Are we the right trainers for you?
It is important to us that we are the right fit for you. There are many trainers out there with different training styles and techniques. Before we embark on this journey together, it is imperative that we are all on the same page in order for everyone to be successful!
Are there any guarantees?
Dog behavior is not fixed or static. Even trained behaviors will fade over time without consistent repetition and practice.
Have you ever noticed that you are more apt to work your hardest when your boss is in the office, and slack a bit more when the boss is not there? The behaviors that are taught while in our care will only be solidified through clear and consistent repetition and enforcement once home. Due to the many variables, it would be unethical for us to offer guarantees. However, this is why it is so important to us that we find the right clients for us. Clients that are dedicated to the training, understand and agree with our philosophies are what we look for as those are the ones who will be successful. We are on this journey with you, but are not going to worker harder than the owner is willing to work. We have to work as a team!
Why do you use prong and E-collars? Do you use any other tools?
Both prong and E-collars actually allow for us to have more gentle and safe communication with the dog. They are far from dangerous or harsh tools that they are often portrayed as. A prong collar is actually designed to not choke the dog, it is the only tool that can evenly distribute pressure around the neck instead of all into one pressure point. The E-collars that we use do not “shock” the dog. They use the same technology as a TENs machine used by humans in physical therapy. With a wide range of levels we are able to both gently grab the dogs attention or break their focus in a high arousal state of mind. The E-collar gives us an invisible leash, especially in an off leash scenario.
The great thing about balanced training is that we understand that there’s a time and a place for any tool! We like to have a large toolbox of options since every dog is different! Although we most often find prong and E-collar to benefit most dogs, that doesn’t mean we always chose one or both of those tools. It all depends on the dog and what we are working on. We most never use harnesses to walk dogs in a heel because we need control of their head. However, in something like nose work training the harness is great because it allows to dog to comfortably do their job.
Do you use any rewards?
Like stated above, we use any tool in our toolbox. a reward like a treat or a toy is a tool! We will use food or toy rewards when it is beneficial to the dog. Often times when first teaching a behavior we want to reward the dog to help them understand what they are doing is right. That being said, sometimes the presence of food is too distracting for the dog in that they cant focus on anything but their excitement. Then it would be counter productive to use it. Once the dog has a good understanding of what we are teaching, we fade the food before the dog goes home. The biggest missing link with owners training their dogs is the ability to get compliance from the dog without a bribe. Once we fade the treats, it all comes down to follow through in showing the dog that we know they know what we have asked and they still need to do it without a bribe.
How will my dog listen to me when they return from board and train?
On the go home day, one of our trainers will bring your dog home and do a training session with the family. This session can last 1.5-3 hours and is important that owners set aside time for this on the day of the dogs return. We will teach the owners everything the dog has learned and how to continue following through with it all at home. We will troubleshoot any problems and show the owners how to transfer that training over. Success when the dog comes home is all determined by follow through. Owners must follow through on enforcing everything the dog has learned because now it is not a matter of confusion. The dog knows how to do it but like us, if the rules aren’t enforced, you wont always follow them.
It is an exciting day to have the dog return home. But it is important that owners listen and pay attention to what we are teaching. There’s plenty of time to give the dog hugs and kisses after we leave. It is also very important that owners work their schedules out so that they have the time set aside for the training session. You know what day the dog is coming home well in advance, so work out your work schedule. If young children are going to constantly be breaking your focus, set up a sitter to watch them. This is your time to get all the information. so it is imperative we have your full attention.
How do you determine how long my dog needs to stay?
After you fill out our Board and Train Application, one of our trainers will review it and will be able to get a good idea on how long the dog will need based on the issues you are having, how old the dog is, how fearful or confident the dog is, how much the dog already knows, etc. This is why we need owners to be 100% open and honest about their dogs history and issues so that we can best determine the proper length of training. It can take time for us to build up a relationship with the dog before we can begin to dive deep. Dog training is not a “quick fix” and every dog is different. So we need to be sure we get the dog into the right program. If an owner sugar coats the problems, we cant properly asses them and we often have a very full schedule, so can’t add in extra time after the fact.
Do you offer tours?
Since this is not only a business, it is also our home, we do not let folks come walk through at any given time. We also have dogs in for training with various issues who might not be ready yet for strangers walking around them. It would be unfair to cause excess stress to those dogs who may still be adjusting to the environment. We are happy to set up a consultation for any potential clients to come meet us, discuss training options, and tour our main floor and yard. We have cameras set up inside the kennel room that we can pull up to show you without going upstairs to disrupt the dogs relaxing in their crates.
You can also tour our facility here!
We assure you the dogs are cared for as if they were our own!
Can we come visit our dog?
We understand it can be hard to be away from your dog, but we do not allow visits for a few reasons. The owners presence can actually move our progress backwards. Although it might make you feel good to see the dog, the dog has to readjust all over again every time you come and go. Causing them more stress than necessary. We are also a small business run out of our home. We need the yard and the space to be training the dogs. We simply do not have time to entertain owners for hours. We take on about 5 board and train dogs at a time. Imagine how much time it would take us to keep setting up appointments for all those owners. We would not get anything done! We post much more content than you will get anywhere else on our Instagram stories!
