initial Private Lesson, but you are still more than welcome to attend private training!
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Bring your dog hungry with their favorite treats on a standard leash no longer than 6 feet, and any equipment you use with your dog.
Be sure your dog’s equipment is fitted properly and they cannot escape from the leash.
Come dressed for the occasion! Wear clothes that allow easy movement, and closed toe shoes.
Please refrain from using retractable leashes.
Pro-tip: Use a treat pouch or a waist bag to hold your treats for quick and easy access!
Treats and treat pouches are available for purchase at the training facility.
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For the safety of everyone, it is important for us to know if your dog is reactive. Please be sure to book your lesson accordingly.
Reactive dogs become overly aroused by common stimuli. They may lunge, bark, or growl, becoming so preoccupied with what is triggering the emotion that they are difficult to control and move out of the situation.
If your dog has any history of bites or attempted bites to humans or dogs, please book your appointment as a reactive dog.
If you use a muzzle, please bring it with you.
If there is any possibility that your dog will escape from your collar, harness, or leash, please indicate so when scheduling. Slip leashes are available to safely enter the building.
Please do not enter the building before your scheduled appointment time. My Dogs Mind has a heavy flow of clientele, and we have many dogs of all different temperaments.
Upon arrival, please leave your dog in the car and come to the lobby so we can ensure the pathway is cleared for an easy entry.
Click here to learn more about aggression and reactivity therapy
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Our focus is on obedience. Whether we’re helping you create good behaviors, or break bad ones, we want to help you have a more enjoyable life with your dog.
The My Dogs Mind staff is also involved in a wide variety of dog sports with their personal dogs. If you’re interested in learning about groups and sporting events for dock-diving, protection sports, frisbee sports, Fastcat, earthdog, nosework, and beyond, we are happy to share our knowledge!
Nosework is a fulfilling dog sport that we offer here! Click here to read more about nosework.
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Methods of dog training may differ greatly, like specific tools in a tool box, however, My Dog's Mind's core methodology remains constant, simple and easy to understand.
We treat dogs fairly with clear distinction between what is and is not acceptable behavior. We never display anger, frustration, or abuse. We show our human patrons the same courtesy and honesty we’d expect from any professional service.
We believe training should be a fun and inclusive experience for all. In most cases our goal is to set reasonable expectations to create good, safe reliable pets. If we must correct a behavior that could injure people or other animals, My Dog's Mind will always strive for slow, fun exercises that are habit forming.
The correct training method is the one that resonates with both owner and dog. Every situation is unique and what we demonstrate in class is the just the beginning of the ongoing education and communication process you are coming to learn.
My Dog's Mind trainers are experienced in clicker, remote collar, marker and traditional training techniques. Don’t be alarmed if you see something involving a tree stump, a bicycle, three dogs and a chicken. If the method works, and is safe and fun for the dog, we have probably tried it and or are ready to give it a go.
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Private instruction allows us to match a training curriculum to the unique challenges of your dog and your schedule. Whether you want to turn good obedience into better with some work, or you’d like to address undesirable behaviors before they escalate, private instruction is a great way to grow.
Weak social skills or stress related to environmental stimulation often play a big part in problematic behavior. One-on-one lessons with a trainer allows for strategic socialization using other dogs, adults, children, doors, distractions, and even chickens. Our goal is to safely choose the amount and type of stimulation to identify the problem and then implement exercises to slowly build confidence and positive behavior under real-world scenarios.
The best environment for training is when the dog and owner are relaxed and able to focus on working and learning.
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Schedule and Group Training Policies:
All group classes are 45 minutes once a week for five weeks. Limit of 6-8 dogs each class.
Full payment is due at sign up. Please be sure that all dates fit into your schedule as there may not be an opportunity to make-up a missed class.
Cancellations must be made 7 days prior to the start of class for a full refund. Cancellations under 7 days will be provided with a credit towards training services.
What it is All About:
There’s power in the pack! Group dog training classes are a great way for you and your dog to learn alongside others who share the same desire to improve communication and strengthen their Human-Animal Bond.
Our first priority is to ensure all od our dog training classes are safe and conducive to a positive social learning experience. All students must be evaluated and approved by My Dogs Mind (except for Puppy 1 classes) prior to enrollment in any of our group classes.
If this is your first time with us, schedule an Initial Lesson for New Client and we will construct an optimal training regimen based on the requirements, aspirations, and limitations of both dog and owner.
My Dogs Mind group dog training classes promote socialization and interaction, often speeding up the learning process and testing reliability of behaviors through real-life scenarios. By keeping our group classes small, we keep the tempo at an engaging pace while still allowing for plenty of time for each student to get personalized instruction and feedback.
Group training also provides an affordable alternative to private instruction and with many specific courses to choose from including Puppy Development, Basic Obedience, Intermediate, Continuing Education, NACSW K9 Nosework, and Canine Good Citizen Prep.
If group classes are not listed on our booking page, we are currently in a session. Please email us to get notified for next session, and feel free to book a private lesson in the meantime to get started on your training! mydogsmindnh@gmail.com
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Housecalls and off-site lessons are offered on a case-by-case basis depending on availability.
If you’d like us to see certain behaviors during a lesson at our facility, you are welcome to send along or bring video recordings so we can review it together. It is not always conducive to trigger the behavior during a lesson, as often times there are a number of factors leading to the bigger problem.
If you are interested in a house call, please email us with the following information:
To: mydogsmindnh@gmail.com
Subject: Housecall Request
Your name
Your dog’s name, age, breed, weight
Location and available days/times
A description of your goals
If applicable, details of aggression or bite history, in any severity.
Housecalls and off-site lessons start at $250/hour. Additional charge may apply for distance.
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My Dogs Mind has a limited number of spots for the Dayschool. We often have an extensive waitlist, and will close the waitlist due to high volume of interest; and we don't like to keep people waiting.
The best thing to do is first ask your trainer if they think your dog is a good candidate. Keep up with your training and crate settling skills, and stay tuned with our Instagram and Facebook where we make updates when space opens up.
Requirements for consideration:
Current training client
At least 6 months old
Crate trained - The ability to rest comfortably in a crate around stimulation, allowing your dog to decompress between play groups and training exercises.
Dogs do not need to be spayed or neutered, but dogs in heat cannot attend.
