Training FAQs and Policies
I purchased a training package that has lessons remaining, or I no longer want to complete the session I scheduled. Can I get a refund?
With few exceptions, training services are non-refundable. You can cancel a single session 48 hours or more in advance (via the link that was sent to you when you scheduled) in order to receive a refund for that session only. Refunds are not available for sessions cancelled within 48 hours. If a session must be moved due to illness or injury, the cost of the cancelled session may sometimes be applied to a rescheduled session in the future.
All packages are non-refundable. It is your responsibility to use sessions before expiration, and unused sessions cannot be refunded.
What vaccinations does my dog need?
All dogs must be current on their DHPP (Distemper combination) and rabies vaccinations. Puppies that are too young to complete a full series must have received their initial DHPP vaccine a week prior to starting training services and remain current with age. Kennel cough, influenza, and other vaccines are not required by MESSY Dog Training, but may still be recommended for your dog, so check with your veterinarian.
What training equipment do I need? Is there any equipment I can't use?
All dogs and owners will need a clicker, tasty treats, a 4-6 foot leash, and an appropriate collar or harness. Clickers are included in all initial classes and consults. Allowable collars are flat buckle collars, martingales, head halters, or harnesses.
Prong collars, choke collars, shock collars, and other collars designed to deliver a correction are not allowed when training with MESSY Dog Training. It's OK if you are currently using those tools - we will show you how to work without them in the future.
Do I have to carry the clicker and treats around forever?
Nope! The clicker is a communication tool, used to assist in training. Treats (or other rewards) are used to build your relationship with your dog and create great positive associations with the training you are doing. Once your dog has learned a behavior, the clicker has done its job, and treats can be varied. We work hard to ensure treats are not used as a bribe, so that your dog will respond even when treats aren't in your hand.
Why do you charge for a consultation when some trainers offer free consultations?
We charge for consultations because we do more than simply set up a meeting to try and sell you our services. A consultation with us means an experienced trainer will be asking questions and noting critical information that will shape the custom training plan designed for your individual dog. The trainer will also spend time writing up the history of your dog and observations that can be referenced in the future, or even sent to your veterinarian when working on a behavior case that might need medication. In addition, the trainer will work with you at the consultation to develop a training plan for the future, if needed, and show you how to get started with training! Our consultations are 90 minutes because we include the information gathering, plan developing, and actual training parts of the process all in one. You'll finish a consultation session with the knowledge and skills of how to start changing your dog's behavior right away!
With few exceptions, training services are non-refundable. You can cancel a single session 48 hours or more in advance (via the link that was sent to you when you scheduled) in order to receive a refund for that session only. Refunds are not available for sessions cancelled within 48 hours. If a session must be moved due to illness or injury, the cost of the cancelled session may sometimes be applied to a rescheduled session in the future.
All packages are non-refundable. It is your responsibility to use sessions before expiration, and unused sessions cannot be refunded.
What vaccinations does my dog need?
All dogs must be current on their DHPP (Distemper combination) and rabies vaccinations. Puppies that are too young to complete a full series must have received their initial DHPP vaccine a week prior to starting training services and remain current with age. Kennel cough, influenza, and other vaccines are not required by MESSY Dog Training, but may still be recommended for your dog, so check with your veterinarian.
What training equipment do I need? Is there any equipment I can't use?
All dogs and owners will need a clicker, tasty treats, a 4-6 foot leash, and an appropriate collar or harness. Clickers are included in all initial classes and consults. Allowable collars are flat buckle collars, martingales, head halters, or harnesses.
Prong collars, choke collars, shock collars, and other collars designed to deliver a correction are not allowed when training with MESSY Dog Training. It's OK if you are currently using those tools - we will show you how to work without them in the future.
Do I have to carry the clicker and treats around forever?
Nope! The clicker is a communication tool, used to assist in training. Treats (or other rewards) are used to build your relationship with your dog and create great positive associations with the training you are doing. Once your dog has learned a behavior, the clicker has done its job, and treats can be varied. We work hard to ensure treats are not used as a bribe, so that your dog will respond even when treats aren't in your hand.
Why do you charge for a consultation when some trainers offer free consultations?
We charge for consultations because we do more than simply set up a meeting to try and sell you our services. A consultation with us means an experienced trainer will be asking questions and noting critical information that will shape the custom training plan designed for your individual dog. The trainer will also spend time writing up the history of your dog and observations that can be referenced in the future, or even sent to your veterinarian when working on a behavior case that might need medication. In addition, the trainer will work with you at the consultation to develop a training plan for the future, if needed, and show you how to get started with training! Our consultations are 90 minutes because we include the information gathering, plan developing, and actual training parts of the process all in one. You'll finish a consultation session with the knowledge and skills of how to start changing your dog's behavior right away!