What does a typical day consist of?
Training dogs get at least one walk per day, an approx. 2-3hr training session (often split up into smaller sessions throughout the day), and a few hours of playtime out with the other dogs or alone with us. We also take them out into public (park, stores, hikes, etc.) a couple of times a week to practice in the “real world”. Every day is a little bit different and as the dogs progress through the program and further grasp the training, they are out training for longer periods.
Where will my dog sleep?
The dogs are kept in crates overnight and when not out training/playing. This is a structured environment conductive to training, not a free for all. The dogs get plenty of mental and physical exercise and are happy to relax in their crates.
Testimonials
What People Are Saying
“I just wanted to give you an update & another huge thank you on Lulu. I was able to eliminate the cage. I’m able to clean the house without her following me everywhere. NO MORE JUMPING ON PEOPLE! her walks have never been so much easier.”
— Alexis M.
“Pepper is doing so excellent with his walks on leash and also with people coming to the house. I’m so impressed with all that he learned with you!”
— Michal E.
“Shannon and her team have literally changed my dog’s life. Remy displayed explosive reactivity towards dogs before her board and train, to the point where I couldn’t walk her or have her in the car without losing her mind. Through balanced training our lives drastically improved. Remy Still attends daycare, has boarded a few times since, and I have taken advantage of adding on training while she is there. I am forever grateful for the knowledge, experience, and passion that Shannon and her team have. They care for your dogs just like their own. It’s a continued effort for sure, but so worth it! HIGHLY recommend.”
-Bri N.
“We are truly amazed with what you have done with Donovan. We took him to Wickford VIllage for a walk this afternoon with all the christmas activity, shoppers ane other dog walkers. Donovan was a true gentleman.”
-Jeri M.
“I cannot thank the staff at A Balanced Dog enough! Watson was a hand full and I was at a lost at how to help him. It got to the point where I just couldn't take him out anywhere and had to limit who could come to my house. Shannon and her staff took both of my dogs for a board and train and they worked their magic! Now Watson is well behaved, can go places off leash, has a great recall, and knows how to handles scary situations calmly! Not only did they change our life but it doesn't stop there, they offer monthly classes and continue to support you and your dogs growth, they board my dogs so I can have a worry free vacation, and immediately jumped in to help when I needed someone to watch the dogs when my mother passed away. They are not just dog trainers they have become part of our pack and I will forever be thankful for all they love they show my dogs, their hard work and their support!”
- Stephanie F.
“We sent our mini Goldendoodle Tucker for Shannon’s two week board and train program. He had previously done group classes elsewhere, but still needed some help. He was experiencing leash pulling, excessive barking, jumping and general lack of self control/ impulse control. Throughout his two weeks we kept an eye on him through the constant updates to this page, and we were impressed with his progress! When he got home though, we simply could not believe it! He is beyond improved in every aspect, leaps and bounds. Within the first three days of bringing him home, we took Tucker to Garden City twice and Home Depot once, something we never would have dreamed of doing before. He didn’t bark, lunge or otherwise cause a hassle on his leash. He even can stay in the down or place position for an extended period of time. He is better behaved all around, and that makes our lives much better. Do not hesitate to use A Balanced Dog for your dog training needs!”
— Salvatore C.
“I wanted to let you know that the e-collar has made all the difference! He’s listening like a champ and he has no problem going outside which is a miracle in and of itself! He’s done very well going right into the crate and place as well! Phew! I never thought we’d make it! Now his loving personality is coming out minus the craziness. I’m so thankful I can trust Georgie to behave himself with beautiful manners!! Thank you so much for sticking it out with me! You did a fantastic job! We thank you with open arms and paws!!!”
— Rachel O.
“If you are looking for a smart, compassionate, excellent trainer this is the place! Shannon and her team are amazing. My dog’s favorite days are when he is with Shannon, Dan, and their crew.”
-Catherine G.
“ Hi Shannon hope all is good with you all. Just wanted to share with you how good Savannah is doing. We had a check up today and the doctor commented how much better Savannah was letting the doctor examine her. She didn’t even bark at the tech when she came into the room. Thank you so much for helping my girl.”
- Diane C.
“The best!! We love sending our shepherd mix for boarding and training days. A super professional environment and beautifully set up for the dogs. Shannon and her team are amazing.”
-Vanessa G.
“We Love A Balanced Dog!! We found Shannon and ABD when my dog, Ripp, was almost 2 years old and it has honestly been such a game changer! Ripp had developed quite a few bad habits and I was struggling. We did a 4 week board and train (almost 2 years ago now), and the changes in Ripp were amazing! He came home a different dog! I have learned so much as well! We have continued to attend as many group classes and activities as we can, and love getting to continue practicing everything we have both learned. One of the best things about being a former Board & Train is that Ripp can board with Shannon & her team when needed, and that has been a lifesaver for me. Plus Ripp loves it! We cannot recommend A Balanced Dog enough!!”
-Stephanie M.