FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should you choose Cathie's Canine Connection & Co. Inc., to assist you with your dog training goals?

We are educated & certified professionals.

We are committed to ethical, humane & fear free training.

We set everyone up for success, both the dog and humans, and our classes are FUN!

We use Positive Reinforcement training, applying the most current Science & Reward based training methods.

Click >>> here <<< to read the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour (A.V.S.A.B.) position statement on how to choose a dog trainer.

How much experience do you have?

We have, all combined, decades of education and hands on experience to bring to you.

Do you have credentials?

Credentials refer to academic or educational qualifications for a particular profession, and standards that must be upheld to maintain these.

All of our trainers have worked very hard to receive their credentials from highly regarded and recognized governing bodies, proving a solid measure of knowledge in the practice of applying scientific principals in dog training, as well as hands on experience utilizing humane and ethical practices.

Unfortunately, to date, the dog training industry itself remains unregulated, therefore anyone can call themselves a dog trainer and charge whatever they want, and use any training method, including physical punishment.

Dog training is so expensive. Why is that?

The expression you get what you pay for definitely does not apply here!

As referenced above regarding credentials.... dog training is an unregulated industry, so anyone can call themselves a dog trainer, and charge whatever exuberant rates they want, even offering lifetime guarantees and when consumers pay these fees, it increases the current market rate overall.

We believe, with our credentials and overall investment of time and money in education, as well the costs of operating, that our rates are modest and fair.

Why can't I just give you my dog to train?

1. Dogs do not generalize well. What this means is that they don't understand that a cued behaviour they learned in a specific place, with a specific handler, will also apply when given by YOU at home, outside it, etc. The way to learn from you is WITH you.

Why do you use food in training? Isn't praise enough?

If your employer decided to praise you verbally, instead of giving you a paycheque, would you be motivated to keep working for that employer?

Food is directly linked with survival, so it is extremely valuable when used as a reinforcer for preferred behaviours. Rewarding dogs for preferred behaviours with food, increases dogs’ willingness and ability to learn, and makes training an enjoyable activity to engage in together. It also makes you pretty awesome! The frequency of food rewards is high at the start of learning, and is reduced over time when the dog has successfully learned the desired behaviour.

Feeding a dog it’s kibble in a food bowl is literally hundreds of wasted daily opportunities to reward it with something it loves, food, for doing something for you!

Think of paying your dog with food for a job well done. He'll want to keep working for you.

How Many Sessions will I need to train my dog.

There is no set time that training takes. There are so many variables. Training requires a commitment, having clear goals, making time to practice and consistency. One may only want to teach the dog a few basic behaviours, and be done with it, and another may really enjoy training and will continue on, as long as the dog and his person continue to enjoy it. Dog sports are great for this!

Should I take classes or do private one on one training?

In part, this may depend on what you are more comfortable with, but especially your dog.

In one on one private training the trainer is dedicated to only you and your dog, and specific needs. Private training begins with an initial 90 minute consultation. Book your initial consultation here.

A group dog training class is shared space with other guardians and their dogs, following a set curriculum and so there is little time for individual coaching.

A group class can also be a very challenging environment for some dogs, be it fearful or overly excited. We at Cathie's Canine Connection have provisions for this by way of placing visual barriers between the dogs. Check out our group classes here.

If you are not sure which option is best for you and your dog, give us a call @ 604-505-8680 and we'll be happy to chat and decide together with you.

Do you offer dog daycare, or boarding?

Yes, Cathie's Canine Connection Inc. does offering dog boarding. Your dog will stay in Cathie's own private home in New Westminster, and will have companionship, with her, her husband David, and their dog Coco belle, a 9 year old Field Spaniel. That's her nose in the picture above!

The number of dogs in care is limited to 2. This will ensure your dog get lots of one on one attention, and love. Click here for more details about boarding with Cathie.

We do not offer daycare. We strongly believe that dog daycare and group dog boarding is not suitable for most dogs. These environments put a lot of social pressure on unknown dogs to meet and get along, and staff , (while advertised as educated …one or two webinars does not quantify), are often not knowledgable, and lack sufficient experience to manage the dynamics of multi dog groups.

If you want to give your dog a break from being home, where he is usually sleeping when you are out, perhaps consider a professional dog walker. If you are looking for a qualified, professional, licensed and insured dog walker, send us an email, and we'll be happy to share some resources with you.

Do you offer any guarantee for your training services?

We do not offer any guarantee of results in our training, nor should any trainer. There are way too many variables that can affect a dog's progress in training, or lack there of, most of which 100 % depends on the handler / guardian.

Offering guarantees is not only unrealistic, but it is also unethical too. According to the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers Code of Ethics, certficants must "refrain from providing guarantees regarding the specific outcome of training."