Answering Your Questions
When is the best time to start training my puppy?
As soon as they come home. The critical developmental window between 8 to 16 weeks is vital for socialization and setting foundations that prevent behavioral issues later. Waiting until 6 months is often waiting too long.
Clarity is key to a successful training journey. We prioritize open communication to ensure both ends of the leash are confident and capable in real-life scenarios, from the neighborhood walk to advanced off-leash obedience.
What does 'balanced training' mean?
Balanced training means we use clear communication: rewarding behaviors we want with high-value motivation and providing fair, appropriate consequences for those we don't. This ensures your dog has a complete understanding of boundaries and expectations.
Does Upshot Kennels work with aggressive or highly reactive dogs?
Yes. We specialize in behaviour modification for dogs struggling with reactivity and aggression. Every dog is evaluated individually to understand the root cause - whether it's fear, dominance, or frustration... to create a safe intervention plan.
How involved do I need to be in the training process?
Deeply. Even in our Board and Train programs, the human element is vital for long-term reliability. We coach you on how to handle and lead your dog so that the relationship continues to grow once the professional coaching ends.
Program
Clarity
Understanding the path forward is essential for success. Explore the common questions regarding our private, group, and immersive training programs led by Chantel Hoffman.
What can I expect from private training sessions?
Our private lessons are tailored to your specific goals, from puppy foundations to advanced obedience. Chantel works with you in real-life settings to ensure you develop practical skills and a lasting relationship with your dog.
Are group classes suitable for reactive dogs?
Group classes focus on building focus and confidence around others. For dogs exhibiting reactive behaviors, we recommend an initial evaluation with Chantel to determine if private foundation work is a better starting point.
How long do Board & Train programs last?
These immersive programs typically range from two to four weeks. Your dog stays with us to build strong foundations, which are then transitioned back to you through dedicated handover sessions to ensure long-term reliability.
Booking & Policies
Scheduling & Evaluations
Every journey starts with a personal evaluation. We take the time to meet you and your dog, assessing their temperament and your goals to ensure we choose the right program for long-term success.
Cancellation Policy
Consistency is the foundation of progress. We require a 48-hour notice for any session changes or cancellations. This ensures we can offer our time to other dogs waiting for training.
Payment & Refunds
Payments are required in full at the time of booking to secure your training spot. While training packages are non-refundable, they are transferable to other services within our kennel.