FAQ

A. A “lifetime guarantee” looks good on paper, but honestly, it leaves us “busting” up laughing. We think it’s a very clever way to try to get a quick sale from a customer, and perhaps necessary to a company in order to reel you in, but it’s not necessary if proper instruction and training is given the first time around! It’s simply a marketing ploy, don’t be fooled. These large corporate companies that provide ‘cookie cutter’ trainers have to rely on such tactics. Here at MBF, what we guarantee is that we won’t leave your house until your dog is doing exactly what he/she is supposed to do for that lesson, no matter how long it takes, no matter what. You won’t need further instruction, beyond maintaining what your friend has learned, because we do it right the first time! (however if you ever want to call us for any reason at all, feel free to ask questions, we’re really good about holding your hand once your dog graduates J) We offer unlimited comebacks to the group classes because many people view them as a social event to mingle with other dog owners and look on them as a fun get together and means for their dogs to have ‘play-dates’. If you ever want to return to socialize your friend with a new group of dogs, you’re welcome to!

 
Q. What kind of training methods do you use?

A. We don’t use any one method for any one dog as all of them are unique and we strive to personalize. But, as a general rule, it’s simple: We praise for behavior we want (with treats in the beginning and then wean off at the end of training) and gently correct that which we don’t. You can’t imagine how many people have come to us after having hired companies that don’t use any training collars. Here, again, an example of companies that employ emotionalism, not sound training methods, to get you to buy quick. These companies are desperate and will tell you anything to sell you. They like to suggest that anything beyond a collar that would hold your dog’s tag (these are not training collars) is harsh, mean, and even “abusive.” And in rough hands, we would agree. However, we love your dog as much as you do and are true animal lovers and would never do anything to hurt, physically or emotionally, your beloved friend. We employ the perfect blend of firm, yet loving, training techniques and we are gentle with any type of collar we use. We fall right in the middle as far as training methods go---not too harsh, not to meek, just the perfect balance. We teach you how to be a dog parent that can be looked up to with respect and love, as any puppy would love its leader. The problem with companies that don’t like to discipline correctly is that they know that training method doesn’t work, which necessitates further training, which means more money in their pockets when you have to come back! They use any emotional means they can to reel you in, and then, unfortunately, you find out later that your dog’s assertiveness, which was cute as a puppy, has turned into a full blown danger because the proper training techniques were not employed during those early critical first months of training. We say shame on those companies that use emotionalism to get your business!

 
Q. What are the differences between group and in home lessons? I don’t know which way to go.

A. They both offer such valuable benefits. Honestly, many people do a combo of the two to get the advantages of both types of instruction. If this is the case, usually in home lessons are done first. Private in home lessons offer many benefits, mainly a lot of off leash work (whereas in the class, the dogs always have to be on a leash of course). Also, we can teach a lot of things at home that we can’t teach in a group, for example, boundary training (where your dog won’t bolt out of the front door, or into the street) because we don’t have your front door or driveway in a group class to teach that. Groups are very good for socializing young dogs (around 4-8 months) to interact with others and behave with distractions. Group classes, however, are a difficult forum for dogs to learn their obedience in. That is why we recommend doing some in home lessons first (so they can focus) and THEN go to a group class to make sure they’ll do everything they did at home, but THEN in the context of all those dogs and people around to distract. Group classes serve as a very nice supplement after some private training. Dogs must be at least 4 months old to join groups so they’ve had all their vaccinations, and only 8 weeks old to start in home lessons.

 
Q. What is a good age to start training?

A.The earlier the better!! Group classes can't be started until your puppy is at least 16 weeks old because they need to have all their vaccinations in order to keep them safe in a class setting. However, we start in-home private lessons at 9 weeks old! This is a perfect time to begin because your puppy is physically very manageable, bad habits haven't had a long period of time to develop, and young minds are able to learn and retain more information than when older. It's a lot easier to set good habits in motion when your dog is young than have to un-do bad habits because you waited to begin his/her education. We encourage all owners to enroll their dogs in private, in-home "kindergarten" starting around 9 weeks old.