FAQs

TRAINING

  • What training services do you offer?
    • We can help you and your dog with a variety of issues, including:
      • Potty Training
      • Basic Cues – Sit, Stay, Lay Down, Focus, Come and Leave It
      • Inappropriate Chewing
      • Overexcitability – Jumping, Barking, Biting
      • Separation Anxiety
      • Walking Manners
      • Sociability Issues – Aggression, Shyness
  • Can old dogs learn new tricks?
    • Yes, a dog can learn at any age. However, the longer a dog is used to a certain way of doing things, the longer it will take to change their habits.
  • How long does training take?
    • The short answer is it depends. It depends on the behavioral issue and the severity we are dealing with. It depends on the dog’s ability to take in new information, which depends on many other factors. It depends how much time you have to put into reinforcing whatever is being taught. To put it another way, it depends.
  • Do you use clicker training?
    • A clicker is a communication tool used as an immediate marker of desired behavior as well as a bridge to the imminent reward. It is simply a more consistent substitute for “good dog”. While we do not use clickers, we can show you how to you use one properly.
  • What training methods do you use?
    • We believe that a balanced training method is the most effective. This means we believe that using rewards to teach and reinforce new behaviors is ideal, but we must also have a humane way of communicating to dogs when we do not approve of a certain behavior. We believe this balanced approach will create balanced relationship.
  • Should I use crate training?
    • Crate training, when executed properly, is an excellent way to create a safe haven for your dog that you can use to your advantage if you need to leave them unattended but cannot trust them around the house. Even after trust is built, your dog can still use the crate as they wish when they want some quiet time.
  • At what age should I start training my puppy?
    • You can start training right away. The sooner you begin, the sooner you can build the necessary foundation for a long and happy relationship.

HIKING

  • How long is the hike?
    • The actual hiking portion of the outing is either 1-1.5 hours for the shorter hike or 3-3.5 hours for the longer hike.
  • How many dogs on the hike?
    • We make groups of 2-4 dogs per human hiker.
  • How do all the dogs get along?
    • Each new potential pack member must first meet with one of our staff so that we can get to know their personality and energy level better. We will also assess their sociability with other dogs.
  • Are dogs off leash?
    • Every first timer will start on a 20-30 foot lead, which allow us to gauge a dog’s independence and their ability to listen when recalled. If we feel comfortable that the dog will recall regularly, and if it is ok with the dog’s guardian, then we will let the dogs be free off leash. Despite all that, every dog on the hike will be wearing a state of the art gps collar from Fi.
  • Where do the hikes take place?
    • While are always looking out for new locations, most hikes will take place at Rockleigh Woods Sanctuary & Ramapo Mountain State Forest.
  • Are there any size restrictions on which dogs can hike?
    • We believe dogs of all sizes can benefit from being out in nature. The choice between the 1-hour or 3-hour hike will depend more on the dogs energy level, age and physical endurance.
  • Are there any requirements for the hike?
    • All dogs must be up to date with their Rabies and Bordetella vaccines and must have flea & tick prevention. All dogs must be dog friendly.