General
Q: What services do you provide?
A:
We offer primarily Training and Behaviour Modification for dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds.
Additional services include Workshops, Seminars, and Training Support Visits.
Q: How much cancellation notice do I need to give?
A:
We require 24 hours notice to cancel a Private Training session or a Training Support
Visit. We require 3 days' notice for our Workshops, and for our Group Classes, we require 2 weeks' notice.
Q: How does payment work?
A:
We have a few payment options that are available:
- Cash
- Cheque (made out to “Whatta Pup”)
- Online Payments via PayPal
Payment is always requested in full, in advance.
Q: Are you insured?
A:
Absolutely! If you would like to see our Insurance Certificate and details of coverage, please contact
us directly and we will provide you with a copy.
Training
Q: How do I sign up?
A:
Please email us or call us directly so that we can set a time to meet in order to assess your and your
dog's needs and his/her temperament. This consultation takes place during the first lesson and gives each
pet-owner an opportunity to meet us and ask any questions. It takes about a half hour to discuss factors
such as normal exercise routines, feeding requirements, any issues such as aggression or phobias and your
special requests.
Q: What method do you use?
A:
We don’t use a particular “method” so to speak, as every dog learns differently and every owner does too.
We always use a motivational or reward system which uses food, toys and praise, but depending on the dog and
owner, we may use clickers and corrections. Training dogs is all about association paired with consistency.
If in doubt, please contact us directly.
Q: How long will it take my dog to learn the basics?
A:
Every dog is different and it depends on the amount of time the owner puts into reinforcement and
“homework”. Generally, the easier commands, like “sit” can take just a few minutes for the dog to grasp,
but it’s the reinforcement that will drive it home.
Q: Do you offer a guarantee?
A:
Absolutely not - and if another trainer does, please run in the opposite direction, fast. Because of
variables in breeding, temperament, history, owner commitment and experience, a trainer cannot (and should
never) offer guarantees. However, we will promise to stand by you, support you, guide you and do everything
within reason to gain control and confidence with your dog. Every dog, like every human, is unique. No one can
promise any specific turnout. We have many happy clients who would be more than pleased to speak with you about
their experience with us, so please - ask for references!
Training Support Visits
Q: What is a Training Support Visit?
A:
Training Support is a program geared towards dogs that have completed training or who are currently
in training. Practice makes perfect and some days you may not have enough time. Let us come to you and give
your pup a "workout"! This program is provided to clients who have previously or are currently enrolled in any of our
Training Programs. We come to your home (within the downtown core), spend 30 minutes or 60 minutes reinforcing the training
techniques, appropriate to your dog's training level and then let them out for a potty-break before
they go back to bed, exhausted and waiting for you to come home.
Q: How often will you provide Training Support Visits?
A:
It is completely up to you to decide how often you would like for us to give your dog a "workout".
Q: Does my dog need to meet any requirements?
A:
Yes -
For Training Support, your dog must:
- be registered of have graduated from any of our training programs (Group or Private)
- have proof of up-to-date vaccinations
- have tags on their collars (Rabies & City of Toronto License)
- have an appropriate collar (training, martingale, nylon, leather, etc...)
- have a nylon lead no longer than 6 feet in length (no retractable leashes!)
Q: How will I know how my dog is doing on his Training Support Visits?
A:
At your request, we will leave a Report Card letting you know how your pup did on his/her walk. These can
also be emailed to you. If there is ever any issue, we will notify you immediately via telephone.
Q: Do you work on weekends or holidays?
A:
Of course! We work 7 days a week (almost) all year! Our rates vary, so please check out our Rates page
for details.
Q: What happens if you go on vacation?
A:
Every now and again, we may take some time off. In such an event, we will give you plenty of notice so
that alternate arrangements can be made.
Q: What if my property or pet is damaged while I am gone?
A:
We are only liable for claims arising from negligence or willful misconduct. Due to the extreme
unpredictability of animals, we cannot accept responsibility for unusual mishaps (i.e., biting, furniture
damage, etc.). Also, if your pets have access to the outside (via doggie-door or other), we are not responsible
for injury, disappearance, or fines.
Q: Do you have references?
A:
Absolutely! References are available upon request, or you can check out our testimonials page
Have a question that you cannot find on our site? Send it to to us at faq@whattapup.ca and we’ll send you a response and post it here on our FAQ page!