Question 1

What is balanced dog training?

Accepted Answer

Balanced dog training uses all four quadrants of operant conditioning: positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment and negative punishment. This means we use rewards (treats, praise) when your dog does well AND corrections when needed. Unlike positive-only training, we don't limit ourselves to one quadrant. This approach creates reliable, real-world obedience—not just treats-for-tricks training.

Question 2

How long does dog training take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your goals and your dog's issues. Basic obedience typically takes 4-6 weeks. Behaviour modification for aggression or reactivity can take 8-12 weeks. Puppy training is ongoing until 12-18 months old. We provide realistic timelines during your initial consultation—no false promises or 'quick fixes'.

Question 3

How much does dog training cost?

Accepted Answer

1-on-1 training starts from $140-$250 per session depending on the service. Packages (3-6 sessions) offer better value. Group classes are $210-$450 for multi-week programmes. E-collar training packages start from $1,750. See our Services page for detailed pricing or contact us for a custom quote.

Question 4

Can you fix aggressive dogs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we specialise in aggression. However, 'fixing' aggression means managing and reducing it through boundaries, corrections and counter-conditioning—not just treating it away. Auckland Council data shows 2,864 attacks per year, most from dogs whose owners tried positive-only methods. We use balanced training because it actually works for serious aggression.

Question 5

Do you use e-collars?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when appropriate. Modern e-collars are communication tools, not punishment devices. They provide gentle sensations (like a TENS machine) at low levels, allowing off-leash reliability and recall even with high distractions. We condition dogs properly—they're never 'shocked' or hurt. E-collars save lives by creating reliable recall.

Question 6

When should I start training my puppy?

Accepted Answer

Immediately. From 8 weeks old, your puppy is learning—the question is whether they're learning good habits or bad ones. Start with toilet training, crate training, bite inhibition and handling. Formal obedience can start at 12-16 weeks. Don't wait until problems develop.

Question 7

Do you come to our home or do we come to you?

Accepted Answer

Both! 1-on-1 training usually happens at your home so your dog learns in their actual environment. Group classes and some behaviour modification sessions are at our training facility. We also do real-world training at your local parks, beaches and shopping areas.

Question 8

What's your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

24 hours notice required or you lose that session credit. We understand emergencies happen—just give us as much notice as possible. No-shows without notice lose the session with no refund or reschedule.

Question 9

Can old dogs change? My dog is 8 years old.

Accepted Answer

Yes. 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks' is nonsense. Older dogs often learn FASTER because they're calmer and more focused. Age isn't the issue—ingrained habits are. An 8-year-old dog with 8 years of reinforced bad behaviour takes longer to retrain, but it's absolutely possible. We've trained 12-year-old dogs successfully.

Question 10

What are Auckland's new dog laws in 2025?

Accepted Answer

Key changes: $300 fines for unregistered dogs (up from $300), walking limits (4 dogs max, only 2 off-leash) starting January 2026, new beach/park access rules from August 2025, and increased impoundment fees. Auckland Council is cracking down after 16,739 roaming dog reports in one year.

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MOST POPULAR QUESTIONS

What is balanced dog training?

How long does dog training take?

Are e-collars safe?

When should I start training my puppy?

What are Auckland's new dog laws in 2025?

Still Have Questions?

DOG TRAINING FAQs

NO BS ANSWERS TO YOUR DOG TRAINING QUESTIONS

BROWSE BY CATEGORY

General Dog Training FAQs

Services & Pricing FAQs

Training Methods FAQs

E-Collar Training FAQs

Puppy Training FAQs

Behaviour Problems FAQs

Auckland-Specific FAQs

Logistics & Booking FAQs

MOST POPULAR QUESTIONS

What is balanced dog training?

How long does dog training take?

Are e-collars safe?

When should I start training my puppy?

What are Auckland's new dog laws in 2025?

Still Have Questions?