What is your DOG training philosophy or methodology?

At Dog Flower we adhere to the ACE Program requirements as designated by the Karen Pryor Academy. For more information click here. Beyond that, Dog Flower is a positive reinforcement focused facility. We follow LIMA protocols, which means we do our part in ensuring dogs are healthy before beginning training, put necessary management protocols into place, teach new skills using positive reinforcement, and reinforce alternative behaviors to the existing behaviors we are targeting. We do not use choke chains, electronic collars, prong collars, leash corrections, or recommend those approaches to training. If you currently use any of the aforementioned supplies or techniques, we are still happy to work with you if you are open to towards decreasing the use of said tools and exploring alternative approaches.

What DOG TRAINING supplies should i bring?

For all services, we recommend bringing your dog in on a flat collar or body harness, a fixed length leash (no retractable leashes), a few types of soft treats that are size appropriate for your dog (pinky nail sized or smaller), and a chewable or lickable item that will occupy your dog while they’re not actively training.

what can i expect from a private DOG TRAINING lesson?

Private lessons take place at our facility unless otherwise agreed upon. Before starting training as a new client, you will be asked to fill out an in-depth intake form. From there, Meaghan will review your intake form prior to your consultation. During the consultation, Meaghan will ask any follow up questions they may have, create a training plan to move forward with, and help you with scheduling as well as billing. For the most part, private lessons will last 60 minutes, though some may end sooner than the full 60 minutes. During those lessons, there will be a short check in period to review previous homework assignments and update any pertinent information. From there, typically 2-3 new skills are introduced and practiced during the session. For reactivity cases, the lessons will frequently include safe exposures to triggering stimuli when your dog is ready for this part of their plan. Within 48 hours of the lesson, Meaghan will send you follow up notes and homework.

what can i expect from a group DOG TRAINING class?

Group classes take place at our facility located at 17984 SE Division St. When you arrive to your first class, you will be assigned a station for you and your dog to work at for the course of the series. Stations include two chairs, a water bowl for your dog, a table and some hooks for your belongings. The stations have barriers set up between them to minimize distractions. Classes cap at 6 dogs/families. Classes run for 6 weeks and the sessions last for 60 minutes. You will receive homework emails between each class reviewing what was worked on and recommended homework. After the last week of class you will be sent a digital graduation certificate.

Please note, we love children and are happy to have them attend classes. While we do not have a hard limit on the number of people that can attend class with you or the age of children allowed at our classes, we ask that kids stay seated at their stations. Additionally, children that are screaming or otherwise disrupting the class will need to leave. We recommend an adult be assigned to the dog and an adult be assigned to young kids. Due to the size of our space, we do not have a separate waiting space where antsy or upset children can retreat to.

what can i expect from a puppy SOCIAL or adolescent social?

Socials take place at our facility located at 17984 SE Division St. When you arrive to the social, you will be assigned a station for you and your dog to take breaks at as needed. Stations include two chairs, a water bowl for your dog, a table and some hooks for your belongings. The stations have barriers set up between them to minimize distractions during breaks. Socials cap at 5 dogs/families. The sessions last for 50 minutes. Puppies will be split into two groups so that we never have more then 3 dogs playing with each other in one space. Guardians are expected to stay during the socials and manage their own dog with the supervision and recommendations made by Meaghan.

when is payment due?

Payment is due before or at the time of service. For group classes, payment is due ahead of time. For socials and private lessons, payment is due at the time of service unless you opt into a training package. A credit card must be saved on file to reserve. Training and social packages are paid for ahead of time in a lump sum.

what is the cancellation policy?

Puppy and Adolescent Socials require a full 24 hour notice for cancellations. Group classes are nonrefundable once a spot has been paid for and secure. Private Lessons require a full 24 hour notice for cancellations. Same day cancellations for Puppy and Adolescent Socials, and Private Lessons will forfeit the daily fee. If a fee has not been paid ahead of time, the card saved on file will be charged the fee. If at any point a group class, private training package or social package refund is issued, the refund will be less the processing fees for the initial transaction as well as the refund. Any used credits will be billed at the full price.