FAQs

General Dog Training

What’s the difference between obedience training and behavior modification?

Obedience training focuses on cues like sit, down, place, leave it, and polite leash skills.

Behavior modification addresses emotional and behavioral challenges such as fear, reactivity, or separation distress. It involves identifying triggers, reducing stress, and helping dogs make safer choices using evidence-based strategies rooted in learning science.

If you’re unsure which applies to your dog, a consultation can help determine the best fit.

How long does it take to see results?

Do you offer in-home and virtual training?

What training methods do you use?

Do you use shock, prong, or choke collars?

Do you offer board-and-train programs?

Kindred Dog does not offer board-and-train services.

Our philosophy centers on helping dogs and families learn together so that training skills transfer into daily life. Most progress happens at home, around real environments, routines, and relationships. Families receive coaching, demonstrations, and individualized plans so learning is practical and sustainable.

Dogs learn to change their emotional and physical response to “triggers” through a trainer’s professional guidance and support, where exposure and practice occur in the actual environment. A dog’s behavior in one environment does not predict the dog’s behavior in another environment unless it is truly generalized and considered fluent.

Is my dog too old for training?

What happens during the initial consultation?

How do I know if my dog is a good fit for private training?

Do you collaborate with veterinarians or veterinary behaviorists when needed?

How many sessions will my dog need?

Puppy Training

When should I start puppy training?

Early learning is especially impactful between 8 and 16 weeks, during the critical socialization period.

Starting puppy training early builds confidence, reduces future problem behaviors, and helps puppies integrate into family routines more easily.

Older puppies benefit as well, though! It is never “too late” to start.

How do I stop puppy biting?

How should I socialize my puppy safely?

Healthy socialization is less about checking boxes and more about creating positive emotional experiences with people, animals, environments, and handling.

The key is controlled exposure, clean environments, and respect for the puppy’s body language. Socialization should build confidence, not overwhelm.

If you’re unsure how to approach this period, a trainer can help you tailor experiences to your puppy. Reach out for a consultation!

Behavior

Can you help with separation anxiety?

Yes. Separation distress can feel overwhelming for families, but it often improves through structured behavior plans, environmental support, and collaboration with veterinary professionals when indicated.

The goal is to help dogs feel safe and regulated when alone.

What if my dog is reactive toward other dogs or people?

Can you work with dogs showing aggression?

Can older dogs benefit from training?

Can you support dogs with specific fears or phobias?

Is reactivity the same as aggression?

Can you help with recall training?

Can dogs grow out of behavior issues on their own?

Is training a guarantee that my dog will be ‘perfect’?

Do you work with rescue dogs or dogs with unknown histories?

Do you help with dogs who are fearful around children or visitors?

Dogs & Families

How do I prepare my dog for a new baby?

Preparation works best before the baby arrives.

Through the Family Paws Dogs & Storks® program, families learn how to introduce new sounds, equipment, routines, and handling expectations while maintaining supervision and safety.