FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:  Which training program is right for my dog?

A:  As a general rule, the following training programs are best for dogs meeting the standard criteria listed:

If you have reviewed the above training programs and are still unsure which class is best for you, please feel free to contact us.

Q: Your website shows your next class starts [date]. Do you have any earlier openings?

A: All class dates listed are the earliest available. All earlier class have been filled. Students who register and pay for classes are automatically placed on the waiting list for earlier openings.

As openings become available, we contact students who have registered and paid and make those openings available to them. There is no guarantee that earlier openings will become available and we are unable to advise students of their "position" on the waiting list.

Q: Where are your classes located?

A: Our classes are located in McKinley Park in East Sacramento. Map and Directions

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Q: Is my dog too old to train?

A: No. Your dog, whether 2, 6 or 10 is able to learn new skills. The older the dog, the more work it may take to unlearn old habits, but they can and do learn new skills just as easily as puppies, with the added benefit of a longer attention span! The only age-related obstacle in training a dog would be physical limitations such as arthritis.

Q: Can I observe a class before signing up?

A: Of course! We encourage and welcome people to observe our classes. Because training your dog requires a significant commitment on your part, you should be comfortable with the instructors and methods used. You also can gain a good sense of the quality of the instructors and classes by observing other students and their dogs.

Please leave your dog at home when you come to observe, so you can focus your full attention on the lessons being taught.

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Q: Can I make up classes that I've missed?

A: There are no make-up classes for missed group training sessions. We provide a secure website for enrolled students with access to the handouts for group classes so that students who miss a class can download the exercises for that week. Students who miss multiple classes will be required to re-enroll and pay for another class to resume their training.

Regular attendance is critical to the success of any obedience class. We strongly encourage dog owners to review their schedules carefully before registering for class.

Q: Do you use treats in your training?

A: Yes. When used correctly, food rewards create dogs who are well-behaved and eager to comply. 4Paws University educates dog owners how to use food as a reward, and not as a bribe. We also teach owners how to use and manage other rewards, such as attention and play, to create a dog who listens whether or not food is present.

Adult dogs perform down-stay with owners' treats placed in front

Old myths claim that food rewards cause aggression or that the dog is only compliant when food is presented beforehand. In fact, thousands of dogs trained with food rewards compete at the highest level of competition every year, including police work and obedience and agility, where food is not allowed in the ring.

For more, read Training with Food

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Q: Do you use clickers?

A: Clickers are not our primary tool in training classes or behavior consultations however clickers are a very useful tool in many situations and we may recommend their use from time to time.  Students who prefer to work with a clicker or would like to learn more about the use of a clicker are encouraged to do so. Read more about clicker training PDF

Q: Can my family attend classes with me?

A: Because successfully training your dog involves the whole family, we encourage all of the family members to participate.

With respect to children, you are the best judge of whether your child is old enough and mature enough to attend classes and not be a distraction to you or disruption to others.  However, for safety reasons no children under the age of 12 will be permitted to handle the dogs in class. 4Paws may decide to exclude older children from handling the dog in class.

You will be responsible for the supervision and behavior of your child at all times while on the training site. Before attending classes with your children, they should understand the Rules of Dog Safety. 

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Will you train my dog for me?

A: Yes! If you are not interested in learning the training process (not everyone enjoys this aspect of dog ownership) or have limited time during the week for training but still want a well-behaved dog, we can come to your home and train your dog while you are at work. We then meet with you at the end of each training week to teach you how to get your dog to comply and how to maintain the training! Learn more.

Q: Can you train my dog to be a service dog?

A: We do not offer specialized training for service dogs. However, our obedience programs can build a solid foundation on which your dog will need to become a service dog. For referrals to organizations that do offer service dog training, please contact us.

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Q: Do you guarantee your training?

A: As members of the Certification Council For Professional Dog Trainers and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, we are committed to performing our services within the Code of Ethics of those organizations. Consistent with those codes, we do not give guarantees regarding the outcome of training. However, we hold very high standards in our trainers and training services. We will make every effort to ensure your satisfaction with our services.

Job Michael Evans, one of the original Monks of New Skete, stated:

"Trainers who use the unqualified term 'guaranteed' in their advertising or other promotional efforts do a disservice to the profession, since there is no sure way to 'guarantee' the cooperation and performance of three separate living beings:  the trainer, the client, and the canine student.  Similarly, implied magical methods or cures are unethical and misleading to the public."

As with any training program, your ultimate success will depend on your commitment and effort.

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Q: If I have a problem outside of class, can I call you?

A: You can call or email our trainers with questions or problems you are experiencing outside of class.

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