Q. How many lessons does Paws-A-Tive Dog Training offer?
A. We offer 6 week training packages, both private and group. Other packages are available upon request, including in-home training.

Q. When should my dog start obedience training?
A. Ideally, training should start immediately upon bringing home your new furry family member*.  It’s far easier to prevent a problem than to correct one, but most problems are fixable. 
*Puppies as young as 8 weeks are welcome to come in for classes with documented healthy pup from your veterinary professional.

Q. What training methods do you use?
A. We are very aware each puppy and dog is an individual with his or her own unique personality and not all training methods will work for every dog.  Therefore we employ different training techniques when we meet you and your dog and tailor the training to what works best for your dog’s specific needs.  
We believe in positive rewards whether it's verbal, the use of a toy, a quick pat or the occasional treat to capture wanted behaviors.  High value treats are used very sparingly on an as needed basis. The reason for this is we want your dog to respond to you, as opposed to only responding when food is available. We also believe in reading and using body language and non-verbal cues to communicate with your dog.  The most important takeaway from our training is confidence and positivity.  We never encourage nor condone abuse of any kind when it comes to these intelligent animals. 

Q. What training equipment do you use in your training?
A. We prefer to use a good quality slip lead for training. When used correctly, you'll find that you have more control over your dog, without putting pressure on his/her sensitive trachea.  Most dogs respond very well to the slip lead. We do offer clicker training upon request.

Q. What are the benefits of a slip lead over the flat collar?
A.  Most dogs, though not all, ignore corrections with a flat collar or harness when starting basic obedience training. The slip lead, when placed correctly, fits under the jaw and snugly behind the ears of a dog.  In this position it gently pushes on a pressure point behind each ear that releases endorphins that helps relax a dog that either finds being told what to do for the first time stressful or helps focus a hyper dog.  It in no way harms the dog and if it did we would never use it.  Over time once a dog learns their obedience the slip lead can be replaced with their original flat collar or even a harness if preferred. 

Q. When can we expect to see results from your dog training?
A. You will see results as consistently as you do your homework with your dog. We make sure before you leave each class that your dog knows what's being asked of them. We also make sure you and your family understand what homework we're expecting you to do before your next class.  If you and your dog practice together between classes, you will see the results you are looking for.   

Q. What if I get home and my dog/puppy just won't listen to me no matter what I do or say? 
A. Give us a call or a text.  If we can't help you over the phone we will schedule a time for you to come in.  We understand it is like learning a whole new language so we're always there for training support.

Q. We brought home a new dog or puppy. What toxic foods and plants should we look out for?             
A. If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, please call your veterinarian immediately or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435) as time is the importance in an emergency.

Foods to avoid giving your dog:
§  Garlic/onions/chives/leeks-- can cause a fatal anemia
§  Grapes/raisins-- contain an unknown toxin that can damage the kidneys
§  Macadamia nuts-- contain an unknown toxin that can damage the digestive system
§  Uncooked yeast-- can expand in the stomach, causing gastric problems and possible rupture
§  Chocolate-- contains theobromine, which affects the cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems
§  Coffee/caffeine— contains xanthenes which can cause problems in the nervous, urinary, and cardiovascular systems
§  Xylitol— a newer sweetener found in many products; can be fatally toxic
§  Alcohol — even small amounts can cause intoxication and possibly death
§  Tobacco/nicotine— can cause serious digestive, cardiovascular and neurological effects

NOTE: This list is just a quick reference of potential hazards. 
For more information, you can visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Also, Click in the link below to check out the complete list of dangers to your pets
. http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poisons/

Q: Are there any dogs you will not work with?
A. No. We do not turn away any dog.  No dog is too “bad” or too "difficult" or too "old" to train.  We work with dogs from all walks of life – rescues, breeders, strays, pet stores, etc. Just give us a call to set up your free evaluation today - 702-817-3495

Q: What services do you offer?
A. Please see the "Services" section

Don't see your question answered?  Call us at 702-817-3495!