Frequently Asked Questions
What methods of training do you use and how do they pertain to your teaching?
We use training methods that follow these principles:
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positive reinforcement training
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reward-based training methods
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force-free training methods
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desensitization and counter conditioning of problem behaviors
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consent training in husbandry
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We believe in AVOIDING the wrong behavior, INTERRUPTING it IF it still happens (opposed to CORRECTING, which involves punishment), and REWARDING a replacement behavior
We believe in leadership being built through good guidance and structure, not dominance or authority. We will lead our companions through life, by teaching them that they can trust us in our decisions and that listening to us will have a great, rewarding outcome (using regular and real-life rewards).
Tools we are using:
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flat collar or harness
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front clip harness (we sell Freedom® harnesses)
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head halter (we sell Gentle Leader® head halters)
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regular leash
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treats (most handy in the class setting, but for in-home we recommend lots of other ways to reward as well)
Tools we will NOT use:
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choke chain
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prong collar
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e-collar
* We do accept owners using a prong collar or choke chain initially for safety and control, but not as a training aid to correct a dog.
Doesn’t using just Positive Reinforcement make naughty behaviors worse?
There’s a common misconception that rewarding a dog in the presence of a problem behavior - especially things like barking, jumping, or reactivity- might reinforce or “make the behavior worse.” But when positive reinforcement is used correctly, it does not reinforce the problem behavior - it helps change it by teaching the dog what to do instead.
Here's a clear explanation of why positive reinforcement does not make problem behaviors worse, and how it helps solve them:
1. We’re Reinforcing the Behavior We Want - Not the Problem Behavior
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When used properly, positive reinforcement rewards the alternative, appropriate behavior, not the problem behavior
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Example: If a dog barks at the door and we wait for a second of silence before giving a treat, we are reinforcing quiet behavior - not the barking
2. Dogs Repeat Behaviors That Work
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Problem behaviors like jumping, barking, or pulling often happen because they work—they’ve been unintentionally reinforced (e.g., attention, access, or excitement)
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Positive reinforcement training interrupts this cycle by teaching a replacement behavior that’s more rewarding and clearer
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Jumping? → Teach "sit to greet" instead
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Barking? → Teach “look at me” or “go to mat” for calm attention
3. Positive Reinforcement Builds Emotional Safety
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Many behavior issues (especially fear or aggression) are rooted in stress, fear, or insecurity
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Punishing a fearful dog often worsens the problem
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Positive reinforcement helps dogs feel safer and more in control, reducing anxiety-based behavior over time
4. Timing and Criteria Matter
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We don’t reinforce while the problem behavior is happening - we wait for the moment the dog offers a more desirable behavior (even a split second!)
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Training helps the dog learn what behavior earns the reward, rather than accidentally reinforcing the problem behavior
5. Reinforcement Teaches, Not Excuses
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Positive reinforcement isn’t about “ignoring the bad and hoping for the best”
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It’s a structured process of capturing and rewarding better choices
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For example, if a dog jumps to get attention, we wait for four paws on the floor - then reward. This teaches that calm behavior = success
Why Choose Positive Reinforcement in Dog Training?
1️. Science-Backed & Ethical
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Based on the principles of behavioral science and learning theory
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Recognized by modern veterinary behaviorists, animal behavior researchers, and leading training organizations (like the IAABC, AVSAB, and APDT)
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It’s a humane, kind, and force-free approach that promotes trust and cooperation, not fear
2️. Strengthens the Human-Canine Bond
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Dogs learn to trust and enjoy working with people
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Training becomes a shared activity, building mutual respect and stronger relationships
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Owners become partners, not enforcers, in the training process
3️. Encourages Confident, Willing Learners
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Dogs trained with positive reinforcement are more enthusiastic, engaged, and motivated
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They learn to offer behaviors rather than fear doing something wrong
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Especially effective for shy, fearful, or reactive dogs who need confidence-building
4️. Long-Term Behavior Change
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Reward-based methods teach dogs what to do, rather than just suppressing unwanted behavior
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Positive reinforcement creates reliable, repeatable behaviors and better generalization in different environments
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Training remains effective because dogs enjoy learning and practicing the behaviors
5️. Minimizes Fear and Stress
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Avoids punishment, intimidation, or physical corrections
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Helps dogs feel safe, relaxed, and in control during training sessions
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Supports emotional well-being, especially critical for dogs in shelters or with trauma histories
6️. Better for the Whole Family
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Safe and accessible for children, seniors, or new pet owners to use
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Encourages family involvement in training without risk of harm or confusion
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Helps create a consistent and positive home environment for the dog
Do you give discounts for military / seniors / rescue dogs?
Our discounts are for everybody! The Packages have a discounted rate per class and give you the best savings. First choose your package and then use the purchased class credits to pay for any specific class you sign up for.
We also offer a "Pre-Registration Discount" for when you sign up and pay in advance. You'll find the pre-registration discount code online before you choose a class in the top description.
Another way to save is our "Second Class Discount". You can use this discount when you sign up for an additional class for the same household while you're enrolled in a class. You'll receive the second class discount code in your class from your instructor.
We do offer a 25% discount for dogs adopted from the Matanuska Susitna Animal Care facility, Forget Me Not Animal Rescue, AK Beagle Ranch, and Best Friends Animal Rescue. You will be provided a coupon at time of adoption.
