FRequently asked questions

With a mom & pop establishment, their company is likely offering a lifetime guarantee however, if they should ever go out of business, there is no one to uphold their guarantee anymore. If that were to happen with us, there is over 170 locations nation-wide that you would be able to utilize for our nation-wide guarantee! Our locations are all locally owned and operated yet still supporting by a larger brand.

At Off Leash K9 Training, we believe in a balanced and personalized training approach that fits your dog’s unique personality and needs. Our trainers use a combination of clicker training, treat training, and e-collar training to create the best learning experience for your pup!

Positive Reinforcement is at the heart of what we do! We reward good behaviors with praise, treats, and encouragement, helping dogs build strong habits and understand what we want them to do. The best part? This method also strengthens the bond between you, your dog, and the trainer, making training a fun and rewarding experience for everyone!

E-Collar Training for Off-Leash Freedom – Want a well-trained dog who listens anywhere, even around distractions? Our e-collar training provides clear, effective communication and builds reliable off-leash obedience. A common myth is that e-collars are harsh—but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Modern e-collars, like the ET-300 Mini Educator we use, are gentle, humane, and fully adjustable, delivering a sensation more like a light tap than anything painful. When used correctly and responsibly, e-collar training gives your dog more freedom, confidence, and clarity!

No matter your dog’s age, breed, or personality, our balanced approach ensures a fun, positive, and highly effective training experience—helping you and your pup enjoy life together, stress-free!

A clicker is a small handheld device that makes a distinct “click” sound, used to mark and reinforce desired behaviors. The moment your dog performs the correct action, you press the clicker, immediately followed by a treat. This clear, instant feedback helps your dog quickly understand which behaviors earn rewards, making learning faster and more effective.

Over time, your dog learns that they haven’t quite done what you’re asking until they hear the click, creating a clear and consistent way to communicate. This method helps build a strong foundation for obedience while making training a fun and positive experience!

An e-collar is a modern training tool designed to improve communication between you and your dog. Think of it like E-Stim therapy used by chiropractors—it delivers a gentle, adjustable stimulation to get your dog’s attention, not to punish them. The collar is controlled by a handheld remote, allowing you to guide and communicate with your pup from up to 400 yards away. This means your dog gets to enjoy more freedom, while you get peace of mind knowing they’ll stay safe and responsive—even off-leash!

At Off Leash K9 Training, we use the ET-300 Mini Educator, which is the most gentle and effective e-collar on the market. Unlike outdated “shock collars” that relied on fear-based corrections, this e-collar provides a light tap or vibration, similar to a phone buzzing in your pocket or someone gently tapping you on the shoulder. It’s simply a way to get your dog’s attention and keep them focused—not to scare or harm them. Our training method teaches dogs to associate the e-collar with clear, positive communication, making learning easier and more enjoyable.

E-collar training is trusted by top professionals, including law enforcement, military, search and rescue, and detection teams because it creates reliable, confident, and highly obedient dogs. When used correctly, an e-collar is an incredible tool that helps dogs experience more freedom, fun, and off-leash adventures, all while staying safe and under control.

No, the e-collar will not hurt your dog. In fact, during our first meeting, we’ll place the e-collar on your arm so you can feel for yourself just how gentle and mild the stimulation is. We’ll even use it on ourselves to demonstrate that it’s nothing like a shock or a taser—those are common myths that simply aren’t true.

Another misconception is that e-collars burn a dog’s skin—this is completely false. The stimulation is a gentle, adjustable sensation, similar to a light muscle stimulator used in physical therapy. It’s designed to get your dog’s attention, not cause pain.

We are dog trainers because we love dogs, and we would never use a tool that harms them in any way. In fact, we have a golden rule—we would never ask a dog to experience something we wouldn’t willingly try on ourselves. Your dog’s safety, comfort, and success are our top priorities!

No, your dog won’t need to wear the e-collar all the time. In fact, as they progress in training, you’ll notice they listen without it, especially inside your home. However, when your dog is off-leash outdoors, we strongly recommend they continue wearing the e-collar. Even the most well-trained dog can get distracted by something unexpected, like a squirrel, another dog, or a loud noise. The e-collar acts as an invisible leash, giving you the ability to maintain control no matter what happens.

