Just the FAQs
We've got answers!
What is an e-collar and how does it work?
An “e-collar” is basically a collar with a stimulation mechanism (similar to an electric fence collar). The collar is controlled by a remote that the handler holds. The remote allows you to maintain full control of your dog for up to 400 yards! Therefore, it gives your dog a lot of freedom and it saves you from worrying about your dog running off! It is not used as a punishment or a “shock” as many people assume, it is simply used as a training device for communicating with your dog. It produces a subtle electrical current between two contact points located on the collar. In the old days this type of collar was used as “shock collar” and many inexperienced dog owners tried to use this device to scare their dog into submission. In the proven training method we teach, your dog is never “shocked into submission” or abused. Unlike a shocking device, the e-collar is used to get the dog’s attention and keep it focused on listening to the handler. It is the equivalents of someone tapping your shoulder to get your attention, or setting your phone on vibrate so it will get your attention when someone is calling you. We teach the dog to listen to those “taps” and that the “taps” mean, “I am trying to get your attention.”
Las Vegas K9 recently switched to using e-collars on their service dogs about two years ago. Shortly thereafter, they took ‘top dog’ and ‘top agency’ at the Western States Canine Trials! Their obedience to the commands became faster, sharper, and instant because the dogs know exactly what is expected of them when given the commands! During the trials, the dogs are not allowed to wear the e-collars!
There is a reason that the top law enforcement agencies, military, and top federal agencies: patrol, detection, and search and rescue dogs are trained using e-collars!
Will the e-collar hurt my dog?
No. During our first meeting we will put the e-collar on your arm and you will feel how mild the stimulation is. We will also stimulate ourselves with the e-collar to show you that it will not hurt your dog. One common misconception is the e-collar will burn their skin. This is false. Other people think that it is like being shocked with a taser, this is also false. We are dog trainers because we LOVE dogs and we would never do anything to harm them in any way! Furthermore, we would never do anything to a dog, that we will not do ourselves.
Will my dog always have to wear the e-collar?
No. Your dog will not always have to wear the e-collar. In fact, inside your home, your dog will quickly be listening to your every command without the e-collar on. However, We always recommend putting the e-collar on your dog before you take it outside off-leash. This is due to the fact that you never know what may get your dog’s attention, so, you still want to be able to maintain complete control of your dog. It’s like an invisible leash. We often compare your pet wearing the collar outside to a child wearing a seat belt. Parents drill into their children the importance of wearing a seat belt each and every time they get into a car. That one time the child doesn’t wear the seat belt could be that one time they are in a car accident and a seat belt would have prevented injury. It only takes one time for you dog to see something that really catches their attention and without the collar, you have no way to stop him/her.
Will my dog hate wearing the e-collar?
“No! Almost everyone is VERY surprised that they receive quite the OPPOSITE reaction from their dog. When you turn an e-collar on, it beeps. In a very short time, your dog will recognize this “beep” as their collar being turned on. Almost every dog upon hearing this beep, will come running and sit down in front of you and wait for you to put it on them. Why? Because the dog knows the e-collar means that they are going outside (to run, play ball, be free, etc) AND they know they are going to do training! A bored dog is a destructive dog; a trained/exercised dog is a HAPPY dog. They look forward to their training sessions because it stimulates them and gives them something to do. Imagine being at work on a slow day, the day drags and you feel sluggish. When you are busy, it goes by fast and you are energized! Now imagine a dog with no friends, no Facebook, no television, and no internet. Their only REAL stimulation is the training you give them and their time outside to run, play, and bond with you!”
Where do we conduct these private sessions?
Our Obedience package lessons are held at our Scranton/Peckville Facility, located at 1503 Main St. Peckville, PA 18452) Suite #2 (Use 1536 for GPS) We also have in-home packages where we come to your location. Email or call us for location information. ([email protected] or 877-655-9722).
Generally, we do not like to train dogs inside the house! Why? It is easy for dogs to listen when they are in their own home. It is a familiar environment, if your pet trains in an unfamiliar environment, with countless distractions, they will listen to your commands anywhere.
How much time per day do I need to train my dog?
The great thing about this training is that you don’t have to set a specific amount of time aside per day in order to train your dog! We will teach you how to incorporate this training into your daily routine.
How long will this training take?
Basic Obedience is generally done in FOUR lessons.
Lesson 1: “Come” and “Sit.” Off-Leash
Lesson 2: “Extended Sit” and “Down.” Extended sit meaning your dog will sit until you release it
Lesson 3: “Place” and “Extended Down.” Place meaning your dog will sit on a specific object you point to (chair, bench, etc)
Lesson 4: “Loose Leash Walking.” Meaning, your dog will walk right beside you while on a leash.
If you are interested in advanced obedience after you and your dog has completed the basic obedience, it is also available!
At what age can we start e-collar training?
Generally, we do not start e-collar training on a dog until it is at least 5 months old.
What if I have a puppy that is not 5 months old?
Not a problem! We can still train your pup using the clicker/treat method! This will give your new pup a good foundation for basic obedience! Additionally, We can teach you how to house train your puppy. He/ she will learn how to let you know they need to go. So they don’t continue having accidents in the house.
What is clicker training?
A clicker is a small device that makes a distinct “click” noise. This is used to instantly mark the desired behavior. Then, it is immediately followed with a treat! This enables the dog to learn the commands much faster because you are instantly “marking” the correct behavior. In return, the dog knows it has not done what you are asking it to do until it hears the distinct “click.”
