Frequently Asked Questions

Are we the right trainers for you?

Successful training requires trust, consistency, and a willingness to continue the work at home. We use a balanced, individualized approach that combines motivation—such as food, play, and praise—with clear boundaries and fair corrections when appropriate.

Dogs in our board-and-train programs are crate trained for safety, rest, and structure. Depending on your dog and training goals, we may also recommend continuing crate routines, limiting furniture access, or practicing longer-duration commands at home. We will explain every recommendation and teach your household how to apply it consistently.

The whole family should use the same commands and rules so your dog receives a clear, predictable message. We provide the tools and homework; lasting progress depends on your family’s follow-through after graduation. Training takes work, but it should also help you enjoy more of life with your dog.

What types of tools do you use?

Every dog is different, so we choose tools according to the dog’s temperament, training goals, and progress. During pickup and follow-up lessons, we teach you how and when to use each tool safely.

Tools may include:

• Slip leads and long lines
• Food, treats, toys, and verbal or physical praise
• Herm Sprenger prong collars
• Electronic collars
• Crates and treadmills
• Rolled towels or compressed air used to interrupt behavior
• Carefully selected interactions with our own dogs or cat

We will discuss the tools recommended for your dog during the consultation and throughout training.

Does my dog need to be crate trained?

All dogs in board-and-train programs—and some dogs in private lessons—learn to rest safely in a crate. Crates provide structure, allow dogs to decompress between sessions, and help us manage dogs safely around clients and other animals. They can be especially useful for dogs working through aggression, fear, anxiety, or pushy behavior.

We generally recommend maintaining an appropriate crate routine at home after training. If your dog has never used a crate, struggles in one, or needs a gradual reintroduction, tell us before drop-off so we can provide preparation guidance.

Can you tell me about prong collars?

A properly fitted prong collar is one option we may use to create clear leash communication with relatively light handler input. It sits high on the neck and must be fitted and handled correctly. As with any training tool, poor fit or misuse can cause discomfort or injury.

We have used prong collars with dogs of many breeds and sizes, but they are not automatically appropriate for every dog. If we recommend one, we will explain why, fit it for your dog, and teach you how to use it safely. Please consult your veterinarian if your dog has a medical condition that could affect collar use.

Do you use treats and praise?

Yes. Food, play, and calm praise are important training tools, especially when building a relationship and teaching new skills. We also want dogs to respond reliably when food is not visible, so we gradually build understanding rather than relying on constant bribery.

The timing and intensity of praise matter. Some highly aroused, fearful, or reactive dogs benefit from calmer reinforcement while they learn to settle. We will show you how to reward your dog without unintentionally reinforcing unwanted behavior.

Do electronic collars shock my dog?

Electronic collars use electrical stimulation. We use modern remote collars with many adjustable levels and begin at the lowest level the dog can perceive. Our preferred models include the Dogtra 280C and Mini Educator ET-300.

Like any training tool, an electronic collar can be misused and is not appropriate for every dog. When we recommend one, we condition the dog gradually, monitor the dog’s response, and teach the owner how to use it responsibly. You are welcome to discuss concerns or alternatives during your consultation.

Can children or other family members join lessons?

Yes. Family participation helps everyone use the same commands, boundaries, and routines. We recommend that the adults and family members most involved in the dog’s care attend whenever possible.

Children are welcome when they can respect the space of dogs that may not be comfortable around children. An adult must be the primary participant during facility lessons and remain responsible for supervising children and completing the dog’s homework.

What ages and breeds do you train?

We work with dogs of many ages, breeds, and sizes—from Chihuahuas to Great Danes. Healthy older dogs can learn, too. Program eligibility depends on the individual dog’s health, temperament, and training goals rather than breed alone.

What is the difference between a service dog, therapy dog, and emotional-support animal?

• Service dog: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a service dog is individually trained to perform work or tasks directly related to a person’s disability. The ADA does not require certification, registration, a vest, or professional training. Service dogs generally have public-access rights, but handlers remain responsible for keeping them housebroken and under control. Read current ADA guidance.
• Therapy dog: A therapy dog and handler visit people in settings such as schools, hospitals, or care facilities with the facility’s permission. Therapy dogs do not have the same public-access rights as service dogs. A participating therapy organization or facility may require its own evaluation or certification.
• Emotional-support or assistance animal: Emotional-support animals are not service animals under the ADA and do not receive general public-access rights. Housing providers may need to consider a disability-related assistance-animal accommodation under the Fair Housing Act. Read current HUD guidance. Airlines are not required to treat emotional-support animals as service animals and may treat them as pets; check the airline’s current rules before travel. Read current DOT guidance.

This summary is general information, not legal advice. Rules and documentation can vary by setting and may change, so consult the relevant government agency, housing provider, facility, or airline for current requirements.

Current Stand Proud policies

• Dogs staying with us must have a recent fecal test. Tests submitted by existing clients are valid for one year.
• Arriving more than 10 minutes late for a private lesson may require rescheduling, and the appointment will count as a completed lesson.
• Arriving more than 10 minutes late for a pickup lesson may result in a late fee or rescheduling.
• Debit- and credit-card payments incur a processing fee. To avoid the fee, you may pay by Zelle, cash, or check.
• Boarding reservations require a 50% deposit at booking. If you cancel, the deposit is issued as account credit rather than a cash refund. The remaining balance is due at drop-off.
• Late fees may apply when a boarding balance remains unpaid at pickup.
• Daycare invoices are due at booking and are refundable as account credit only.
• Bring your dog’s food in a closable container.
• Follow-up lessons expire. If private lessons are not scheduled within a reasonable period, a new on-site consultation may be required.