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FAQ

• What is Bark Tutor?
• What training methods do you use?
• Do you use food in training the dogs?
• When you say reward my dog, what do you mean?
• We never used those methods before with our last dog! Will my dog still respect me if I train with food?
• When should I start my dog in classes?
• What are the goals of your training school?
• How do I begin?
• I was told that it wasn't a good idea to have someone else train my dog?
• How many instructors do you have on staff?
• What are your health requirements for attending classes?
• My dog is sometimes aggressive, can he still come to Bark Tutor?
• What supplies do I need to bring?
• Can my kids come to the group classes?
• Who should train the dog? Can my partner and I alternate coming every week?
• How much time should I spend training my dog?
• Where should I practice with my dog?
• Cancellations/Refund Policy:
• I have other dogs and kids, do I still need to socialize my new puppy?

What is Bark Tutor? TOP
Bark Tutor is a canine training school like no other. We offer dog owners a day school program where they can leave their dog with us and our instructors will begin teaching the skills needed to live successfully in the human world. We have group training classes held in the evenings, where owners can bring their dogs and learn how to teach them appropriate manners alongside other owners and their dogs. Our indoor dog park for dogs of any age up to 25 lbs allows small dogs the opportunity to socialize with others their size. The Bark Tutor retail center allows owners to purchase high quality pet food, toys and training supplies.

What training methods do you use? TOP
All of our training programs utilize positive reinforcement based training techniques. We believe that these proven techniques are the most suitable for training the family dog because they allow all family members to take part in the training and have better control of the family dog. We are dog-friendly, but not permissive.

Do you use food in training the dogs? TOP
Yes, food rewards are used in our training school as a means to teach the dog new skills. Dog training is all about motivation and either you sufficiently motivate the dog and train him to understand what you want him to know or you spend a great deal of time punishing him for bad behavior. At home we encourage students to use their dog's daily ration of dry dog food for training rewards when practicing new skills. You can save the higher value treats for practice at school or outdoors in more distracting environments. We will show you how to successfully use food so that you do not fall into the trap of my dog only listens if I have a treat.

When you say reward my dog, what do you mean? TOP
A reward is anything your dog wants, needs or is willing to work for. This could include food, attention, toys, access to the outdoors, talking, eye contact, playing fetch or tug of war. We encourage students to use life rewards to maintain good behavior around the house. The quality or importance of the reward needs is determined by your dog. More important rewards should be used in higher distraction training. Before you take your dog for a walk, have him sit to put the leash on. Before you toss the ball, have your dog lie down. This is a non-confrontational way to teach your dog boundaries and that you are in charge. Don't be stingy trainers!

We never used those methods before with our last dog! Will my dog still respect me if I train with food? TOP
Dog training, like everything else, changes and improves as we learn more about training animals in general. The methods used in the training school are very current and well-established methods used by professional dog trainers all over the world. Training with rewards rather than with fear and force will build a very positive relationship with your dog. It isn't just about food, but about you using all the things your dog loves as rewards for correct behavior. Respect based on fear isn't the best way to build a relationship with your dog. We encourage you to use all the things you were going to give the dog anyway for free as rewards for correct behaviors. These life rewards are built into your daily life and should be given for appropriate behavior, rather than being given just because the dog is breathing or because it is five o'clock.

When should I start my dog in classes? TOP
The sooner the better, providing your dog is up to date on all required vaccinations. We know that puppies are at their optimal learning during the first four months, so we encourage you to bring your puppy to classes as soon as possible. However, adult dogs of all ages can and do learn, so it is never too late! If you recently acquired your pet from a shelter or rescue group, we ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before bringing him to the training school. This will give ample time for any illness to incubate that he may have been exposed.

What are the goals of your training school? TOP
Our number one goal is to help you make your dog a better companion both at home and in the community.

How do I begin? TOP
The New Student Orientation is the first required class for any family coming into Bark Tutor. This human only session runs approximately 90 minutes and covers important information needed before deciding to enroll your dog in Bark Tutor. Please fill out the Pre-Enrollment questionnaire prior to attending the New Student Orientation.