What if I have a small dog?
That is fine! E-Collar training works on a dog of ANY SIZE, ANY SHAPE, and ANY AGE (above 5 months).
Do you offer a guarantee?
Yes! We are so confident in this system, that if you are not completely amazed and 100% satisfied in the first lesson, the lesson is free! No questions asked!
Will my dog benefit from this training?
Your dog will benefit tremendously! Most behavior problems (biting, chewing, jumping, etc) are based off of a lack of exercise, discipline, and out of boredom! With this training, your dog is receiving top-quality obedience training, which in turn, allows you to give your dog freedom to run around OFF-LEASH and play! So by doing this training your dog is not bored because it is learning and being stimulated, it is running freely off-leash so it is getting exercise, and it is getting obedience/discipline! Not only does all of this greatly benefit your dog, but it also benefits you and your family!
Remember, if you do not employ your dog and give it a job to do (training), it will become self-employed. A self-employed dog will cost YOU money!
What are your policies including refunds and cancellations?
Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk and Release
By enrolling or otherwise participating in any classes or events sponsored by Off Leash K9 Training, Lehigh Valley you are agreeing as follows:
You acknowledge that you understand that attendance at a private dog training class, event, and/or function is not without risk to yourself, to anyone who may attend with you and to your dog(s), since there may be situations and dog(s) to which you will be exposed that may be difficult to control and may be the cause of injury to persons or dogs, even when handled with the greatest amount of care and precaution.
You acknowledge that you assume all risks and full responsibility for yourself, your dog(s), and for anyone attending with you. You further agree to release and hold harmless Off Leash K9 Training, Lehigh Valley, Evan Carson, their agents, volunteers, employees, the training facility and its property owners and management for any illness, injury, or loss that you incur to yourself, to your dog(s), and to anyone attending with you. You, as the owner of the dog(s), hereby agree to secure a proper collar and leash as directed by Off Leash K9 Training, Lehigh Valley, and to wear proper clothing and shoes to permit effective training of your dog. You agree to provide proof of vaccinations if requested and understand your dog may not be admitted to class and/or a private session will not occur without such proof. You agree and pledge to abide by the statements in this waiver and will insure the same of your companions. You further agree and pledge to abide by all of the terms and conditions set forth throughout this section of the website titled “POLICIES”.
You understand that the degree to which a dog is successfully trained is a function of the interest, commitment, and cooperation of you, the owner/handler. You acknowledge and agree that there is no guarantee of what my dog will achieve in training based on the instruction given, but that you as the owner/handler of your dog(s) are responsible for teaching and training your dog(s). By typing filling out and providing your name on the registration form and submitting your application for services, you acknowledge that you have read this “Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk and Release” and agree to its terms as well as the terms and conditions set forth throughout this page of the website titled “POLICIES”. You also acknowledge that all information is complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge.
Refund Policy
Lessons:
We will provide a refund up to the start of your first session should you choose to cancel. A $25 processing fee will be applied and deducted from your payment. You must provide at least 48 hours’ notice. Refunds can take up to 14 business days and will be mailed to you via USPS or via the payment method used at the time of registration.
We will provide a refund following the first lesson provided you return the e-collar (complete with case and accessories) and training leash in undamaged and working condition. A $50 processing fee will be applied and deducted from your payment. Refunds can take up to 14 business days and will be mailed to you via USPS or via the payment method used at the time of registration.
No refunds are provided following the completion of more than one lesson. No exceptions will be made.
Board and Train Program:
We will provide a refund up to 30 days prior to the start of your Board and Train. A $175 processing fee will be applied and deducted from your payment. Refunds can take up to 14 business days and will be mailed to you via USPS or via the payment method used at the time of registration. Board and Train slots cancelled less than 30 days from the start date will not be refunded.
Postponement Policy
Lessons:
During training, if you choose to postpone your lessons, your remaining sessions will be good for a 6-month period from the time we receive written notice sent to [email protected].
Rescheduling Policy
Lessons:
You must provide at least 48 hours notice before the start time of your lesson should you need to reschedule. You can reschedule via Setmore, email ([email protected]) or call (877-655-9722). After two occurrences (reschedules), should you need to cancel, one session will be deducted from your total remaining sessions. Any rescheduling with less than 48 hours notice prior to your lesson will result in one session being deducted from your total remaining sessions.
Board and Train Program:
You must provide at least 30 days notice prior to the start of your Board and Train to reschedule which allows us to fill the time-slot. Please know that rescheduling could result in significant delays since bookings are typically scheduled more than 3 months in advance for this program.
Note: The primary trainer may, in his sole discretion, make exceptions to this policy in certain situations.
Guarantee/ Refund Policy
We offer a money back guarantee that if you are not completely satisfied after your 1st lesson, we will completely refund your money for the entire program you paid for. You must request your money back guarantee no later than the end of the 1st lesson. Once the student has enrolled in a program and the 1st lesson with the primary trainer has been completed, there shall be no refunds of tuition or enrollment fees.
NOTE: There are no refunds for a board and train program once you have dropped off your dog. We do, however, offer a lifetime warranty on the board and train program which consists of lifetime support and refresher classes as needed.
Safe Secure Transactions
At LehighValleyDogTrainers.com, you are the most important part of our business. That’s why we go to such great lengths to guarantee the security of all transactions. We use PayPal e-commerce system which is state-of-the-art technology to protect your data from unauthorized third parties.