Do you offer refunds or guarantees?
All sessions are non-refundable and have a 24-hour cancellation policy. UmeMama asks that you are committed to the time that you agree on. Dog training is a process of teamwork and collaboration, and due to the many variables involved in the training of your dog, including owner commitment, consistency, and doing your homework, it would be unethical for me to offer a guarantee. If you are consistent with your dog, you will see results and transformations.
How long will it take to train my dog?
That depends on the dog and your level of involvement. Staying consistent to with my training suggestions will be the most important part.
Do you use e-collars or prong collars?
UmeMama doesn't use equipment or training methods which employ physical corrections, as it's possible these tools can have an adverse effect on your dog's behavior. Dogs learn through association, so it's possible that your dog might associate the pinch or vibration of a collar with outside stimulus- the person walking by, another dog, an unfamiliar sound. I prefer to teach a dog a new behavior, such as loose leash walking or heel, working on a strong recall, or teaching behaviors incongruous with barking. Here is a great study on the use of shock collars.
Will you come to my house, or do we meet somewhere?
Ume Mama trainers come directly to you! If there is an issue that needs to be addressed outside your home, a training session can also be set up at a different location.
On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals
by Turid Rugaas
Don't Shoot the Dog!
by Karen Pryor
What do I do.. When my dog pulls? (DVD)
by Turid Rugaas