Some owners choose to gradually phase out the e-collar as their dog becomes more reliable and the trust between them grows. Others prefer to always use the e-collar as a safety net, ensuring they have full off-leash control at all times. The decision depends on you, your dog, and your comfort level.

Think of it like a child wearing a seatbelt—not because you expect an accident, but because it only takes one unpredictable moment for it to be needed. Whether you use the e-collar indefinitely or transition away from it over time, it’s simply a tool for communication and safety, designed to help you and your dog enjoy more freedom together.

No! In fact, most owners are shocked to see the exact opposite reaction from their dogs. The moment an e-collar is turned on, it emits a small beep—and before long, dogs learn to associate that beep with something exciting!

Almost every dog, upon hearing the beep, will come running over, sit down, and wait eagerly for their collar to be put on. Why? Because to them, the e-collar means freedom, fun, and adventure—it signals that they’re about to go outside, run, play ball, explore, and train! They love it because training isn’t just about learning commands—it’s about stimulation, bonding, and purpose.

Think about how you feel on a slow day at work—bored, sluggish, just waiting for the day to end. Now compare that to a busy, engaging day, where time flies and you feel energized. That’s how your dog feels! They don’t have social media, TV, or the internet to entertain them—their training, exercise, and time spent with you is their greatest source of fulfillment. A bored dog is often a destructive dog, but a trained, exercised, and engaged dog is a happy dog!

We typically avoid training dogs inside the home—and for good reason! Dogs find it much easier to listen in a familiar, controlled environment like their own house. There are fewer distractions, and they already feel comfortable.

However, real-life obedience isn’t about listening only at home—it’s about responding to commands anywhere, anytime, even in the face of distractions. That’s why we focus on training in new environments, where your dog learns to stay engaged and obedient no matter what’s happening around them. If your dog can listen in a busy, unfamiliar setting, they’ll be reliable wherever you take them!

One of the best things about this training is that you don’t need to carve out a huge block of time each day to work with your dog! Instead, we teach you how to seamlessly incorporate training into your daily routine, making it easy and effective.

We recommend dedicating at least one hour of training per day, but this doesn’t have to be all at once! Breaking it up into 10-15 minute sessions throughout the day keeps your dog engaged and prevents frustration.

That being said, it’s important to remember that dogs are constantly learning from us, even outside of structured training sessions. Everyday interactions—like opening a door, putting on a leash, or sitting down for dinner—can all be powerful learning moments. With the right mindset, every part of your day becomes an opportunity to reinforce good behavior and build a well-mannered dog!

The timeline for training depends on which program you choose and your dog’s individual progress. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Our private lesson programs are designed to give you hands-on experience while working directly with a trainer. These programs typically run over a period of 4 to 8 weeks, with one lesson per week. However, the actual time it takes for your dog to master commands depends on how consistently you practice at home between sessions. Training is a process, and daily reinforcement will help your dog progress more quickly!

For those looking for faster, immersive training, our Two- and Three-Week Board & Train Programs provide incredible transformations in a short period. Your dog will stay with one of our professional trainers and receive intensive, daily training in real-world environments. By the end of the program, your dog will have learned off-leash obedience, impulse control, and proper manners, even around distractions.

While the Board & Train program lays the foundation for long-term success, your dog’s training doesn’t stop when they come home! We provide detailed guidance and lifetime support to help you maintain and reinforce their skills for life.

Every dog is different, and training is a lifelong journey. Whether you choose private lessons or a Board & Train, the more time and consistency you put in, the better the results!

We typically wait until a dog is at least 5 months old before introducing e-collar training. At this age, puppies have had enough time to develop basic learning skills, attention span, and understanding of simple commands, making them more receptive to structured training.

Starting too early can be overwhelming for a young puppy who hasn’t yet learned foundational communication skills. By waiting until they’re mentally and physically ready, we ensure that training is a positive, effective, and confidence-building experience. Every dog learns at their own pace, and our goal is to set them up for long-term success!

If your pup isn’t quite ready for e-collar training, we can still set them up for success using our Clicker Training Lesson Program. This positive reinforcement method, using clickers and treats, helps build a strong foundation for basic obedience, making future training even easier as they grow.