You can also always call the office and ask them about our packages or to get the code for your online registration.
How often do your group classes run?
Each class runs for 6 weeks, once a week. All sessions are full 60-minute sessions, with additional time between different classes for switch-over and questions to the instructor.
We start classes every month, some classes being offered every month, some every other month and some only infrequently. Our beginner manners classes - Puppy 1 for dogs up to 5 months and Foundation Class for dogs 6 months and older - are scheduled to start every month.
What is Open Play Time?
During Open Play Time you come with your dog for one hour of play, either in our arena or, weather permitting, in our fenced grass field outside. All owners stay with their dogs for play time, meet and socialize and learn from our supervisors how to keep all dogs happy and safe by intervening where needed and how.
Do you offer private lessons and how does that work?
We offer two different kinds of private lessons:
30 minute Privates and 1 Hour Private Lessons. All private lessons can only be booked through the office, not online.
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30 Minute Private Lessons are $60
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1 Hour Private Lessons are $100
Private Lessons can be used for a variety of training options - from loose leash walking, recall, problem behaviors in home, to behavior modification things like reactivity and aggression.
We do not sell private lesson packages, as the amount of lessons will be dependent upon your training and the reason for the private lessons.
For Virtual Private Lessons, please contact us at 907-357-2521 to discuss.
What does the Package Add-On "STAR Puppy" entail?
The abbreviation S.T.A.R.® stands for Socialization, Training, Activity and a Responsible owner. This is a program offered through the AKC (American Kennel Club®) and can be added on to your class if your puppy will join our Puppy 1 - Preschool AND Puppy 2 - Kindergarten class, or the Foundation Class (for dogs under 1 year of age). The program rewards responsible dog owners who take the time to train and socialize their new puppy. The class instructor (all our instructors are also CGC®-Evaluators) will mark you and your puppy off for 20 different items and at the end of Puppy 2 class you'll receive the paperwork to send to AKC.
*AKC does charge an additional small fee when you send your forms in.
What does Positive Reinforcement Training mean?
That means that we focus on rewarding the dog's GOOD behavior rather than punishing bad behaviors. In traditional correction-based training the handler waits for the dog to make a mistake and then punishes it immediately, trying to decrease the unwanted behavior. This can be a leash jerk when the dog pulls on the leash, or when the dog does NOT sit immediately.
At our facility we help handlers to be one step ahead by AVOIDING unwanted behavior, and at the same time establishing a new behavior that we want them to show instead. We reward the WANTED behavior to increase the likelihood of the dog repeating that behavior, which is called positive reinforcement. This can be a treat for being with you when on leash or feeding them their meal for sitting politely.
What training tools will I need for my class?
We don't require any fancy or special equipment. Just a regular flat collar with detachable leash and something to reward your dog will be all. During class the easiest reward that can be given repeatedly and quickly is a treat. You'll learn about other rewards as well, but for the class environment, the treat has proven to work best. Because the class is a very distracting learning environment, we recommend using high value treats, like cooked chicken, smoked salmon, liver treats, cheese or hot dogs.
Other training tools could be a treat pouch, a gentle anti-pull device (Gentle Leader® head halter, Freedom® Harness) or a book we recommend.
If you are using anything specific right now to control your dog, bring it to class! We want you to FEEL safe about controlling your dog in this high arousal environment. Then we can decide together if there are other, maybe better ways to control your dog.
My dog might come in heat - can I still sign up for your services?
CLASSES: Yes! We do allow intact dogs and females in heat at all our classes. Females in heat should wear some kind of panties, to avoid smearing the blood on the floor.
OPEN PLAY TIMES: Dogs over 10 months should be neutered or spayed when joining our playgroups. That means females could come into heat once before that cut-off date. If you suspect your dog is coming into heat, please do not bring them to our playgroups. After the heat, wait another week, give them a good bath of their behind, and then they can come back to play.
What happens if I must miss a class?
If your dog is sick or hurt and unable to attend, you can still come to class without your dog! You will see how the exercises are taught and executed, and this will help you understand reading up in your class folder (curriculum). We will also talk about the weekly feature, helping you with situations in your home environment.
If you miss the first week of Puppy 1 or Foundation Class, there might be the option of joining another class that starts around the same time. Because these classes start week 1 without the dogs, you can easily join another class instead.
If you miss any week (or more), you have several choices:
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You can always look at the written curriculum folder you have received in week 1, to check out what exercises you missed and what the homework assignments are, including how to prepare for the next week. Remind the instructor the next week that you missed last week, and they make sure to give you some extra attention when explaining an exercise that builds on the last week.
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You can book some additional instructor time just for you and your dog. This can help not only to catch you up on things, but also to ask questions specific to your situation. We offer 30 minute and full hour private lessons - just contact our office and they can schedule that for you!
We do not allow dogs to make up a missed class in another group of dogs. This is very disruptive for the other dogs and would bring us over the maximum number of dogs in a full class.
If you had/have to quit a class for good reasons and talk to us about this while it happens, we might offer you to repeat the class later at a discounted fee. Just communicate with us about this immediately!
Are there any other questions you'd like to see answered on our web page under this column? What did you or are you struggling with to understand? Email us and we'll add your suggestions to our new FAQ page!
Enjoy the Journey of Dog Training!