Frequently Asked Questions
Clear, direct answers about our methods, programs, and policies.
Pricing & Evaluation
How much does the training cost?
Obedience is $1,750, Aggression Prevention is $3,500, and Protection Training is $7,500. Boarding is $150/night. All programs start with a $50 evaluation which is fully credited toward your program.
Why do I have to pay for an evaluation?
The $50 evaluation filters for serious owners and covers a 30-minute in-depth behavioral diagnosis. If you proceed with any training track, the $50 is instantly credited toward the total cost.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. We understand premium training is an investment. We offer structured payment plans (typically 2-4 installments) via credit card or e-transfer depending on the program length.
Methods & Philosophy
Do you use e-collars (shock collars)?
Yes. We use modern, low-level e-collars for off-leash communication and reliability. It is a pressure tool, not a punishment tool. The dog is thoroughly conditioned to understand the collar before it is ever used in the real world.
Are you positive-only trainers?
No. We use a balanced methodology. We heavily use food, praise, and play to teach new behaviors. However, we also use fair, clear corrections to stop dangerous or unwanted behaviors like lunging and biting.
Do you use the 'Alpha' or 'Pack Leader' method?
We do not believe in physical domination or 'alpha rolling' dogs, as this often builds fear. We believe in providing clear structure, rules, and boundaries so the dog looks to you for direction.
Aggression & Reactivity
Will you take a dog with a bite history?
Yes. Aggression rehabilitation is one of our primary specializations. We work with dogs that other trainers refuse, including those with human and dog bite histories.
Are certain breeds banned from your facility?
No. We evaluate the dog in front of us, not the breed label. We regularly work with restricted breeds, powerful molossers, and terriers. We comply with all Ontario DOLA requirements for handling.
Is my aggressive dog fixable?
Most aggression is a symptom of fear, frustration, or lack of structure—which is highly treatable. However, some genetic issues cannot be 'cured', only managed. The $50 evaluation is where we give you a brutally honest prognosis.
Protection Training
Is protection dog training legal in Ontario?
Yes, personal protection dog training is legal in Ontario when conducted by a licensed trainer. However, owners bear strict liability under the Dog Owners' Liability Act.
Can any dog be a protection dog?
No. Approximately 80% of dogs fail our protection evaluation. The dog must have stable nerves, clear-headed defensive drive, and social neutrality. Breeds like working-line Malinois and German Shepherds are standard.
Will protection training make my dog aggressive to my family?
No. A true protection dog is explicitly trained to be socially neutral and safe around the handler's family. We build controlled defensive responses that you can activate and deactivate on command.
Board & Train vs Boarding
What is the difference between Boarding and Board & Train?
Boarding ($150/night) is premium care with daily routine reinforcement for existing clients or stable dogs. Board & Train is an intensive residential training program where we build behaviors from scratch over 3-6 weeks.
Can I visit my dog during a Board & Train?
Usually, no. Visits disrupt the dog's immersion and reset their state of mind, delaying progress. We provide regular video and photo updates so you can watch their transformation remotely.
Will my dog forget me?
Never. Dogs have incredible long-term memory. When they see you at the handler-transfer session, they will be thrilled—but they will also bring their newly installed respect and manners to the interaction.
Service Area & Logistics
Do you travel to my house?
Yes. Many of our day-training programs include mobile, in-home sessions. We travel across the GTA including Toronto, Scarborough, Markham, Vaughan, Mississauga, and Durham region.
Is there a travel fee?
Programs within our primary service area (Scarborough, Toronto, Markham, Pickering) have no travel fee. Extended areas may incur a standard mileage fee which will be explicitly stated before you sign.
Where is your facility located?
Our primary residential training and boarding facility is located in Scarborough, Ontario. It is a secure, climate-controlled environment tailored specifically for working breeds.
After Training
What happens if my dog regresses?
Dogs only regress when the handler fails to maintain the standard. During the handler-transfer phase, we teach you exactly how to maintain the training. We also offer refresher sessions for our graduates.
Do you guarantee your training?
We guarantee our system works when followed. We cannot guarantee human consistency. We promise to give you a fully functional dog and the exact mechanics to keep them that way.
Still Have Questions?
The best way to get specific answers about your dog is an in-person evaluation.
Book Evaluation — $50