In addition to obedience, we can also guide you through house training, teaching your pup how to communicate when they need to go outside—helping to prevent accidents in the house. With consistency, patience, and the right training techniques, your puppy will be well on their way to becoming a well-mannered companion!

Please note: Our Clicker Training Program is only available for private lessons—puppies under 5 months old are not eligible for our Board & Train program.

E-Collar training is effective for dogs of any size, breed, or shape—as long as they are at least 5 months old.Whether you have a tiny Chihuahua, a strong-willed Husky, or a giant Great Dane, e-collar training can be tailored to suit their unique personality and needs.

The adjustable levels of stimulation ensure that every dog receives gentle, customized communication based on their temperament. This allows for a clear and reliable training experience, no matter their energy level, stubbornness, or past training history.

As long as your dog meets the minimum age requirement of 5 months, they are ready to start learning with an e-collar! Training is about building trust, improving communication, and giving your dog more freedom—while keeping them safe and under control.

Yes! Our Two- and Three-Week Board & Train programs come with a lifetime guarantee of refresher training to ensure your dog’s success for years to come.

We understand that dogs, like people, may need occasional reminders or tune-ups as they grow and experience new situations. That’s why we offer free refresher sessions for life—no matter where you are! If you ever feel like your dog needs a little extra reinforcement, you can take advantage of our in-person, phone, or video support at any of our 180+ locations nationwide.

Our lifetime guarantee includes:
✔ One-on-One Refresher Sessions – Meet with a trainer in person to fine-tune any commands or behaviors.
✔ Phone & Video Support – Need guidance? Connect with a trainer remotely for personalized advice.
✔ Nationwide Access – Moving to a new city? No problem! Your lifetime guarantee applies at any of our Off Leash K9 Training locations across the country.
✔ Behavior Tune-Ups – Whether it’s reinforcing obedience, addressing distractions, or refreshing leash manners, we’re here to help.

Your dog’s training is an ongoing journey, and we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way! Whether it’s months or years down the road, we’ll be here whenever you need us.

We can absolutely provide guidance on potty training, but it is important to understand that we cannot guarantee resultswithin our training programs. Successful potty training depends on consistency, routine, and reinforcement at home, which requires ongoing effort from the owner.

Here is how we can assist:

• In our Lesson Programs, our trainers can provide expert advice, tips, and strategies to help you establish a structured potty training routine at home. We will cover timing, crate training, positive reinforcement, and recognizing your dog’s signals when they need to go.
• In our Board & Train Programs, our trainers will keep your pup on a consistent schedule to reinforce good potty habits during their stay. However, because potty training success depends on continued reinforcement, it is essential that owners remain consistent when their dog returns home.

Potty training requires repetition, structure, and consistency long after training sessions end. Even if a dog does well during training, they may regress if their routine changes or is not maintained. To support long-term success, owners should:

• Follow a regular potty break schedule
• Use positive reinforcement when their dog goes outside
• Avoid punishment for accidents, as dogs learn best through consistency, not fear
• Keep crate training structured and predictable

With dedication and patience, potty training can be successful, but it requires ongoing reinforcement at home to build lasting habits. Our trainers are here to support you with the right strategies to make the process easier.

We prioritize the health and safety of all dogs in our training programs, which is why we require specific vaccinations based on the type of program your dog is enrolled in.

Board & Train Programs

For our Board & Train programs, your dog must be up to date on the following vaccinations:

• Rabies – Protects against a deadly virus that can be transmitted to both animals and humans.
• Distemper – Prevents a serious and contagious viral disease affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
• Parvo – Protects against the highly contagious and often fatal parvovirus, which primarily affects puppies and unvaccinated dogs.
• Bordetella – Prevents kennel cough, a common and highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads easily in social environments.
• Leptospirosis – Protects against a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through contaminated water and is also zoonotic, meaning it can spread to humans.

These vaccinations help ensure the health and well-being of all dogs in our care, especially since they will be in close contact with trainers, other dogs, and various public environments.

Lesson Programs

For our private Lesson Programs, we require that all dogs have a current Rabies vaccination, as it is essential for public safety and is legally required in most areas.

Ensuring your dog is properly vaccinated helps create a safe and healthy training experience for everyone involved. If you have any questions about vaccination requirements, feel free to reach out before your dog’s training begins.