I was told that it wasn't a good idea to have someone else train my dog? TOP
Your participation and the relationship you have your dog is vital to both your family's success and ours. Whether you choose to enroll in the day school, group training classes or private lessons we are here to help you train your dog, but we can't do all of the work for you. The day school program is designed to install new cues and begin teaching your dog how to properly behave around humans and other dogs. We will share with you your dog's progress and give you assignments that you will need to work on at home. This is not a cure, where you will leave your dog with us and magically he will be trained. We are not your dog's owners and your family's follow through will inevitably determine how your dog behaves when he is around you. It will up to you to take the information that we give you and carry on with it at home.

How many instructors do you have on staff? TOP
We have 4 full time instructors that will be working with your dog during the day. The variability in our instructors will help your dog to generalize information better, decreasing the likelihood that he only does it with one person. Our group training classes will consist of one instructor and one assistant. The indoor dog park will always have one staff person supervising play.

What are your health requirements for attending classes? TOP
All dogs must show current vaccinations records for Distemper, Parvo, Rabies and Bordetella. Your dog should be free of any parasites and pests such as fleas or worms and not be showing any symptoms of communicable diseases. The symptoms would include sneezing, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and/or discharge from his nose or eyes. Even if your pet does not seem sick, if they are displaying these symptoms, please do not bring them to school. They need to be seen by your veterinarian. Puppies should have at least two boosters before attending classes.

My dog is sometimes aggressive, can he still come to Bark Tutor? TOP
Dogs that are aggressive to other dogs or people are not appropriate for our training school. Students should call 317-257-5334 to make arrangement to see our behavior counselor privately.

What supplies do I need to bring? TOP
Day School Supplies, which are available at Bark Tutor. Your dog is going to go through multiple short training sessions each day where he will be given food as a reward. We ask that feed them ½ of their normal morning amount to offset the rewards and decrease the likelihood of diarrhea and weight gain. A well fitted buckle collar, Gentle Leader head collar or Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness. We have them available at Bark Tutor. We discourage the use of metal training collars in our training school. Please use a 4-ft. nylon leash to bring your dog to school. Retractable leads are not used at the dayschool.

Can my kids come to the group classes? TOP
Yes! Our classes are family friendly, and we welcome all family members, including children. Small children may become bored, tired, or disruptive, and we recommend that you bring an extra adult who can tend to their needs. Older children are welcome to handle the dogs as long as they are able to physically control the dog and work with the dog during the week. We encourage children to be involved in all parts of training classes, but for their safety and the safety of the animals, an adult must be present and ensure physical control of the animal. Please encourage all family members not to chat while the instructor is speaking.

Who should train the dog? Can my partner and I alternate coming every week? TOP
We encourage family members to come to class, but it is best for the dog if he has one main trainer. If you think that your partner may need to sub in for you at sometime, he/she should be attending the classes regularly so they are not confused if you are not here.

How much time should I spend training my dog? TOP
Dogs are always learning, so we should understand that every moment is a teachable moment. Ideally, every interaction with your pet should be that type of moment in which you do not allow them to practice undesired behavior. You should spend 3 to 5 minutes multiple times per day on formally training the cues you and your dog need to know. Then begin using those cues in daily interactions with your dog.

Where should I practice with my dog? TOP
Start at home, and then take the dog someplace new every day to practice. Dogs that only practice at home will be very easily distracted and will only know the behavior at home. Practice is what makes the dog a trained dog, so we really emphasize practicing training correctly, frequently, and in a variety of different places.

Cancellations/Refund Policy: TOP
Due to our small class size, cancellations for day school must be received by noon on the Friday prior to your scheduled week for a full refund. We ask that 24 hour notice be given for rescheduling. It is important that your dog attend a full 5 day week of day school in order to benefit from our training techniques.

I have other dogs and kids, do I still need to socialize my new puppy? TOP
Proper socialization involves exposing your dog to a variety new and unusual objects, people, situations and helping him learn how to handle stress. Anything or anyone your puppy lives with is not new or unusual. Those people and objects are within his comfort zone. The fact that your dog lives with other dogs and children does not mean that you shouldn't expose him to new dogs and children to insure that he has a broader context to put the two in. Your puppy should be exposed to humans of all ages and types, odd clothing, weird smells, startling noises, and puppies of his own age to learn appropriate communication skills.